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I Never Thought This Would Happen: Triumph/April Wine Concert Review
- Date Of Concert: Saturday, May 30th, 2026
- Location of Concert: Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre At Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights, MI
Like I said in the title, I never thought this would happen.
What do I mean? The idea that the band Triumph would ever reunite and tour again.
Even last year, it was not happening and never going to.
They had their great run in the 70s and 80s, and aside from a few things since then (an album and brief tour in the early 90s, two shows in 08, one small show for hardcore fans for the band’s documentary, and one song for one of co-singer/guitarist Rik Emmett’s solo albums) Triumph were over.
Whenever asked, Rik, co-singer/drummer Gil Moore and bassist Mike Levine would always say it was never going to happen.
Well, in late 2025, it was announced that Triumph was reuniting for a tour with fellow Canadian band April Wine opening.
Although Triumph was reuniting, it would only be Rik and Gil (Mike as of this writing has not appeared at any of the shows due to health reasons. Take care!!), and they added some members to help fill out the sound and to help the guys enhance the show.
They brought in Phil X (guitar/vocals, who also was in Triumph during their brief 90s run) to play second guitar with Rik and to sing too.
Via Phil’s recommendation, the band brought in Todd Kerns (bass/vocals) and Brent Fitz (drums/vocals).
I know Rik and Gil had their doubts and fears as to whether or not they could pull this off again after so many years, but trust me, they more than pull it off.
They definitely tuned down so Rik would not have to sing as many high notes, but he still has a great voice and range. And his guitar playing is still out of this world.
Gil’s voice is as great as ever and he still plays drums great.
But having Phil, Todd, and Brent has enhanced the show experience.
They now have more vocal harmonies, lead and rhythm guitars, and two drummers. Gil even sometimes steps out front and sings while Brent plays drums on his own. Other songs Gil plays drums and Brent plays keyboards.
The show has great visuals, which Triumph has always been about. Visuals on the screens and some pyro too.
The band, especially, Rik, seem very happy and are having the time of their life on this tour.
Rik even said during this show that before this tour that he was content being home sitting on the coach with his five cats and enjoying retirement. But he is now really glad this is happening and is feeling beyond blessed to be rocking again.
Their show is incredible!!!
The songs are great!!!
The singing/musicianship are phenomenal!!!!
This tour has been doing really well. This show was sold out!!
The amphitheatre was nice with really good sound.
Oh and let’s not forget about April Wine, who opened the show with a really good set of songs.
April Wine includes classic member Brian Greenway (guitar/lead vocals), as well as Marc Parent (lead vocals/guitar), Richard Lanthier (bass/backing vocals), and Roy Nichol (drums/percussion/backing vocals). They sounded really good too.
I could go on and on about this, but I’ll just end by saying never say never about anything.
I NEVER thought Triumph would reunite.
Triumph did not know that Triumph was going to reunite until they did.
Gil said during the initial press for this reunion that after saying no so many times that this one time they finally decided to say yes.
And they are really rocking again, which is a beautiful thing.
I’m glad they are back!! Thank you guys for everything.
Another huge bucket list show for me.
Now I hope they make more music.
Love you all and rock on!!
Triumph Set List:
- When The Lights Go Down
- Somebody’s Out There
- Spellbound
- Hold On
- Allied Forces
- Blinding Light Show
- Rock & Roll Machine
- Rocky Mountain Way (Joe Walsh cover)
- Never Surrender
- Lay It On The Line
- 24 Hours A Day (Intro)/Follow Your Heart
- Magic Power
- Encore: I Live For The Weekend
- Fight The Good Fight
April Wine Set List:
- I Like To Rock
- Anything You Want, You Got It
- All Over Town
- Say Hello
- Enough Is Enough
- Before The Dawn
- You Could’ve Been A Lady (Hot Chocolate Cover)
- Just Between You And Me
- Sign Of The Gypsy Queen (Lorence Hud cover)
- Roller
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Thank You Angel and Starz for the Music and Your Kindness!!
