Cruise To The Edge + Fifteen Years of Curry-Heute

Today is the fifteenth anniversary of the launch of Curry-Heute, Marg had a card commissioned  to commemorate the date. I don’t know who the freeloaders are.

Ten of those years have been spent in retirement, giving the opperchancity to travel as is written about occasionally in the sister Blog – Bier-Traveller.com. A significant proportion of this trip probably belongs in Bier-Traveller, not that the destinations reached, or the Bier consumed, merit much reporting. Marg and Hector are currently at anchor off Great Stirrup Cay in the Berry Islands, part of The Bahamas. This five day cruise is all about the music, favourite bands, new discoveries, rubbing shoulders with celebrities, and making new friends. Graham and Susan shall be mentioned as and when. What I wasn’t expecting was the ever rotating three Curry options in the Garden Cafe buffet, where we consequently have eaten most of our meals.

It is unusual in Curry-Heute to post at the end of a trip therefore not providing the ongoing coverage, however, the Hector has been almost off-grid for five days. Maritime data rates are abominable, the limited wi-fi access offered by Norwegian Cruise Lines appeared also to be prohibitive, but needs must. Dominican Republic is within EE Zone 1 coverage so there was a day of respite. There simply hasn’t been time to write, the music schedule has been intense. We have only been in our cabin, sorry – State Room – to sleep.

On Thursday, our third day in Miami, there was a pre-Cruise show at Magic Casino. We missed Kyros (UK), but would see them onboard, and caught the end of David Cross Band (UK).

David Cross Band

David Cross, violinist, was once a member of King Crimson (UK).

Neal Morse & The Resonance

The headline act – Neal Morse & The Resonance (USA) – was more than worth the very modest admission price. Hector had breakfast adjacent to Neal Morse in Rotherham back in the late 1990s when Spock’s Beard (USA) played their first ever UK gig at the Classic Rock Society. Howard, Marg and Hector saw the current line-up of Spock’s Beard last year in Glasgow, one Morse brother maintains.

Morse & Co performed two epics, both of which appear on the new album – No Hill For a Climber. That’s the first of a few CDs on order.

When a keyboard lost its programming mid set, the band members jammed to break the silence. As the rectifying took some time, this evolved into the covering of ACDC songs. Wee boys’ music, no keyboards required. As Neal said from the stage – I hope you’re videoing this, it’ll never be done again. 

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Day 1, departure from Miami

Boarding a cruise liner turned out to be no different than the typical airport experience, and people slag off budget airlines when they feel as if they are treated like cattle.

Once boarded, there was a bit of hanging around the Atrium on Deck 7, set up to be a late night venue, before we could enter our cabin. Clive Nolan (Pendragon, UK) was never more than a few metres away. Time to try out the SLR which is making a rare outing. Nope, not good enough to publish.

Eventually, it was announced that lunch was ready. Up to the Garden Cafe on Deck 11.

As The Friends of Hector are well aware, boats are not my thing. Once upon a time, the first wave outside of Port Ellen (Islay) harbour had me leaning over the side. How much I would eat in the coming days was therefore an unknown. With a doom laden attitude, the Buffet was approached. A Burger, well why not, I’m in – America (sic). Then I spotted the – Asian Section. The Paneer was way too risky, even on dry land. For Hector, Cheese and heat is not a good combination. Daal and Gajar Mutter would do nicely.

The Daal confirmed the efficacy of Chef’s skills, the Peas and Carrots blew me away. The latter had a kick and an impressive depth of Flavour. I knew already that this trip belonged in Curry-Heute.

Sat at a table for four, a couple asked if they could join us. Marg and I were not wearing any band regalia, Graham was sporting a Pendragon t-shirt. It was quickly established that Graham, Susan, Marg and Hector had been in each other’s company before at the Pendragon VIP Weekend in Morecambe back in 2023, the last time we saw the band perform.

Magic Pie

Having checked-in at our muster point we continued our tour of the ship. Magic Pie (Norge) had kicked off the music in the main Stardust Theatre on Decks 6/7. We stood with a group on one of the two viewing platforms at the upper rear of the theatre. The SLR was not coping at this distance.  I have one Magic Pie album – The Suffering Joy – not played much after purchasing.  The music, too fast and unemotional for the Hector. Back to Deck 11 then up the outside stairs to Deck 12. From here, we had an excellent view of the Pool Stage on Deck 11.

Saga

The long established Saga (Canada) by whom the Hector had some albums on tape before a recent clear out, would be the – sail away – band. Tales were told of founding member  Jim Crichton being wheeled on to the ship. This was hard to believe given his jumping around the stage, but we too would later see him wheeled from the dining room.

