June 15th – June 21st
6/15 A restructured Pantera plays its first U.K. show in more than two decades at the Download Festival in Donington Park. Classic-lineup members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) are joined by Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums). The latter pair replace the deceased brothers Vincent “Vinnie Paul” Abbott (drums) and “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott (guitar). The original version of Pantera disbanded in ’03.
6/15 Solo artist and former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar is honored in his former hometown of Fontana, CA with the official grand opening of the 300-seat Stage Red Theater, named after the “Red Rocker.”
6/16 “Stereophonic,” a play that features original songs from Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, earns the coveted “Outstanding Play” award at the Tony Awards. The play was written by David Adimi and follows a Fleetwood Mac-like band as they record their breakthrough album.
6/17 Lacuna Coil parts ways with guitarist Diego Cavallotti, who joined the band in ’16, initially as a fill-in guitarist following the departure of Marco “Maus” Biazzi.
6/18 Ghost’s debut film, “Rite Here Rite Now,” has its world premiere at United Kingdom’s Picturehouse Central in London.
“It feels like a giant relief because at points during the making of the film, there was definitely a sense of urgency, especially for everyone who had to answer to someone, which I guess I had to too.” offers Ghost frontman Tobias Forge.
The film receives favorable reviews.
6/20 Queen’s legendary catalog has been acquired by Sony Music for £1 billion (around $1.27 billion). Sony has also acquired name and likeness rights, but Broadway rights and “other brand monetization” are not part of the deal – including revenue for live performances by founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor, who still tour with singer Adam Lambert.
6/21 “Fire,” Kittie’s seventh studio album, but first in 13 years – since the release of “I’ve Failed You” (’11), lands. The set features “Eyes Wide Open,” which dropped last February. “Fire” also includes “Vultures” and “We Are Shadows.”
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