Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
INTERVIEW: Adam Ant Is Retaking America by Storm
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| Adam Ant, photo by Robert Kenney Images |
This past weekend, I got to see Adam (with his many Ant People in attendance) at the Orlando Hard Rock Live venue as he thrilled and energized the nearly sold-out crowd with a retrospective of his work from inception to date. With the energy and dance moves of a man half his age, Adam certainly delivered. Living up to the hype of all the glowing concert reviews that he's been leaving in his wake, Adam has shown that he is in top vocal form, with all the theater, pomp and circumstance that fans come to expect.
In weeks prior to the concert, I had the honor of interviewing this new-wave, post-punk, new-romantic rock legend, and he told me all about the new tour and album, his connection with Michael Jackson, and his desire to collaborate with Pink and Katy Perry.
Celebrity Extra: Your fans are thrilled that you're touring the U.S. after a 17-year absence, and so far you've been wowing the crowds at every tour stop. What made you decide that the time was right to play for us here in the States?
Adam Ant: Well first, the new double album "Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter" is finished, and I’ve recruited a new band — The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Posse — that I’ve been playing with for about a year. You know when it’s right, and now the time is right. I want to do my own tour with the new record, and it’s the right time to do it.
CE: Your music has been classified as pop, post-punk, new romantic, and others ... how would you classify your music?
AA: I think it’s very difficult to bracket things, but obviously for convenience's sake, the history books have to put you in a category. If anything, I consider myself to be thought more of a punk rocker than a post-punk-rock thing, because it started in 1977, and that was my inspiration; that was my catalyst. So I consider it to have started then, but then it kind of evolved into something else. I don’t think anybody else out there does what I do, and I don’t do anything that they do, so when you’re doing that, you’re always going to be open to various classifications. I just think it’s best to just come and see it, and see what you think.
CE: As you've said, you've been in the business a while now, but you still look like you're in your 30s, and sound like you're in your 20s. How do you maintain that energy and the youthful vibe that you project through your work and your music?
AA: I think that when you are able to do something that you’re getting paid for, it only becomes a job when it’s work. When you’re doing an album, you’re kind of working because it's on someone else’s terms, and you don’t enjoy it as much as you should. And you become exhausted, which certainly happened with me. That’s why I took eight years out to do some acting, which is creatively something that fulfilled me at that time.
I find now that I really appreciate the fact that there’s the opportunity to do it under my own terms. I don’t do what I don’t think is right for me or my work. Everything I do is very objective. I work with a small team of people, so everything’s out on the table. With every concert you do, you know why you’re doing it. With that, it gives you this kind of freedom to stay out there and blow, and not have to worry about the economic considerations of the record label or worry about the charts. There’s not a chart in it — you just go out there every night and just blow. You just want to do a great show. You just want to really get that high off the audience, and fortunately that’s the way it’s been going. People are responding to that. The energy is coming back from the audience — what you're putting out, it's coming back. I just go for it. I don't think about it, I just get out there and do it.
CE: Regarding the current state of music, in "Interview" magazine you said: "There's a need for a little bit of rock-n-roll. There's too much sampling and karaoke going on. Not that it bothers me if people can get away with it, but I just want to do it 100 percent live." What current bands or artists do you feel are bringing that component to music today?
AA: There’s an American band called The Ganglians that I like, sort of a West Coast band. They sound like the Beach Boys' grandkids. They sing in perfect harmony. They did a song called "Valiant Brave," which is really the only record that I pick out and say, “I wish I’d have written that.”
CE: Which artists would you like to collaborate with?
AA: I like Katy Perry. I think she’s quite an interesting artist. Pink, I think is good; k.d. lang is good. There are very few other bands I’d want to collaborate with. There are very few people out there — I'd like to work with Brian Eno, and that’s about it, really.
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| Photo compilation by The Daily Mail (U.K.) |
AA: I think the basic thing about Michael Jackson that I like was that he was a very nice chap. I spent a little bit of time with him, and he was always very gracious — a very shy, unassuming guy. I think that people just forget what a great musician and dancer he was. Great musician and a fantastic performer. It’s as simple as that. And it sadly seems to be the last thing under consideration — like everybody in the world knows Michael Jackson as they do Elvis — but his work, it’s fantastic.
He didn’t need all the rest of the stuff that was surrounding it all — the gimmick-y stuff — because if you just look at his "Off the Wall" record, what he did on that musically was years ahead of his time. I was lucky enough to observed him from 10 feet away when he debuted the Moonwalk on the "Motown 25" that I did. I got to observe musical history. But really, just the raw talent of the man, that sometimes gets overlooked.
For more info on Adam's tour — as well as his new single, album and tour merchandise — head over to adam-ant.net for all the latest news and updates.
Q and A: Week of Sept. 17
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| Adam Ant (photo by Hannah Domogala) |
A: Adam does indeed have a new album, “Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter,” which is due to hit stores this January. For ardent fans like us, though, the big news is that he is touring the U.S. for the first time in 17 years. (Go to adam-ant.net to see when he’s playing near you.)
I spoke with Adam recently, and he is thrilled to play for American audiences again — this time, on HIS terms: “I think when you are able to do something that you’re getting paid for, it only becomes a job when it’s work, when you’re working on someone else’s terms, and you don’t enjoy it as much as you should. And you become exhausted, which sort of happened to me. But now I find I really appreciate the fact that there’s the opportunity to do it under my own terms. I do what is right for me and my work. You just want to do a great show and get that high off the audience. Fortunately, that’s the way (the tour’s) been going. But I just go for it. I don’t even think about it; I just get out there and do it.”
