Latest news with #DefLeppard
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Q&A: Summerfest CEO Sarah Pancheri On What Makes The Event So Special
Today (June 19) Summerfest in Milwaukee kicks off with a slate of shows that include Aly & AJ, The Isley Brothers, Gary Clark Jr. and headliners Def Leppard. Over the next three weekends, wrapping July 3 – 5, some of the biggest names in music – Hozier, The Killers, Lainey Wilson, James Taylor, The Lumineers, Benson Boone – will lead an insanely eclectic lineup of top-tier artists that will grace the eights stages on the festival grounds. Bishop Briggs, The Fray, Lindsay Stirling, Riley Green, The Avett Brothers, Devo, Babymetal, Rick Springfield, Billy Corgan, Mike Posner, Social Distortion, Iann Dior, Jo Dee Messina, the list goes on and on. At the head of assembling these dream weekends of music is CEO Sarah Pancheri, who took over that role in 2024. I spoke with her about Summerfest's history and future and more. Steve Batin: So, you're opening with Def Leppard. Sarah Pancheri: Yes, we are thrilled that they will be opening up Summerfest 2025. Baltin: Is this the first year they've played the festival? Pancheri: No, I would need to go back into our archive to know how many times they've played, but I know they've played and they're always a great show, Tesla's opening. And as we talked about briefly the variety of what we present is really one of the things that makes Summerfest so special, which I know you have a high degree of understanding of. Just the nature of it. Baltin: Yeah, that's what makes it special. But most US music festivals would never in a million years put Def Leppard on. Everybody in the world loves Def Leppard. There's a cool factor with a lot of festivals and I really appreciate the fact that Summerfest isn't afraid to go populist. Pancheri: That's our idea, there's always going to be a big variety. When we say something for everyone It's something that we that we take really seriously. So, in our amphitheater this time around, you'll see [acts from] Lainey Wilson to James Taylor to Megan Thee Stallion to Bad Omens. That variety is really one of the parts that makes the festival so terrific. That philosophy has been with us for 60 years almost. So, when you pull from the archives, you see names like Tina Turner and Kenny Chesney, and Billie Eilish, and I was just having a conversation, Sammy Davis Jr. It spans such a wide variety of music that it's really what we pride ourselves on. There are a couple of other things that make us special, of course, the permanent nature of our festival park, Henry Marr Festival Park. It really is 75 acres devoted to festivals. Sixty years ago, as our forefathers said, we'll take this space, which was an old, abandoned field, if you can believe it, just sitting on the lakefront steps away from downtown. And over time, we've developed it into this really gorgeous place with eight permanent stage houses. The range of stages goes from like a 2000 capacity pavilion all the way up to the 23 ,000 seating amphitheater where Def Leppard is going to play. So, it's the variety of music, but then also this permanent site that really makes us stand out. Baltin: I love the fact that James Taylor is one of those people who's just iconic. He's not of the moment. You have Hozier, who's a great guy, and you have Laney Wilson. You have those people that are of the moment, but you also have those people that are just iconic. Pancheri: That is how we program the event because we want to create an environment for everybody to find something that they're going to love. So, the biggest stages are always super exciting. But then just to orient you towards how we do it. The festival admission to the festival does not include access to the amphitheater, but it includes access to the rest of the festival park, where you're going to find bands like Cake, like Loud Luxury, like Gary Clark, Jr. We are so excited about that show. And you'll hear me say that again and again, because it's absolutely true. And as a music fan, you know, you're excited you get to come to work. On our poster, you have Baby Metal, Chicago and Porter Robinson, all kind of in the same place, which again, just speaks to how rare our lineup is. And the accessibility of that is you can come to the festival for the price of 30 bucks. And then the other piece of that, which really makes us stand out, I believe, is as a nonprofit organization, we do this so that we can continue to provide access to this world -class place, this world -class lineup. And then 20 percent of our fans come in free above and beyond that low ticket price. So, it's pretty unique, I think we're one of one. We can't find anything else quite like it. Baltin: Milwaukee is synonymous with Summerfest the same way Jazz Fest is New Orleans. Pancheri: That's high praise. We