JONAS BROTHERS ANNOUNCE FIRST NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR IN NEARLY A DECADE. HAPPINESS BEGINS TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS BEBE REXHA AND JORDAN MCGRAW KICKS OFF AUGUST 7 TH 2019

HAPPINESS BEGINS ALBUM PRE-ORDER LAUNCHES TODAY, ALBUM AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE JUNE 7 th

NEW YORK, NY (May 1, 2019) — After building overwhelming anticipation, GRAMMY® nominated multiplatinum powerhouse trio– Jonas Brothers—announce the details for their 40-city Happiness Begins Tour this summer and fall with special guests Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw. The announcement coincides with the launch of the pre-order for the band’s highly anticipated comeback album Happiness Begins, as well as the launch of their official merch store online today.

Pre-order Happiness Begins (Republic Records) HERE:
https://jonasbrothers.lnk.to/HappinessBegins

For exclusive items from the newly launched official merchandise store visit HERE:
https://jonasbrothers.lnk.to/HappinessBegins

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Produced by Live Nation, the “Happiness Begins Tour Presented by American Airlines and Mastercard” kicks off August 7th in Miami, FL and will make stops in Atlanta, Boston, New York, Chicago, Dallas and more before wrapping October 20th in Los Angeles, CA at the famous Hollywood Bowl. This marks the first headline tour for the Jonas Brothers in almost a decade.

American Airlines AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit card holders will be among the first to have access to tickets through an exclusive pre-sale beginning on Tuesday, May 7 th at 10am local time. Cardholders will also have the chance to purchase the ultimate Jonas Brothers experience—from the best seats in the house, to early access and exclusive premiums. Cardholders may also get the unexpected, because when you use your Mastercard, you never know when you might get a Priceless Surprise. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 10th at LiveNation.com.

“We’re so excited to announce this tour and get in front of our fans again! To kick things off we’ve partnered with American Airlines and Mastercard to offer their cardholders special access and experiences throughout our tour. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned!” – Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers have also partnered with Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform to ensure tickets get in to the hands of their fans, not scalpers or bots. Fans can register now through Monday, May 6th at 10pm ET HERE for the Verified Fan presale.

Registered fans who receive a code will have access to purchase tickets before the general public from Wednesday, May 8 th at 10am local time through Thursday, May 9 th at 10pm local time.

Additionally, TIDAL subscribers will also have access to an exclusive presale beginning Thursday, May 10th at 10am local time through 10pm local time. TIDAL members can find details for purchasing tickets on TIDAL.com/JonasBrothers or via the TIDAL mobile, web and desktop apps.

Jonas Brothers VIP packages will be available & sold exclusively through HOST VIP. VIP package details will be announced on Friday, May 3 rd prior to all ticketing pre-sales. VIP packages will be available for purchase on May 10th. A limited number of LaneOne Premium Packages will also be available, including amazing seats in first 5 rows, GA First On Floor, B-Stage VIP Bar area, transportation, preferred entrance and more.

Check LaneOne for details.

The Happiness Begins pre-order will include instant grat downloads of the band’s hit singles “Sucker” and “Cool,” produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter, producer, and lead singer of the multi-platinum band OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder. The third instant grat titled “Only Human,” produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Shellback, will follow. Not only will this be the group’s first album since 2009, but it stands out as one of 2019’s most anticipated records.

These announcements set the stage for the boys to light up the Billboard Music Awards tonight with what promises to be a blockbuster performance. The band is expected to perform their first #1 hit at Top 40 radio “Sucker,” which has just clenched its second consecutive week at #1. Be sure to tune in to NBC at 8:00pm ET. Next up, you can catch them on Saturday Night Live on May 11.

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“Sucker” now exceeds 445 million global streams to date. During release week, it clinched #1 on Apple Music, #1 on Spotify, and #1 on iTunes in North America. Globally, it reached #1 on Apple Music, #1 on YouTube, #1 on Twitter, and #2 on Spotify, as well as the #1 Streaming Song and #1 Digital Song.