From our vantage point, we witnessed first the sound check, the performance and the changing Miami skyline as we did in fact – sail away.

Ripples never look back.

Every band would perform twice, the headliners in the Stardust Theatre only, all others typically one turn there and one at the Pool Stage, as would be the case with Saga. The headliners have coloured slots, we are green and have pre-allocated seats for the duration.

Rick Wakeman

Rick Wakeman, former member of The Strawbs (UK) and Yes (UK) at 18.00, was our first big act. He came on stage promptly. Our seats were second row balcony, stage left, no complaints here. One could have paid less for a restricted view, no way, Pedro.

Extracts from The Six Wives of Henry VIII and King Arthur were followed by two well known Beatles Band songs. Fingerless gloves were the only signs that Mr. Wakeman, approaching 80, is getting on in years. Stories aplenty, linked the pieces. We have all seen him on TV, Grumpy Old Men, Countdown etc., a raconteur. This was the third time Marg has seen Rick, the first time with Yes in 2004. For Hector, the tally is nine.

Back up the Garden Cafe on Deck 11, more food, the pour your own ice-cream was too much to resist, especially with one’s name on the machine.

Down once more to the Stardust Theatre for 20.30 and Jazz Sabbath. Eh?

Jazz Sabbath

Adam Wakeman, yes, son of Rick, aka Milton Keanes, keep up, presented this evening as a trad jazz trio playing – the original – versions of early Black Sabbath songs. Milton claims to have written the music in the late 1960s, went into a coma, and on recovering, discovered that – they – had stolen his material and made £millions.

For those who know the early Sabbath catalogue, this was fun, and Adam is certainly the son of his father. When the unknown double bass player was let loose, a wee bit of Jaco Pastorius (Weather Report) was sneaked in, yay. Following on from the earlier show, this was again cabaret, great entertainment.

A return to the Pool Stage and Kyros (UK) at 22.00. This time we managed to secure seats directly in front of stage, a chance to test the SLR outdoors at night.

Kyros

Kyros, formerly Synaesthesia, are fronted by keyboard player and vocalist Shelby Logan Wane with her distinctive half white / half black hairdo.

For me, it was she who spoiled the show, too many vocals. For those who take in lyrics, maybe there was a message to be imparted, for Hector, it was the guitar breaks of Joey Frevola (USA) which made the set.

Today, every act was allocated an hour in which to perform their set, no more. At 23.00, back down on Deck 8 in the bar overlooking the Atrium stage, it was declared to be – Bier o’clock. A long day.

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Day 2, a Saturday at sea

Keeping track of the days by name was going to be difficult. The day numbers are more important.

D’Virgilio, Morse, Jennings

D’Virgilio, Morse, Jennings, the Pool Stage at noon, would kick things off.

Nick D’Virgilio (USA), singer, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, I have seen with Spock’s Beard then also Big Big Train (UK) with Marg a couple of years back in Edinburgh. Marg did not recognise that the Neal Morse on stage today was the same chap she had seen two nights previously. Ross Jennings is the lead vocalist in Haken (UK), not a band that floats my boat, but yes, he can sing.

The three piece was supplemented by further musicians to make up a band, though the three chaps alone, front of stage, was much more intimate. Neal Morse was a late addition to the line up, no Leprous, so this was his moment on the ship. The others had their respective bands.

With Morse and D’Virgilio aboard, there had to be a rendition of Spock’s Beard’s – June. Nobody was disappointed. Alberto Bravin (Big Big Train, PFM, Italia) joined the stage also.

It was lunchtime, and breakfast had been huge. Still, the Curry was calling. Again, the Paneer was passed by, Rajma and Aloo Jeera, not visually appetising, but wait.

Rajma

Kidney Beans are seen occasionally at Sheerin Palace (Glasgow), now I may be tempted to have them there. This was a superb Curry. The dark Masala was rich in the Flavours of South India. Big Spice, well Seasoned and Curry Leaves present, there was more than enough here to excite. There was a hint of packet-spice mix coming through, such was the level of excitement, all was forgiven.

Aloo Jeera

Cumin Seeds, something to search for in the old gnashers later. The soft Potatoes were part of a thick Masala Mash. A mellow level of Spice after the Rajma, already I have deduced that there is a Curry with a kick being served, and a tame one. The Aloo Jeera complemented the Rajma.

Two days on a ship and the Hector is still eating. This was totally unexpected, even the slightest roll can set the Hector off. The Norwegian Gem does not appear to roll, well in these seas and at this time of year.