- Date of concert: Friday, May 29th, 2026
- Location of Concert: The Winchester in Lakewood, OH
I went to see two of my favorite bands, Angel and Starz, at a club/bar in Lakewood, Ohio called The Winchester.
This was the 4th time I had seen Angel, but the first time I saw Starz.
Starz usually do not play anywhere near me, so going to this show was a must for me. To see both bands in one night is a dream bill for me.
Before the show, however, I met Angel for the 3rd time at a paid meet and greet. They signed a few more of my records (they signed more things the last two times I met them so I have a lot of CDs and records signed by them now) and I got my picture taken with them again.
They are all very nice people, and guitarists Punky Meadows and Danny Farrow Anniello called me by name (I’m friends with them on Facebook, along with singer Frank Dimino and classic bassist Felix Robinson.).
I am forever an Angel fan. I love all of their albums and are a great live band. They are currently on a “Farewell Tour”, but they still have a new album coming, as well as a documentary.
I hope this was not the last time I meet Angel (I’d like to get more of my collection signed. Please?!), but if it was, I just want to thank them again for the music and for their kindness. I love you guys. Punky said they love me too, and I’m forever grateful that they care about their fans.
After this, I went to meet original Starz members Richie Ranno (guitar) and Joe X. Dube (drums) at their table. They just meet fans for free!! Both were extremely nice and personable. I brought all the Starz CD booklets and a DVD sleeve, (I bought all of these from Richie on their website.) and when I told them they didn’t have to sign everything if they didn’t want to, Richie said in a very cool and calm way “what else am I gonna do?”
Again, both were extremely kind and signed everything I had and I had my picture taken with both of them.
Like with Angel, I love Starz also and am glad I got this opportunity to meet them too.
Now to the actual concert.
Starz started the night with a really good set of various tunes from their earlier albums.
When they came onstage, Joe gave me another handshake and I told him to have a great show!! And he and the band did.
Like I said, Richie (guitar) and Joe (drums) are the original members.
The rest of the band includes Doug Palmer (vocals, thanks for the fist bump on stage!!), Jason Draven (guitar), and Chris Tristrum on bass.
Richie also told some stories. He talked about how he got a call from KISS’ management Rock Steady about doing an audition for what would become Starz (Fallen Angel at the time). He talked about how one time he and Joe, through another mutual KISS connection Sean Delaney, met Elton John!! Richie said Elton told them he liked their band and had bought their album himself!! Great stuff.
Like Angel, I think Starz should be a HUGE band, but for some reason, they only were ever a cult favorite.
They were signed to KISS’ management, had Aerosmith’s producer Jack Douglas (RIP) produce their first two albums, had great songs, great singing and playing, they had it all.
But regardless, Starz made their mark and luckily still are around.
I hope they will make more music someday because this band still rocks with the best of them.
Richie told me before the show that they were going to make the night feel like a 70s rock show. And they did!!
Starz rules!!
Angel headlined, and as always, they really rocked.
Singer Frank Dimino is as great as ever, Punky Meadows (one of my favorite guitarists ever and such a cool guy) and Danny Farrow Anniello make an awesome guitar team, fill-in bassist Johnny Leigh (Bassist Tommy Caradonna has been sitting out some dates for some personal reasons. All the best.), drummer Billy Orrico is a beast, and keyboardist Charlie Calv is a great talent also.
I hope this was not the last time I saw Angel, but if it was, it was another phenomenal show from one of my favorite bands.
And like I said about Starz, I wish Angel were HUGE. They are to me.
Such a great show all around
And it was sold out too, which was great.
Thank you all for everything.
P.S. I know some of these pictures look pixelated, but trust me, they are not that way. For some reason, they recently started showing up this way on the website. I’m trying to figure out why. Either way, for anyone who sees these posts, I hope this does not take away the fact I love doing this and love documenting these great happenings in my otherwise normally boring and frankly not very exciting life. I make no money doing this and it’s really a passion project for me. But for anyone who sees this post or any of my others and likes it, I thank you.
