Artist Spotlight - 70000tons 2023

We’re counting down to the 2024 edition of 70000 tons of Metal! This is by far one of our personal favorite metal cruises where every artist is a headliner. Metalheads from around the globe share an insane experience of four days with very little to no sleep of nonstop metal shows. From big pool deck experiences to the intimate Star Lounge, there’s something for all metalheads regardless of subgenre, and we love it all. 2023 marked a significant return for the cruise after all cruises generally faced a halt due to the pandemic. The event’s future was uncertain, but it returned, giving sixty unique artists a go. This year we saw a number of acts having their first experience on the boat to artists having some notable silver-to-gold member status returns. We managed to capture all sixty bands, and as we countdown to the 2024 edition, we will share artist spotlights from the 2023 expedition leading up to the 2024 voyage. Artist Number 54: Uli Jon Roth.

Former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth brought his legendary axe craftsmanship to the metal seas for the third time in 2023, with previous appearances in 2011 and 2017. The neoclassical guitarist, philosopher, and influential shred virtuoso had two performances scheduled. The first was on Day 2, January 31, 2023, at the Pool Deck at 4:00 PM, and the second set was scheduled for Day 3, February 1, 2023, at the Royal Theater at 7:30 PM. Unfortunately, if memory serves us correctly, Uli fell ill for his second scheduled performance and only made it to the first. One reality is that people can fall sick on the cruise. In the 2018 edition, a handful of artists claimed to be ill, where people, including yours truly, caught what you would call the cruise flu. While it’s recommended to always wash your hands and pack some good vitamin C and immunity supplements, this can happen while embarking on any charter cruise vacation.

For those who made it to his first round, the neoclassical legend showcased his mastery under direct sunlight in the afternoon. It was the perfect time of day with the weather on his side to dish out a jammy vibe of guitar wizardry magic.

Uli Jon Roth

While continuing to book shows and having a slew of interviews, the main announcement for the guitarist involves his former project, Electric Sun. After a long wait, Uli resurrected Electric Sun by releasing the re-issue of the 1979 debut record, Earthquake, which arrived in November 2023 and featured two previously unreleased tracks. Uli Jon Roth formed Electric Sun shortly after leaving the Scorpions in 1978. Uli Jon Roth continues to captivate audiences with his timeless guitar prowess and musical contributions.

70000 tons of Metal will return on January 29th, setting sail from Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and back on February 2nd with another batch promising sixty bands to perform twice throughout the waves of adventure. The announcements initially moved fast and suddenly went on a halt. However, things are back on track, and looks to be final(?). With last minute cancellations and possible surprise announcements, one can never be so sure until the actual voyage begins. Following the reveal that Draconian and Marduk were forced to drop off and adding Wolfheart and Pentagram (Chile) to the mix, the “B” band has been unveiled. While 2023 we saw Batushka perform, this year, we will see Krzysztof Drabikowski’s Batushka, making 62 out of 60 bands thus far. In case you missed it, check out Metal Insider’s 70000tons essential packing guide.

2024 70000tons of Metal artists:

Aborted
Acod
Angra
April Art
Arion
Avulsed
Krzysztof Drabikowski’s Batushka
Before the Dawn
Blind Guardian
Blood Red Throne
Carnation
Crypta
Dalriada
Décembre Noir
Disillusion
Dynazty
Edenbridge
Einherjer
Endseeker
Epica
Equilibrium
Fleshcrawl
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Graceless
Grave Digger
Heidevolk
I Am The Night Horde
Infected Rain
Inhuman Condition
Iotunn
Kataklysm
Katatonia
Leaves’ Eyes
LEFT-ÖVR
Legion of the Damned
Lord of the Lost
My Dying Bride
Mystic Prophecy
Nanowar of Steel
Nervosa
Nile
Noturnail
Omnium Gatherum
Pentagram (Chile)
Rising Steel
Saor
Scar Symmetry
Serenity
Shores of Null
Skyforger
Sodom
Temperance
The Halo Effect
Threshold
Tygers of Pan Tang
Unleashed
Victory
Vision Divine
Waltari
Warkings
Wind Rose
Wolfheart