Speaking of making history, the rollout of “Sucker” marked “the first time a band debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this century.” Continuing the runaway success, “ Cool” has notched 70 million global streams and soared to #1 on iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart and Top Music Videos Chart.

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Jonas Brothers “Happiness Begins Tour” 2019 Dates:

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena
Friday, August 9, 2019 Orlando, FL Amway Center
Saturday, August 10, 2019 Tampa, FL Amalie Arena
Monday, August 12, 2019 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena*
Wednesday, August 14, 2019 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
Thursday, August 15, 2019 Washington, DC Capital One Arena
Saturday, August 17, 2019 Boston, MA TD Garden
Sunday, August 18, 2019 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Friday, August 23, 2019 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
Tuesday, August 27, 2019 Buffalo, NY KeyBank Center
Thursday, August 29, 2019 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Saturday, August 31, 2019 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena
Thursday, September 5, 2019 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
Saturday, September 7, 2019 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena
Sunday, September 8, 2019 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
Friday, September 13, 2019 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Saturday, September 14, 2019 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center
Monday, September 16, 2019 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum
Thursday, September 19, 2019 Chicago, IL United Center
Sunday, September 22, 2019 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Wednesday, September 25, 2019 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center*
Thursday, September 26, 2019 Houston, TX Toyota Center*
Friday, September 27, 2019 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center*
Sunday, September 29, 2019 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Thursday, October 3, 2019 Salt Lake City, UT Vivint Smart Home Arena
Saturday, October 5, 2019 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Arena
Sunday, October 6, 2019 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 San Francisco, CA Chase Center
Friday, October 11, 2019 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
Saturday, October 12, 2019 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
Sunday, October 13, 2019 Portland, OR Moda Center
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center
Thursday, October 17, 2019 San Diego, CA Pechanga Arena
Friday, October 18, 2019 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sunday, October 20, 2019 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
*Bebe Rexha not performing

This week “Eddie and the Cruisers” star Michael Pare’ introduces the show featuring interviews of “Joker” and “Judy.” We also ask “which movie villain would make a great character study film?” as well as pay tribute to those we recently lost. Enjoy by clicking HERE.

 

 

• JUDY
• Starring:  Renee Zellwegger, Finn Wittrock and Rufus Sewell
• Directed by: Rupert Goold
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  1 hr 58 mins
• Roadside Attractions

 

When you mention the name Judy Garland to most people, their first thought is usually of Dorothy Gale, the Kansas farm girl who traveled the Yellow Brick Road in “The Wizard of Oz.”  They may not know that she was a singular talent with an amazing singing voice, or that she was also a fine actress, earning two Academy Award nominations and criminally losing Best Actress for “A Star is Born” to Grace Kelly.  They may remember her as Liza Minelli’s mother.  But very few will know that she led a troubled life.  Multiple marriages.  Being fired from films (she was originally scheduled to star in “Annie Get Your Gun” but was replaced by Betty Hutton).  Alcohol and drugs.  It all contributed to her death at the very young age of 47.  There will never be another Judy Garland.  But I must say, Renee Zellwegger in the new film “Judy” comes awfully close.

 

The film highlights two periods of Garland’s life.  As a child actress (Darci Shaw), presumably during the filming of “The Wizard of Oz” and towards the end of her life when she undertook a tour of London.  Both are harrowing.  Despite all of the smiles and staged fun, Garland is treated like an indentured servant by everyone from MGM head L.B. Mayer to the studio hack hired to make sure she doesn’t take a bite of a hamburger during a photo shoot for fear she’ll gain weight.  In London, Garland (Zellwegger) must deal with her personal issues, which include showing up on stage intoxicated.  Things begin to get better when she meets Mickey Deens (Wittrock) at a party.  Though he is much younger then she is, the two begin a relationship which seems to life Judy up.  But can she remain on top?