Pure Reason Revolution

Pure Reason Revolution (UK) were on the Pool Stage at 15.00. Once again we secured great seats directly in the front of the stage. I purchased their debut double CD, – The Dark Third – some months back to give them a go prior to the cruise. A rewarding purchase and this young British Prog band with a Dutch guitarist certainly impressed live.

No bass player, Jon Courtney, the lead vocalist and second guitar, was taking care of this via the keyboard he otherwise barely touched. Chloë Alper, once a member of James (UK) was in Pure Reason Revolution until the recording of last year’s album – Coming Up to Consciousness. Her replacement, Annicke Shireen, also from Nederland, on keyboards and vocals, had a much more significant presence than was demonstrated last night by SLB in Kyros.

The Bright Ambassadors of Morning, from The Dark Third was their epic ending. Impressive, and we have the opperchancity to see them again.

Beardfish

Beardfish (Sverige) had started their set at the Spinnaker at 15.45. Located on – 8 forward, we managed to take in the final minutes. Such was their popularity, it was standing room only at the back. Restricted view, I could only see two members. Song For Beating Hearts – had been purchased as a taster, a fine album. The sounds being created on stage did not match this, too harsh again, not enough – space.

With half of the ship ticketed to see Steve Hackett, there was time to fill. Yes Songs, the movie, was being shown at the Atrium at 18.00. There was little more than a handful of like-minded people. This gave Marg the opperchancity to see/hear Rick Wakeman play the same Henry VIII extracts but fifty years ago. More importantly – Close To The Edge – finally explained the naming of this very cruise.

The projection was poor, the sound too low, it filled an hour and a bit until it was time to back up-top for more – Curry!

Dum Aloo and Bhindi Masala, more vegetables. Vegetable Rice with the Flavours of east of India, and an Indian Salad were the plate fillers.

Dum Aloo

This was the tame one. The earthy flavours from the Potato impressed. There was a slight Sweetness from the Masala.

Bhindi Masala

OK, the Okra had been sat out too long and was mush. Catering for the masses, inevitable. The Masala was wonderful. The Seasoning was right up there, a sense of Yoghurt added a slight Creaminess. Slight.

Three meals a day, this is not how the Hector operates at home. I have decided to limit my ice-cream to twice a day.

IQ (UK), Pendragon (UK) and Riverside (Polska) is why the Hector is sailing off the US coastline, tonight we would see two of these three.

IQ

Arriving at the Pool Stage a good half hour early, there were no empty seats. We found a space on what would otherwise be the actual pool edge. IQ were due on at 21.00, the sound check had to be done with the audience present, the wind was howling. Don’t listen to this – advised Mike Holmes, guitar.

The chat around us revealed that many knew of IQ but had never seen them live. This was IQ‘s first performance on Cruise To The Edge. Under the stars, who would have thought?

Marg and Hector last saw IQ in February of this year at The Met (Bury). It is written. Tonight, no epics, keep it tight, no stories either. One hour is not a long time in the World of Prog. Tonight IQ had a sixth member, the wind. Every microphone was picking up the constant blasts and transforming them into deep growls. No doubt footage of this show will appear in the usual places. Thanks to Rob Aubrey on the mixing desk for publishing the set-list straight after the show.

Frequency, Sacred Sound, Subterranea, Guiding Light, The Wake, The Darkest Hour, Ten Million Demons.

Seeing one of your favourite bands is one thing. Seeing another fifteen minutes later is something else. Riverside were starting at 22.15 in the Stardust Theatre, the green badge holders getting to see them first. This means there’s no guarantee of seeing them twice.

Riverside

It was tres cool knowing exactly where we were sitting. Bon soir – to the French couple to my left. They had recently been to Glasgow to see Fish’s final show. Riverside are only performing twice this year, on this cruise, then that’s it for 2025. Mariusz Duda, bass, lead vocals, composer, genius, was not in a good place for the first half of the set. His usual aura was missing, minimal interaction. OK, getting through the songs is one thing, was it the audience? Playing to a crowd of pensioners must be strange. Riverside have worked their way up the bill on CTTE, they know the score.

The set was a mix of older material, including two longer songs, the latest album ID Entity, and as usual, nothing from from the pre-Covid – Wasteland. I know not why they stopped playing songs from what is decidedly their best album.

Second Life Syndrome, Out Of Myself, Hyperactive, Egoist Hedonist, Big Tech Brother, Friend Or Foe?, Escalator Shrine, The Curtain Falls.

