Moodies Cruise 2014 - Final Artist Announcement- final line up includes Roger Daltrey!

	Dear Moodies Cruise Fans, As we all know, The Moody Blues are true Rock Royalty and few bands from the classic rock era have equaled their achievements. Their music is timeless which is why they have built legions of loyal fans that span five generations. Even more, they are an amazing group of musicians who always strive for perfection in every performance. We are honored to work with them again in 2014 on the next Moodies Cruise!
	In developing the Return to the Isle of Wight concept, our goal was to create an atmosphere that would bring back memories from that iconic event in 1970. Expect themed events, including Q & A sessions that will give you the “inside scoop” on what happened during the five days of music which surpassed Woodstock in scope, with over 600,000 in attendance. To that end, we have also announced several Isle of Wight Festival alumni who were there with The Moody Blues. Here is the list so far…
	First, we welcomed Isle of Wight Alumni, Carl Palmer, a consummate professional, brilliant technician and dynamic showman. Carl has thrilled listeners and audiences alike for nearly four decades with some of music’s most memorable bands including Atomic Rooster, Asia and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Along the way, his dazzling speed and mastery of the drums, combined with his infectious stage personality, have secured for him a respected place in history as one of Rock and Roll’s greatest drummers.
	Next up are another Isle of Wight Alumni, Lighthouse, recognized as one of the best Canadian touring groups of all time. They toured 300 days a year including sold out performances at Carnegie Hall, the Fillmore East, Fillmore West, Expo ‘70 in Japan and of course, the Isle of Wight Festival in England where they were the only act besides Jimi Hendrix asked to perform twice. Back home, their free concerts at Toronto’s Nathan Philips Square attracted one hundred thousand people.  Indeed, it’s hard to find a person who lived in Canada through the 1970s who didn’t see this group live.  They were Canada’s band and now they are ours aboard the Moodies Cruise!
	Shawn Phillips was an aspiring young American folk/rock singer on the rise when he was invited to perform at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. Called the “best kept secret in the music business” by the late rock impresario, Bill Graham, he has worked with Donovan, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bernie Taupin and more. In fact, Phillips and Donovan were roommates in the sixties in London, collaborating musically as well as developing each his own craft.  It was during that time that Phillips, then 21, and Donovan, age 19, would introduce the sitar's first historic fusion with pop music through Sunshine Superman.  Phillips influence went further when he tutored George Harrison as he took up the instrument and later gave it significance in the music of The Beatles.  Phillips was a session player (guitar) on other Donovan LPs as well including Fairytale and Mellow Yellow.
	In addition, we have added Randy Hansen, who will be treating us to one of the greatest Jimi Hendrix tributes you will ever witness. As one of the few players officially recognized by the Hendrix family, he has been successfully performing his act since the '70s, stunning audiences worldwide as he channels the spirit of Jimi. Be prepared for an Isle of Wight Hendrix recreation as Randy exudes the stage presence and skill of the legendary axeman! By the way, Randy has played alongside some of the greats, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers, Herbie Hancock, and original Jimi Hendrix Experience members Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell.
	…and we’ve added several notable artists from the 60s, 70s and 80s to enhance the overall fan experience… The Zombies The Orchestra, Starring ELO Starship Little River Band Strawbs Joe Williams of TOTO Glass Hammer Sound of Contact featuring Simon Collins Danny Vaughn, the music of the Eagles The Prog Rock Orchestra Heavy Mellow Mellow Yellow Cheap Thrill
	Now, the ANNOUNCEMENT you have have been waiting for and the one we've been anxious to make! One final classic from the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival... THIS IS AN HISTORIC MOMENT, SO ENJOY… ARE YOU SITTING DOWN?? Ladies & Gentleman, Rock Royalty Is Joining Justin, John & Graeme on the Moodies Cruise… In 1964, this special gentleman founded one of history’s greatest rock and roll bands. Like The Moody Blues, their music has thrilled generations of fans and are known for their legendary high-energy live performances. In fact, the paths of this band and the The Moody Blues would cross in 1970 at the Isle of Wight Festival. This will be a reunion of sorts for this gentleman and the Moodies as they have not performed on the same bill or festival since 1970! This rock legend and his band would go on to record critically acclaimed albums and are loved by legions of fans throughout the globe. Some have said they, like The Moody Blues, are considered to be one of the most important British rock acts of all time, mentioned in the same breath as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The band has sold over 100 million records and have charted 27 top forty singles in the US and UK, as well as 17 top ten albums, with 18 Gold, 12 Platinum and 5 Multi-Platinum in the US alone. The Moody Blues are pleased to announce that for the first time since 1970, they will be reunited with the founder, lead singer, rock icon and friend. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome our final artist to the 2014 Moodies Cruise... Roger Daltrey of THE WHO!! Roger will be performing with his full touring band in this very rare US appearance. The band includes Frank Simes on guitar, Scott Devours on drums, Jamie Hunting on bass, Loren Gold on keyboard and Simon Townshend on guitar. Expect full-blown WHO sets and more as the Moodies Cruise takes things to a new level…Enjoy the ride!!! This announcement will be made to THE WHO Fan Club very soon…book now or forever hold your peace!! In the meantime, take one more look at the final artist lineup for the 2014 Moodies Cruise...it's going to be a blast!!