ORIANTHI ANNOUNCES NEW LIVE RELEASE “LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD”

“LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD” SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE JULY 15, 2022
AUDIO & VIDEO OF ‘CONTAGIOUS’ PERFORMANCE AVAILABLE NOW
NEW STUDIO ALBUM COMING THIS FALL

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to present “Live From Hollywood”, a new live album and long-form video from internationally renowned rock guitarist Orianthi. Available on CD/DVD and Blu-ray, “Live From Hollywood” will be released on July 15, 2022. The performance was captured on January 8, 2022 at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood, CA and sees the guitarist and her excellent backing band in fine form, playing songs from Orianthi’s most recent release “O” and cuts like her hit, ‘According To You’.

Watch a performance of ‘Contagious’ HERE:

Pre-order/save “Live From Hollywood” HERE:

This new live release serves as an appetizer for Orianthi’s upcoming new studio album, which will be released later in 2022.

Orianthi’s first major solo artist success, as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, was with the Geffen Records release of “According To You,” which is now RIAA-Certified Platinum® and has over 17 million streams on Spotify. Her music’s ability to transcend time and remain relevant cannot be more clear than it’s recent resurgence on TikTok. There are over 83 million views on the “According to You” hashtag making it a viral trend that is introducing Gen Z to Orianthi for the first time in a big way. Career-long fans are used to seeing their favorite world class guitarist playing arenas with rock royalty and global superstars like Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Carrie Underwood, Alice Cooper and more. The juxtaposition of her newly arrived online popularity and her lifelong pursuit of artistic credibility is the nebulous of this shining star.

“Live From Hollywood” Tracklisting:

1. Contagious
2. Sinners Hymn
3. Heaven In This Hell
4. Think Like A Man
5. You Don’t Wanna Know
6. What’s It Gonna Be
7. Courage
8. Blow
9. Impulsive
10. Blues Won’t Leave Me Alone
11. According To You
12. How Do You Sleep

LINE-UP:
Orianthi – Guitar, Vocals
Nick Mayfield – Guitar
Carmen Vandenberg – Guitar
Justin Andres – Bass
Michael Bearden – Keyboards
Glen Sobel – Drums

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: announces, hollywood, live, orianthi, release

The Top Five Most Stylish Actresses Currently Wowing Hollywood

Style and Hollywood are clearly synonymous but that doesn’t mean that every diva in the industry can pull it off every single time. 

In the day and age when film icons could be spotted and photographed at any moment, there are some actresses who manage to always look as if they’ve just stepped off or on to the catwalk.

These stylish acting talents know exactly how to present themselves, and their outfits, to their adoring public and we’ve highlighted three in particular who do so with aplomb.

Lupita Nyong’o

The Oscar winning actress oozes style in just about every pose she’s been captured in since she broke into our consciousness following her award winning performance in the harrowing Steve McQueen film Twelve Years a Slave

Never afraid to take risks and with a petite frame to die for, Nyong’o is a fashion house’s dream when it comes to over the top outfits that would look garish and ill-fitting on most of Hollywood’s establishment.

Every Met Gala she’s attended has led to viral action across social media, Lupita is not only a hugely talented actor she is also a bone fide style icon.

Gal Gadot

The Israeli actress comes from model beginnings and while it may have taken a while for the 35-year-old to convince the film industry she can act, she’s certainly making up for lost time and her latest release, the Wonder Woman sequel 1984, has proven a big hit despite the fact that a worldwide cinematic release hasn’t been possible due to COVID-19.

The wispy actor always looks perfect whenever she’s snapped. Whether she’s been papped leaving a restaurant or as she works her magic on the red carpet, Gadot most certainly has style running through her veins. 

Clearly her model upbringing helps her take every opportunity to come across well in front of the lens and there are few Hollywood star’s more photogenic than Gal Gadot.

Zendaya

This young acting prodigy has packed a lot into her fledgling career and it’s easy to forget that Californian is still only 24-years-old. 

The American actress-singer has become something of a household name thanks to her performances in the Spiderman franchise and the musical The Greatest Show on Earth as well as her excellent portrayal of Rue Bennett in the excellent Euphoria.

Zendaya is now also a leading light in the fashion industry having become the face of Tommy Hilfiger and cosmetics giant Lancome. She has quickly become a style icon and has done a great service for glasses frames for women due to her ability to shine even brighter when spectacled.

Charlize Theron

Another model/actress with previous experience of walking the catwalk, this South African star is an accomplished performer with three Oscar nominations to her name, one of which led to a win thanks to her astonishing performance in Monster in 2004.

The long legged style queen is always well presented and it’s no surprise that she is very much a brand ambassador to a number of major fashion houses and labels.

She has previously fronted John Galliano, Dior and Breitling and is always attracting attention both on and off screen. Perhaps never more so than when sporting the hip Saint Laurent sunglasses in her big money hitwoman success Atomic Blonde, a look that has inspired countless copycats and fancy dress outfits.

Margot Robbie

This Australian actress has grown from bit-part performer to Hollywood A-lister over the course of the past decade and she’s also managed to significantly up her style game in the process.

Clearly Robbie is a stunningly attractive actor but she also knows how to win the style war that so many fail. The Wolf of Wall Street star is always careful to be perfectly stylish whenever she’s captured by the camera lense and that’s a talent that isn’t easily honed.

In 2016 she became a key part of Calvin Klein’s fashion range, in 2018 it was Chanel who were making the most of her icon-like status, and look. She is regularly named in ‘best dressed’ lists and her quirky attitude is one that has helped to secure a key reputation as a real trendsetter. 