Starz Set List:
- Detroit Girls
- Tear It Down
- Live Wire
- (She’s Just A) Fallen Angel
- Monkey Business
- Night Crawler
- Last Night I Wrote A Letter
- Cherry Baby
- Pull The Plug
- Coliseum Rock/It’s A Riot/Boys In Action
Angel Set List:
- On The Rocks
- Can You Feel It
- Mirrors
- Wild And Hot
- Bad Time
- The Fortune
- We Were The Wild
- Got Love If You Want It
- Don’t Leave Me Lonely
- Telephone Exchange
- Pressure Point
- Feelin’ Right
- Rock N Rollers
- Tower
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Pentagram Concert Review
- Date of Concert: Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
- Location of Concert: Live At The Shop in Dunbar, WV
- Openers: Executionist, Fuzzfiend, Ghost In Me, Today Is The Day
I saw a show last night a friend of mine told me about.
Metal band Pentagram played at a small club in Dunbar, WV, not too far from where I work.
If he would not have told me about it, I would not have known, so thanks Brandon.
Most of the opening acts (Executionist, Fuzzfiend, Ghost In Me) were local bands, although they were quite good and I recommend checking them out, but Today Is The Day was the main opener for this show. They were good too.
But the main reason I was there was to see Pentagram.
Fronted by original singer Bobby Liebling (who in recent years has somehow become a popular MEME with his facial expressions), Pentagram has been around since the early 1970s, mostly known in the underground scene.
However, they have maintained a loyal following and still put out albums (Bobby said at the show they were going to make another album this July.) and seem to do alright.
And judging by the performance they had and reaction they got at this show, I would definitely say Pentagram is doing alright.
The current lineup includes Bobby on vocals, Tony Reed on guitar, John “Scooter” Haslip on bass, and Henry Vasquez on drums.
Bobby still has a very good voice, his band is great, and the songs are really good.
Even though the venue was a very small club, it was a good venue, and it had people of various ages, but mostly younger people.
I think that’s great because music of all genres needs to have younger fans to continue the fandom onward.
The show was very LOUD, but good and rocking.
I’m glad I went and I thank my friend Brandon for telling me about it.
Pentagram Set List:
- Live Again
- Starlady
- The Ghoul
- I Spoke To Death
- Sinister
- When The Screams Come
- Sign Of The Wolf (Pentagram)
- Dull Pain
- Review Your Choices
- Thundercrest
- Walk The Sociopath
- Encore: Forever My Queen
- 20 Buck Spin
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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“I Am Phil” By Phil Ehart With Paul Braoudakis Book Review
Phil Ehart, the drummer/manager/leader of the band Kansas, released his autobiography, “I Am Phil”, in April of 2026.
In collaboration with Paul Braoukakis, Phil tells his life story of growing up on military bases, becoming a drummer, ultimately being one of the founding members of the band Kansas, talks about making their albums, all the members of the band over the years, becoming a Dad and learning about and becoming an advocate for Autism, doing USO tours, and so much more.
If you are a fan of Kansas, then you will love this book.
Phil has lots of great stories and the book is an easy read.
Thank you Phil for signing the book too!! I preordered it and was able to get a signed copy.
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Outland By Alan Dean Foster Book Review
I first saw the movie Outland when I was a kid growing up in the early 1990s.
The movie was released in 1981, and starred Sean Connery and Peter Boyle.
Honestly, I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it, so I did go back to it from time to time.
Eventually, I really enjoyed the movie. I think it was just more dramatic, and not as action packed as I would have liked when I was a kid watching action movies.
But as I got older, I dug it more and I love it now.
Anyway, long story short, the story is about a Marshal on a mining colony, played by Sean Connery, who uncovers corruption at the highest level of the colony, involving drugs being given to miners to make them work more at a faster rate, but ultimately drives them insane and to death. The GM of the colony, played by Peter Boyle, is the man ultimately supplying these drugs, and Connery’s character is expected to look the other way. Well, he doesn’t and actually wants to do his job and stop all of this from happening anymore. And of course trouble ensues.