The music carried them through, what an amazing evening. At 23.15, it was declared to be – Bier o’clock. The late night Prog Karaoke was underway in the Atrium. People should be told that they cannot sing, but when you turn up with your own Rickenbacker bass and insist on murdering – Rush – ah well.

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Day 3, the Dominican Republic, tick.

There was a quick breakfast before going ashore. Two chaps were standing at the Buffet having a chat, Peter Nickolls (IQ) and Nick Barrett (Pendragon).  The Hector captured the moment.

Wot, no beans?

Guess who left their Dollars in our State Room safe? With bands starting at 14.15, it was still a late morning embarkation. I’ll leave Dominican Republic for Bier-Traveller, not that any Bier was consumed. Suffice to say that once we escaped from the plastic port, Puerto Plata reminded my of my fist sail through these waters. Santos (Brasil) had this colonial charm back in 1969, I bet it’s not like this any more.

Before music comes lunch, more Curry! Congratulations to all for getting this far.

Garlic Rice, Daal Palak, and Mixed Vegetables came from the Indian side of the Asian Section. From the lands east, Sweet & Sour Prawns.

The Hector has written oft of his disdain for those who order Prawn Curry. A waste of good Prawns, a waste of money. When they are presented in a near limitless scenario, and I include a further sample photo from another section, what is the fuss? Why charge extra? Anyway, I did not abuse the sacred Prawn.

Daal Palak

Earthy Flavours, great Seasoning, who remembers Green Curry from the 1960s? This proved to be the Spicy option. An Old-fashioned Curry.

Mixed Vegetables

Potato, Carrot and Aubergine were in the mix. Again, another Masala to celebrate. The Seasoning here was tempered by Sweetness from the Carrots. Carrots, I know there’s something going on with their inclusion in a Curry. One day I’ll get to the root of it.

Marg spotted that her all time Prog hero: Clive Nolan,  keyboard player for Pendragon, also composer for Arena, was at the adjacent table on the poop deck.  Not for the first time, their photo together.

For the record, dinner was not Curry. I realised I hadn’t eaten Meat for two days. There was a whole roasted pig with my name on it.

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Big Big Train

Big Big Train, the green badge show in the Stardust Theatre at 14.15. A British band, but like Trigger’s broom, so many changes in personnel, are they the same band? Gregory Spawton on bass, to the best of my understanding, is the only surviving founding member. The multi-talented vocalist and musician, Alberto Bravin (Italia) first appeared in these pages back in 2018 when Steve and Hector went to Brescia to see PFM.

Marg and Hector saw Big Big Train with this line-up in Edinburgh thereafter. Nick D’Virgilio of Spock’s Beard fame has also found his way into the band. Then add Rikard Sjöblom, Beardfish’s guitarist, and we have a multinational band. As they record new material, then surely what was BBT is becoming lost?

After a quick ice-cream, out to the Pool Stage, with Pendragon due on at 16.30, we were taking no chances.

Pendragon

Again, great seats. Indigo (Pure) may well be Pendragon’s most accomplished song, part of this was the warm up, then they soon launched the set. With Clive Nolan on keyboards, hidden under his cap, not a great photo opperchancity.

This Green and Pleasant Land was followed by 360º. A sea shanty, featuring mandolin and violin, from their most recent album – Love Over Fear – this song has lots of water/sea references. Whilst the violin came across, the girls were somewhat down in the mix today.

The highly recognisable Paintbox was followed by the uptempo Stargazing, then Water. How fitting as we sailed away from the Dominican Republic.

The magnum guitar opus Breaking The Spell, featuring – Woody – the Strat, brought this set to a close. The band were just getting going.

In conversation with a chap later, he expressed his opinion that Pendragon had gotten their opening set wrong, too much noodling. The reality, Nick Barrett performs every song as he wrote it then recorded it in the studio. Extended improvisations are not his style.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho were due on the Pool Stage at 19.15. A name I have been aware of for many years but had not taken the plunge. Their latest album – Fireworker – whose title track opened the set, was duly purchased and will be waiting at Hector’s House on our return. Jan-Henrik Ohme’s vocals are clear, distinctive, almost Shatneresque in delivery. When it was his time to deliver, he commanded the stage.

Lots of space in the music and between the vocal lines. Once again, this is how the Hector likes his prog. Marg too was captivated. Jon-Arne Vilbo on lead guitar was ably accompanied by Mikael Kromer on guitar, violin and electric mandolin. Thomas Alexander Andersen provided further atmospherics on keyboards.

Jan-Henrik described the difficulty in choosing a selection of their songs to fit into an hour. Their albums are all concept in nature, to be listened to in their entirety, alpha to omega. Indeed, that which separates those of us who purchase albums as opposed to listening to radio play.