There isn’t a moment she’s in front of the camera and not pulling off an effortless level of style. Whether that’s in a simple ensemble coupled with a form fitted dress for a top designer, paired off with idyllic oversized sunglasses to die for, or in a simple pair of mom-jeans and a nice pair of Gucci framed eyewear.

Clearly while the five acting megastars named above are all leading style figures it’s also important to note that they are all very much at the top end of their acting scale. All are award winners in their fields and a great deal of their successful style input comes from their own unique characters. 

These are icons not only in the style game but also of the silver screen. They are A-listers in every sense of the word.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: actresses, hollywood, stylish, top, wowing

Film Review: “Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood”

  • ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD
  • Starring:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie
  • Directed by:  Quentin Tarantino
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  2 hrs 41 mins
  • Sony Pictures

THE 9th FILM FROM QUENTIN TARANTINO!! So read the ads for the filmmaker’s latest opus, a love story to old-time Hollywood, with a little Charles Manson thrown in for good measure, called “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.”

1969.  As the New Year begins we find ourselves in the company of former western television star Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his constant companion and stunt-double Cliff Booth (Pitt).  Rick’s career has waned since his turn on “Bounty Law.”  After a few action films, Rick has found himself appearing on episodic television, usually as the bad guy.  In fact, as he meets with the producer of an upcoming “Spaghetti” Western (a wasted Al Pacino), he can’t help but brag about his upcoming turn on “The F.B.I.”    Meanwhile Rick’s neighbors,  a pair of young newlyweds, return from Europe and make their way to their canyon home on Cielo Drive.  Their names:  Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate.

A love letter to the Hollywood he grew up watching, “Once Upon a Time…” is quite possibly the least “Tarantino” film the two-time Oscar winner has ever created.  I recently learned that this project was originally intended as a novel, and after watching the film I can understand why.  This is basically two individual stories, slowly woven together, that intersect occasionally before climaxing in a “what-if” explosion of fury and satisfaction. 

Story one is Rick and Cliff.  Their continued bonding, their obvious love (platonic) for each other and the way they each have the other’s back.  DiCaprio and Pitt have great chemistry together, and a bromance I haven’t seen since Paul Newman and Robert Redford worked together in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” which happens to be a film actually released in 1969.

Story two focuses on Sharon Tate (an excellent Robbie), who is portrayed her as a sweet, unassuming young woman whose idea of a good time was going to see one of her films at a theatre and smile at the audience’s acceptance of her work.  We accompany her and Roman as they attend parties with such celebs as Michelle Phillips, Cass Elliott and Steve McQueen. It’s heartbreaking to see the character so full of life, both figuratively and literally, when you know the tragic way that life ended.

The story begins to get intense when Cliff one day meets Pussycat (Margret Qualley), who hitches a ride from Cliff back to her commune, hoping to introduce him to her friend Charlie.  Yes, that Charlie.  The entire Manson family is represented, from wacky future would-be-presidential-assassin Squeaky Fromme (Dakota Fanning) to “Tex” Watson (Austin Butler).  We even get Bruce Dern in senile “old-man” form as Spahn Ranch owner George Spahn.

At more than two and a half hours, the film does have its slow points.  I also had some issues with Tarantino’s use of occasional flashbacks.  At least they seem to be.  A scene where Cliff meets the show stunt coordinator, played by Kurt Russell.  In what appears to be the next moment, we find Cliff taking on Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) in what appears to be on the set of “The Green Hornet,” which left television in 1967.  Moh is solid in this small, but entertaining scene, and once again Tarantino has managed to attract an amazing cast, from regular players like Michael Madsen and Zoe Bell to newcomers like Pacino, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant and the late Luke Perry.  Heck, the cast even includes a group of second generation actors including Rumer Willis (daughter of Bruce), Harley Quinn Smith (daughter of Kevin) and Maya Hawke (daughter of Ethan and Uma Thurman).

Visually the film amazes.  Tarantino fills the screen with reminders of the good old days of Hollywood, from brightly lit marquees to oversize movie posters.  The script has some classic dialogue, though the almost near-absence of the “F” word – and the non-appearance of the “N” word – may surprise some of Tarantino’s fans.

Tarantino is on record as saying he only wanted to make ten films.  This is #9.  I’m curious if he will be true to his word and, if so, what that film would be.  I’ve read he’d like to do a “Star Trek” film, but I can’t imagine one of the most creative and influential filmmakers of all time ending his career as a gun-for-hire.  Whatever he does, it will be the book-end on an amazing career.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, hollywood, review, timein

THE HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES ARE BACK –

ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED ROCK ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!

“RISE” 

TO BE RELEASED ON JUNE 21st, 2019 ON earMUSIC

BRAND NEW SONG “WHO’S LAUGHING NOW” AVAILABLE AS DOWNLOAD AND STREAM NOW.

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/vlwWP3uawHk

The Hollywood Vampires – return with new music from their explosive second album, “Rise.” Rock and roll royalty Joe Perry,Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp and shock rock icon Alice Cooper join forces once again for the unmissable rock album of 2019.

Seconds into the opening track “I Want My Now,” it’s clear this supergroup has created something special – the chemistry between the individuals is unmistakeable when they come together on stage or in the recording studio.  Forget the star-studded lineup’s individual reputations, “Rise” is some of the purest, unapologetic and most enjoyable rock and roll of the year, made by masters of the craft and true fans of the form.

