Recap: Johnny Morse, Ginger Geezuz and Mike and the Monsters at Cohoes Music Hall 4/19/2025

By: Rob Smittix

Photo By: Stephanie J. Bartik

I (Rob Smittix) haven’t been going out much on the weekends lately and that’s because I’m trying to dedicate that time to family. But last Saturday night my wife was in a mood, so I said to myself… I should totally go to The Cohoes Music Hall and check out Johnny Morse’s return from retirement 60th Birthday Bash Show. And that’s what I did.

I showed up as Ginger Geezus took to the stage and oh boy, did they rock! Not only did this traditional rock n roll 4 piece bring out the big guns but you could also tell that they were having the time of their lives. These guys were all smiles check to check and that s**t is contagious. What a way to open up a show! When Ginger Geezus announced that it was their last song I made my way down to the smoking area because I figured there would be a rush in between sets. Literally the second I lit up, the sky cracked and it started pouring. The few people that were outside ran for shelter just inside the door. Myself and another dude whom I’ve never met before were just chatting near the door as we could still hear Ginger Geezus echoing throughout the building. It seemed to time out incredibly… as Ginger Geezus hit that very last note, the guy that I was talking to, leaned back and accidentally hit the fire alarm!

Yes, I witnessed the Fire Alarm being pressed and I can assure you, it was 100% an innocent mistake. Apparently, I heard that this also happened the night before, so all in favor of moving the fire alarm say I. “I” So now that’s it’s raining cats and dogs all of the people had to evacuate the building and wait for the fire department to come and turn it off. I was wearing the leather jacket that was handed down to me after my uncle passed, so I sought cover next door at the RadioRadioX/Xperience studios.

Finally, we were all able to return to the concert and Mike and The Monsters were up next. Watching M&TM, I was like wow… this band is the real deal. Mike and The Monsters got us all back into the groove with some amazing covers of classic rock and hair band era metal. They were a lot of fun and totally got the dance floor moving. Unfortunately, due to the unscheduled fire emergency intermission M&TM had to cut several songs from their set. I actually realized that if I had not gone to the show and I would not have found myself in conversation with the mystery man who set the alarm off. I’m six degrees of separation, I guess for being responsible for that blunder.

Well, finally, an all star band hit the stage and I believe that was the Star Wars music that was playing while we all anticipated the man of the evening Johnny Morse to come out. And there he was right in the spotlight, Cohoes’ biggest celebrity Johnny Morse wielding his axe across the stage. Johnny had many local legends join him for his performance at The Cohoes Music Hall this past Saturday night and you could tell that Johnny was having a great time up there with his comrades. What a fun and eventful night it was. I know we’re all wondering the same thing, will Johnny Morse come out of retirement again, so we can relive moments like these?