 

I always go into films like this with a little trepidation.  It is rare when you find an actor or actress that is able to embody a character you are so familiar with.  Jamie Foxx (“Ray”) and Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) pulled it off and were rewarded with Oscars.  Zellwegger may join them next year.  Hers is not a caricature of Garland but an actual channeling.  Her appearance…her mannerisms…everything says “Judy Garland” on film.  And, while she doesn’t sound like Garland when she does (and to be honest, no one can) she pays homage to some of the great tunes Garland was famous for.  In between concert scenes, which are well presented, the little looks into the life of this legend keep the film grounded, solidly anchored by Zellwegger’s award-worthy performance.

 

“The Wizard of Oz” is regarded as a classic.  So was Judy Garland.  50 years after her death, and 80 years after the film debuted, it’s good to see her getting her due.

 

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On Episode #208 of “Behind the Mikes” Moviemike and Jeremy talk about AD ASTRA, documentaries on DAVID CROSBY and LINDA RONDSTADT and ask the question: “Which director’s first film showed promise, only to have is following films disappoint?”  Give a listen HERE

Episode # 207 of “Behind the Mikes” takes a look at “Angel Has Fallen,” reminisces about the classic horror film “Creepshow” and asks listeners the question: “Who is the most bad-ass movie President in film history?” Click HERE to listen!

 

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The Hit Ghostbusters Adventure Returns in HD on Oct. 4, 2019, for PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Windows PC

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. – Aug. 20, 2019 – Saber Interactive has announced that pre-orders for Ghostbusters™: The Video Game Remastered, the HD re-release of the acclaimed action-adventure game featuring the original cast of Columbia Pictures’ classic films, are available today on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows PC.

Saber has also dropped a new pre-order trailer featuring Dan Aykroyd himself to celebrate: https://youtu.be/mHl1ZlDeL7k.

Fans can pre-order Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered today for $29.99 via the PlayStation®Store, Nintendo eShop, and Microsoft Store, as well as $24.99 via the Epic Games store. Physical copies of the game can also be pre-ordered on consoles exclusively at GameStop in the United States, EB Games in Canada, and a variety of retailers in Europe.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered delivers a unique story from Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis that captures the supernatural comedic fun and fright fans love from the franchise, celebrating its 35^th anniversary this year. As the new rookie on the Ghostbusters crew, you’ll team up with your favorite characters from the films, reunited by the voices of Aykroyd, Ramis, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson as Stantz, Spengler, Venkman and Zeddemore, alongside Annie Potts, Brian Doyle-Murray, William Atherton and Max von Sydow.

Manhattan is overrun once more by ghosts, demons and other paranormal creatures unleashed by a mysterious force, and only the Ghostbusters can drive this evil back to whatever dimension it crawled from. Hunt and trap a variety of new and infamous ghouls and phantasms — all remastered in HD resolution — with cool gadgets, upgradeable weapons, thrilling boss fights and widely destructible environments. Scan and analyze targets with the P.K.E. Meter and Paragoggles, then use your Proton Pack’s blast and capture streams to wrangle them into submission.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered launches on Oct. 4, 2019. For more information, visit www.PlayGhostbusters.com, and follow the game on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Saber Interactive

Based in the U.S., Russia and Spain, Saber Interactive is an independent developer whose credits include the 2019 hit World War Z, Quake Champions, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and others. Saber’s NBA Playgrounds is one of the best-selling digital console titles of 2017. The company has multiple development studios across the world making great games and bringing fun interactive experiences to life.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

About Ghost Corps

Ghost Corps, Inc., a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., is focused on expanding the Ghostbusters brand with live-action feature films, animated motion pictures, television, merchandise, and other new entertainment products.  Ghost Corps is headquartered on the Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, Calif.

This week’s episode takes a look at the films “Good Boys,” “Hobbs and Shaw” and “A Score to Settle.” This week’s question – “What film did you love as a child but today you realize it’s a bad movie?” We also mention the film “Grease” no less than four times. Click HERE to listen!

In this episode, we talk Tarantino, “The Lion King” and pose the question “which animated feature would you like to see made into a live-action film. Enjoy. Click HERE to listen!