Unlike their 2015 debut record, the new album “Rise” consists mainly of original material, written by the band. There are however, in the spirit of the Vampires’ original mission, three covers of songs originally written and recorded by some fellow rockers who died far too young: an intimate and intense version of David Bowie’s “Heroes”,  beautifully performed by Johnny Depp; the late Jim Carroll Band’s “People Who Died,” and Johnny Thunder’s “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory,” sung by Joe Perry. Raucous rock anthems like “The Boogieman Surprise” and “Who’s Laughing Now” (the first single from the new album), capture the natural, raw, celebratory attitude of Hollywood Vampires displayed in their rowdy shows around the world.  But the album shows off their range as well with tracks like “We Gotta Rise” – a tongue-in-cheek politics song in the the tradition of Alice’s “Elected” – to the psychedelic gothic epic of “Mr. Spider.” 

“‘Rise’ is not only a totally different animal than the first Vampires album, it is unique to anything I’ve ever been a part of.  I approached it very differently than I usually do when working on an album.  Each of us; Joe, Johnny, Tommy and myself have written songs on this album.  What is different though is that I didn’t try to change any songs to be more “Alice-like.”  Because each of us has different influences, the sound of this album is very cool.  I think that with this album, we are establishing what the Vampires’ sound really is, whereas with the first album we were more tipping our hats to our fallen rock n roll brothers.” – Alice Cooper

“’Rise’ came from pure creative energy, which is just like playing live with the Vampires. The record showcases everyone doing what they do best without anyone looking over our shoulders. There was no pressure or deadlines, allowing us to write and record an album that is one of the freest and most honest sounding records I’ve been part of. I can’t wait to perform some of these tunes live for our fans.” – Joe Perry

earMUSIC, the global independent rock label of Edel Germany GmbH, is proud to announce the worldwide signing of Hollywood Vampires. Following the release of Alice Cooper’s 2017 studio album “Paranormal” on earMUSIC, his best chart-performing work in decades, the label is proud to welcome the band to their family.

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO TO “WHO’S LAUGHING NOW” HERE:

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE:

**************************

The Hollywood Vampires who previously performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Rock In Rio and the 2016 Grammy Awards in addition to hugely successful U.S. and EU/UK tours last year, will embark on a seven-date U.S. West Coast tour in May. 

THE HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES ON TOUR: 

5/10 – The Joint – Las Vegas, NV

5/11 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

5/12 – Warfield Theatre – San Francisco, CA

5/14 – The Fillmore – Denver, CO

5/16 – Sandia Resort – Albuquerque, NM

5/17 – Talking Stick Casino – Scottsdale, AZ

5/18 – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino – Indio, CA

**************************

TRACK LIST

  1. I Want My Now
  2. Good People Are Hard To Find
  3. Who’s Laughing Now
  4. How The Glass Fell
  5. The Boogieman Surprise
  6. Welcome To Bushwackers (feat. Jeff Beck & John Waters)
  7. The Wrong Bandage
  8. You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory
  9. Git From Round Me
  10. Heroes
  11. A Pitiful Beauty
  12. New Threat
  13. Mr. Spider
  14. We Gotta Rise
  15. People Who Died
  16. Congratulations

www.hollywoodvampires.com

 

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: hollywood, vampires

“Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel” book nominated for Rondo Hatton Award


“Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel,” a book written by Media Mikes co-founder Michael A. Smith, with Louis R. Pisano, has been nominated in the category BOOK OF THE YEAR for the 17th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.

The Rondo Awards have recognized, since 2002, the very best in film, television and publishing in the field of Classic Horror.

“Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel,” was initially published in 2015. However, Smith spent two years after its publication finding more behind the scenes photos and tracking down more members of the crew to tell their story about working on the Hollywood Sequel that launched the constant stream of films we have today.

The nominated book is a limited (to 1000 copies) signed and numbered edition, with the majority of the photos and images posted in color.

If you would like to vote for the book, send an email HERE and tell them you’d like to vote for the JAWS 2 book for Book of the Year. If you would like to order a copy, please click HERE.

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Filed Under: Books, Film Headlines Tagged With: 2, award, book, hatton, hollywood, jaws, ...

Six Hollywood Movies to Watch

Every year thousands of movies are released in the Hollywood. These are some of the best Hollywood movies that one must watch during their lifetime.

Shawshank Redemption

This has to be the best Hollywood movie ever. The movie depicts the story of a man who has been imprisoned for the crime that he didn’t commit. The protagonist of the movie does the best one could do in such situation. He keeps his faith in the almighty alive instead of cursing his fate. He dreams of a paradise filled with pleasures in a situation where an ordinary human being would succumb to the insensitivity of nature.  The movie signifies the power of hope as the prisoner is eventually successful in realizing his dreams.

God Father Trilogy

The God Father trilogy is undoubtedly the most influential Hollywood movie of all times. The movie has immensely inspired the entire generation of filmmaking. The movie shows the gang war between the mafias of America. The impressive performance by the actors Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando and Al Pacino adds to the greatness of the movie.

Inception

Both the audience and the critics were marveled by the movie. The movie is a piece of great imagination and creativity. The concepts of limbo and dream are meticulously depicted in the movie.  The brilliant script was backed by equally brilliant performances by Leonardo Dicaprio and Tom Hardy.

Schindler List

The movie is based on a true story of one Oscar Schindler who had managed to save many jews from the atrocities of the Nazis during the second world war. The realistic, hard-hitting and powerful portrayal of the script successfully struck a chord with the audience. The movie won the Academy award in 1993 for the best picture.

Fight Club

Fight club is regarded as one of the manliest movies all times. The movie was directed by David Fincher and features stars like Bradd Pitt and Edward Norton. The entire movie is filled with rebellious concepts. The thought-provoking twist at the end of the movie is worth watching.

