NEW YORK (Interscope Records) - Internationally renowned recording and performing artists The
Wallflowers performed a full rock'n'roll show in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for thousands of Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on Halloween evening as the ship sailed toward its home port of San Diego, California.
The concert took place in the carrier's hangar bay as a special homecoming for the ship's crew and more than 1,500 of the crew's family and friends who joined the Stennis for its annual "Tiger Cruise" as it sailed home after five-and-a-half months of deployment in the Western and Northern Pacific.
In celebration of the Stennis' return to California and as a dedication to the ship's entire crew, The Wallflowers kicked off the concert with a new song, "Back To California," before launching into a 90-minute show of the band's hits and specially-selected rock'n'roll classics, such as "Heroes" and "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding." The band was joined by the Stennis' Chief Petty Officer Joe Raganesee, who launched into a fiery guitar solo during the performance of Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me."
The Wallflowers' Jakob Dylan said of the concert, "It was incredibly exciting and a real honor to play for these brave men and women, and we're happy that our music was able to play a part in their homecoming celebration. It was a great show and we hope everyone on board feels as good about it as we do."
According to the Stennis' Commanding Officer, Captain David H.Buss, "It was really a wonderful gesture for The Wallflowers to come all the way out to the middle of the Pacific to entertain our Sailors and their friends and family members. We will remember this great event for some time to come."
The San Diego-based aircraft carrier is the center of the Strike Group and is the flagship for Rear Admiral Patrick Walsh, Commander; Carrier Strike Group Seven. Captain John Christensen, Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty-one and Captain Scott Craig, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen are also embarked in USS John C. Stennis.
