Huge news for Mike Patton fans: nine years after their last live show, the legendary Fantômas are getting back together. They’ve been added onto the bill for a mini-festival put on by Tool in California this June.
In fact, the entire event is set to be an unbelievable musical gathering for fans of the more obscure side of heavy music: Tool are (obviously) leading the charge, and they’re bringing along Primus, Melvins, Clutch and Fantômas.
The news kinda makes sense, considering guitarist Buzz Osborne and bassist Trevor Dunn are members of both Melvins and Fantômas, and the bands have performed together as the Fantômas Melvins Big Band, including a live album (Millenium Monsterwork) and film (Live in London). While Patton and original Fantômas drummer Dave Lombardo (also of Slayer) have recently reunited to form another new band, Dead Cross, he’ll replaced by Melvins drummer Dale Crover on the night.
The show is taking place on June 24, the end of a full month of tour dates for Tool, including a headline slot at Governors Ball. Given the increasingly abundant rumours about new Tool music (and new A Perfect Circle, for that matter), and a confirmed new album for Primus this year, it’s highly likely the concert will showcase some long-awaited new material.
Whether or not Fantômas are planning to reunite for new music remains to be seen. It’s possible they’re only returning for the one-off event, but it’s also possible that new music is on the way; speaking to Sydney Morning Herald back in January, Patton professed he’s working through a long list of dream projects, many of which include returning to previous releases. “A few bands I think I’ve neglected,” he said. “Fantomas being one of them, Mondo Cane for sure.”
If you happen to be in California, get down to the Glen Helen Amphitheatre on June 24 – more details here.