EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt says that he and his bandmates are “extremely lucky” to have survived a ferry ride between Sweden and Finland Sunday night after Storm Ciara battered northern Europe with hurricane-force winds and heavy rains.
The bands had performed in Stockholm Friday night and were on their way to Helsinki for Monday night’s gig when they were caught in a very bumpy overnight journey, with some of the musicians becoming seasick from the ship’s movements.
On Monday morning, Holt took to his Instagram to post several images of the storm’s aftermath and included the following message:
“Rough seas? I thought @70000tons was bad? Last nights ferry – cruise to Finland last night was on another level. Most insane thing I’ve ever experienced. Yeah, it was a little terrifying. Ship was getting tossed like a canoe. But we made it. The truck did not, but we all pooled our gear together so the show is ON!!!! Time to rock.”
He added in a follow-up post:
“Okay, after a little research on last nights storm, I know of three bands who got extremely lucky!!! 25 foot waves, category 11 out of a 12 scale, two out of five band members puking their guts out, it was F*CKING TERRIFYING!!! But we made it and I feel pretty f*cking alive today!! But I’m kind of done with big wave ferry and cruise ship trips! Ugh! Time for some sleep tonight”