For a rare look into the musical genius, check back here later this week to read my full interview with Adam, where he talks about his past successes, his new album, his love of Katy Perry and Pink, and his friendship with Michael Jackson.
Q: I was wondering if the “John Carter” movie you mentioned this spring is based on the science-fiction books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I hope so, because I’ve read them all and believe they could be made into a great series of sci-fi movies. — Paul R., Marion, Indiana
A: The March release of Disney’s “John Carter” is indeed based on Burroughs’ Barsoom book series, which were published in various magazines as a serial from 1912 to 1943. Because of their popularity, they were then published as their own book series from 1917 to 1964. The film, however, didn’t prove to be quite so popular. It was received with mixed reviews and a dismal box-office take. The film was originally planned to be a trilogy, but that plan is on hold because of the film’s poor reception by moviegoers. “John Carter” is available on DVD and Bluray, so you can see for yourself whether it deserves a sequel.
Q: What was Emily VanCamp in before she was on “Revenge”? I recognized her as soon as I saw her, but I cannot remember from what! — Iris V., Suffolk, Va. A: The gorgeous Canadian actress has been in the business since she was 13, making her debut on Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” But before “Revenge,” she was best known for her role on “Everwood,” where she played Amy Abbott. She also had a co-starring role from 2007-2010, playing Rebecca Harper, who initially was thought to be William Walker’s (Tom Skerritt) daughter with longtime mistress Holly Harper (Patricia Wettig). Take note that the second season of “Revenge” begins Sept. 30 on ABC on its new night and time, Sundays at 9/8c.
Q: I am a die-hard “Young and the Restless” fan. I have a question about the actress who plays Katherine Chancellor in the series. I heard that she has sons who are also actors. Could it be the Baldwins? — Janet C., Battle Creek, Mich.
A: Jeanne Cooper, who’s played matriarch Katherine Chancellor on the series since 1973, does indeed have children (two sons, one daughter) who are actors: Corbin, Collin and Caren. The eldest is Corbin Bernsen, who is best known for playing Arnold Becker on “L.A. Law” and Roger Dorn in “Major League.” He plays the recurring role of Father Todd Williams on his mom’s show, and he also is a series regular on the USA’s “Psych.”
Q: When will Syfy’s “Merlin” be back for its fifth season? Please tell me it has not been canceled — Gregory D., via e-mail
A: The British sci-fi/fantasy series will indeed be back for a fifth season, which will consist of 13 all-new episodes. The series began filming in Wales and in France this spring, and if all follows according to previous seasons’ trends, season five should premiere in the U.K. in December, and in the U.S. in late spring/early summer (although no official dates have been released yet).
Q and A: Week of July 9
Q: Was there, or will there be, a 98 Degrees reunion this summer? — Dawn D., Canton, Ohio A: While the former bandmates would love to perform together again, it ain’t happening just yet. I spoke with Jeff Timmons recently, and he told me: “There was a tour set up for the summer, but not everybody was on board with it in the end. I was very excited to do it, but it just didn’t fit what everybody wanted to do, so we called it off. We decided when it’s a better opportunity for everyone, we’d decide collectively as a group that we’ll do it then.”
In the meantime, Jeff is heating up the already-hot Vegas scene with his new show, “Wired,” which is free at Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. Performing Fridays and Saturdays all summer, Jeff describes it as “the party before the party. You drink, have a good time, listen to us perform classic and current R&B, pop, my stuff, 98 Degrees stuff, and then go out to the club and hear a DJ spin it afterward.”
Jeff promises surprise guests who will sing with him, but you’ll have to come out there to see who. “That’s part of the element of surprise. Who’s going to be there next? We have a couple of people who we know are coming in July when they’re going to be in town, but most of it’s going to be spontaneous.”
Check back later this week to read my entire interview with Jeff.
Q: I keep hearing rumors about a “Dumb and Dumber” sequel with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. Is this true? — Greg F., via e-mail
A: Jim and Jeff were all set to start filming the purposely grammatically incorrect “Dumb and Dumber To” this September, when Jim bowed out due to conflicts with New Line and Warner Brothers studios. “Entertainment Tonight” reported that Jim “grew increasingly frustrated by New Line and Warner Brothers, which he felt showed a lack of enthusiasm regarding the project.” When asked if the project would go on without Jim, Jeff replied: “No, nobody’s doing it without Jim.”
Q: Will there be another “Mad Max” sequel? — Jeremy T., Springfield, Mo.
A: After a two-year delay, Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy are prepping to film “Mad Max: Fury Road” this summer. Charlize even shaved her golden locks into a buzzcut for her character, Furiosa, opposite Tom’s Max (aka The Road Warrior).
Q: A while back, you mentioned a sitcom by Vince Vaughn that would be on TBS. Has that aired yet? — Daniel F., via e-mail
A: “Sullivan and Son,” which was executive-produced by Vince, premieres Thursday, July 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TBS. The show centers on Steve Sullivan, a successful attorney from New York, who brings his girlfriend for a visit as his father and mother are preparing to sell the family bar to retire. Steve realizes he wants to return to the old neighborhood and take over Sullivan and Son.
Q and A: Week of May 30
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| Alicia Silverstone |
A: Alicia and husband Christopher Jarecki welcomed 7-pound, 15-ounce baby-boy Bear Blu Jarecki into the world on May 5. She posted the details on her website, thekindlife.com: “We are all three in love! I’m so grateful to this community for all the love, support, good wishes and happy vibes you’ve sent me during my pregnancy.”
Q: I was thrilled to see CMT’s disaster-relief concert benefiting victims of the tornadoes that affected the Southeast this past April. How did the idea come about, and how can I help? — Jan H., via e-mail
A: Living legend Hank Williams Jr. was the main brainchild behind “Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert,” which aired May 12 on CMT. When I spoke with Hank recently, the Louisiana native and sometimes-Alabama resident told me why he felt he had to do something to help.