First of all, a little about me.  I love theater, animals and my friends and family.  I’m 12 years old and this is the first major concert I ever went to.  On top of that, it was three acts! So for a first concert, this one was AMAZING!!! Allen Stone opened with a short set and then Goo Goo Dolls came on.  I got to hear all my favorites from Sirius XM. “Black Balloons” had dozens of black balloons bouncing around the audience, which was a lot of fun. I got to hit a few.  “Slide” was really good and the first encore was “Iris” which was epic!

After a short intermission, Train hit the stage. The sound of a train filled the room and they started right into “Calling all Angels”.  I loved this opening and it was my favorite non-song part. “50 ways to Say Goodbye” kicked off next with clips from the music video backing them up. It was awesome. In the middle of the set, Bruises was performed with Allen Stone taking on the female part, which Patrick Monahan said “wasn’t awkward at all”!  THEN, the lead guitarist, who was a Tampa native, performed “Under Pressure” with Patrick and his bass player.  It was my Dad’s favorite moment of the night and I loved it too. “Play that song” was my absolute favorite and I sang it all the way home. 

I loved the lights, the constant video and effects above the band. This was a daddy daughter date with my Dad and he totally surprised me.  The only song I missed was “Mermaid” which it doesn’t seem like they play much anymore. Train ended the night with “Drops of Jupiter” which was a great song for a great night.

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/train/2019/midflorida-credit-union-amphitheatre-tampa-fl-339ea80d.html

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/goo-goo-dolls/2019/midflorida-credit-union-amphitheatre-tampa-fl-239ea803.html

When‎ we‎ heard‎ New‎ Kids‎ were‎ touring‎ with‎ the‎ likes‎ of‎ Salt-N-Pepa,‎ Debbie‎ Gibson,‎ Tiffany‎ and‎ Naughty‎ By‎ Nature,‎ we‎ just‎ new‎ we‎ had‎ to‎ be‎ there!‎ This‎ was‎ the‎ show‎ that‎ all‎ girls,‎ and‎ boys,‎ who‎ grew‎ up‎ in‎ the‎ 80s,‎ only‎ dreamed‎ about!‎ The Amway Center in Orlando, FL was hopping and all of the performers were on fire and the energy was just unbelievable. This‎ show‎ did‎ not‎ disappoint!

Illtown‎ Sluggaz‎ made‎ sure‎ the‎ crowd‎ was‎ pumped‎ as‎ they‎ played‎ a‎ set‎ of‎ songs‎ every‎ person‎ at‎ Amway‎ could‎ sing‎ and‎ dance‎ along‎ to!‎ When‎ New‎ Kids‎ came‎ out,‎ they‎ kept‎ that‎ energy‎ going‎ until‎ their‎ final‎ bow! New‎ Kids‎ set‎ included‎ hits‎ like:‎ “Dirty‎ Dancing,”‎ “Hangin’‎ Tough,”‎ “Remix,”‎ and‎ “Block‎ Party.”‎ Throughout their‎ sets,‎ Debbie‎ Gibson‎ and‎ Tiffany‎ took‎ to‎ stages‎ A‎ and‎ B‎ and‎ each‎ took‎ turns‎ singing‎ their‎ hits.‎ Salt-N-Pepa‎ came‎ out‎ and‎ absolutely‎ brought‎ the‎ house‎ down‎ with‎ their‎ hits‎ :‎ “Push‎ It,”‎ “Whatta‎ Man,”‎ “Let’s‎ Talk‎ About‎ Sex,”‎ and‎ “Shoop.”‎ Naughty‎ By‎ Nature‎ got‎ the‎ crowd‎ hyped‎ with‎ “O.P.P,”‎ “Jump‎ Around,”‎ and‎ “Hip‎ Hop‎ Hooray.”‎ 

The‎ entire‎ tour‎ came‎ out‎ at‎ the‎ end‎ to‎ sing‎ along‎ to‎ “80s‎ Baby”‎ and‎ man‎ it‎ was‎ fun‎ watching‎ this‎ group‎ enjoy‎ being‎ on‎ stage‎ together!‎ The‎ concert‎ was‎ great‎ as‎ every‎ act‎ sang‎ throughout‎ the‎ entire‎ show.‎ The‎ energy‎ levels‎ never‎ dropped‎ and‎ the‎ fun‎ never‎ stopped!‎ This‎ concert‎ was‎ incredible!‎ Here’s‎ to‎ many‎ more‎ mixtape‎ tours!!

