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Röck Illustrated

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Stories from June 2026

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Eddie Vedder Live Debuts “Better Believe” @ Obama Library Opening

Eddie Vedder Live Debuts “Better Believe” @ Obama Library Opening

On Thursday in the South Side of Chicago, President Barack Obama's presidential library received its grand opening.

Over his two terms, both the first lady Michelle and the POTUS hosted many musical events at the White House. Memorable performances included those by Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Mick Jagger, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Keb’ Mo’, Janelle Monáe, Sam Moore, and Justin Timberlake, among others.

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Wu-Tang Clan May Have Been The Key To The Knicks’ Championship

Wu-Tang Clan May Have Been The Key To The Knicks’ Championship

When the Wu-Tang Clan took over the court at halftime Wednesday (6/10) of Game 4 of the NBA Finals to perform, the situation couldn't have looked more dire.

The hometown New York Knicks trailed by 27 points in what was sure to be the second loss in a row. The visiting San Antonio Spurs had sunk an NBA Finals-record of 14 three-pointers and led 76-49 at the half.

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The Strokes Live Debut “Falling Out of Love” At Bonnaroo

The Strokes Live Debut “Falling Out of Love” At Bonnaroo

The Strokes closed the What Stage at Bonnaroo on Friday (6/12), knocking out an 18-song set that stretched across all six of their albums as well as a pair from the forthcoming LP Reality Awaits.

One of those tunes even got its first proper live debut for the good people who made the pilgrimage to Manchester, Tennessee, for the beloved festival.

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Commodore Ballroom: Venue Spotlight

Commodore Ballroom: Venue Spotlight

The Commodore Ballroom first opened its doors at 868 Granville Street in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on December 3, 1930, as the Commodore Cabaret. George Conrad Reifel built it in 1929 on the former site of the Commodore Cafe. Designed in the Art Deco style of the time by H.H. Gillingham, the room boasted a sprung dance floor where the hardwood was laid over tires stuffed with horsehair.

As luck would have it, the Commodore opened at the exact worst time: just after the 1929 stock-market crash, which shut it down just two years later. Near the end of '31 it reopened under Nick Kogas and Johnny Dillias as a dance hall and supper club.

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Madonna Live Debuts Confession II’s “Love Sensation” in Times Sq

Madonna Live Debuts Confession II’s “Love Sensation” in Times Sq

Madonna surprised New Yorkers with a free Times Square concert last Thursday (6/4) and doled out a live debut from her forthcoming Confessions II album.

The Queen of Pop took to the TSX Stage at the start of Pride Month in a cheeky collaboration with Grindr. Behind her on the digital wheels of steel was her longtime collaborator, Grammy-winning producer and re-mixer Stuart Price, who has been known by many names.

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Paul Simon’s Quiet Celebration Include Duets with Edie Brickell

Paul Simon’s Quiet Celebration Include Duets with Edie Brickell

Paul Simon and Edie Brickell have been in a personal and musical partnership for more than three decades. Brickell made her splash in the late '80s as the adorable hippyish singer of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, whose 1988 hit “What I Am” was a delightful respite from the maddening mush on MTV.

Simon and Brickell met during that time, developed a relationship, got hitched in May of 1992, and have remained together ever since, raising a family while continuing their individual creative careers.

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