Windwaker have withdrawn from Hellbound Cruise 2026, citing health-related changes to their touring lineup, despite confirming their remaining scheduled shows will proceed as planned.
The withdrawal makes Windwaker the fifth act from Hellbound’s original 17-band announcement to pull out — five of 17, or approximately 29% of the initial lineup. The latest change comes just nine days before the inaugural cruise departs on October 22, with organisers confirming Dream On Dreamer have joined the bill.
In a statement distributed by Hellbound organisers on October 13, Windwaker revealed that synths and samples player and production manager Connor Robins would be stepping away from performing for the remainder of 2026 to prioritise his health.
“After two years of consistent and demanding touring, our Synths & Samples player and Production Manager, Connor Robins, has made the difficult decision to step away from performing for the remainder of the year to prioritise his health,” the band said.
Windwaker explained that Robins’ responsibilities extend beyond the stage, requiring changes to the band’s touring and production arrangements.
However, the statement also confirmed that the band’s other scheduled performances would continue.
“Our remaining touring schedule is continuing as planned,” Windwaker stated.
That leaves an obvious question for fans booked aboard Hellbound: why is the cruise being dropped while the band’s other touring commitments remain intact?
Windwaker have not provided a specific explanation for why the necessary production changes prevent their Hellbound appearance but allow their other scheduled shows to proceed.
The band acknowledged the disappointment for passengers who had made plans around the event.
“We know a lot of you have already made plans around the cruise, and we don’t take the disappointment of a change to the lineup lightly,” they said.
Meanwhile, organisers have announced Dream On Dreamer as a late addition to the bill. The Melbourne heavy music veterans, formed in 2009, join the event as passengers prepare for the cruise’s maiden voyage.
The Beautiful Monument and Diamond Construct were the first two acts to leave the original lineup, with DREGG and LATE 90s later added. Northlane subsequently withdrew, with Sunk Loto joining the bill, followed by In Hearts Wake. Windwaker’s exit brings the total to five original acts, including Northlane and In Hearts Wake, who were among the highest-billed names on the initial announcement.
Hellbound Cruise 2026 is scheduled to take place aboard Carnival Splendor from October 22–25.
While Robins’ health is the priority, the band’s announcement leaves unanswered why Hellbound specifically cannot proceed when its remaining touring schedule will continue.