Orlando, Fla. – Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. Featuring new and classic tales, this multigenerational experience visits Orlando from September 6-8, 2019 for six performances at Amway Center.

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters. Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti. Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.” Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky. Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals during the Disney edition of Road Trip Karaoke as they introduce Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel, Mulan and Tiana. Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, upclose character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures makes a pitstop right in Orlando!

Orlando Show Times: Friday, September 6, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, September 8, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Venue: Amway Center, 400 W. Church Street #200, Orlando, FL 32801

For ticket information, visit DisneyOnIce.com.

To learn more about Disney On Ice, go to DisneyOnIce.com. Stay current on the latest developments through social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #RoadTripAdventures
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

This week we talk MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, discuss the “Weird” Al Yankovic film UHF, tell some Chuck Norris jokes and discuss which comedy film directors have made a successful jump to more serious fare. Enjoy! Click HERE to listen.

ALBUM PRODUCED BY AND FEATURING GRAMMY®WINNER SHOOTER JENNINGS

ON TOUR NOW – PLAYING DC TONIGHT

SEATTLE MARINERS HOSTING “DUFF McKAGAN NIGHT” ON JUNE 17 @ T-MOBILE PARK

McKAGAN TEAMS WITH NON-PROFITS FOR SOCIAL CAUSE CAMPAIGN

Today sees the release of TENDERNESS, the much-anticipated solo album from Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan – click HERE to stream/purchase.

Produced by (and featuring) recent Grammy winner Shooter Jennings, TENDERNESS (UMe) sees McKagan reflecting on his experiences traveling the globe over two and a half years on Guns N’ Roses’  Not In This Lifetime tour.  Encountering heartbreak, anger, fear, confusion and divide on his travels during this tumultuous time in our world history, McKagan channeled a collective hurt into songs of monolithic power. 

On June 17^th, the Seattle Mariners will celebrate the release of TENDERNESS by hosting “Duff McKagan Night” at T-Mobile Park. Package options include a ticket to see the game, a ticket to Duff’s June 16^th gig at Showbox, a limited edition Mariners/Duff t-shirt, a copy of TENDERNESS and more – click HERE for additional info. McKagan’s Seattle takeover includes an instore at local music shop Easy Street Records on June 18^th.

The June 16^th Showbox date is part of McKagan’s North American tour, which kicked off last night in Philadelphia and will be followed by a European run that begins August 22 in Poland. All tour dates see Duff backed by Shooter Jennings and his band (see itinerary below). The shows will see McKagan bringing TENDERNESS to life, along with a few surprises.

The album, meanwhile, is getting rave reviews. Here’s what the press is saying:

“McKagan and Jennings have crafted an acoustic-Thunderous masterwork. Urgently and unflinchingly addressing the pressing issues of this bleak political era,
Tenderness is one of the most crucial and topical albums of 2019 — yet its heart-on-leather-sleeve vulnerability also makes it an instant Americana classic.”
– Lyndsey Parker, Yahoo Entertainment

“…a superb set of roots-rock ruminations…with Jennings’ help, [McKagan] crafted a mix of rock and Americana evoking both the Glimmer Twins and the Gutter Twins…”
– Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly

“On Tenderness, Duff McKagan takes a hard look at some of the most important issues facing our country right now, and delivers his message with a musical vibe that’s equal parts Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, and Lies-era Guns N’ Roses.”
–  Spencer Kaufman, Consequence of Sound

