In keeping with the spirit of creating unforgettable experiences and exclusive performances, the 2026 edition of 70000TONS OF METAL, The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, will host the first-ever live on-stage performance of VBO. Also known as Vice Business Only, VBO, a turbo-charged fusion of synthwave swagger and heavy rock heat, is a newly formed project from Francesco Cavalieri, best known as the lead vocalist of Italian Power Metal band WIND ROSE, and electronic artist Simone Giusti.

Setting sail in January 2026 from Miami, FL to Nassau, The Bahamas and back, the 4-day floating festival will welcome VBO to its international stage, marking the band’s Official Live Debut alongside 59 other acts from across the global Metal scene.

While details surrounding VBO have been kept intentionally limited, the project signals a new creative direction for Cavalieri, whose work with WIND ROSE has earned him recognition for his powerful vocal presence and theatrical performance style. With VBO, Cavalieri explores new musical territory, offering a sound distinct from his previous work, yet still grounded in the intensity and character-driven storytelling he is known for.

“We are VBO: Vice Business Only. Did you really think you could sail without us? What kind of party would it be without the bad boys? Forget about it…”, said the band. “This is the plan, open your ears: we’re bringing champagne, our passion and our asses to the stage of the most metal cruise in the world: Miami – Nassau. We will be performing two world premiere concerts of our 80’s-flavored synthwave metal, and you will be the first witnesses of our rise to power, right on time to join us. And when we run out of champagne? We’re going back to refill bottles from our friends in Vice City. If you like us, come and you’ll be our guest of honor, you have our word. And for those who don’t like us, we hope they enjoy swimming to Miami. Bring yourself a nice elegant dress… It will serve you in both cases.”

Cavalieri will also perform separately with WIND ROSE, returning to 70000TONS OF METAL 2026 after the band’s well-received previous appearance on the cruise. Fans will have the unique opportunity to see both sides of Cavalieri’s musical identity in one epic setting.

Check out the band’s shoutout video below:

With 51 of 60 bands already announced and ticket sales in full swing, Sailors originating from over 80 Nations around the World should make sure to get ready and not miss the experience of a lifetime onboard this floating festival in the Caribbean – and join The United Nations Of Heavy Metal At Sea.

The currently-announced lineup for the 2026 sailing is:

AMORPHIS
ANTHRAX
ARKONA
BEAST IN BLACK
BLOODRED HOURGLASS
CEMETERY SKYLINE
DARKANE
DARK TRANQUILLITY
DØDHEIMSGARD
DRAGONLAND
DUST BOLT
ELUVEITIE
EREB ALTOR
FIREWIND
GAMA BOMB
GROZA
HAGGARD
HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY
HEATHEN
HIRAES
HIRAX
HOUR OF PENANCE
IGNEA
ILLDISPOSED
ILLUMISHADE
IN MOURNING
INSOMNIUM
IZEGRIM
KAMELOT
KANONENFIEBER
ORDEN OGAN
PARADISE LOST
PERSEFONE
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
ROYAL HUNT
SATAN
SATURNUS
SEVEN SPIRES
SKELETAL REMAINS
SKYCLAD
SOEN
SOILWORK
SUIDAKRA
TRIBULATION
TÝR
VADER
VBO
VIO-LENCE
WIND ROSE
WOLF
XANDRIA

… And 9 more!

Tickets for the 70000TONS OF METAL 2026 cruise, featuring a lineup of top metal bands and exclusive performances, are available now at: www.70000tons.com

Stay tuned for updates and announcements by checking out 70000tons.com and the @70000tons social media channels.

About 70000TONS OF METAL

70000TONS OF METAL is The Original, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise.
With ten consecutive sellouts since the inaugural voyage in 2011, this extraordinary and unique floating festival now sails on board some of the largest luxury passenger vessels in the world. Featuring 60 Heavy Metal bands from around the globe performing across four stages, 70000TONS OF METAL is home to The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas.

Guests can enjoy the Heavy Metal festival experience of a lifetime with all the benefits that a cruise has to offer: complimentary fine dining, bars that never close, 24-hour room service, as well as the ship’s many amenities.

All 60 bands on board play twice – and there are four concert locations on board: A concert hall, the Royal Theater, stands tall with five levels. The Star Lounge offers a more personal and local club-like ambiance. Discover the arena-like vibes at Studio B, the third indoor stage available. Lastly, yet undoubtedly the most remarkable, is the Pool Deck Stage: The World’s Biggest Open Air Stage Structure to Ever Sail the Open Seas. This immense stage is accompanied by bars, pools, and even hot tubs that are integrated into the stage itself, allowing guests to indulge in the unique experience of watching their favorite Metal bands while soaking in a hot tub.
This four-day Heavy Metal Music Festival and Caribbean vacation offers 3000 metalheads the amazing opportunity to mingle side-by-side with all of the bands on board. With no VIP areas it truly is like everyone has a backstage pass. Not only do guests have unrestricted festival access to 120+ live performances (all bands play twice), every ticket also includes meet & greets with each band, intimate masterclasses with select musicians, world live premieres and exclusive listening sessions of unreleased material. Guests also have full access to the “Jamming in International Waters All Star Jam” – a one-of-a-kind jam session featuring a host of musical virtuosos performing classic Metal songs together on stage. 

Sailors also have the special opportunity to explore a Caribbean dream destination with their favorite band members on an “Artist Escorted Shore Excursion”, another 70000TONS OF METAL exclusive.

For more details about 70000TONS OF METAL 2025, including FAQs, vessel amenities and contact information, please visit 70000tons.com

Guests and fans are also invited to join the 70000TONS OF METAL community on The 70000TONS OF METAL Official Forum, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram, and Spotify: @70000tons