There was much celebration when the first three parts of Tick Tock closed the set, an album which is currently unavailable. One senses an imminent re-release and new packaging. Maybe even a Steven Wilson remix? Calm, Hector.

We shall certainly be back to see Gazpacho again on this stage.

Trifecta

Steven Wilson’s backing band featuring: Nick Beggs (bass) once of Kajagoogoo, Craig Blundell (drums) and Adam Holzmann (keyboards) reportedly started jamming together during SW rehearsals. The result was a three way collaboration by t-Internet and the release of CDs under the name – Trifecta. They had never performed their material live until tonight at the Spinnaker.

I was chatting with Adam Holzmann (USA) this afternoon. With Guthrie Govan (UK) of (The Aristocrats (UK, Deutschland, USA) also on board, what chance them playing Regret #No.9 – from Steven Wilson’s – Hand Cannot Erase? Surely one of the finest keyboard and guitar breaks ever to be recorded. This he dismissed but considered Home Invasion, which precedes it on the album, to be a possibility. One certainty, it couldn’t be tonight, The Aristocrats are due on at 22.00 in the Stardust Theatre.

With the VIPs let in first, seats were at a premium in the Spinnaker. As the VIPs had rushed in from the left to the middle and beyond, so spaces on the right were consequently few. The Hector applied – Hotelling – once more, went left and secured a settee, stage right at the front, albeit with a restricted view.

Nick announced that tonight there was a fourth member – Brenda – a computer, AI on stage. Sounding somewhat like Marvin from Hitch-hikers Guide To The Galaxy, there was a series of derogatory introductions and comments between songs.

The material was all in brief spurts. Too short songs for the Hector’s liking, not Proggy enough. Whilst the playing was excellent, the material did not excite. I signalled to Marg, let’s cut our losses and get good seats for The Aristocrats. This also meant that we were going to miss Caligula’s Horse (Australia) at the Pool Stage.

The Aristocrats

The Aristocrats, instrumental, actually mental in parts, with the animal noises thrown in. Tonight was about ducks. Fortunately having bought their recent opus – Duck – I was in on the joke.

Tight, technical, demanding, it was late and the Hector was half in a dream state for much of this set. Marg was particularly impressed by drummer Marco Minnmeman. I never knew Marg liked drum solos, somebody must. Who was this guy? I then realised I had another album featuring Marco Minneman, the eponymous – The Sea Within – featuring Roine Stolt and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Sverige). This album I hold in high regard.

With the comfort of the theatre seats, an enjoyable set, but elsewhere on the ship, maybe not.

It was late and you guessed it, Bier o’clock.

There was a further musical act to consider this evening. The late night band. Someone should tell Doris she can’t hold a note, despite this, in they launched  a full twenty minute cover of Close To The Edge (Yes).

The bird-tweet intro was a positive start, the twin-necked guitarist knew his role, thereafter, wtf?

One cannot play standard bass runs to a Chris Squire composition. On – Close To The Edge – Squire was either playing the melody or his own, unique root notes. The chap tonight played on regardless, every note irrelevant, every note – wrong.

A extra, white, mini keyboard had been laid as a bridge between the two rigs. Was this for the grand organ sequence? Alas not. That would have been amusing.

By the time they reached the dual dialogue, counterpoint vocals, it was a matter of how bad could it get? Few were disappointed if on the same wavelength as the Hector. Dreadful, but full marks for trying.

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Day 4, another day at sea, and still the Hector is coping.

Today’s highlights would be a repeat of two days ago, IQ and Riverside, the latter not guaranteed. As we left the Garden Cafe at the end of breakfast, so Michal Lapaj, keyboard player of Riverside, was sitting chatting. I asked if he had a magic stick that would guarantee my access to the Stardust Theatre – orange show. Nope. Marg was not happy with me asking, but Steve Hackett did apologise from the stage that he had commandeered some of the extra places for his chosen few. So, it was possible.

IQ

IQ, the Stardust Theatre at high noon. With great seats mid-auditorium, all was set. By now I had worked out that if my indoor SLR photos were all out of focus, it was time to try manual focusing. Modest results but at least something to post.

Indoors, no wind, a perfect sound set up, a wonderful hour of IQ.

Frequency (again), Shallow Bay, Far From Here, Closer, Leap Of Faith, The Road Of Bones, Headlong. Having played nothing from my favourite IQ album – Ever – at The Met (Bury) earlier this year, if was good to hear Leap Of Faith once more.

So polished was the set, I’m sure they will be invited back.