“The record is miles away from the type of hard rock McKagan is known for playing with Guns N’ Roses or Velvet Revolver, or the more gritty and punky sounds he immersed himself in as a teenager in Seattle or with his own 2000s-era solo band, Loaded. Rather, these are intimate, stripped-down compositions, centered around McKagan’s strummed acoustic guitar and raw vocals, that run the gamut from the piano-based title track to the Rolling Stones–like “Chip Away,” a call to strength in the face of social and cultural injustice. Other standouts include the pedal steel–inflected “Last September,” which tells the story of an abusive relationship, and the haunting “Parkland,” which captures the dichotomous feelings of shock and numbness that characterize the American reaction to school shootings and other acts of mass violence. To be sure, these are big-picture songs that focus on topics affecting all people.”
–  Rich Bienstock, Guitar Player

“People are going to herald this as one of the best albums of the year. This is Americana-Duff McKagan. It’s not what you expect.”
– Larry Flick, SiriusXM radio host

“Best Crossover Album” (Best of LA Music Issue)
–  Brett Callwood, LA Weekly

“..A somber, deliberate work…evokes Mark Lanegan-style Americana…”
– Alison Stewart, Chicago Tribune

McKagan has created a campaign that puts the album’s themes into action and he’s inviting fans to join him in an effort to give support to organizations doing great work. Those include Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, 320 Changes Direction, and To Write Love on Her Arms, among others. For more information, please visitpropeller.la/duff.

Tour Dates

Friday May 31st – City Winery, Washington, DC 
Saturday June 1st – City Winery, Boston, MA 
Monday June 3rd  – Irving Plaza, New York, NY
Thursday June 6th  – Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL 
Saturday June 8th – Cannery Ballroom, Nashville, TN 
Monday June 10th  – Historic Scoot Inn, Austin, TX 
Thursday June 13th  – El Rey, Los Angeles, CA 
Friday June 14th – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA 
Saturday June 15th – Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR 
Sunday June 16th – Showbox Presents, Seattle, WA 
Thursday August 22nd  – Stodola, Warsaw POLAND
Friday August 23rd – Astra, Berlin GERMANY
Saturday August 24th – Blue Moon Festival, Amsterdam HOLLAND
Monday August 26th – Gloria, Cologne GERMANY
Tuesday August 27th – Alte Feurwache, Mannheim GERMANY
Thursday August 29th – Islington Assembly Hall, London UK
Saturday August 31st – Electric Picnic Festival, Dublin EIRE
Sunday September 1st – Academy, Manchester UK
Tuesday September 3rd – Le Trabendo, Paris FRANCE
Wednesday September 4th  – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels BELGIUM
Friday September 6th – Dynamo, Zurich SWITZERLAND
Sunday September 8th – Saniera Club, Milan ITALY

As Memorial Day has come and gone, it’s time once again to take a look at some of the films being offered to us for our air conditioned enjoyment. As always, special thanks to our friends at the Internet Movie Database for some synopsis information. Opening dates shown are subject to change at the whim of the studios.
(*) denotes a film that one of Media Mikes’ critics are especially looking forward to.

MAY 31st

*ROCKETMAN
Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell and Bryce Dallas Howard
Directed by: Dexter Fletcher

At first I was shocked when I heard about this film. Harlan Williams playing Elton John??? Then I realized it was a different Rocketman. Following in the footsteps of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” this bio-pic tells the story of one Reginald Dwight, who the world knows as Sir Elton John. Director Fletcher took over for Bryan Singer on “Bohemian Rhapsody” and early reviews say this film is equally good.

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS
Starring: Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra
Directed by: Michael Dougherty

The big guy is back and he’s bringing his pals with him.

MA
Starring: Octavia Spencer, Juliette Lewis
Directed by: Tate Taylor

The Podcast gang spent a lot of time trying to come up with the plot to this one. Give it a listen and let us know if we got it right.

JUNE 7th

DARK PHOENIX
Starring: Sophie Turner, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender
Directed by: Simon Kinberg

Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world. Though it’s being released by Disney, this was originally a 20th Century Fox property. Now that the MCU is ALMOST one big happy family, I’m curious if the X-men will show up in a future Avengers film.

