This Week In Entertainment News 5 June 2026
A billion-dollar Universal deal is binned, and a guitar legend get burned this week in entertainment news, plus new releases and tour updates from Australia and around the world.
Universal Music Group has rejected a billion-dollar takeover bid by billionaire Bill Ackman’s investment firm Pershing Square. UMG’s Board of Directors determined the proposal was: “not in the best interests of UMG, its shareholders, artists, songwriters, employees and other stakeholders”, adding the $64 billion offer critically undervalued UMG. UMG has reportedly spent US$290 million repurchasing its own stock back from Pershing Square, bringing an end to the firm’s tenure as shareholder in the world’s biggest music company.
The Jesus and Mary Chain’s William Reid kicked a hornet’s nest when he claimed Eddie Van Halen “ruined rock guitar” and calling him “one of the worst guitar players in the world.” In an interview with Stereogum, William’s brother and bandmate Jim Reid was discussing the new generation of rock music and his own playing style.
“Not having a lot of equipment actually forces you to be more inventive. I can play guitar, but only just. It’s kinda deliberate. I play guitar to the level that I need to play guitar. And sometimes knowing too much about making music gets in the way, and it ends up back to Eddie Van Halen again, do you know what I mean?”
William then chimed in, “I think guitar players should never learn scales. I think the worst guitar players in the world, like Eddie Van Halen… I can’t stand Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing. I think he ruined rock guitar all through the ’80s and ’90s ’cause so many people copied him.”
Metallica fans have proved their collective power at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, with seismologists recording the equivalent of a 1.5 magnitude quake during a concert. The National Observatory’s Institute of Geodynamics installed earthquake monitoring equipment to observe the effect of human activity on the environment. The peak was recorded as Metallica played ‘Moth Into Flame’ for some 80,000 fans. In comparison, the best 50,000 Iron Maiden fans mustered was a 0.9 magnitude quake during ‘Killers’.
BIGSOUND have confirmed international guests as well as the first wave of Artist In Conversation for the 25th edition of the conference. BIGSOUND 2026 welcomes delegates from Partisan Records, Pitchfork, Bonnaroo, Soho House, MOM+POP (US), ROAM Artists (UK), Reeperbahn (GER), DMT Law Firm (US), Carpark Records (US), The Great Escape (UK), True Panther (US) and SXSW (US). This year’s Artist In Conversation series includes Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard), Julia Jacklin, and trials. BIGSOUND is on 1-4 September.
Melbourne’s Asha Ryder West takes another beautiful stride into 2026 with her latest single, titled ‘Desires’. A song about chasing your own sense of purpose and the yearning towards great things, this new slice of alt-pop from the songwriter and musician reaffirms her position as an artist to watch this year. Expertly playing with light and dark textures, ‘Desires’ navigates themes of personal conflict and emotional release with ease. West’s brand of storytelling through song highlights her emotionally resonant style and makes for a strong addition to her growing body of work.
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One of Australia’s busiest performers and artists, Ziggy Alberts, is back with a new release – his take on a beloved classic known the world over. Breathing fresh life into The Proclaimers’ 1988 anthem ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, Ziggy presents a joyous and captivating rendition of the original; soaked in rhythms and energy that will undoubtedly bring a smile to listeners’ faces. The decision to take on a song like this feels fitting for Ziggy, who has spent much of his life on the road.
Melbourne indie-pop chameleon Gypsy Lee continues to build upon the momentum generated by the release of her track ‘Snitches’, with strong follow up single, ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Costs A Lot In Therapy’. In another bold move by the young artist, this new song sees Gypsy Lee demonstrate her innately personal brand of storytelling through songwriting that feels both engaging and revealing at the same time.