appreciate that. Thank you, I tend to believe that the people that do this work, it is very special and really takes a lot of dedication, and I know the folks in New Orleans as well as everyone that works really hard at what they do. And so, it's high praise to say that, and when you go back to the roots of the event, the idea that at the time there were massive breweries of beer. And so, the tradition of coming together and celebrating music as well as gathering around, at the time it was Schlitz, Papst, and Miller. It was a great reason to put on display all that Milwaukee and music had to offer in the summertime. Baltin: Talk about the site. Pancheri: Over the past 20 years, we put over $160 million into improving this site, which really does make it that special place. If it were just a field, it would probably feel different, but the permanence of the site really gives the festival a lot of wind in terms of just how important it is. And we're really proud of the fact, over $300 million in economic impact is generated from this park for Wisconsin. So, on an annual basis, $300 million going back into Wisconsin, again, as a nonprofit organization and being able to do that on a regular basis is really, it ingrains us into what Milwaukeeans and what Wisconsinites consider summer. The city of festivals is very real for us. Baltin: You took over in your role in 2024. There's such a legacy for the festival. That's always a fascinating thing to balance that legacy with your own style and vision to it. Pancheri: Thank you. We have an incredible team. So, I've stepped into the role in the beginning of 2024, my predecessor and I worked together for quite some time before that. So, stepping into the role now and really the dynamic nature of this industry, as you well know, it's changing every day. We're making sure that we're remaining current and maintaining that variety while also adding some of these new artists that are coming out. In addition to considering how we're going to use this park, how we're going to continue to expand what the use is, and highest and best use of this beautiful facility is, and how do we continue to enhance the Summerfest experience. So, last year, we started adding some art installations. We're looking at continuing to do that. We continue to push our value proposition. When someone new comes to the festival park and experiences Summerfest, someone who's never been here before, they're genuinely blown away with the value as well as just the variety of music here. So, as I think about what the future looks like and what our team is looking forward to doing, it's how do we continue, enhance, and grow that opportunity that we know is one of one in Milwaukee.
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Summerfest 2025 in US: Location, schedule, ticket prices, lineup, a complete guide
Summerfest 2025 is back and bigger than ever, transforming Milwaukee's stunning Lake Michigan waterfront into a nonstop celebration of music, community, and pure summer joy. Held at Henry Maier Festival Park from June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 3–5, this iconic festival, dubbed "The World's Largest Music Festival," draws thousands to its 75-acre grounds for an unforgettable blend of live performances, local culture, and lakeside vibes. It's more than just a party; since 1968, Summerfest has been a nonprofit powerhouse, uniting people through music while supporting Milwaukee's arts and recreation scene. This year's lineup is stacked with headliners like The Killers, Megan Thee Stallion, and Def Leppard at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, alongside 800+ acts across 12 stages, from hip-hop legends Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to Latin music stars lighting up the Aurora Pavilion. This 2025, it's hosting its first-ever Juneteenth celebration on opening day (June 19), featuring a parade court ceremony and performances by artists like Gary Clark Jr. and Eric Benét. You can also dive into quirky installations like the Astral Relics light forest near the north gate, rally friends for pickleball at Dean's Dip Village, or even kayak Lake Michigan for free thanks to Black Creek Cheddar. Don't miss the fireworks on June 19 or the drone spectacle set to light up July 4th with Johnsonville's "Happy Birthday America" sing-along. Foodies, families, and thrill-seekers all get love here: refuel with craft beers at the Keg & Cask Bar, let kids loose at the accessible Lil' Gig playground, or ride the sky-high Ferris wheel for killer city views. Pro tip: Score a free hat if you're among the first 10,000 on opening day, or bring canned food June 19–21 for free entry before 3 pm. Seriously, whether you're chilling with cold beer by the lake or dancing under the fireworks, Summerfest 2025 is where Milwaukee's heart beats loudest.