“This is about the victims, the people who are affected,” Williams said. “I really want this to hit home. There was a guy down there I know — I know the whole North Alabama, Birmingham, Muscle Shoals, been in Tuscaloosa forever, off and on — and he really put it in a nutshell. He said, ‘It’s not about the homes and the vehicles, we’re looking for our children and wives and fathers and mothers this morning.’ And the death count is still rising. It’s one small little thing for me to raise money for the Red Cross.”
If you want to help those devastated by the storms in the Southeast, you can donate any amount by going to americanredcross.org/cmttelethon, or you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation to support the Red Cross disaster-relief efforts.
Q: Will “Harry’s Law” on NBC be renewed? I sure hope so; it is one of the best new shows on TV this year. — Bob and Ann B. in Florida
A: NBC just announced that it has renewed David E. Kelley’s legal comedy-drama series starring Kathy Bates for a second season. Word of “Harry’s” renewal comes hot on the heels that NBC decided to pass on the “Wonder Woman” reboot, which also was created by the aforementioned David E. Kelley. NBC also passed on the Don Johnson-starring vehicle, “Mann’s World,” which I was looking forward to seeing if only because of my long-standing crush on the series’ star. Fans of the “The Event” also will get no closure, as NBC declined to renew it for another season. However, spy-drama “Chuck” will return for its final season this fall. (Remember, to find out if your favorite show is returning, or to see what new shows the networks are offering, go here for all the info.)
In My Own Words: Flavor Flav
To all of my fams (I’ve taken the ‘n’ out of fans and replaced it with an ‘m,’ because a fan doesn’t do anything for me but cool me off when I’m hot and a ‘fam’ is one that supports me), I thank you all for making me who I am today. Without y’all, I would just be an ordinary person in the street, no different and no better than anyone else - the only thing that makes me different is my job description. My life has taught me that nothing is really easy. Everything in life you want can come to you, but you really, really have to earn it and deserve it. You only get to live physically once in this lifetime, so while we are living this one time - we need to make the best of it. When we die, we become nothing but memories to other people and we want to leave them the best memories ever.
If I could influence and mentor today’s youth, based on my past experience, I would tell them that I made some very serious mistakes in my life. I would like for everyone in the world to read my book about the mistakes I’ve made, so hopefully they won’t make the same ones.
I have always been told I have a lot of interesting things to say and stories to tell. I've often thought about doing my own talk show. If I did, I would probably use the style of Arsenio Hall, but a Jerry Springer or Maury Povich style show should be a lot of fun. I have been asked if I would ever do Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice Show and my reply to that is it would be a pleasure to once again see and talk to Donald Trump. If I do come out with my own show some time, all I can say is... 'Once again, Flavor Flav has reinvented himself.'
Anyway, I decided to write a book. My new book is called Flavor Flav: The Icon The Memoir (Farrah Gray Publishing). My book is edgy, compassionate and often hilarious! My book is a thrill ride from the heights of my stardom to the depths of my despair and Yo! I'm still here to tell it. I've been down some pretty dark holes - but somehow I always found the strength to climb back out of them.
I get asked about regrets but I have no regrets in my life and I would change nothing. The reason is because it took the past to bring the future, and if I was to change something in my past then today I might not be able to teach what I’ve learned.
I want to add that I think Ascot/Aston’s In My Own Words (IMOW) is a great idea for celebrities to say in their own words how they feel about their life and what’s going on in it. That’s why we, Public Enemy, made a record called Don’t Believe The Hype, which means…don’t believe everything you read or hear. The best source for the true information is ‘from the horse’s mouth!’
God bless you all with your life, your future, your goals, and your families. And once again, I thank you for making me who I am today - Flavor Flav: The Icon.
God bless and peace to all. See y'all on my book tour!
Flavor Flav
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Interview: Rachel Fine Owns Her Own
To most of her fans, Rachel Fine is known as the co-host of the weekly comedy news series “The Bonus Show” for Howard TV on Demand, the cable TV service that is the only place to see Howard Stern and his crew from the radio show. (As of press time, the details of Season 2 of “The Bonus Show” had not been released.) But what fans are starting to also realize is that Rachel is a talented songstress as well. Rachel released her debut CD, “Own Your Own” (of which you still have a chance to win an autographed copy!), and is playing clubs in and around NYC promoting it and wowing crowds with her vocal chops.And to think, it almost didn’t happen: Upon arriving in L.A., Rachel was a struggling actress who decided to take a full-time, nonacting-related job — “the curse of the actor,” Rachel muses — in corporate America. In fact, she was doing so well that if her company hadn’t closed their U.S. corporate offices, who knows how high up on the corporate ladder Rachel would have climbed. As Rachel tells me: “This was the kick in the pants I needed to get my crap together, go pursue my dreams and give it a real try. I’d been working on the album as a side project for a while, and I thought this is a great opportunity to go full time for that.
“I turned to social networking primarily, using Twitter to promote the album and to connect with fans overseas. And it caught fire in Germany and Sweden, the Netherlands and then into London and Japan, Brazil. I was on the cover of their version of Rolling Stone last November. And then because I have the followers in my fan base, the record label came to me. It’s kind of amazing how the industry has changed, and I was able to apply the marketing from the years I was in the corporate world to my music and get it in the hands of lots of people.”
Like most things in the Biz, “The Bonus Show” came about because Rachel owned her audition, and that job has brought about so many other opportunities for her. It’s also been just plain fun: “It was a show where I would get to work with a fun group of people who’ve I’ve enjoyed for a long time,” Rachel says. “It was just one of those things that kind of fell into my lap and was probably the most fun career opportunity I’ve had.”
