John Anderson, the Florida country singer known for his idiosyncratic voice and hits like “Swingin'” and “Seminole Wind,” was the guest of honor on this year’s cruise. An all-star concert featuring Joshua Ray Walker, Elizabeth Cook, and Steve Earle paid tribute with versions of Anderson’s songs.
Kyle Gass was a surprise guest on the boat and was persuaded to play a late-night set that touched on fan favorites by Tenacious D, Gass’s eclectic duo with Jack Black.
Slim Jim Phantom, the drummer for rockabilly heroes the Stray Cats, brought his Slim Jim Phantom Trio aboard the Norwegian Pearl to honor architects of rock like Buddy Holly and guitar heroes like James Burton.
Lucinda Williams headlined two nights in the ship’s Stardust Theater, playings sets that touched on all eras of her career. “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” was a highlight.
Jon Langford was ubiquitous on Outlaw Country Cruise 7, overseeing sets with members of his band the Mekons and, on the final day at sea, with the Waco Brothers, who turnd in a euphoric performance with guests like Joe King Carrasco and Rosie Flores.
Piano-playing fireball Jason D. Williams summoned the spirit of Jerry Lee Lewis with a wicked set on the pool deck stage. He also commanded a private after-hours party that found him writhing on the lid of his piano and playing upside-down.
Steve Earle is a perennial Outlaw Country Cruiser and hosted live interviews for SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and guitar pulls featuring Lucinda Williams.
The tiny but mighty Rosie Flores, a pillar of the Los Angeles roots-music scene, shredded some lead guitar in her own headlining sets and sitting in with Eddie Angel and the Waco Brothers.
Joe King Carrasco — “The King of Tex-Mex Rock & Roll” — catches air on the pool deck. Carrasco was a fixture on the boat and helped celebrate the legacy of the 84-year-old Augie Meyers, the Texas legend who played with Doug Sahm’s Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornados.
The Mavericks and special guest John Anderson soundtracked the departure of the Outlaw Country Cruise with a sail-away show on the deck.
The Mavericks and Mojo Nixon pose “backstage” on the Outlaw Country Cruise. Singer Raul Malo’s son Dino (far left) took over drumming duties for the band when Mavericks founding member Paul Deakin couldn’t sail.
Joshua Ray Walker, who decimated the cruising audience with songs like “Voices” and “Sexy After Dark,” shares a moment with Elizabeth Cook backstage.
Kathleen Edwards, a highlight of this year’s cruise, covered Linda Ronstadt with Raul Malo during the Mavericks’ voyage-ending jam.
Dallas/Fort Worth firebrands Vandoliers were one of the buzz bands of Outlaw Country Cruise 7, delivering a mix of Tex-Mex, Celtic, and punk sounds.
Mike and the Moonpies leaned into the cruiser aesthetic, with singer Mike Harmeier rocking florals, white pants, and tropical track suits for each of their shows. His guitarist, Catlin Rutherford, sported “three differents shades of camo,” Harmeier quipped onstage.
The Old 97’s marked 30 years of being one of the best bands to ever come out of Texas with a mesmerizing sail-away show as the ship left the Bahamas.