New York Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell reveals he's in remission from Hodgkin lymphoma — 12 years after diagnosis
Def Leppard guitarist and background vocalist Vivian Campbell revealed he is in remission from Hodgkin lymphoma after being diagnosed over a decade ago, saying that he owes his donor a beer 'or two or three.' 'I did a PET scan in the middle of April, and I'm 100% clean, completely in remission for the first time in 12 or 13 years,' Campbell said on SiriusXM's 'Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk'. 'I am obviously overjoyed. You couldn't ask for more than that. I had an incredible donor.' The 62-year-old was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013 and said he went 'through the mill with all sorts of chemo and immunotherapy and combination therapies' until he received a 'really, really successful' bone marrow transplant on New Year's Eve in 2024. 5 Vivian Campbell is in remission after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in Live Nation UK Campbell shared that his previous efforts to combat cancer didn't stick and that it 'kept coming back.' 'Ten years ago, I did an oncologist stem cell transplant, which means using my own stem cells,' Campbell explained. 'That didn't work. The cancer kept coming back. And then a couple of years ago, it really got bad… the doctors told me my only chance for a cure was to do a donor transplant.' The Northern Ireland-born musician was initially supposed to receive a transplant after Thanksgiving. However, he lost his initial donor 10 days before the surgery, which he described as a 'kick in the nuts.' Doctors found a 21-year-old donor with '10 out of 10' genetic markers to step in and save Campbell. 5 Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen performed at Marvel Stadium on November 14, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. WireImage 5 Campbell skipped the band's first show of 2025 as he recovered from a bone marrow transplant. WireImage 'He put his name on the donor registry, for no reason other than he's a good person,' Campbell said. 'There are a lot of good people out there, I'm glad to say.' The 'Love Bites' guitarist claimed he won't find out the identity of his donor for a while. 'After two years, they give you the option to contact your donor,' Campbell said. 'So you can reach out to them. I would imagine [that] in this day and age it's via e-mail.' 5 Def Leppard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Jamie McCarthy/WireImage Campbell plans to reach out to his savior and 'buy him a beer or two or three.' 'If they want to correspond with you, they can,' Campbell said. 'They don't have to. But obviously, it's a life-saving proposition, so I'd certainly want to express my gratitude.' The rocker recovered in the hospital for nearly a month after the transplant, which caused him to skip the band's first show of 2025. 5 Campbell joined the legendary rock band in 1992. Dimitrios Kambouris 'I just have to keep my head down and my spirits up for the next 100 days of primary recovery,' Campbell wrote in a statement on the band's Instagram page in January. Campbell joined Def Leppard in 1992 after guitarist Steve Clark died from a lethal combination of alcohol and prescription drugs in 1991. Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that start in lymphocytes — white blood cells in your lymphatic system,' according to the Cleveland Clinic. The nonprofit group adds that Hodgkin lymphoma is considered 'one of the most curable cancers.'
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell in remission after lengthy battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma
Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell in remission after lengthy battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma The 62-year-old rocker was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013 Hard rock legends Def Leppard (Image: Sam Tabone / WireImage via Getty Images ) Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell is "completely clean" of cancer. The 62-year-old rocker was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013, and after taking some time out to recover from treatment, he returned to the stage with the Pour Some Sugar On Me band in May. After undergoing some "hardcore chemotherapy" and a successful bone marrow transplant, Campbell has revealed his PET scan in April showed no signs of cancer. Speaking on SiriusXM's Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, he said: "I've been very lucky, actually. I got an early diagnosis for Hodgkin's lymphoma 13 years ago, 12 years ago, something like that. [I went] through the mill with all sorts of chemo and immunotherapy and combination therapies, and 10 years ago I did an autologous stem cell transplant, which means using my own stem cells. That didn't work. The cancer kept coming back, and then a couple of years ago, it really got bad. So it was the first time in having to deal with it that I was seriously concerned about it. And the doctors told me really my only chance for of cure was to do a donor transplant. And that's exactly what I did. Starting last summer during our tour, I started doing