Interstellar

The sci-fi movie delves into the concepts of black hole and life on other planets. Christopher Nolan has quite vividly depicted the entire idea. This movie has repeatedly been rated as the best movie of the 21st century by the audiences.

There are many other movies that are worth watching, but these can’t be missed. You can watch these movies at lower prices by using Bydiscountcodes.co.uk discount codes.

 

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: hollywood, movies, watch

Icons and Legends of Hollywood on View in NYC

This week New York film fans and prospective collectors have a unique opportunity to check out an array of props and costumes from Profiles in History’s upcoming ‘Icons & Legends of Hollywood’ auction. The auction, set to take place in Los Angeles June 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, features over 2000 pieces dating all the way back to the silent era.

I got a chance to take a tour of this exhibit which opened yesterday to the public and will be on view through Saturday, May 19th at The Society of Illustrators located at 128 East 63rd Street.

Besides showing costumes from stars of Hollywood’s golden era such as Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Groucho Marx in startlingly pristine condition, some of the props on view are among the most iconic in Sci-Fi history.

I was first shown Ripley’s spacesuit from the first Alien as well as a helmet worn by John Hurt. They were joined in this show by Ripley’s flamethrower from Aliens, apparently an actual flamethrower!

For children of the 80s and 90s however, I think the real highlights of this collection might well be Michael J Fox’s hoverboard from Back to the Future: Part II (a hole is in it of course because Marty ripped the handle bar off of it), Richard Attenborough’s amber-topped cane from Jurassic Park and a rather roughed up biker jacket from the Arnold Schwarzenegger’s arrival in The Terminator.

This show is truly just the tip of the ice berg for this massive auction which has memorabilia ranging from just a couple hundred dollars to those soaring with estimates over $100,000. However if you’re only looking to drop a couple bucks to take a look at these items up close but not take home, do not miss this show!

The exhibit will be open to the public:
On Tuesday, May 15th, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
On Wednesday, May 16th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
On Thursday, May 17th, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
On Friday, May 18th, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
On Saturday, May 19th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Located at The Society of Illustrators 128 East 63 Street New York, NY 10065.

More about Profiles in History: Icons & Legends of Hollywood

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Filed Under: Featured, Misc, Travel Tagged With: hollywood, icons, legends, nyc, view

Guitarist Alex Grossi talks Maps to the Hollywood Scars and their new EP “Vol. 1”

Alex Grossi is one of the busiest guitarists in today’s music scene. Some of his projects include the bands Beautiful Creatures, Hookers and Blow, Hotel Diablo and most notably Quiet Riot which he joined in 2003. Alex’s newest project Maps to the Hollywood Scars” recently released a new EP titled “Vol. 1” featuring former American Idol contest James Durbin. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Alex recently about the new project and the recent addition of James to the Quiet Riot lineup.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the new project Maps to the Hollywood Scars and, how you and James Durbin came together?

Alex Grossi: I had met James back in 2011 through a mutual business acquaintance when he was doing American Idol. We became friends during that time but lost touch for a few years. It wasn’t until James was doing a residency in Las Vegas recently that we reconnected and I started sending him demos. He was recording some great melodies and lyrics and the more we worked the better things kept getting. Eventually we have almost a dozen songs done. We decided to put out an EP to see how things would go and that led to us doing a second one and so on. Things happened very organically and we are very happy where things are at.

AL: What was the process like for working on the new EP titled “Vol.1”?

AG: I had been working on songs as they came to me for about a year prior. When I sent them to James he immediately got it and was inspired. There was really no set plan for anything but I had been demoing songs for about a year and finally found the right outlet for them. Having James come in has been great and also working with our producer AJ St James and Dizzy Reed who played piano and strings.

AL: How did Dizzy Reed become involved with the project?

AG: I have been playing in a cover band we do called Hookers and Blow for the past twelve or thirteen years. When we wrote the song “Death” I could just hear the string parts and piano parts. I sent him the song and asked him what he could add and what he sent back is what you hear on the record. He did a great job and nailed it.

AL: Are there any plans to tour behind this release?

AG: There have been some offers that have come in but with the both of us now being in Quiet Riot we have to work around that schedule and we would have to put a band together. Right now we are only going to do what makes sense for everyone as it’s hard to schedule something for spring and summer when we already have commitments with Quiet Riot. There has been talk of doing some late night television appearance but as far as a full blown tour we will probably only do a show here or there. It’s a side project and something that we want to keep special. We have plans but we just have to wait for the right time when everyone’s calendars line up.

AL: Can you give us an update on the recent Quiet Riot line-up change?

AG: We just announced James as our new singer and we are currently recording the new album with him titled “Road Rage”. We have bunch of new tour dates that just went up on the Quiet Riot website which will taking us all over the country and also to Canada. More shows keep getting added to it hard to keep up with them all. (Laughs) We are very grateful for the support which keeps us going.

AL: How instrumental were you in bringing James into the Quiet Riot fold?

AG: I was demoing the songs with James and during that time I was sending the tracks over to Frankie to check out. He has been very supportive of the project since I started it so when it came time make a singer change I offered to call James up and see if he would be interested. I called him up; he said he was interested and about two weeks later things were on their way. We did rehearsals and a photo shoot and that was it. It all happened very quickly. James is such a pro in that he came in prepared knowing all the songs and was ready to go. I am very blessed to play with such a great group of guys. We all get along great and I am really excited to get out there with this new lineup.

AL: What other projects are you currently working on?