It’s one o’clock and time for lunch,
When the sun beats down and I lie on the bench
I can always hear them talk…

Time for lunch anyway, and more Curry: Dal Peshwari and Mushroom Masala.

The Daal was the gentle Curry this afternoon. The Mushroom Masala was the business. Look at the modest portions, I may be eating three times a day, but am certainly not pigging out. I’m still surprised to be eating at all.

Mushroom Masala

With Curry Leaves and finely chopped Onions in the mix, this was certainly a meal. That the Mushrooms were fresh was an added bonus, no tinned nonsense. The Spice Level impressed, the Earthy Flavour from the Masala almost had me go back for more.

The word on the blurb was that if one went to the restaurant adjacent to the Stardust Theatre one hour before a gig of the opposite colour, wristbands would be issued on a first come, first served basis. Time to join the queue. This was well organised. A lady came past and told us all to remain where we were. Another lady arrived with numbered wristbands, sixty of them, Marg and I were 30 and 31. We were then told to go away and come back just before the start of the gig. Perfect, there was ice-cream to be had.

Trifecta

Trifecta were on at the Pool Stage.  At least today we could see them.  We didn’t hang about.

In the interim, and en route, we took in some of the Big Big Train’s Q&A at the Atrium.

Riverside

At 15.25 we were stood in numerical order then divided into two groups, one for each standing platform. Riverside took to the stage at 15.30, an excellent view, the challenge would be to stand for an hour.

A few in the very back row left mid-show, Marg bagged a seat.

All was well.

The same set as two days ago, this time with a bit more enthusiasm. Yet, Mariusz had to announce before the final song – The Curtain Falls – that after this, they would be taking a break.

Whenever, wherever, they return, the Hector will be there. So far I have seen them in Glasgow (twice), Berlin, Gdynia, Lodz, Poznan and Athena.

Later, in conversation with someone known to Graham, he reckoned that time could be called on the band. There has been a fall out. Piotr Grudzinski (drums) owns the name Riverside, despite the music being predominantly written by Mariusz. So it goes. There’s always Lunatic Soul.

Caligula’s Horse at the Pool Stage at 17.15, Gazpacho at the Spinnaker at 17.30.

Caligula’s Horse

I have been enjoying the former’s Charcoal Grace album, the title track being a mere twenty four minutes. This Brisbane band took to the stage in uniform shirts, their live playing was not as expected.

Again, trying too hard, take your time, chaps, let the music breathe. However, such was the impact made by Gazpacho, we didn’t give Caligula’s Horse much time to impress.

The same rushed entry procedure to the Spinnaker found the Hector once again stage right at the front. By somewhat of a fluke, a photographer gave up his seat letting Marg gain a premium view, with the Hector stuck with a restricted view.

Gazpacho

Sapien, another track from Fireworker, plus three more more from Tick Tock made up four of the seven songs performed. The more intimate setting may have suited the band, but we were all in agreement, the Spinnaker was the poorest venue.

Robert Fripp

We had to cut our visit short, Robert Fripp (King Crimson, UK) & David Singleton, were due on stage in the Stardust Theatre at 18.15. I had heard people say – they perform old stuff, i.e. from – Court Of The Crimson King. I was not prepared for what awaited. A screen mid stage was showing a film, out-takes from a South American King Crimson show in which Craig Blundell was one of three drummers. The front of the stage had two chairs set up for a Q&A. Was this it, the headline act on the ship?

How the organisers had pulled this off defied belief. Anyone coming for this would surely be outraged? Many left the theatre.

After a few stories, people were invited to queue at either of two microphones and ask their question, ladies first. The hour passed, we were entertained, Robert Fripp, Prog royalty and his engineer side-kick, no wife aboard. Marg didn’t recognise the chap in the vintage film extracts as being the man on stage.

I need to buy – Red – featuring Bill Bruford (Yes) and John Wetton (Uriah Heep, Asia).

Time to squeeze in some dinner. More Meat and a Seafood concoction from the main buffet area were accompanied by Gobi Korma.

Gobi Korma

Not the full on Coconut experience and certainly not a Desi Korma, there was a good kick in there. The texture of the Cauliflower was just hanging on, pulp avoided. Sadly, having eaten Chef’s creations for four days, there was an inherent familiarity about this Curry. The – packet mixed Spice Flavour – was now impossible to ignore.

The Seafood Stew was excellent.

Haken

A busy day so far and still four bands to consider this evening. The chairs in front of the Pool Stage had been removed, a mosh pit on Cruise To The Edge? We took a brief look/listen to Haken, more or less in passing, very much as predicted.

