Hellyeah - Shiprocked Cruise 2016

Photo/Written by Robin Ervolina
There is no way to sugar-coat this: as much as I love me some recent supergroups, Hellyeah is the super group to end all super groups. Featuring Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray, Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, and Pantera drummer (and brother of Dimebag Darrell) Vinnie Paul, Hellyeah has one helluva pedigree. Cool thing is, they don't boast about it, and they sure as hell don't rely on it. Each time they take the stage, it's a masters' class in how to earn cred the honest way; they rock ridiculously hard, give everything to their performance and their audience, and reach fans with their energy, their music, and their message. Oh yes, their music has a message; don't be ashamed of your mistakes, don't be afraid to make them, don't be a dumbass and forget to learn from them. Hellyeah gave Shiprockers a stand-out performance, difficult to categorize, let alone photograph... and Croce thought saving time in a bottle was hard.
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Avatar - Shiprocked Cruise 2016

Photo/Written by Robin Ervolina
According to Ralph Sutton, host of the SDR Show and Master of Ceremonies for Shiprocked, when Shiprockers are asked what bands they would most like to sail with, Sweden's Avatar is the most requested. The excitement surrounding the booking announcement was, however, surpassed by the sheer frenzy of activity on the main deck by an anxious crowd awaiting Avatar's first performance. The anticipation appeared to be two-fold: Avatards, as their fans are known, awaiting their beloved band, and those rockers who were curious to see what the Avatar-related fuss was about. By the end of the first song, those two camps were indiscernible. Avatar took the stage with all the pomp and circumstance of theatrical band, but unlike so many groups that rely on the show to earn fans, Avatar has serious substance behind their imagery. They rock hard, connect with the crowd, deliver profound ideas via prolific lyrics accompanied by expert musicianship.
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Rubix Cube - Shiprocked Cruise 2016

Photo/Written by: Robin Ervolina
The totally, like, awesome 80's cover band Rubix Cube had no trouble commanding an audience of metal heads and rockers on Shiprocked 2016. Hailing from the state of New York, Rubix Cube brings more than your typical era-honorarium. They seek not only to entertain, but to transport. Though one of the theme nights for Shiprocked 2016 was Totally Tubular 80s, when it came to taking us back in time, Rubix Cube trumped every Don Johnson and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle on deck. One look at a stage adorned with Michael Jackson and Debbie Gibson album art and a ridiculously large inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and it should come as no surprise that gimmicky madness will ensue ... that it ensued with such unique showmanship was the unexpected treat.
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Nonpoint - Shiprocked Cruise 2016

Photo/written by: Robin Ervolina
Shiprocked veterans Nonpoint rocked the Norwegian Pearl for the third year in a row. Fans -- nay, family -- embraced them with open arms and raised fists for both their hair-flying, high-energy sets. The no-moshing rule aboard the ship is respected by all attendees, but when Elias says, "Jump" you better believe there are NO feet on the ground in the general vicinity of that stage.
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Halestorm - Shiprocked Cruise 2016

Photo/written by : Robin Ervolina
Halestorm kicked of the 2016 Shiprocked Cruise on the main deck of the Norwegian Pearl. As the Pearl set sail, cruisers were treated to some of Halestorm's greatest hits, including the Grammy-award winning "Love Bites," and a moving rendition of "Dear Daughter." Later in the week they would take the stage again, this time packing out the Stardust Theater. In between, Lzzy and her brother Arejay were frequently spotted around the ship socializing with fellow shiprockers. Those lucky enough to attend the pre-party were also treated to an intimate Hailstorm set. Additionally, Lzzy performed with the super-super-super group, the Stowaways, while Arejay offered diners a chance to win a signed rubber chicken by correctly answering three questions regarding past Shiprocked cruises.

Rubber Chicken photo credit: Matthew Cox
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