70000TONS OF METAL, the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise, has revealed its first 11 acts for the 2027 edition, sailing from Miami to Puerto Plata in January. Guitar legend ULI JON ROTH will perform two special sets honouring classic SCORPIONS albums, including a full performance of ‚Virgin Killer‘. The announcement marks the beginning of what promises to be another landmark edition of the floating festival.70000TONS OF METAL, the self-proclaimed Original and World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, has fired the opening salvo for its 2027 edition with the announcement of eleven acts set to sail from Miami, Florida, to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic between 14 and 18 January 2027, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas.
Headlining the initial reveal is guitar virtuoso ULI JON ROTH, whose storied career spans more than five decades, including his seminal work with iconic German rockers SCORPIONS. Roth will perform two distinct sets, both paying tribute to classic SCORPIONS albums celebrating their 50th anniversaries. The first set will feature a complete performance of ‚Virgin Killer‘, while the second will draw heavily from ‚In Trance‘. Festival CEO and founder Andy Piller described the booking as a cause for genuine excitement among the cruise’s devoted fanbase.
Roth is widely regarded as one of the founding architects of neoclassical metal, having fused blues-based rock with complex European classical influences to revolutionary effect. He is also the founder of the Sky Academy, an immersive masterclass programme designed to unlock musicians‘ full creative potential.
Joining him on the bill are ÆTHER REALM, ARCH ENEMY, BRAINSTORM, ENFORCER, EVERGREY, EQUILIBRIUM, MORS PRINCIPIUM EST, OBSCURA, THULCANDRA, and WARBRINGER, representing a broad cross-section of the heavy metal spectrum.
With only 3,000 tickets available and further band announcements promised in the coming weeks, fans are encouraged to book early. Full details can be found at 70000tons.com.
Photo: ULI JON ROTH / 70000TONS OF METAL