AG: Back in 2002 I joined Beautiful Creatures replacing DJ Ashba. We recorded an album called “Deuce” which we just got the rights back to. We remixed and re-mastered that album along with adding a few new things. That is going to be released March 31st. We are calling it “Deuce Deluxe” it’s going to have a bunch of new stuff on it and it sounds really great. I also do a fun cover band with Dizzy Reed called Hookers and Blow which we will be doing some shows here and there. I also am working still with Steven Adler. Getting to see him play with Gn’R this summer was amazing.

For more info on all of Alex’s projects visit: www.alexgrossimusic.com

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Filed Under: Featured, Interviews, Music, Music Interviews Tagged With: 1, alex, ep, grossi, guitarist, hollywood, ...

Behind the Screen – How Hollywood Hypocrite’s Screwed Nate Parker and “The Birth of a Nation”

It’s been quite awhile since I took the time to write something profound and for that I apologize. But when the Academy Award nominations were released, one word was repeatedly bandied about concerning one nomination. The nomination was for Best Achievement in Directing and the nominee was Mel Gibson, who helmed Best Picture nominee “Hacksaw Ridge.” The word in question: FORGIVEN.

Whether on the local news, “Entertainment Tonight” or even in the local paper, talking heads couldn’t help but point out that “Hollywood has finally forgiven Mel Gibson” and given him an Oscar nomination. Every time I heard this I scratched my head, wondering what the meaning of that statement was. We are all familiar in one way or another with some unpleasant reminders of Mel Gibson’s past. Yes, he allegedly is anti-Semitic. And yes, he may have some anger issues and leave some not-very-nice voice mails. In the 20 years since he took home Oscars for directing and co-producing “Braveheart” had he possibly lost out on more Oscar gold as a form of punishment?

Hollywood’s history was built on scandal. From Fatty Arbuckle to Charlie Sheen, the public has eaten up every tasty bit of dirt that Tinseltown can kick up. Charlie Chaplin LOVED blow jobs – especially from younger women. Errol Flynn had such a way with young ladies that they coined an expression – “In Like Flynn” – in his honor. Marilyn Monroe and JFK. Marilyn Monroe and RFK. Rob Lowe’s sex tape with a 16-year-old girl. Woody Allen and Soon-Yi. And these are just off the top of my head.

What they all have in common, besides their sordid back stories, is that none of them were “punished.” Sure, they all had to endure some bad press, but their careers went on quite nicely, thank you. Chaplin is regarded as one of the true genius’ of Hollywood. And rightly so. Flynn was a star until the day he died at the young age of 50. So was Monroe, who died even younger at 36. Rob Lowe continues to work and even endured a comedy roast where his under-age hijinx were frequently commented on. And Woody Allen has received 9 Academy Award nominations since it was learned that he was dating (and later married) the 21-year old adopted daughter of his then girlfriend, Mia Farrow. Where was their punishment? Why weren’t they shunned from the community and cast aside like so many Steven Seagal DVDs?

All of the above has led me to the main point of this diatribe. A few weeks ago, when our various film critics here at the web site listed their choices for the Best Film of 2016 my pick for #1 was “The Birth of a Nation.” I loved the film and when I left the theatre I was certain that the film and it’s break-out star/director/co-writer were destined for a date with Oscar. That seemed to be the consensus of other critics as well. At least until mid-August. It was then that the public learned that in 1999, while a student at Penn State, Parker and his roommate (and co-writer of “The Birth of a Nation”) Jean Celestin were accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student. Parker was tried and acquitted. Jump ahead to 2016. Parker is now married and the father of five daughters and his career is heading upward like a rocket. Until August. Since then, almost every article written that attempted to predict the possible Best Picture candidates dismissed “The Birth of a Nation.” Not because it was an inferior film but because of events 17 years ago. Later news – the woman who accused the two men had taken her life in 2012 – made things even worse. It was like Hollywood was saying, “Thanks for putting your life’s blood into your work, Nate, but like Paul Sorvino in “Goodfellas,” now we gotta turn our back on you. Hypocrites!

NEWS FLASH: As I was finishing up this piece, I see on-line an article from “USA Today” noting that Casey Affleck has aroused the ire of some in Hollywood with his recent Best Actor nomination. It seems that in 2010 two female crew members of a film he was directing filed a lawsuit against him for sexual harassment. Affleck threatened to counter-sue but the case was later settled out of court. Angry Tweets followed the news of Affleck’s nomination. To me he’s the front runner. I would hope that the members of the Academy do what they’re supposed to do, and cast their votes based on the performances of the actors or the merits of the filmmakers. To do otherwise would be a disgrace.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: birth of a nation, casey affleck, charlie chaplin, charlie sheen, errol flynn, fatty arbuckle, ...

Hollywood Undead Set to Perform at Both Festivals This Spring And Kick off World’s Loudest Month With Official Monster Energy Welcome to Rockville Pre-Party In Jacksonville

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD
UNVEILS NEW VIDEO FOR “DAY OF THE DEAD”
TODAY AT WWW.WELCOMETOROCKVILLEFESTIVAL.COM AND WWW.ROCKONTHERANGE.COM
BAND WILL PERFORM AT BOTH FESTIVALS THIS SPRING
AND KICK OFF WORLD’S LOUDEST MONTH WITH
OFFICIAL MONSTER ENERGY WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE PRE-PARTY
IN JACKSONVILLE

Later this spring, fans can catch Los Angeles based hip-hop/metal veterans Hollywood Undead atMonster Energy Welcome To Rockville in Jacksonville, FL on April 25 and Rock On The Range in Columbus, OH in mid-May. In the meantime, the band is premiering their video for “Day of the Dead”at www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com and www.RockOnTheRange.com.

