Holland America Expands BB King Blues Band To Five Ships in 2014

[summersigh]

The bands will be made up of "rent a" bass, drums, guitars etc. they are just a collection of musicians that have probably never played together before. Don't ever be mistaken that any one of them have ever played with BB King. There are loads of great professional musicians out there and it is a steady paycheque. All the BB Kings clubs have a similar set up with a house band.

 

No matter what the band make up is though, they will be leaps and bounds better than the HAL cats.

 

I never doubted that the shipboard BB King band was NOT the "real deal". In fact I read somewhere, awhile back, that the HAL Cat "band" actually had a "membership" of 300 musicians to draw from so I expected that from the BB King group.

 

What we're looking forward to is the songs they're going to be playing. :):)

[Candiaccruiser]

I don't think anyone is under the mistaken impression that they are the "real deal" but they sure don't disappoint!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[magandab]

Glad HAL has found something that is making money for them.

But for us -- we are not Blues fans.

 

This. I figure it will be quieter and less crowded for me to enjoy the strings.

[Ineke]

Any ideas on who or what will be offered in the Queen's Lounge on the Eurodam during the BBKB hiatus? I'm very sorry we will miss them, had looked forward to it. We're on board Dec. 29 to Jan. 12.

[mamaofami]

WooHoo...we'll be on Noordam 1/2013 and will look forward to this.

Edited November 25, 2013 by mamaofami

[mamaofami]

This. I figure it will be quieter and less crowded for me to enjoy the strings.

 

We love the strings, but will like the blues too.

[Rockfan2]

This looks great! Will have to wait for the next group back from the Westerdam to see if it has started.

 

Saw the "real" BBK many years ago and he was terrific.

 

Me too! He was the opening act for Gladys Knight and the Pips.

 

Sadly we board the Westerdam mid April after refit so we will miss the BB King Experience.

 

Rockfan2

Edited November 25, 2013 by Rockfan2

[cruiseapril]

We enjoy most types of music- so this is very appealing. Actually have enjoyed most of the music on HAL.

[luvcruisn']

Loved the BBKing band on the Eurodam this past April. Went there most evenings - great place to listen to music and talk to others as well. Bar staff very gracious as all I ever drank was water.

Edited November 25, 2013 by luvcruisn'

[California Traveler]

Soo sad we will miss the band on the Z in April 2014, we love blues. :(

 

CT

Edited November 26, 2013 by California Traveler

[cccole]

Glad HAL has found something that is making money for them.

But for us -- we are not Blues fans.

 

Your comment was probably not meant in a negative way but I think it's great that there is a musical group onboard that passengers are really responding to. Making money...well, isn't that what a service oriented industry tries to do? Cherie