Outland is a solid science fiction/action/mystery story.
I recently got a copy of the novelization of the movie, and I was curious as to how different, if at all, it was to the movie.
It pretty much follows the movie, with a few different details.
Alan Dean Foster does a fine job adapting the script, written by Peter Hyams (also the director of the movie).
It’s a pretty straight forward story, and if you like science fiction/action/mystery stories, then you should like this book and movie.
And in the movie, Connery does a great job and Boyle is a good bad guy. James B. Sikking also does a good job playing a police sergeant who works both sides.
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Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu Movie Review
The Mandalorian And Grogu, the latest Star Wars movie, was released on May 22, 2026.
I saw it the next day.
If you are a fan of the series on Disney +, The Mandalorian, then there is no reason why you should not enjoy this movie.
I know people are picky with spoilers, so if you don’t want to know anything else until you see the movie, then do not read on.
This movie continues the adventures of The Mandalorian and Grogu. This time, Mando has been assigned a mission to rescue the son of Jabba The Hut, Rotta, from a prison.
Turns out Rotta has been fighting, literally, to win his freedom. However, he does not know that the promoter (also someone Mando is looking for, how little does he know at first) he is being forced to work for, also has a plan to make sure Rotta does not survive his last scheduled fight.
There is more than this, but I’ll just say again: If you like The Mandalorian series, then you will like this movie.
Mando and Grogu are great together. It’s awesome to see Sigourney Weaver in the Star Wars universe now, the character of Rada is really good, and as a lifelong Star Wars fan, I loved this and was moved at times by some of the emotional stuff that happens.
The franchise is in great hands with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni.
Check out this movie and watch the series if you haven’t. It’s on Disney + and you can buy it all on Blu-Ray (I still love physical media.).
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George Thorogood & The Destroyers/The Marshall Tucker Band (Happy Birthday Doug Gray!!) Concert Review
- Date of Concert: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center At The Heights in Huber Heights, Ohio
When I initially found out about this concert, I was interested, but was not going to go because the lead singer of most of the songs by The Marshall Tucker Band, Doug Gray, had been sitting out on the live shows for several months, due to health reasons.
Now, the band still rocks, but I wanted to see Doug.
And as awesome as George Thorogood & The Destroyers are, I had already seen them, so I was content.
Nevertheless, I was interested in the concert bill, especially for The Marshall Tucker Band, because they are one of my remaining bucket list bands to see.
Well, once I found out Doug Gray was back on the road with The Marshall Tucker Band, then I immediately bought a ticket.
When I told a fellow fan I was going to this show, they told me that the day of the show is Doug’s birthday.
So, even more reason to go!!
It was a fun show, which I knew it would be.
The Marshall Tucker Band started and played roughly an hour set.
Some fans have complained about Doug’s vocal ability for the past few years, but I think he’s fine. He has been a fantastic for decades, and if he’s lost some range? So what?
He turned 78 on this day, he’s a Vietnam veteran (Army sergeant), he’s been in the band for 56 years (the sole original member still in the band), he had triple bypass surgery last year (that’s why he was off the road), and he’s out on the road again doing several shows giving everything he has. Give him a break people. I dare you to do better.
Anyway, I thought Doug and the guys rocked.
One of the things I love about The Marshall Tucker Band is the variety in sound they have. They play rock, country, blues, gospel, jazz, funk, you name it, and it’s all done at a high level.
All the musicians in the band are great.
Along with Doug, they include guitarists Chris Hicks (who also sings lead on some of the songs and has been in the band over 30 years) and Chris Anderson, bassist/vocalist Ryan Ware, drummer Leroy Wilson (Air Force veteran), and keyboardist/saxophonist/flautist/vocalist Marcus James Henderson.
Even though it was only roughly an hour, I’m so glad I got to see The Marshall Tucker Band. Happy Birthday Doug for this day and many more birthdays to come!! Thank you for the music and for your service.