In the Spence Nicholson-directed clip, Hollywood Undead appear as musical guests on a satirical version of a for-profit televangelism program.

Hollywood Undead’s J-Dog says, “A guy named Spence directed this video. He directed the ‘Everywhere I Go’ video too…Still one of our favorite videos. We came up with a really original idea for ‘DOTD’ and it came out amazing.”

“Day of the Dead” is the current single and title track from Hollywood Undead’s fourth studio album, due out March 31 via Interscope Records. Visit http://smarturl.it/HUDayOfTheDead to pre-order the album.

For more information on Hollywood Undead, visit www.hollywoodundead.com.

The fifth annual Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville takes place April 25 & 26 at Jacksonville, Florida’s scenic Metropolitan Park along the St. Johns River. Florida’s biggest rock festival kicks off the World’s Loudest Month festival series and features music on multiple stages, band autograph signings, interactive experiences, a Monster Energy viewing area with beverage sampling, and a variety of food and beverage options, including local gourmet food trucks and the debut of the new Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Tequila World. 2014’s Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville sold out with 40,000 fans of all ages from around the U.S. and various countries in attendance during the two-day destination music festival. Tickets for Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville are available now at www.WelcomeToRockvilleFestival.com.

Hollywood Undead will get the party started Friday, April 24 with an exclusive performance at theMonster Energy Welcome To Rockville Official Pre-Party at Underbelly (113 E Bay Street) in downtown Jacksonville. The Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville Official Pre-Party is presented by Danny Wimmer Presents, Bud Light, Jack Daniel’s and Jägermeister. The party is free to all Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville ticket holders 21 and older. To gain access to the Pre-Party, ticketholders need to show their festival ticket at the Underbelly box office to get a Pre-Party wristband in advance. Wristbands are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis beginning at Noon on Friday, April 24. Doors open at 8:00 PM for the Pre-Party and music starts at 9:00 PM.

Rock On The Range, America’s premier hard rock festival, returns to Columbus, Ohio’s MAPFRE Stadium, formerly Crew Stadium, May 15, 16 and 17, 2015 for its ninth year with a stellar lineup of top rock bands. The full weekend of non-stop rock will feature performances from many of the world’s most exciting bands on three stages over three days, plus the biggest Rock n’ Roll comedians in the ROTR Comedy Tent. The festival has sold out in advance for two years in a row, with 120,000 concertgoers on hand in 2014. ROTR Weekend Tickets are on sale now at www.RockOnTheRange.com.

Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville and Rock On The Range are part of the World’s Loudest Monthfestival series. Created by AEG Live, Danny Wimmer Presents and RockHouse Presents, The World’s Loudest Month features the biggest names in rock music performing in eight distinct U.S. concert atmospheres in April and May. Last year saw new attendance highs for the World’s Loudest Month festivals, with more than 368,000 fans turning out to see over 150 bands perform, proving that the hunger for rock and metal music in America is growing.

About Danny Wimmer Presents: Since 1995, Danny Wimmer has created, developed and produced events from the club level to some of the largest North American festivals. Founded in 2007 by industry veteran Wimmer, DWP produces some of the largest festivals in the rock and alternative landscapes. Never satisfied with the status quo, Danny Wimmer Presents strives to create memorable and fulfilling concert experiences leaving both consumers and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions.

www.DannyWimmerPresents.com

About AEG Live: AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Live is comprised of touring, festival, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, fifteen regional offices, and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. The current and recent concert tour roster includes artists such as Alicia Keys, American Idols, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, The WHO, Trey Songz and Juanes. The company is also currently producing residency shows at The Coloseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas including Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Shania Twain and is the exclusive promoter at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. AEG Live is also the largest producer of music festivals in North America from the critically acclaimed Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival to Stagecoach Country Music Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. www.aeglive.com

About RockHouse Presents: RockHouse Presents is a boutique concert company specializing in talent buying for the best hard rock and alternative rock music events across North America. RockHouse, while serving as a co-executive producer for destination festivals Rock On The Range, Carolina Rebellion and the first annual Northern Invasion, also books, markets and curates such branded events as EdgeFest/Dallas, Xfest/San Diego, MMRBQ/Philadelphia, BFD/San Francisco and several other nationally known radio hosted shows across the country.

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Filed Under: Music Headlines Tagged With: energy, festivals, hollywood, jacksonville, kick, loudest, ...

“Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel” Book on the Way!

This past Friday, the first official teaser image and title of the upcoming book detailing the making of the 1978 film “Jaws 2” was released.

“Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel” will not only be an in depth look at the making of one of the first successful sequels in Hollywood history but will also examine the effects that sequels have had on the industry.

The book will be written by Louis R. Pisano and Michael A. Smith, two long time “Jaws” fans who still have vivid memories about the first time they saw “Jaws 2.” Pisano is the producer/director of a successful series of “JawsFEST” themed fan films which have been recognized internationally. Smith is a long time film critic and co-founder of the popular entertainment web site Media Mikes.com.

After three years of extensive research the pair have managed to speak with almost every living major contributor to the film, among them directors John Hancock and Jeannot Szwarc, screenwriters Dorothy Tristan and Carl Gottlieb, Production Designer/Associate Producer Joe Alves, Universal Studios former chairman Sidney Sheinberg and cast members Lorraine Gary, Jeffrey Kramer, Joseph Mascolo and all (17) of the young actors who played what the authors collectively call “the Amity Kids!” The book will also talk to crew members, extras and will even have conversations with several of the young actors who were originally cast in the film then replaced, including a seven-year-old Ricky Schroder.

