In July 2023, it was announced that Bang Tango would be performing on board Monsters Of Rock Cruise (MORC), sailing March 2 - 7, 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas.

Earlier today, Bang Tango revealed that they will no longer be on the boat. Vocalist Joe Leste commented, "This was a tough decision to make & I am not happy about having to cancel."

An official announcement from the band reads:

"Friends of Bang Tango,

We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances we will not be performing on the upcoming Monsters Of Rock Cruise.

Unfortunately Joe is still recovering from the stroke and is not yet 100%.

We hope to see you all on MORC in the near future!

Thank you for understanding."

In August 2023, Bang Tango singer Joe Leste posted the following message on social media:

"Hey Peeps - My blood pressure medicine failed me last week and I had a stroke. I am currently in a rehabilitation hospital working on getting better. And if you know me, you know - DON’T COUNT ME OUT!!!!"

Joe's wife, Jessica McElyea-LeSte, is organizing a fundraiser to help with her husband's medical expenses via GoFundMe. Her statement reads:

"Hi - This is Jessica, Joe's wife. I know Joe has made many friends over the years, so I am hoping the rock community can band together and provide a little help by donating or by sharing this link.

You may not know, but Joe suffered a stroke on the morning of August 10th. Joe was not feeling well and it was obvious to me that something was very wrong. He was rushed to HonorHealth Deer Valley hospital here in Phoenix where he spent 5 days in the cardiac unit. Joe has battled hypertension for 30 years and to manage it, he takes daily blood pressure medicine. Unfortunately, his medicine was not doing its job and he had a stroke. Thankfully Joe's blood pressure has since been stabilized with new medication. Joe is currently in a rehabilitation hospital working on getting better. At this time it is unknown how long his recovery will take.

All funds raised will be used to cover the medical expenses incurred from Joe’s medical care and recovery. *Although we have medical insurance, we have a very high deductible and there will be expenses that insurance won’t adequately cover.

Thank you everyone in advance!"

To make a donation - no amount is too small - visit this location.

Bang Tango formed in Los Angeles in 1988 and was signed to MCA Records the same year. Their debut album, Psycho Cafe, was released in 1989. They've released a total of six studio albums, the most recent being 2011's Pistol Whipped In The Bible Belt. The group has also issued several live and compilation albums.

The annual Monsters Of Rock Cruise (MORC), the world’s premier hard rock and heavy metal fan immersive music cruise, is returning for its twelfth year.

Promoter On the Blue Cruises has announced the five-day/five-night full-ship music charter will set sail March 2 - 7, 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas and depart from the Port of Miami, Florida. Dubbed The Dirty Dozen, next year’s voyage will include two days at sea full of music and events, performances from over 30 artists on multiple stages, two unforgettable ports of call (Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Nassau, Bahamas), photo experiences with artists, theme nights, and special events with the world’s best rock community.

Cabins are on-sale now starting at $1,899.00 per person (double occupancy, not including mandatory taxes and fee supplement). For more info and booking, visit MonstersOfRockCruise.com and follow @MonstersOfRockCruise on Facebook and Instagram, and @MonstersCruise on Twitter.

The lineup for MORC ‘24 includes Joe Satriani, Extreme, The Darkness, Winger, Ace Frehley, KK’s Priest, Accept, Queensrÿche, Quiet Riot, Y&T, Glenn Hughes (performing Deep Purple Live), April Wine, TNT, Crazy Lixx, Slaughter, British Lion, FireHouse, Vixen, H.E.A.T., Armored Saint, Richie Kotzen, Faster Pussycat, SOTO/Bieler, Dangerous Toys, Lizzy Borden, Enuff Z’Nuff, Spread Eagle, Black ‘N Blue, Joe Hoekstra, Pat Travers Band, Crashdiet, Tuff, Heavens Edge, Treat, Paradise Kitty, and Kaleido. Plus, official cruise host Eddie Trunk (VH1, SiriusXM) and a cast of other hosts who will be moderating Q&A’s and a bevy of activities onboard.

In addition to performances, MORC ‘24 will host interactive events between artists and cruisers, including Artist/Cruiser Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, a new cast of Painting with Rock Stars, Rockers vs Average Joe’s TBA sporting event, Comedy Punchlines and Backlines, with more to be announced.

The award-winning Independence of the Seas is giving the Caribbean an injection of new adventures. This is the third of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class vessels and it recently received a massive makeover as part of the cruise liners “Royal Amplified” program, which includes the addition of new bars and restaurants. Spanning the length of Deck 5, the four-story boardwalk allows guests to stroll into restaurants and cafés, stop in to do some shopping, and grab a drink before the next show. Not to mention, this vibrant and exciting hub will connect cruisers to two fantastic indoor main concert venues: Royal Theater and Studio B. Plus, as always, the legendary massive Pool Stage will not disappoint. With so much to do on the ship, you will never find yourself bored. Get your blood pumping as you speed to the bottom of the dual racing water slides, pamper yourself in the world-class Vitality at Sea Spa, hang ten on our Flowrider surf simulator, or score an awesome time and game-changing grub at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. Click here for a full list of things to do on the ship, as well as check out photos, deck plans, and even a virtual tour.

Located on the north coast of Jamaica, the town of Ocho Rios is adorned with beautiful golden beaches juxtaposed against its jungle-covered mountains. This backdrop allows for a myriad of unique excursions for guests to enjoy (including river rafting and tubing, swimming with dolphins, or exploring the Green Grotto Caves), relaxing on the beach, or a day enjoying Jamaican rum and local cuisine. Ocho Rios is famous for Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica’s national treasure, where guests can spend the day scaling this spectacular waterfall or exploring its limestone rocks while relishing in the refreshing pools along the way.

The second stop on MORC ‘24 is Nassau, who’s port just got an extensive $300 million makeover ‒ taking almost four years to complete. The upgrades include a complete revamp of the waterfront area including repairing and expanding Prince George Wharf, additional berths, and a brand-new terminal. Not to mention, there will be event and entertainment spaces, an amphitheater hosting up 3,500 people, a living coral exhibit, as well as local food vendors and shops for guests to peruse. Nassau's best attractions are walking distance from where the ship docks. From Atlantis Aquaventure and Dolphin Encounter tours to relaxing at Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day, the Bahama Islands are magnificent and Nassau is their crown jewel ‒ guaranteed to make MORC ‘24 a vacation experience to remember. From historic hotspots to local delicacies and incredible beaches, click here for how to make the most of your time in The Bahamas' capital, and watch a video tour of Nassau here.

With a myriad of events, activities, and music to keep fans entertained day and night, MORC ’24 promises to be a fantasy camp, personal paradise, and the vacation of a lifetime for hard rockin’ music enthusiasts. Watch a video recap of MORC 2023 below.

(Top photo - Mike Savoia)