Karmakanic

Karmakanic (Sverige) had been brought to or attention, in essence a solo project by Jonas Reingold, of whom I reminded Marg yet again, that she had seen with The Flower Kings in Langbank many moons ago. Performing at the Atrium at 20.15, it was a case of find a gap by the time we got back down to Deck 7.

Jonas Reingold on bass, Craig Blundell on drums as he is on the latest album – Transmutation – along with guitarists Steve Hackett and John Mitchell (Frost, Arena, UK). Tonight, the guitarist immediately impressed. I had to wait until the honourable moment to identify him, even though Marg and I had seen him before in Katowice as the extra guitar player in Porcupine Tree. Randy McStine, class.

With music not dissimilar to The Flower Kings, technical, but as I keep writing, with space, a great set. Another album to be ordered when we get home. At the end of the set, the band stripped down to Reingold, McStine and a certain Nick D’Virgilio, their first performance together in many a year we were told.

Everyone is friendly with everyone else.

Saga

One would think that that would be that for the night, but no, Saga were scheduled for midnight at the Stardust Theatre. Despite not being a colour coded show, we took our usual seats in the balcony then moved two left to where the French couple normally sit.

Intricate, melodic, sometimes familiar, and with Jim Crichton still jumping around the stage, thoroughly entertaining. The state of semi-sleep a la Aristocats was not forthcoming, Saga commanded attention. The last time I shall ever get to see this famous Canadian outfit.

With Rush gone, Hector’s current Canadian fixation is Mystery. To see Mystery, one has to go to Nederland. After Cruise To The Edge, cheap as chips.

01.00, Bier o’clock. Just the one, plus some Chilli con Carne.

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Today, Day 5, Great Stirrup Cay, the last port of call, directly off the Miami coastline.

As written in the intro, we are at anchor and so had to take a launch ashore. Oh no, a wee boat, proper waves. The Hector can usually manage an hour before disaster strikes, it was but a short hop ashore.

For those who worship the sun, or like beaches and swimming, Great Stirrup Cay might be interesting. Otherwise, there is nothing there. We knew we had to be back on board in time for Pendragon at 15.00. Instead, having been ashore for less than one hour, we joined the queue to get back in time for Pure Reason Revolution’s noon show, again at the Pool Stage.

Pure Reason Revolution

With no seats front of stage, we returned to our Saga vantage point on Deck 8. Another varied and interesting set, this young band have talent.

Unfortunately, the heat got to the laptop, the keyboards crashed. A block of ice was part of the cure. The hiatus did mean dropping two songs. Should they come to Glasgow, we shall attend, sporting Cruise To The Edge t-shirts, of course.

For lunch today, no Curry. I did spot some Bhaji-like creations in the mainstream food sections. They had to be tried. 

Beef’n’Bhaji

Carrots, Peas and Sweetcorn, no Spice had been harmed in their creation. The Bhaji concept had been borrowed.  There’s no such thing as a Bhaji anyway, except when there is. 

Having seen the queue for IQ previously, the Hector was not taking any chances. The Pendragon line stretched back through the corridor of the currently closed duty free shops.

We were admitted a fair bit before the 15.00 starting time. Instead of heading for our usual seats, I directed Marg downstairs. This meant we collided with the VIPs entering from Deck 6. Marg’s reaction was one of – we can’t go there.

Follow me – was the response.

Four rows from the front of the stage, we bagged four seats at the end of the centre aisle. Now to find Graham and Susan. In time they were spotted and came down to join us. Four Pendragon fans, Mr. Barrett could not escape.

Pendragon

From the opening chord, I whispered in Marg’s ear – If I were the wind, and you were the rain. It had to be, what else could open this set? Glasgow, Kinross, Morecambe, Leamington Spa, Katowice, I have lost track of how many times Marg has seen Pendragon. For Hector add Rotherham and the famous late night gig in Glasgow with fewer than a dozen present. Eternal Light, A Man Of Nomadic Traits, Fall Away, King of the Castle, Truth and Lies, Afraid of Everything, a set comprised of old and new.

Apart from the mini album – North Star, it is five years since – Love Over Fear – was released. There is talk of an autobiography, a new album is required.

Being the last day, there was the sense of a bit more time available, a story or two. Nick told of a previous cruise with the ship rolling. Steve Howe’s (Yes) pedal steel guitar entered and exited stage right of its own free will. Nick reckoned that Steve could have played it without moving his hand.

All those present must have loved this show, the intimacy, the sound was perfect. With the girls on backing vocals, King of the Castle was given its true studio reproduction. There is another Pendragon Weekend later this year, alas Marg and Hector have other commitments. Next year.