Right now, Rachel is taking advantage of her downtime from “The Bonus Show” to really get her music to the masses. “Own Your Own,” features songs written by Rachel with music by Timothy Schletter. Rachel is very humble when she describes how she put the album together, telling me: “I’d written really crappy songs for a long time. When I was younger, I tried to write some different musical things that were not as heartfelt. But I used to try to write what I thought would be cool and what I thought would be Oh baby, baby kind of stuff. It wasn’t until this project, which I think taught me that you have to mature a little to write something that’s heartfelt and meaningful. “So through this project, when I finally found a voice for what I wanted to say, I kind of was writing poetry. Like something rough would happen, and I would sit down with some paper and just pour my thoughts out. And I would talk about what had happened and give the words to Tim, and he would come up with the full auditory picture of what it was. He was able to really capture the mood of what had happened.”
Different moods can inspire a song for Rachel, whether that mood is internal or external. “A lot of my stuff is just late night, bottle of wine, 3 a.m., when all the stoplights are flashing yellow. Stuff that’s kind of dark and in the background and takes you to some moody place — that’s the stuff I really like."
Like any performing artist worth her salt, Rachel has a wide range of musical influences. From “quiet storm” (late-night, soulful radio format) to Bill Withers to Meshell Ndegeocello influencing the music, and Alanis Morissette (who “writes amazing lyrics. She writes stuff that blows my mind”) and Fiona Apple inspiring her lyrics, Rachel looks for honesty when expressing herself.
Among some of the perks of being on the music scene in NY, Rachel has had the chance to see and sometimes meet many of her music idols. “I haven’t met her, but I saw Lauren Hill in concert a few months ago, and that blew my mind,” Rachel explains. “She’s amazing and intimidating in the sense that it reminds me of how much I still have to learn. Her control of the audience and the band is just astounding.
“I’ve met a lot of people in passing that I’d love to sit down and have a more in-depth conversation with. And you don’t get those opportunities too often. I met Smokey Robinson a few months ago, and I gave him my CD — that was a really neat moment."
While Rachel is having fun and making the most of her present, she definitely has big plans for the future — the main item being to stay permanently retired from corporate America. “I never want to have a cubicle or a desk or have to wear corporate suites again, unless it’s for a role.
“I just want to keep doing things that are fun and getting money for them. I want to keep making music. I want to keep doing things that inspire me, and I think that this whole journey has been about putting one foot in front of the other, and if that could keep happening, I’d be thrilled.”
Although music definitely is one of her passions, Rachel would like to get back into the acting scene someday. “I do more hosting than I do acting right now, but I think there will come a time when I’ll do some more acting. It’s funny, I was talking to my management team, and they were saying once you get more into the full-time acting thing, it’s harder to get back into hosting. So, while I’m enjoying hosting, I’m going to do all that I can right now, but there will probably come a time when I will come back to acting again.”
Interview: Hank Williams Jr.'s CMT Disaster-Relief Concert for the South
This Thursday night, CMT will air MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT live from Nashville at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The 90-minute concert special features Hank Williams, Jr. and Alabama, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins and many others to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes in the Southeast. The evening’s co-hosts include Erin Andrews, Ron White and Robin Meade, with additional artists to be announced. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT will highlight a number of regions affected by recent storm, tornado and flooding damage including Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; Vidalia, La.; Dyersburg and Tiptonville, Tenn.; and Raleigh, N.C. to name a few.
I spoke with relief-concert organizer (and living legend) Hank Williams Jr. about the concert, and was startled and heartbroken by the personal and material destruction caused by the series of tornadoes and floods all across the Southeast (just a few hundred miles away from my Orlando home).
Celebrity Extra: You got this relief concert together pretty quickly. Can you take me through the process of when you realized something needed to be done up until the actual organization of this all-star concert?
Hank Williams Jr.: All across the South we had those three days of killer weather that happened about 10 days ago. To put it into perspective, we are living like swamp people right now. I’m taking my son to school in a flat-bottom boat to get to the car from my house. When we go back this evening, we’ll drive, we’ll get out, we’ll get in the boat, hook up the little electric motor and drive through the water to go through the gate to get to our house. That’s up here by Kentucky Lake, Tennessee River.
It was two weeks ago when we had the real storm — the telephone poles are snapping off like twigs here. Lots of damage, but we had no one hurt. So, we go to Nashville because we have no power. We get there, and the sirens are going off in Nashville now, and I look at the Weather Channel, and they’re showing this monster on top of Tuscaloosa, and they said they’d never had a 10 before. In other words, it was the biggest thing their radar could detect. I just thought, “Oh my God.” This was probably around 3:30 in the afternoon. Then the bad news started coming in late that night. And then the next morning the death toll is 120! Then a few hours later, it’s 170. I was absolutely numb for about two days. I couldn’t believe it. I lived in Cullman for several years. People told me: “You know that song you wrote about the Mary Carter Paint Store? It’s not there anymore. Pictures are not even close. When you see this, you’re gonna say I can’t believe that everybody wasn’t killed.”
The Nashville flood was completely overlooked by the media like, “So what?” And I thought, “Okay, I’ll call some heavy-hitter friends of mine and we’ll play a benefit at Titan Stadium.” Maybe, just maybe we’ll raise $100,000, and I realized, that’s a drop in the bucket for what they need.
So, then I start really getting the numbers straight from the governor’s office — it’s the biggest natural disaster in the history of the state of Alabama. We are talking $2 billion, the biggest insurance claim ever. So, I said, “Well, just one stadium show, that’s just not gonna get it.” Then I thought about a telethon, like what they did for Haiti. That’s what we gotta do. I want the most bang for the buck.