*LATE NIGHT
Starring: Mindy Kaling, John Lithgow and Emma Thompson
Directed by: Nisha Ganatra

A late night talk show host suspects that she may soon be losing her long-running show. Kaling is always fun to watch and I’ve been in love with Emma Thompson since “The Tall Guy!”

*THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2
Starring the voices of: Kevin Hart and Patton Oswalt
Directed by: Chris Renaud, Jonathan del Val

Continuing the story of Max and his pet friends, following their secret lives after their owners leave them for work or school each day. Hopefully in this one, Hart’s Snowball isn’t homicidal.

JUNE 14th

AMERICAN WOMAN
Starring: Sienna Miller, Aaron Paul
Directed by: Jake Scott

A woman raises her young grandson after her daughter goes missing.

*MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL
Starring: Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson
Directed by: F. Gary Gray

The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization. Sadly, the newbies won’t be trained by agents J or K.

JUNE 21st

CHILD’S PLAY
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Tim Matheson
Directed by: Lars Klevberg

Hollywood again picks the bones of a dead franchise and tries to breathe new life into it. The bad news: Brad Dourif is not the voice of Chucky. The good news: Mark Hamill is.

TOY STORY 4
Starring the voices of: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Directed by: Josh Cooley

When a new toy called “Forky” joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy. Disney’s movie about toys dolls is going to kick the crap out the Universal’s movie about a toy doll at the box office.

JUNE 28th

ANNABELLE COMES HOME

Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Directed by: Gary Dauberman

Determined to keep Annabelle from wreaking more havoc, demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren bring the possessed doll to the locked artifacts room in their home, placing her “safely” behind sacred glass and enlisting a priest’s holy blessing. But an unholy night of horror awaits as Annabelle awakens the evil spirits in the room, who all set their sights on a new target-the Warrens’ ten-year-old daughter, Judy, and her friends. The real Lorraine Warren recently passed away, for those of you keeping score at home.

*YESTERDAY

Starring: Himesh Patel, Lily James
Directed by: Danny Boyle

A struggling musician realizes he’s the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles after waking up in an alternate timeline where they never existed. Written by the great Richard Curtis – who also wrote “The Tall Guy,” the movie I first fell in love with Emma Thompson with.

JULY 2nd

*SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME
Starring: Tom Holland, Jacob Batalon and Marisa Tomei
Directed by: Jon Watts

Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever. I’m guessing the start of Phase 3 of the MCU? Love Holland as Spidey and Batalon’s Ned is one of my favorite movie side-kicks ever.

JULY 12th

*STUBER
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Dave Bautista
Directed by: Michael Dowse

A detective recruits his Uber driver into an unexpected night of adventure. As someone that has driven for Uber I will admit I’m intrigued. The most exciting thing that ever happened to me was a woman breaking up with her boyfriend in the back of my car!

JULY 19th

THE LION KING
Starring the voices of: Seth Rogen, Donald Glover and Beyonce’
Directed by: Jon Favreau

For those of you who have been on Mars for the last 25 years: After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery. Favreau worked miracles with his version of “The Jungle Book” and Disney is hoping this is another “Aladdin,” not “Dumbo.”

JULY 26th

*ONCE UPON A TIME IN… HOLLYWOOD
Starring: Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margo Robbie
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino

It’s the summer of 1969 and a lot of things are happening in Hollywood. Sex. Drugs. And Charles Manson. As advertised, this is the 9th film directed by Tarantino, who has always said he plans on making 10 and retiring. I challenge you to find a filmmaker that has made as many films as he has without making a dud. Even my favorite director, Steven Spielberg, has made a misstep (I’m looking at YOU, “Hook”).

AUGUST 2nd

FAST AND FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS and SHAW
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and lots of cars
Directed by: David Leitch

When the eighth film in this franchise came out I joked on our Podcast that the next one would be called “Fine and Furious,” because “fine” rhymes with “nine.” However, to avoid paying me money, Universal has chosen this title. Lawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity. I’ve only seen the original and part 5. However, the addition of Idris Elba as the villain might pull me into the theatre for this one.

