01) “So Happy I Could Die” on the pool deck 

Photo Credit: Kyle Finlan

One of the best things about the pool deck onboard 70000 Tons is to be able to enjoy sets in the driving sun at the same time that it is 15 degrees F and snowy back home in Detroit. This, along with crossing off another elusive band in Lord of the Lost, caught me off guard with happiness! After my time in the photo pit (where some of the guys in the band posed for the camera!), I made my way up to Deck 12 for a wide shot as they kept things rolling with their song “Blood and Glitter”. The track opens with “Blood and glitter, Sweet and bitter, We’re so happy we could die,” and this made for quite a poignant moment and some reflection as to how absurd and unique of an event the floating metal festival that is 70,000 Tons of Metal is. It’s quite a rare time when people from 71 different countries get together in the Caribbean sun for some time, detached from the mundane challenges of everyday life to celebrate what makes metal what it is! I’m quite thankful I was able to make it this year after taking last year off, and I can only hope I can make it again next year.

Bonus: Photo Gallery of Temperance’s incredible set at the Royal Theater:

Photo Credit: Kyle Finlan

Check out Tom’s top ten performances from the 2024 edition of 70000tons of Metal here. Relive the highlights from 2023 with the Artist Spotlight before we soon take a deep dive, showcasing all 62 artists from this year’s voyage as we prepare for the 2025 edition.