Next up was George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
Vocalist/guitarist George Thorogood and his band (guitarist Jim Suhler, bassist Bill Blough, saxophonist Buddy Leach, and drummer Jeff Simon) have been rocking for decades, consistently delivering on their brand of rock and roll, blues, and boogie woogie.
I doubt they have ever had a bad show.
Their show is beyond tight and again consistent.
In short: They Rock!!
This was another great show and if this was the last time I saw either act, then it was a great one.
I say this because after August of 2026, I do not intend to go to as many concerts anymore.
I am beyond broke and costs (tickets, gas, travel) are becoming way too high.
Never say never (I’ve been saying I’m going to slow down or stop for 11 or 12 years as of this typing), but I intend to slow down after of August of 2026. We’ll see.
Until then, I have more shows to see and hopefully people to meet.
Rock on everyone.
P.S. Along with the many pictures and videos I took, I also took some screen grabs of four posts from The Marshall Tucker Band and George Thorogood & The Destroyers respective Facebook pages, showing when Doug was back, announcing his birthday, a message from Doug after the show, and a message from George after the show. Hopefully, that’s OK. If not, I’ll take them off. I wanted to post them here because they are related to this show.
Anyway, I loved this show and I hope for anyone who reads this enjoys my thoughts on it. And if you were there too, I hope you also had as much fun as I did.
Thank you.
The Marshall Tucker Band Set List:
- Running Like The Wind
- Heard It In A Love Song
- This Ol’ Cowboy
- Searching For A Rainbow
- Cattle Drive
- Fire On The Mountain
- AB’s Song
- 24 Hours At A Time
- Can’t You See
George Thorogood & The Destroyers Set List:
- Rock Party
- Who Do You Love? (Bo Diddley cover)
- Mama Talk To Your Daughter (J.B. Lenoir cover)
- I Drink Alone
- One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer (Amos Milburn cover)
- Cocaine Blues (traditional cover, dedicated to Johnny Cash, who also did this song)
- Peter Gunn Theme
- Gear Jammer
- Get A Hair-Cut (Don’t Panic cover)
- Madison Blues (Elmore James cover)
- Bad To The Bone
- Gloria (Them cover)
- Move It On Over (Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys cover)
- Encore: Born To Be Bad
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Geoff Tate Operation: Mindcrime III Album Review
Geoff Tate (original singer of Queensryche) released his latest album, Operation: Mindcrime III on March 3 of 2026.
It was released completely independently by Geoff. No record labels at all.
The only way, as of this writing, to get the physical CD or Vinyl, you must order it on geofftate.com or at one of his concerts.
I bought the CD on his website.
I think it is a very good album.
Nothing beats the original Queensryche masterpiece Operation: Mindcrime (and I love Operation: Mindcrime II also), but I really like Operation: Mindcrime III.
Geoff still sings great. I followed along with the songs with the lyrics included in the CD booklet, which I rarely do now.
It takes you on a journey.
If you are a Geoff/Queensryche fan, then you should appreciate this.
I’ve been a fan of Geoff’s since I was 17 and I always will be.
Thank you Geoff for this album and for continuing to make really good albums and songs.
And thanks for still putting on great concerts too.
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The Metal Tour Of The Year: Sepultura/Exodus/Biohazard/Tribal Gaze Concert Review
- Date Of Concert: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Location Of Concert: Old Forester's Paristown Hall in Louisville, KY
I had been looking forward to this show for some time because most of these bands I had never before seen.
It is definitely the Metal tour of the year for sure.
Headliners Sepultura (on their Farewell Tour), Exodus (I had seen them once, but with their previous singer), Biohazard, and newer band Tribal Gaze.
Tribal Gaze opened the show. Super heavy with the cookie monster vocal style. Not usually my thing, but they were a good start to what was going to be a very Metal night.
Biohazard was up next. I have been wanting to see Biohazard for many years, and even though the set was short, they were worth the wait. The classic lineup. A new album called Divided We Fall, which is amazing. Lots of energy. They kick butt!! I’m glad I finally got to see them.
