The Carnival Magic was the host-boat for the 2025 ShipRocked Cruise. Which, again for the 11th year in a row proved to be the best rock festival in the US and a one-of-a-kind vacation.
Before I get to some of the individual “guitar” moments I was able to witness, let me summarize by re-stating that ShipRocked remains the best dollar-for-dollar concert experience. I was able to see most of 17 shows, with the only “repeat” being The Stowaways, who did entirely different sets.
That is 15 different bands in concert. All in various locations on the ship (or in the case of Jigsaw Youth on a private Island in The Bahamas). Plus the revolving cast of The Stowaways providing combinations that will never been seen again. And to top it all off, all of these unique moments take place in picturesque locations often incorporating much needed sunshine.
The full lineup included 33 bands and artists (not counting The Stowaways). So the 15 shows I got to see was only 47% of the possible lineup.
Now for the guitar part. How about I give you 10 names from this year’s voyage that crush the instrument.
Sammy Boller: Sammy is among the finest guitarists on the planet due to his perfect mix of precision and feel. He has the speed and dexterity to play any style but stands out due to his ability to access is private well of emotions. His solo shows are a must see. His performances in The Stowaways also managed to stand out among the pack of gifted musicians.
Jason Hook: Jason earned his stature as a coveted guitarist in his early days as a session player and provided guitar work for Hillary Duff and Mandy Moore on the pop side, while also working with Alice Cooper and Vice Neil. He is still best-known as the ripping guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch (2009-2020) and now leads the band Flat Black with his iconic red and white signature Gibson Explorer.
Sophie Lloyd: She was totally new to me as I try to stay away from the social media world, and Machine Gun Kelly is not on my usual playlist. However, seeing her play it was obvious she has a nice touch. I was able to decipher some Iron Maiden inspired runs blended with the burning depth you might find in a Joe Bonamassa solo.
Mark Vollelunga: Mark’s role in Nothing More allows him to approach songs with interesting and sometimes non-traditional choices. His playing is always crisp and his performances, like the rest of the band are energetic. I do wish the band would loosen up a bit live a let Mark shred, but “playing for the song” is rarely a bad choice.
Adam Slack: Adam is another guitarist that plays only what the song calls for, and with The Strus that means short, melodic and meaningful solos, But it also means some fun, bouncy, sassy rhythm riffs.
Andy Wood:Andy is a guitar technician of the first order. He can not only play every legendary riff or solo in the book, but he can also mimic the sound and style as well. Need a Pantera chug? He’s got you covered. Want a slick EVH solo? He can do that too.
Also on a long list of others that impressed and more importantly entertained throughout the cruise were Tyler Baker and his incredibly under-rated band Goodbye June, the versatile Dameon Aranda, and the atmosphere master that adds the “rock” to the blended P.O.D. sound, Marcos Curiel.