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| Country superstar Sara Evans made a recent trip to Concord, Ala., last Friday to witness first-hand the devastation that has hit the area. |
HW: When you tell them what it’s about and use your name, they say, “Okay, I’m in.” And the best part is, there are more people signing up every day. I mean, I’m talking to NFL players, SEC coaches. I think it’s going to get really good in a couple of days. You mean, they’re going to answer the phones? WOW. Yeah.
CE: For those who are just completely out of the loop, will you also be showing some footage of the disaster, maybe some stuff you get when you go to visit the affected places yourself [today]?
HW: I certainly hope so. I mean, that’s what it’s about: the victims, the people who are affected. I asked them to make a backdrop to either put a picture or a name of every single person lost. That’s how I want it to hit home. There was a guy down there I know — I know the whole North Alabama, Birmingham, Muscle Shoals, been in Tuscaloosa forever, off and on — and he really put it in a nutshell. He said, “It’s not about the homes and the vehicles, we’re looking for our children and wives and fathers and mothers this morning.” He really summed it up.
And our American media made the very, very dumb choice of showing the Royal Wedding [instead of footage of the disaster]. And the death count is still rising. I don’t know where we’re at now. It’s one small little thing for me to raise money for the Red Cross.
CE: With economic times being what they are, I know you are hoping that people will put that aside and just call the number, go to the website, and help our fellow Americans in their time of need.
HW: Yes, definitely. We’re going to be there for a very good cause. Times are tough, of course. I want to bring in a lot of people [and money]. The New York Yankees have donated a half-million dollars. I’m pulling all the stops out. When I get motivated I’m kind of like the bull going through the fence. I’m motivated and ain’t nothing stopping it.
CE: And you are doing all of this through the Red Cross, as you said previously, correct?
HW: Yes, and the reason for that is nobody wants to think, “Where did the money go?” There have been some things exposed in the past couple of years on some of this disaster-relief stuff that will make you sick. Like out of every dollar, they gave only 5 cents to the relief effort. That’s not going to be the case with this, or I wouldn’t be any part of it. That’s why we’re doing it through the Red Cross.
If you want to help with the relief effort, go to the CMT relief website or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.
Q and A: Week of Feb. 28
Q: Is TNT going to make another movie in “The Librarian” series? — Bridget C., via e-mailA: While “Librarian” star Noah Wyle has stated that there are no immediate plans for another movie, he is definitely on board when they decide to make the next one. For now he is busy with his new TNT show (debuting June 10) “Falling Skies,” while “Librarian” executive producer, Dean Devlin, is busy with TNT’s “Leverage.” However, this might bode well for “The Librarian” series, as Noah said in an interview last summer: “I miss (‘The Librarian’) so much. In fact, one of the big reasons I wanted to do ‘Falling Skies’ for TNT is that Dean’s got his show (‘Leverage’), I’ve got my show, and we can apply [pressure] to TNT to make some more ‘Librarian’ movies.”
Q: I just watched an excellent movie called “Shooter” with Mark Wahlberg. There also is a Donnie Wahlberg, I think, on “Blue Bloods.” Are they related? Also, was one of them in the Backstreet Boys? — Nancy G., Punta Gorda, Fla.
A: Mark and Donnie Wahlberg are brothers. The elder Wahlberg, Donnie (41), got his start in New Kids on the Block back in 1984; however, the group didn’t really break out until 1988′s “Hangin’ Tough,” NKOTB’s second album. The group broke up in 1995. Donnie then embarked on an acting career, co-starring in “Ransom,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Band of Brothers” and “Boomtown.” While he hasn’t given up his acting career, he and the rest of the New Kids have reunited, and this summer they are touring with, ironically, the Backstreet Boys.
In the late ’80s/early ’90s, brother Mark, 39, had some success with Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, whose single “Good Vibrations” became a No. 1 hit in 1991. Mark segued into film after doing numerous ad campaigns for Calvin Klein, co-starring in “The Basketball Diaries,” “Boogie Nights,” “The Perfect Storm” and “The Departed” (for which he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award), among many others.
Q: Now that Arnold Schwarzenegger is no longer the “Gubernator” of California, will he return to movies? – Alan H., Akron, Ohio
A: Arnold took to his Twitter account recently to let the world know he’s ready to act again: “Exciting news. My friends at (agency) CAA have been asking me for seven years when they can take offers seriously. Gave them the green light today.”
Q: Has “Chase” been taken off the air? We really enjoy the show and miss it! — Karin R., via e-mail
A: As of this writing, “Chase” has not OFFICIALLY been canceled; however, it has been pulled off NBC’s schedule with no plans to air the remaining episodes. So, yes, the series is pretty much dead in the water. “Chase” was replaced by the game show “Minute to Win It,” which scored 3.2 million more viewers than “Chase.”
Q and A: Week of Oct. 18
Q: I love Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva.” Has it been renewed for another season? — Kelli J., St. LouisA: I’m happy to report that the unique comedy/drama starring the delightfully talented Brooke Elliott (pictured left) has been renewed for its third season, which is set to premiere its 13 new episodes in 2011.
Q: I really got sucked into “The Gates” this summer, and I was wondering if it will be back for a second season. With all the shows these days that have vampires and werewolves and the like, this one is truly unique, exciting and suspenseful. — Theodore F., via e-mail
A: I have to agree with you — I absolutely love “The Gates.” An ABC representative told me that there is no official word yet as to the show’s fate (as of this writing). I’m hoping it doesn’t go the way of “FlashForward,” another excellent ABC series that was canceled back in May. I just hate to get interested and invested in a series, only to have the rug pulled out from under me when it gets canceled because the network didn’t give it enough of a chance. This need for immediate ratings results really doesn’t do anything to help nourish and grow a new series.