The book will feature many of the over 300 never-before-seen photos the authors have collected from cast, crew and observers.

The book will be published by Bear Manor Media.

Follow the book’s progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jaws2book

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Filed Under: Books Tagged With: 2, book, hollywood, jaws, making, sequel, ...

Jackie Robinson Returns to Kansas City – Hollywood Style!

KC Royals Hall of Famer George Brett

My first memory of Jackie Robinson is also one of my earliest baseball memories. Watching game 2 of the 1972 baseball World Series there was a ceremony held before the game, commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Robinson becoming the first black baseball player in the major leagues. Assuming that black players had always been around (heck, I was wearing a pair of Lou Brock model Converse sneakers that I had begged my parents for) I was surprised at the story my father told me about Robinson and his battle to play in the majors. Before signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League Robinson was the shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. So it was only fitting that “42,” the motion picture that honors his life, premiere in Kansas City. The event, held at the AMC Barrywoods 24 theater, gave almost 1,400 fans the first opportunity to see the new film.

Linda Paige, daughter of Satchel Paige

The weather was as brisk as you would expect on an early April day. Dignitaries, including Kansas City mayor Sly James, mingled with past and current members of the Kansas City Royals, as well as other baseball greats from the past, including Hall of Famer Lou Brock! Also attending was Linda Paige, the daughter of Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige as well as Jackie Robinson’s son, David. Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro League Baseball Museum, which is also based in Kansas City, attended as did cast members from “42,” including Harrison Ford, Derek Phillips, Chadwick Boseman and Andre Holland.

Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett was amazed at the red carpet experience and the honoring of Jackie Robinson. “Being a baseball player also, people just assume that I know who Jackie was. But I don’t know all of the things he had to endure. It’s going to be an education for me tonight to watch this (film).” I asked Brett, who is a strong supporter of the Negro League Museum, what the benefit showing would do for the organization. “I hope it brings more awareness to it,” he said. Brett’s said his biggest regret was that Buck O’Neil, one of the best known former Negro League ballplayers, was no longer alive to enjoy this moment. Featured in the highly popular Ken Burns documentary “Baseball,” O’Neil was the first black coach in Major League baseball and a fan favorite. Brett also noted that if O’Neil were still alive tonight’s event would have been twice as big!

David Robinson, Jackie Robinson’s son

Best known for his work on television’s “Friday Night Lights,” Phillips talked about playing a different sport on screen. “I probably hadn’t played baseball since I was seventeen and to get the opportunity to do a film like this at thirty-five…to get out there and throw the ball around…was a great experience. We had a run-down scene that we shot in multiple angles…chasing the runner to third and back to second then back to third. It was 106 degrees in Atlanta and I got a little gassed, I’ve got to be honest.”

I asked Mayor James how important it was that this event was being held in Kansas City. “It’s huge,” he replied. “And it’s the appropriate place to have it when you think about it. But for the Negro Leagues there wouldn’t be a Jackie Robinson. The Negro Leagues started here…the Monarchs were a great team and Jackie was a part of that team. He was the person that was selected. He not only broke the color barrier in baseball but he also broke the color barrier in society. He was a high-profile African-American…something that many people in this country hadn’t seen before. He forced people to reexamine their thoughts and beliefs. The fact that it all started in Kansas City makes this event very special.”

Actor Andre Holland

When I spoke to Negro League Museum president Kendrick I informed him of what Brett had said about mourning the absence of Buck O’Neil. I asked him how he thought Buck would enjoy this evening’s events. “He would be so excited,” he said, letting out a laugh. “He would own the red carpet. And he would be so proud. This is such a major accomplishment for the museum. And to be connected to a project of this magnitude…one that is shedding new light on one of the greatest American heroes ever as well as shedding light on the playing ground that allowed Jackie to play. The Negro Leagues. Because we don’t get Jackie if not for the Negro Leagues. I hope this film reminds people of just how special the Negro Leagues were and how much talent was there in the Negro Leagues.”

When I spoke to actor Andre Holland, who plays famed sportswriter Wendell Smith in the film, I noted that he was pretty much the only person in the movie that doesn’t get to throw a baseball. Did he ever just wander down to the field and start playing catch? “There were a couple of times, I will not lie to you,” he replied. “I played a lot of baseball growing up and sometimes when I was sitting in the stands…between takes I’d go down, grab a bat and take a swing or toss the ball around. It was hard to be in a baseball stadium and NOT be playing baseball.”

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Filed Under: Commentary, Featured Tagged With: city, hollywood, jackie, kansas, returns, robinson, ...

Hollywood Undead Announce New April Tour Dates & New Album "Notes From The Underground" Available Now

Hollywood Undead have now announced even more new Spring tour dates in April with support from Falling In Reverse kicking off April 17th in Pharr, TX. Those run of dates will follow the March run with Dance Gavin Dance and Abandon All Ships. These dates follow the wrapping up the entirely sold out ‘Underground Tour’ this past January in support of Hollywood Undead’s newest album, Notes From The Underground, which is available on iTunes now. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200, which is the highest debut to date for the band. Make sure to check out the tour dates below to find out when the band will be in a city near you.

For more information on Hollywood Undead including VIP package offers for the tour, make sure to check out their official website, as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages. Pick up a copy of Notes From The Underground available now.