more chemo in preparation for it. And then right after the tour, they started giving me very hardcore chemo leading up to the transplant. I was supposed to start after Thanksgiving, and I lost my donor 10 days beforehand. So that was a kick in the nuts. But I was very fortunate that they found me another one in December. And on New Year's Eve, I went into hospital. I was in for about three and a half weeks, and I did what has turned out to be a really, really successful transplant. So I did a PET scan in the middle of April and I'm a hundred percent clean, completely in remission for the first time in 12 or 13 years. And I am obviously overjoyed. You couldn't ask for more than that." The guitarist hopes to buy his donor a beer one day to thank him for saving his life. Article continues below He said: "A young man, actually. I don't get to know who he is for a couple of years, but a 21-year-old man. And they always prefer a youthful donor. Obviously, I'm gonna buy him a beer - or two or three." Campbell underwent immunotherapy treatment and was part of a clinical trial for the medication pembrolizumab amid his battle with the disease. Speaking on the Lymphoma Voices podcast in 2023, he said: "I'm still dealing with the lymphoma. Article continues below "It's sort of like – it's an American expression – Whac-a-Mole. You beat something back and then it pops up somewhere else. But it's been a pretty consistent battle, but it hasn't been too difficult for me. I deal with it fine. I've been able to live my life. "For the bulk of those 10 years, I actually was doing immunotherapy. Starting in June of 2015, I started taking a drug called pembrolizumab. I remember at the time my doctors wanted me to do radiation and maybe a combination of radiation and chemo. And I just thought, 'Well, let's just try this immunotherapy thing. Let's see if this works.' So I managed to get on the trial. I'm happy to say that it worked well for me."
Perth Now
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell in remission after lengthy battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma
Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell is "completely clean" of cancer. The 62-year-old rocker was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013, and after taking some time out to recover from treatment, he returned to the stage with the Pour Some Sugar On Me band in May. After undergoing some "hardcore chemotherapy" and a successful bone marrow transplant, Campbell has revealed his PET scan in April showed no signs of cancer. Speaking on SiriusXM's Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, he said: "I've been very lucky, actually. I got an early diagnosis for Hodgkin's lymphoma 13 years ago, 12 years ago, something like that. [I went] through the mill with all sorts of chemo and immunotherapy and combination therapies, and 10 years ago I did an autologous stem cell transplant, which means using my own stem cells. That didn't work. The cancer kept coming back, and then a couple of years ago, it really got bad. So it was the first time in having to deal with it that I was seriously concerned about it. And the doctors told me really my only chance for of cure was to do a donor transplant. And that's exactly what I did. Starting last summer during our tour, I started doing more chemo in preparation for it. And then right after the tour, they started giving me very hardcore chemo leading up to the transplant. I was supposed to start after Thanksgiving, and I lost my donor 10 days beforehand. So that was a kick in the nuts. But I was very fortunate that they found me another one in December. And on New Year's Eve, I went into hospital. I was in for about three and a half weeks, and I did what has turned out to be a really, really successful transplant. So I did a PET scan in the middle of April and I'm a hundred percent clean, completely in remission for the first time in 12 or 13 years. And I am obviously overjoyed. You couldn't ask for more than that." The guitarist hopes to buy his donor a beer one day to thank him for saving his life. He said: "A young man, actually. I don't get to know who he is for a couple of years, but a 21-year-old man. And they always prefer a youthful donor. Obviously, I'm gonna buy him a beer — or two or three." Campbell underwent immunotherapy treatment and was part of a clinical trial for the medication pembrolizumab amid his battle with the disease. Speaking on the Lymphoma Voices podcast in 2023, he said: "I'm still dealing with the lymphoma. "It's sort of like – it's an American expression – Whac-a-Mole. You beat something back and then it pops up somewhere else. But it's been a pretty consistent battle, but it hasn't been too difficult for me. I deal with it fine. I've been able to live my life. "For the bulk of those 10 years, I actually was doing immunotherapy. Starting in June of 2015, I started taking a drug called pembrolizumab. I remember at the time my doctors wanted me to do radiation and maybe a combination of radiation and chemo. And I just thought, 'Well, let's just try this immunotherapy thing. Let's see if this works.' So I managed to get on the trial. I'm happy to say that it worked well for me."