Q: One show I am delighted to watch again is “Lou Grant,” a spin-off from the old “Mary Tyler Moore Show.” I am enjoying it again but wondered about the actors and what became of them. I know Ed Asner is still active and that Nancy Marchand passed away a few years ago. But what about some of the others? –Dorothy P., via e-mail
A: Linda Kelsey has guest-starred in many TV shows and movies, including “Day by Day,” “Matlock,” “ER” and “Touched By An Angel.” Most recently she co-starred in “Into Temptation” with Jeremy Sisto, Kristin Chenowith and Brian Baumgartner. Robert Walden has been steadily working since “Lou Grant,” starring in “Brothers” and guest-starring on “Melrose Place,” “Judging Amy,” “The West Wing” and “Law and Order: SVU,” among others. Daryl Anderson has done a myriad of different projects, from soaps (”Days of Our Lives” and “The Young and The Restless”) to TV series (”Flipper” and “The A-Team”) to movies (”The Kid” with Bruce Willis and “Human Nature” with Tim Robbins).
Q: The other day when I was listening to the radio, and old favorite song of mine, “If You Leave” by OMD, came on the radio. It made me wonder what the band was doing now and if they’ll be putting out any new material. — Michael D., West Palm Beach, Fla.
A: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, or OMD, just released “History of Modern,” its first album of new material in 14 years. I’ve heard a few tracks from the album, and I have to say that it is excellent. The 14-track CD is available in stores and online at omd.com.
More Wedding Bells
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem (pictured, left) married earlier this month in a private ceremony in the Bahamas. They have been dating since 2007.Actress Vanessa Marcil married CSI: NY star Carmine Giovinazzo this past Sunday night. She returns to General Hospital next month, and will be using her married name, Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo. Vanessa was previously married to Corey Feldman from 1989 to 1993 and has a son with ex-beau Brian Austin Green, who married longtime girlfriend Megan Fox on June 24.
Also, Bret Michaels is reportedly NOT engaged to his babies' mama, Kristi Gibson, as earlier erroneous reports had stated. "No. We are not engaged yet," Bret, 47, said on Wednesday's CBS Early Show, promoting his new CD, Custom Built. "We're a work in progress."
Describing the ring that Gibson wears, Bret called it "a promise ring ... a friendship ring, with benefits. That's what we call it."
Marriage Fever!
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski (pictured, left) were married on Saturday in Italy, and Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher tied the knot in Georgia on Saturday as well. On the Emily/John union: "It was an outdoor ceremony and absolutely beautiful," says an insider. George Clooney and Italian girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis were in attendance; Blunt and Krasinski had been staying at Clooney's nearby Lake Como estate since the July 4th weekend.
"It was an official ceremony. They are husband and wife," adds the source (according to usmagazine.com.
After about a year of dating, The Office star Krasinski, 30, proposed to British actress Blunt, 27, with a 3-carat Edwardian diamond and platinum ring from Neil Lane, worth $100,000.
Carrie and Mike released this statement on their nuptials: "We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us!" the newlyweds said in a statement they signed "Mike and Carrie Fisher."
The two walked down the aisle in front of more than 200 guests at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga., in a ceremony estimated to cost more than $500,000, according to RadarOnline.com.
KISS and Guitar Center give 22 unsigned bands a chance to open for KISS
PRESS RELEASE:
(Westlake Village, CA) June 1, 2010 – Continuing its ongoing support of aspiring artists, Guitar Center (www.guitarcenter.com), the world’s largest musical instrument retailer, today announced that it has teamed up with rock and roll icons KISS (www.KISSonline.com), and leading digital media company for entertainment, Eventful, for a revolutionary music program: Guitar Center On-Stage, a competition that provides unsigned bands and artists the career-altering opportunity to open for KISS on their upcoming North American tour, The Hottest Show on Earth.
One band from each of twenty-two markets across the United States will be chosen to play at a KISS show. At the conclusion of the tour, KISS will choose the best of the twenty-two bands to receive the grand prize that includes a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree. Now through September 1, 2010, bands across the country are invited to register at GCOnstage.com.
"With Guitar Center On-Stage, we are giving bands across the country the mind-blowing chance to open for one of the greatest rock groups on the planet when KISS comes to their town,” said KISS. “A lot of rock's greatest bands got their start opening for KISS including AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Rush, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe among many others. Thirty-seven years ago someone gave KISS the opportunity to become the Hottest Band on Earth. Now, KISS and Guitar Center are returning the favor by offering unsigned bands the opportunity to open for KISS on The Hottest Show on Earth."
Alicia Keys — Engaged and Pregnant
(from CNN)Alicia Keys, 29, is pregnant with her first child, her representatives confirmed. They would not say when the child is due.
Weeks of photos have shown Keys noticeably fuller in the mid-section and sporting a collection of loose-fitting black tops. The father is Keys' fiance, producer/DJ/rapper Swizz Beatz. The couple is engaged to be married in a private ceremony later this year.
Swizz Beatz, 31 — whose real name is Kasseem Dean — has one son from his marriage to Mashonda Tifrere. He also has a second son from a previous relationship.
Swizz Beatz and Keys have been friends for several years and worked together on one song for her current album, "The Element of Freedom," the publicist said.
"They're very happy," a source close to the couple said.
Syringe and Pills Found Near Paul Gray's Body
(from the Associated Press) The hotel employee who found Slipknot bassist Paul Gray dead in his room told a 911 operator that there was a hypodermic needle next to Gray's bed and there were "all kinds of pills everywhere."