Ice-cream called.

D’Virgilio, Morse, Jennings

Thereafter we took in a bit more of D’Virgilio, Morse, Jennings at the Pool Stage. Again in passing from Deck 8.

The scheduled big ending was nigh, Steve Hackett at the Stardust Theatre, the green show at 18.30. Changing decks, I encountered Randy McStine mid photo-shoot. Well, why not?

Prior to the cruise, I had wondered if the show would be solo Hackett, or the full Lamb Lies Down On Broadway anniversary tour. However, spotting Nad Sylvan, his vocalist for Genesis songs on Day 1, confirmed all would be well.

Steve Hackett

We took our reserved seats. Cue Craig Blundell, once again, Rob Townsend on sax, flute and keyboards, who had joined in with Karmakanic last night, plus Jonas Reingold on bass, and it all comes together. Roger King, on main keyboards, we must have seen already on previous Hackett shows.

Four songs from Steve Hackett’s solo albums kicked things off: People of the Smoke, Circo Inferno, The Devil’s Cathedral then the end section of Shadow of the Hierophant, the Genesis track that never was. Then we were down to business.

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Fly on a Windshield, Cuckoo Cocoon, Carpet Crawlers, The Chamber of 32 Doors, Lilywhite Lilith, It, then the grand ending: Firth of Fifth, and Los Endos.

I had never seen Fly on a Windshield performed live before, an emotional moment. Thankfully it segued into Broadway Melody of 1974 else there would have been shouting from row two of the balcony.

It – IMHO is the worst possible ending to any double album. It sounds as though Genesis had simply run out of ideas. Side four of – Lamb – has a lot of noise on it. An album that peters out. The jazzy bit that is now part of Los Endos, I can do without. And just in case nobody had seen enough of Craig Blundell, he was permitted a drum solo. Marg will know him next time.

I didn’t buy tickets for the Glasgow Hackett leg of this tour. Seeing him this evening certainly made me feel as if this entire cruise was worth the money. Following this, there didn’t seem to be much on offer, but Graham and Susan said they were foregoing their turn to see Big Big Train in favour of another session of Moon Safari.

Tonight, no Curry, instead we went to the Grand Pacific dining room on Deck 6. Table cloths, a la carte, waiters, a bottle of wine even, but they didn’t have my first choice of red. We both had the Fish. Red wine with Fish, well if one dines in shorts and a Pendragon t-shirt, who cares?

Moon Safari (Sverige) were due on at the Spinnaker at 21.15. We used the same tactics as before but were split up. Marg secured a single seat in front of the stage, the Hector another side settee. Graham and Susan, who arrived momentarily, had noted my theory on where to go and duly took up the remaining space on the settee.

Moon Safari

Moon Safari, the tallest chaps on the ship, entertaining, musical, but I’ll need to give them another listen before deciding to invest. Their set certainly had its moments. Was gig fatigue setting in? At the end of their set, all five stood and sang a cappella.

The reception they received was memorable. There was definitely something happening here. Moon Safari, tbc.

We had missed a thunderstorm. Having avoided the gangway after Moon Safari and taken the lift back to the Atrium, we had failed to note that the Pool Stage had been abandoned. Instead of the usual late night karaoke-stye bands setting up, the multinational TEMIC were setting up.

TEMIC

TEMIC a byproduct, partially, of Mike Portnoy’s (Dream Theater, Transatlantic) touring band: Eric Gillette, guitar (Neal Morse Band), Diego Tejeida (Haken) on keyboards.

It was Bier o’clock and the music had come to us. Bier with Graham was taking priority, and so TEMIC were not given the full attention they surely deserved. There was enough seen and heard to accept that this is another band worthy of investigation.

Five hectic days and an early rise tomorrow. Contrary to what I read somewhere, and can no longer find, we are due off the ship tomorrow by 09.15, not the promised noon. Would we do this again? An emphatic no, financially this was a once in a lifetime experience. If the god of the lottery smiled, then a VIP state room would be a must, and the other advantages that go with it. The god of the lottery does not control the weather. I feel I got it lucky, at times I forgot I was aboard ship. This trip could easily have been Hector Hell. Next year’s Cruise To The Edge is a month earlier. How are the seas then?

We are here because IQ, Pendragon and Riverside are on board. I have deliberately added the nationalities of each band/artist where possible. How many American, i.e. US artists are aboard ship? As those who also purchase albums on the ECM jazz label should concur, Europe is where the music is. Europe is on our doorstep. I have been going to Polska for years to see Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree, Pendragon and Riverside.

Polska rocks, and it doesn’t roll.