Hollywood Undead Tour w/ Dance Gavin Dance, Abandon All Ships

3/4 – Reno – Knitting Factory Concert House*
3/6 – Boise – Knitting Factory Concert House*
3/7 – Spokane – Knitting Factory Concert House*
3/8 – Portland – Roseland Theater*
3/9 – Vancouver – Rickshaw Theater**
3/11 – Calgary – MacEwan Hall Ballroom**
3/12 – Edmonton – Starlite Room**
3/13 – Saskatoon – Odeon Events Centre**
3/15 – Winnipeg – Garrick Event Center**
3/16 – Fargo – The Venue @ The Hub
3/19 – London – London Concert Theatre**
3/20 – Toronto – The Phoenix Concert Theatre**
3/21 – Guelph – Guelph Concert Theatre**
3/23 – Jonquiere – Theatre Palace Arvida**
3/24 – Quebec – Imperial de Quebec**
3/25 – Laval – Marcellin-Champagnat**
3/27 – Providence – Fete (Ballroom)

* w/ Dance Gavin Dance
** w/ Abandon All Ships

Hollywood Undead Tour w/ Falling in Reverse

4/17 – Pharr, TX – Pharr Event Center
4/19 – San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live
4/21 – Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Ampitheatre
4/23 – Austin, TX – Emo’s East
4/24 – El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
4/25 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theatre
5/1 – Panama City Beach, FL – Club La Vela
5/3 – Chattanooga, TN – Track 29
5/4 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
5/9 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theatre
5/10 – Sioux Falls, SD – Sioux Falls Expo Center
5/14 – La Crosse, WI – South Hall @ La Crosse Center
5/15 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Orbit Room
5/18 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Pierre’s
5/19 – Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
5/21 – Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
5/22 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theatre
5/24 – Rochester, NY – Main Street Armory
5/25 – Louisville, KY – Expo 5

######

Notes From The Underground iTunes: http://smarturl.it/gmf2gh

Official Sites:
www.hollywoodundead.com
www.facebook.com/hollywoodundeadofficial
www.twitter.com/hollywoodundead

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Filed Under: Music Headlines Tagged With: album, announce, april, dates, hollywood, notes, ...

Hollywood Undead’s Johnny 3 Tears talks about new album "Notes From The Underground"

Johnny 3 Tears is the vocalist for the rock/rap group Hollywood Undead. The group is set to release their third full length studio album via A&M/Octone Records in early January titled “Notes From The Underground”. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Johnny recently about working on the album as well as what it was like shooting a video for the song “We Are” with Slipknot percussionist “Shawn “Clown” Crahan directing. Be sure to check out our review of Hollywood Undead’s latest album “Notes From The Underground”, here.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us a little bit about the groups writing sessions for the new album?
Johnny 3 Tears: Some of them were fun and some of them sucked! (Laughs) It’s always an up and down process with moments of glory and moments of pure panic. I enjoy writing records in general because all of the moods and things that happen during that time. We usually work with more than one producer which adds a little bit of flavor to things. We always try to keep things that way as it’s very easy by the 10th or 11th song to get repetitive. Recording 3 or 4 songs with different guys keep us honest and working hard. It was a lot of fun and writing is my favorite part of being in the band.

AL: What type of steps do you take personally when writing?
J3T: I always write a hook or a melody first. Often I will have words to the melody as well. Typically I think a lot of people write a guitar part and then sing to it. People think I am weird because I do things the other way around. I have just always done things that way especially since I can’t play guitar worth a crap. Songwriting I think is very individualized.

AL: Did you guys try anything out of the box during the sessions that maybe you have tried before?
J3T: We get pretty extreme during our sessions. It is not uncommon for us to have a 48 hr. recording session where we don’t sleep. Guys start to get to the point where they are starting to lose their minds. For me those are break through moments where you are so off your rocker that you try something you would never do with a sane mind. Producer wise some of them will do whatever we want and are willing to go deep in to the project. Other guys have other priorities and don’t want to live that life. We sometimes will have to be at the studio at 10am instead of 10pm drinking Starbucks instead of Jack Daniels but it works. The power is very balanced out.

AL: How was it working with Danny Lohner again?
J3T: We worked with him on first record but weren’t able to on the second as our schedule’s didn’t match up. Lohner is one of those outside the box guys like us and we love working with him because of that. He is more of a friend than a producer to us now as we have become really close. I am a huge Nine Inch Nails fan so when we first started with him I was a little gun shy. Once we got to know him we saw he’s a really cool guy. Danny brings some great ideas to the table.

AL: Can you tell us about the two version of the album that are being released?
J3T: With a regular record you are allotted a certain number of songs. If it was up to us we would have 30 songs on every record but I understand how things work. The deluxe version of the album is a chance for us to get more material out. It has 3 more songs than the standard version and for me it is the complete record that should be there. We always try to do different things that allow fans to get tracks that don’t make it on to the album. The deluxe album is one way and also if you buy the album off of ITunes you get a track that is exclusive to there.

AL: Can you tell us about working with Shawn Crahan on the video for “We Are”?
J3T: The video came out a few weeks ago and it turned out really cool. Working with Shawn was really awesome. I had no idea what the guy was going to be like when we first met. Slipknot is one of those bands that are more of a movement than a band as they represent a lot. You just don’t know what to expect. When we finally met Shawn we found he is one of the most down to earth, cool, creative guys you will ever know. We have done a lot of videos with other people who are strictly video directors but it was cool to work with a guy who has been in a band as well. I think he understood the other side of things and he really made us feel comfortable. It was a very smooth and fun process.

AL: What are the tour plans for the coming months?
J3T: January 8th we start a major market 12 date tour. It’s a promo tour where we will be playing some smaller venues that will allow us to get back to the basics of where we started. The shows will be intimate gatherings for people who have listened to us since we started. After that I think things will be pretty non-stop.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: 3, album, hollywood, johnny, notes, talks, ...
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