As I said, I had seen Exodus once before, but not with their now returned singer Rob Dukes. Like Biohazard, Exodus have an amazing new album out called Goliath, which is definitely a favorite of mine already. Exodus are one of the kings of Thrash Metal and still wear the crown well. And as much as I love their singer Steve “Zetro” Souza (he apparently did not want to tour anymore and fair enough), I’ll now say welcome back to Rob Dukes!!
The headliner, Sepultura, were next and really kicked butt too. Like I said, they are on a Farewell Tour, although we’ll see if they stick to that because almost no one does. And nor should they because again, they kick butt, they have a new EP out called The Cloud Of Unknowing, and seem to still be having fun, like all of the bands I’ve just talked about.
This show was another bucket list one for sure, although they all are really. Especially at this point, because I’m on my Farewell Tour too now. I say this because at some point, maybe within the next year or two or less, I do not intend to go to as many shows anymore. Financially, it is beyond tough now and physically, I am tired of the travel. I love the shows, but everything else that goes with them I do not love. But we’ll see.
Either way, more shows to come this year, 2026. I cannot wait for them. Rock on everyone.
Sepultura Band Members
- Derrick Green (Lead Vocals)
- Andreas Kisser (Guitar/Vocals)
- Paulo Jr. (Bass/Vocals)
- Greyson Nekrutman (Drums/Percussion)
Exodus Band Members
- Rob Dukes (Lead Vocals)
- Gary Holt (Guitar)
- Lee Altus (Guitar)
- Jack Gibson (Bass)
- Tom Hunting (Drums)
Biohazard Band Members
- Evan Seinfeld (Lead Vocals/Bass)
- Billy Graziadei (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
- Bobby Hambel (Lead Guitar)
- Danny Schuler (Drums)
Tribal Gaze Band Members
- McKenna Holland (Lead Vocals)
- Quintin Stauts (Guitar)
- Ian Kilmer (Guitar)
- Zachary Denton (Bass)
- Cesar De Los Santos (Drums)
Sepultura Set List
- Beneath The Remains
- Inner Self
- Desperate Cry
- Kairos
- Means To An End
- Attitude
- The Vatican
- Choke
- The Place (New Song)
- Escape To The Void
- Kaiwas
- Dead Embryonic Cells
- Beyond The Dream (New Song and Live Debut of this Song)
- Orgasmatron (Motorhead cover, in tribute to Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell)
- Territory
- Refuse/Resist
- Arise
- Ratamahatta
- Roots Bloody Roots
Exodus Set List
- 3111 (New Song)
- Bonded By Blood
- Deathamphetamine
- Blacklist
- Goliath (New Song)
- A Lesson In Violence
- The Toxic Waltz
- Strike Of The Beast
Biohazard Set List
- Urban Discipline
- Shades Of Grey
- Wrong Side Of The Tracks
- Fuck The System (New Song)
- Black And White And Red All Over
- Eyes On Six (New Song)
Tribal Gaze Set List
- Emptying The Nest
- Smiling From The Chariots
- To The Spoils Of Faith
- The Irreversible Sequence
- Twitching On The Cross
- Guarding The Illusion
- Beyond Recognition
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Deep Water Movie Review
I went to see the movie Deep Water the day after it was released, May 2nd of 2026.
Starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley and directed by Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, A Nightmare On Elm Street 4, Deep Blue Sea, Prison, Driven, The Strangers 1 and 2), the movie is about a plane crashing in the Pacific Ocean, and how the survivors try to stay alive on what is left of the plane, amongst the open ocean and sharks.
Deep Water is a classic disaster movie, in the vein of the Airport franchise, The Towering Inferno, The Poseidon Adventure, Earthquake, Starflight One, you name it. It has everything that makes a disaster movie. Some characters you care about, some you don’t. But it is a thrill ride and I recommend seeing it.
Thank you to Gene Simmons (KISS), one of the producers of the movie, for putting the word out about it.
Again, Deep Water is a very good disaster movie. Check it out.
