Image: Machine Head Live 2025 [Julia Reddig, @juulia_knipst]
Our Metal Horoscope series continues! This time, we’re taking a look at all the musicians who celebrate their birthdays between June 22 and July 22, making them proud members of the zodiac sign Cancer.
Having a birthday in the middle of summer certainly comes with a few perks: festivals, beer gardens, barbecue nights, and hopefully plenty of sunshine. Countless legends from rock, metal, hardcore, and punk will be blowing out their candles over the coming weeks. Want to know who made the list? Let’s dive in!
John Dolmayan (System Of A Down)
Birthday: July 15, 1972
System Of A Down drummer John Dolmayan celebrates his birthday in mid-July. For decades, he has provided the unmistakable grooves behind the band's sound, and we highly doubt he’ll spend his special day quietly. Maybe there’ll even be a band gathering featuring a heated debate about the ultimate SOAD setlist.
Daron Malakian (System Of A Down)
Birthday: July 18, 1975
Just a few days after John Dolmayan, fellow System Of A Down member Daron Malakian celebrates his birthday as well. The guitarist, vocalist, and creative force behind many of the band's biggest hits can practically roll one celebration straight into the next. Convenient when the cake is already on the table.
Roger Miret (Agnostic Front)
Birthday: June 30, 1964
Hardcore without Roger Miret? Hard to imagine. The Agnostic Front frontman celebrates his birthday at the end of June and can look back on a career that has influenced generations of hardcore fans. We’re pretty sure his party features more circle pits than conga lines.
Robb Flynn (Machine Head)
Birthday: July 19, 1967
Machine Head mastermind Robb Flynn celebrates his birthday in late July. Over the course of his career, he has written countless riffs and guided the band through multiple eras. We wish him a celebration at least as energetic as a Machine Head show.
Frank Bello (Anthrax)
Birthday: July 9, 1965
Anthrax bassist Frank Bello blows out the candles in early July. Having spent decades as part of one of thrash metal’s most legendary bands, he’ll likely have no shortage of longtime friends and fellow musicians to celebrate with.
Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation)
Birthday: July 12, 1974
One of the most recognizable voices in symphonic metal also celebrates her birthday in July. Within Temptation singer Sharon den Adel has captivated fans worldwide for years. We’re wishing her sunshine, cake, and maybe even a birthday serenade.
Ray Toro (My Chemical Romance)
Birthday: July 15, 1977
Ray Toro celebrates his birthday in mid-July and is another proud Cancer sign. The My Chemical Romance guitarist played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound. Perhaps his birthday playlist will feature an extra-large dose of The Black Parade.
Chuck Billy (Testament)
Birthday: June 23, 1962
Kicking off Cancer season is Testament vocalist Chuck Billy. As one of the defining voices of thrash metal, he continues to perform with incredible energy to this day. He definitely seems like the kind of person who would host an unforgettable birthday party.
Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold)
Birthday: July 7, 1981
When people think of Avenged Sevenfold, they usually think of Synyster Gates. The virtuoso guitarist celebrates his birthday in early July and will hopefully receive at least as many birthday wishes as he has played guitar solos throughout his career. That’s a lot.
Mark Stoermer (The Killers)
Birthday: June 28, 1977
The Killers bassist Mark Stoermer celebrates his birthday at the end of June. While he hasn’t been touring regularly with the band in recent years, he remains an important part of their story. We wish him a relaxed summer celebration filled with great music and even better food.
John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
Birthday: July 12, 1967
For many guitarists, John Petrucci is a living legend. The Dream Theater guitarist celebrates his birthday in mid-July and will undoubtedly receive plenty of well-wishes from across the prog-metal world. Maybe someone will gift him a few extra hours in the day to practice.
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
Birthday: July 17, 1949
Black Sabbath without Geezer Butler is almost impossible to imagine. The bassist and primary lyricist of the metal pioneers celebrates his birthday in mid-July and has left an undeniable mark on music history. If anyone deserves a huge celebration, it’s him.
Scott Shriner (Weezer)
Birthday: July 11, 1965
Scott Shriner has been holding down the low end for Weezer for many years and celebrates his birthday in early July. By now, he has probably accumulated enough stories from tours and festivals to entertain an entire party on his own.
Ringo Starr (The Beatles)
Birthday: July 7, 1940
A true music icon is also a Cancer sign: Ringo Starr celebrates his birthday on July 7. The former The Beatles drummer helped shape music history and will no doubt receive birthday wishes from all over the world. Peace and love!
Marky Ramone (The Ramones)
Birthday: July 15, 1952
Marky Ramone (The Ramones) celebrates his birthday in mid-July. As a member of one of the most influential punk bands of all time, he helped shape an entire scene. He definitely deserves an extra-large slice of birthday cake.
Jack White (ex-The White Stripes)
Birthday: July 9, 1975
Jack White celebrates his birthday in early July. The musician, producer of The White Stripes and creative powerhouse seems incapable of standing still, constantly launching new projects and ideas. Hopefully he takes at least a few hours off to enjoy his birthday.
Brian May (Queen)
Birthday: July 19, 1947
Brian May celebrates his birthday in late July. The Queen guitarist is not only a musician but also an astrophysicist, making him one of the few people who could probably argue with his horoscope scientifically. He still deserves a great celebration, though.
Bon Scott (†) (AC/DC)
Birthday: July 9, 1946
Bon Scott would have celebrated his birthday on July 9. The legendary AC/DC vocalist helped create some of the greatest rock songs of all time and remains deeply missed. We hope there’s a party happening somewhere above the clouds with “Highway To Hell” blasting in the background.
Ronnie James Dio (†)
Birthday: July 10, 1942
Another unforgettable legend would have celebrated his birthday in early July: Ronnie James Dio. His voice inspired generations of metal fans, and his legacy continues to live on today. Rest in peace, and happy birthday.
Chris Cornell (†)
Birthday: July 20, 1964
Chris Cornell would have celebrated his birthday on July 20. The Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist was one of the defining voices of his generation and left behind countless incredible songs. We remember him fondly and hope the celebrations are loud wherever he may be.