AUGUST 9th

*SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK
Starring: Michael Garza and Austin Zajur
Directed by: André Øvredal

A group of teens face their fears in order to save their lives. Podcast co-host Loey Lockerby says that these books scared the hell out of her when she was a kid.

AUGUST 16th

47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED
Starring: John Corbett, Nia Long
Directed by: Johannes Roberts

Four teen girls diving in a ruined underwater city quickly learn they’ve entered the territory of the deadliest shark species in the claustrophobic labyrinth of submerged caves. Why isn’t this being called “48 Meters Down?”

*WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kristin Wiig and Laurence Fishburne
Directed by: Richard Linklater

A loving mom becomes compelled to reconnect with her creative passions after years of sacrificing herself for her family. Her leap of faith takes her on an epic adventure that jump-starts her life and leads to her triumphant rediscovery.

AUGUST 30th

PLAYMOBIL THE MOVIE
Starring the voices of: Daniel Radcliffe and Kenan Thompson
Directed by: Lino DiSalvo

Animated feature film inspired by the Playmobil brand toys. Are you ****ing kidding me??? PLAYMOBIL THE MOVIE???? A movie about the little toys my grandchildren play with?? Quick, get me Hollywood…I want to make a movie about the game of Jacks! Believe it or not, Daniel Radcliffe was not only Harry Potter but did “Equus” on Broadway. How the mighty have fallen. Look for him to reprise the role of Harry Potter when he leads tours around Universal Orlando.

 

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The classic heist movie has been a staple genre in Hollywood for decades. A close-knit team of criminals planning to make off with the haul of their lives. Sounds familiar, right?

Yet despite the fact that most modern heist films are all based on this similar premise, that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable. There are certainly a few films that stand out from the crowd, not to mention standing the test of time incredibly well. We’ve grouped together three main categories – the bank heist, the casino heist and the gang heist – and selected the most honourable mentions within each. Let’s dive straight in.

The Bank Heist – Reservoir Dogs

A heist movie like no other, it’s easy to forget that Reservoir Dogs was Quentin Tarantino’s first foray into the world of directing. In many ways it set the tone for Tarantino’s reputation as an auteur: unconventional, violent and unique. When you think of the standard heist movie, you think of three main sections: the plan, the execution and the aftermath. Reservoir Dogs almost completely does away with the ‘main’ second section, jumping between the events before and after the heist.

In doing so, we get a completely different take on the characters involved, their motivations and their allegiances. It’s a film where, for the most part, the action takes a back seat to the dialogue. We’re also still hoping for that Vega Brothers movie that’s long been talked about.

The Casino Heist – Ocean’s Eleven

Arguably the film that sparked the entire heist movie trend, Ocean’s Eleven was an immediate sensation upon its release back in 1960. Of course, the younger among us may be more familiar with the 2001 remake, starring the likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon. The remake stands on its own as a modern classic, transporting us back to the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. We get a more in-depth look at the way modern casinos operate, specifically the Bellagio, The Mirage and the MGM Grand. It’s hard to find a more thrilling setting than that.

More recently, the legacy of the Ocean’s series has even reached beyond the silver screen into the rapidly evolving world of iGaming, with sites offering a range of heist-inspired games that draw on elements from Ocean’s Eleven, perfect for any film fan looking to get a taste of the casino heist thrill for themselves.

The Gang Heist – Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

Another debut film from one of the most important British directors of the past few decades, Guy Ritchie. The film helped launch the careers of the likes of Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones, not to mention Ritchie himself. Interesting to think that it might not have been made if it wasn’t for a little help from Tom Cruise.

Loaded with unforgettable characters and a great soundtrack, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels follows the path of a group of young schemers on a mission to repay the £100,000 they lost to an East London card-shark. It’s one of those films that leaves the audience wondering just who will come out on top.

So, there we have it, three top movies from three main genres of heist film. We’d be tempted to say we’ve seen it all, but the evolving nature of the heist movie probably means there’s much more to come.