TownePlace Suites maintenance worker Mike Kellow told the operator Monday morning that he found the 38-year-old Gray's body in a corner of his room slumped against a wall.
"There's a hypodermic needle next to the bed here," Kellow said.
The dispatcher asked if Gray was awake.
"Oh God, no. He's all purple," Kellow said.
Kellow told the operator it appeared that Gray had been "gone a while."
Kellow says he checked on Gray after the bassist's mother called the Urbandale, Iowa, hotel because she couldn't reach her son.
The six-minute recording, which was first obtained by Des Moines television station WOI-TV on Wednesday, ends with the dispatcher telling Kellow he was sending a police officer to the hotel.
(see entire story here)
Bret Michaels Has "Warning Stroke"
(from the Associated Press)LOS ANGELES — Bret Michaels is receiving outpatient care after being hospitalized for what doctors called a "warning stroke."
His publicist, Joann Mignano, gave no other details Friday in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
Mignano had earlier confirmed that Michaels suffered what doctors call a "warning stroke" and has been diagnosed with a patent forum ovale, or hole in the heart.
The 47-year-old rocker-TV reality star was hospitalized after experiencing numbness on the left side of his body, particularly in his face and hands.
Doctors said the condition is operable and treatable and likely unrelated to the brain hemorrhage he suffered last month.
UPDATE: A rep for the rocker told E! news that Bret intends to appear on the live finale of The Celebrity Apprentice.
Q and A: Week of May 17
Q: While I love hearing about all the “Twilight” kids, I’d really like to know what my favorite vampire, Peter Facinelli, has in the works. — Ingrid S., via e-mailA: Peter Facinelli, aka Dr. Carlisle Cullen, is ready to prove his action credentials — he’s reportedly signed up to star as World Lightweight Champion Vinny Pazienza, called “Paz.” The boxer stunned doctors by returning to the ring just three months after a near-fatal car crash in the 1990s. The movie is set to start shooting next year. Peter also has written a movie for the Hallmark Channel, in which wife (and “90210″ alum) Jennie Garth will star. He’s also keeping busy on the small screen as Dr. Fitch Cooper on Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “Nurse Jackie.”
Q: I was so happy that TNT picked up “Southland” earlier this season when NBC failed to renew it for the second season. Is there any word yet on whether TNT plans to give it a third season? — Gerry F., Scranton, Pa.
A: TNT recently announced — to the delight of many die-hard fans — that it has renewed the critically acclaimed cop drama “Southland” for its third season. The 10-episode Season Three will begin airing in January 2011. TNT executive vice president Michael Wright praises “Southland” as “a challenging, visceral show that engages viewers with its immersive style, provocative story lines and complex characters.” And by the looks of my mailbag, many of the show’s fans agree.
Q: I first saw “Avatar” on the big screen in 3-D at Christmastime, and I wasn’t too sure I’d like it as much watching it on DVD on my small screen at home, but I am glad to say I was wrong. I am amazed that such an epic movie can also be so warm and intimate, as I find it to be this way on my 50-inch television screen. What do you think? — Davey P., via e-mail
A: I couldn’t agree more. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that “Avatar” is not just an action/special-effects vehicle, it also is a wonderful story. When I spoke with CCH Pounder (who played Mo’at) recently about her attraction to the story line, she had this to say: “There are a couple of things that made me really happy. Regardless of the fact that this is a fairly familiar story, it’s a very strong story. It’s a story of our journey. It’s a story about people. And while you are watching the story of these people, you get to see this extraordinary life form all around you.”
Q: When will the new “Sex and the City” movie be out? I think I might explode in anticipation. — Nikki R., Fort Worth, Texas
A: Hold on just a few more days! “Sex in the City 2″ is due in theaters on May 27. Note that this is a Thursday, and not the usual Friday (or Wednesday) opening day.
Q: I am thrilled that so many of my favorite shows from the 1970s and ’80s are beginning to show up on DVD. Can you tell me when “Falcon Crest” will be out on DVD. I can’t wait! — Janet U. in Florida
A: Wait no longer. “Falcon Crest: Season 1” is now out on DVD, and can be found wherever DVDs are sold and rented. I also can’t wait to re-live those Tuscany Valley memories, with Angela’s scheming, Lance’s lady-killing and Maggie’s voice of reason. It is especially fun to see Susan Sullivan’s portrayal of Maggie back then compared with her hilarious Martha Rodgers (Castle’s mom) on “Castle.”
Q: I love the addition of Rob Lowe to NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” What else does he have coming up? — Irene T., Brunswick, Ga.A: Along with his “Parks and Rec” duties, Rob Lowe will guest star in the fourth season of the Showtime series “Californication.” Rob will play Eddie Nero, a neurotic yet talented movie star who is in the running to play Hank Moody (David Duchovny) in the film version of Hank’s hit novel. Rob will appear in at least one episode, but could become a recurring character.
Q: My mother and I are loyal viewers of the daytime soap opera “As the World Turns.” We were so sad to hear that Helen Wagner, who had been on the show since it premiered back in 1956, had passed away. How are the other cast members taking the news? — Shelli F., via e-mail
A: Helen Wagner, 91, who passed away May 1, was a soap opera icon. She even held the Guinness world record for playing the same character on TV for the longest period of time. I spoke with longtime friend and cast mate Eileen Fulton (who has played Lisa since 1960) about Helen’s passing, and she told me she felt a little shell-shocked. “My one regret is that she didn’t hang on a little longer to wrap the show up (which ends its run in September). That’s the thing that keeps haunting me. She spoke the first words on the show; we all were hoping she’d have the last words too.”
