Many states in the US require yearly workplace training on sexual harassment, covering boundaries, consent, and what constitutes inappropriate behavior. In today’s live-music environment, perhaps it’s time for artists and touring professionals to take similar education seriously. The difference between consensual interaction and unwelcome behavior should never be unclear. Kindness is not an invitation, and friendliness should never be mistaken for flirtation.
For those unfamiliar, Metal Insider has attended 70000tons of Metal regularly, and I have personally been on board every year since 2017. It remains one of the most unique experiences, with at least 60 bands at sea, a close-knit community, and an environment where many fans feel safe reconnecting with friends while celebrating the music. My own experiences have largely reflected that positivity. I share cabins with people I trust, focus on covering performances, and have consistently felt respected as both a fan and a working member of the media.
This year, for example, unusually cold weather hit Miami during the sailing, and the sense of community was clear, even small gestures, like a fellow attendee lending me a hoodie during Dark Tranquillity’s pool deck set for my damn feet, reflected the supportive environment many return for year after year. Those moments are worth protecting.
That said, positive personal experiences do not mean problems never occur. As ticket prices rise due to today’s climate, making travel more difficult, many fans invest significant time and money to attend events like this. One negative interaction, especially one that crosses personal boundaries, can undermine an entire experience. 70000tons of Metal is about music and community, not unwanted advances. Fans who seek different environments have plenty of options, but this cruise has long been valued for its inclusive, safe atmosphere.
Recently, discussions on social media forums, Reddit threads, and Lambgoat coverage referenced allegations involving Skeletal Remains frontman/guitarist Chris Monroy. Metal Insider was not present for the reported incident and cannot independently verify what occurred; however, multiple attendees have shared accounts online describing behavior they viewed as inappropriate.
According to Lambgoat, a Reddit post stated:
“Chris Monroy, vocalist and guitarist for the death metal band Skeletal Remains, has reportedly been banned from future appearances on the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise following allegations of inappropriate behavior toward multiple women during the recent festival. According to posts from attendees on social media, Monroy was frequently intoxicated during the cruise and allegedly groped women without their consent throughout the festival.”
Based on numerous comments and public reporting, festival staff reportedly acted quickly, restricting Monroy’s participation for the remainder of the cruise and limiting his access to festival activities. At the time of publication, there has been no official statement from 70000tons of Metal, Skeletal Remains, or Monroy addressing the situation directly. Lineup information on Metal Archives also suggests changes surrounding the band’s live configuration, such as guitarist Mario Salcedo listed as a live member from 2025-2026. However, no formal announcement has clarified these details thus far.
As an outlet that values both the music and the community around it, Metal Insider supports efforts that prioritize attendee safety. The cruise has built its reputation on respect and camaraderie, and swift responses to reported concerns help preserve that trust. In light of ongoing discussions, Metal Insider has chosen to remove Skeletal Remains from this year’s Artist Spotlight coverage, focusing instead on the remaining 60 bands captured during the event.
We also reached out to attendee Steph Santi, a longtime member of the metal community, who shared the following regarding her experience:
“I was standing right next to a table at the Karaoke area, talking with people I had just met, when Mario and Chris from Skeletal Remains approached me. Mario asked me if I listened to death metal, to which I replied that I did, and then they said they were from Skeletal Remains. Chris was on my left side, and he looked intoxicated. I tried to have a conversation with him, but to no avail. He then started grabbing my left arm, and I kindly brushed it off. Mario was not with him at this point, and Chris bought me a beer after serious convincing, and then he started getting more handsy with me. Grabbing me tighter around my arm, so I got concerned. I saw another good friend, and I told him that Chris was bothering me, so he invited me to sit down at the table, and they all created a barricade for Chris not to get to him. He got upset, and then I saw him going around getting handsy with other women who were there. I then moved out of the circle because my friend was singing karaoke, and I unfortunately ran into him again. He then grabbed my butt, and on my side, there was my friend again, so I went back to the same space where I was safe from him. Then, after I saw that Mario was pushing him out of the area a couple of minutes later, there was no trace of him there that day.”
Conversations around boundaries and accountability are never easy, but necessary. Metal thrives because of its passionate fans; people who travel, save, and show up year after year to support the music they love. Maintaining an environment where everyone feels respected should remain a shared responsibility.
