Beyond the Bermuda Triangle - April 2014

MSC Divina

Steve with Simon Collins

The Jolly Roger
Photo © Rob Townsend
I believe MSC Divina is the eighth largest cruise ship in the world, a gigantic floating city... We were somewhat overawed as we ascended the gangway. It was even bigger than last year's vessel and this time exclusively for music and music fans.
No time to explore... We were one of the first bands on that day. The ship set sail as we launched into The Musical Box, and it was a great blast.
There were many events around the shows themselves. Armando Gallo unveiled his Genesis App, celebrating the band's early years, with loads of info and clever use of technology. I did several signing sessions as well as the Meet & Greet and Storyteller Q & A.
The schedule was stupendously busy, but Jo and I managed to get a few hours off on the Mexican island of Cozumel, where we took a trip to the ruins of San Gervasio, a Mecca for the Mayans who made a pilgrimage to this place every year to pay homage to Ixchel, goddess of the moon, fertility and childbirth. It had an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
Back onboard our second show had an extraordinary buzz. Leaving Cozumel, the ship's engine roared into life beneath the 666 section of Supper's Ready, right on cue as both Nad and guest Simon Collins sung out together in full force. John Wetton also guested with his rousing performance of Firth of Fifth, and it was mind blowing to have Chris Squire join in on bass with Nick Beggs on stick and John singing on the encore. Not so much Watcher as All Along the Watchtower... of the skies. The crowd went wild as did the guitars! I immensely enjoyed guesting on Simon's show the next day too.
It was a tremendous experience. Back through the Bermuda Triangle we arrived safely in Miami, with no Proggers of the Caribbean lost at sea. It was a smooth passage, despite a slight skirmish with a black storm when it briefly looked like the end of the world. We swiftly changed course and I had a strange dream where Robert Newton's parrot said to me, "Belay ye scurvy dogs..." May all your storms be musical me hearties...


Steve, John, Gary, Chris and Nick

Second show

Land ahoy!

Rocker in the ruins...

John, Gary, Steve, Simon, Nick, Nad and Rob

Between the sunset and the Coco Loco...