Q: I was a faithful viewer of the sitcom “Becker,” and I would like to know what the star, Ted Danson, is up to lately. — Sara S., Fort Worth, Texas
A: Ted co-stars in the Glenn Close legal drama “Damages,” which airs on FX. He also co-stars in the HBO comedy series “Bored to Death.” When Ted’s not working, you can find him tending to his organic garden at his and wife Mary Steenburgen’s home in Ojai, Calif.
READERS: A few months back, I held a contest for five lucky readers to win a DVD of Taylor Hicks’ “Whomp at the Warfield” concert DVD. Scores of loyal Taylor Hicks fans (and Celebrity Extra readers) correctly answered this question: What songs did Taylor sing in the “American Idol” finale, which ultimately crowned him the winner? (The songs were “Living for the City,” “Levon” and “Do I Make You Proud?”) Winners in the drawing were: Tammy Krebs of Groton, Conn.; Amy Hicks (no relation to Taylor!) of Theresa, N.Y.; Dorothy Mayes of Roanoke, Va.; Nicholas Russo of Norwell, Mass.; and Nancy McConnell of Stansbury Park, Utah. Keep an eye on your mailboxes, folks. Taylor Hicks is on his way!Bret Michaels Still in ICU, Suffered Brain Hemorrhage
(from KTLA News)LOS ANGELES -- Rocker turned reality star Bret Michaels remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage Thursday night.
Doctors are still trying to find the source of his brain hemorrhage, and the 47-year-old former Poison front-man is under 24-hour surveillance, according to an update on Michaels' website.
"Further testing this week will help locate the source of the bleeding," Monday's update stated.
The rocker's tour manager, Janna Elias, has been posting the online updates.
"As we all know Bret is a fighter and we are hopeful that once all is complete the slurred speech, blurred vision and dizziness, etc. will be eliminated and all functions will return to normal. Everyone at Michaels Entertainment would like to thank all fans and friends for their continued thoughts and prayers through this difficult time."
Though there were reports circulating that Michaels' condition had stabilized, Elias, who is reportedly at the rocker's hospital bedside, said on Sunday that he remains in critical condition.
"There are several incorrect reports on Bret's condition. Bret remains in critical condition at an undisclosed location. Further tests are being ran and information will be updated in the coming days," she said in a statement.
The rocker is currently a contestant on Donald Trump's NBC competitive reality series, "The Celebrity Apprentice." He has also starred on VH1's "Rock of Love."
Donald Trump said in a statement Friday that he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Michaels' condition.
"He's a great competitor and champion, and I hope he will be fine," Trump said.
On "Celebrity Apprentice," Michaels has been concerned of late with his daughter's health.
She has been tested for diabetes after Michaels said recently "she is showing all the signs."
Stars Calling It Quits
Hot on the heels of learning that Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey have split comes news that two more Hollywood couples are calling it quits.Melissa Etheridge, 48, and Tammy Lynn Michaels, 35, have separated after nine years together. The singer and actress (respectively) were married in 2003 and have twins, son Miller and daughter Rose, who were born in October 2006 (Tammy was artificially inseminated with an anonymous donor's sperm).
Mel Gibson (pictured) and Oksana Grigorieva split after a year of dating. The couple also share a 5-month-old daughter, Lucia. The split is said to be very amicable and friendly, with no great blow-up leading to it — they simply decided to go their separate ways.
Q and A: Week of April 12
Q: I read somewhere that KISS frontman Paul Stanley went to the “Fame” high school majoring in art. Is that true? — Matt H., Akron, OhioA: Paul Stanley attend the High School of Music & Art in New York City. The “Fame” high school was the High School of Performing Arts, which later merged with the High School of Music & Art to form Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
I spoke with Paul recently, and he told me about his high-school experience: “It’s funny, because when I first saw ‘Fame,’ and then I went to my school, I was expecting to see people dancing on the cars, but it wasn’t happening. But I ended up putting art aside at some point, because for me, I’m just not a fan of being told what to do by somebody else. Some people are cut out for listening to authority, and some people are cut out for going their own way. I just sort of soured on art.”
But now, Paul is back in the art scene, but on HIS terms. You can see Paul’s artwork at paulstanley.com, and also check to see if he is touring with his art in your area.
Q: This season of “The Celebrity Apprentice” is really good so far. I love the different personalities clashing as they try to work together on their challenges. I was wondering, who decides what the challenges will be? — Hank F., via e-mail
A: Ivanka Trump, wunderkind daughter of mogul Donald Trump, recently revealed on Twitter that they all — Ivanka, Donald and brother Donald Jr. — throw out ideas for all the different challenges and then decide collectively which ones they’ll do throughout the season. Next season “The Apprentice” is going back to its original format of casting regular people to compete for a job within the Trump empire. If you are interested in auditioning, go to nbc.com for all the details.
Q: “In Plain Sight” is one of our favorite shows. Will it be back for a third season? — Jackie D., via e-mail
A: The USA Network’s popular drama centering on a Deputy U.S. Marshall for the Federal Witness Protection program began its third season on March 31. The show has moved to Wednesday nights at 10/11 p.m. Central. Season Three will consist of 16 episodes — and if you need to catch up on any previous episodes, season one and two are available on DVD.
Q: Were Jordan and Jeff, teammates from “The Amazing Race,” on “Big Brother” together? — Lee R., via e-mail
A: Jordan Lloyd and Jeff Schroeder met while they both were contestants on “Big Brother 11″ in 2009. As you may know, Jordan won a half-million dollars on the show, and also walked away with Jeff’s heart. Jordan was unable to repeat her winning magic, as the pair was eliminated from “The Amazing Race” in March.
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