Queensrÿche played two intense pool deck shows on the MegaCruise in October 2019. New drummer Casey Grillo is a great fit, whether playing songs from the recent outstanding Todd LaTorre-fronted albums or classics from the band’s first decade. LaTorre was the MegaCruise MVP, tearing through Queensrÿche sets, drumming with Frank Bello and David Ellefson, and guest singing with other bands. Bassist Eddie Jackson is a stud musically and vocally. Guitarist Michael “Whip” Wilton and Parker Lundgren are shredding machines.
One of their sets was an opportunity to learn that when the ship’s Captain is making announcements, the band’s PA system is cut off. Three times the sound cut out for 30 seconds, which turned out to be the crew looking for Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, who was being delayed by Mexican customs (he later apologized during his set). The band played on, with the crowd screaming out the vocals until the sound kicked back in. It was certainly a show to remember.