Friends, castmates and fans are sharing their remembrances of and tributes to Richard Lewis, the beloved comedian and longtime Curb Your Enthusiasm actor who died Tuesday at 76.
Lewis was part of the raft of comedians who broke through during the 1980s and gained fame as stand-up comedy began to flood cable TV later that decade and into the ’90s. His contemporaries included Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Reiser, Ellen DeGeneres, Ray Romano, Sinbad, Gilbert Gottfried, Rita Rudner, Larry Miller, Paula Poundstone, George Wallace, Elayne Boosler, Carol Leifer and many more.
Related: Remembering Richard Lewis: A Career In Photos
Lewis probably was best known for recurring on his longtime friend Larry David’s HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, playing himself as David’s neurotic, often needy longtime best pal.
Related: Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
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Lewis was part of the raft of comedians who broke through during the 1980s and gained fame as stand-up comedy began to flood cable TV later that decade and into the ’90s. His contemporaries included Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Reiser, Ellen DeGeneres, Ray Romano, Sinbad, Gilbert Gottfried, Rita Rudner, Larry Miller, Paula Poundstone, George Wallace, Elayne Boosler, Carol Leifer and many more.
Related: Remembering Richard Lewis: A Career In Photos
Lewis probably was best known for recurring on his longtime friend Larry David’s HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, playing himself as David’s neurotic, often needy longtime best pal.
Related: Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)
Great sadness...
- 2/28/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Classic rock wouldn’t be the same without classical music. The Beatles’ “Let It Be” is based on one of the most famous classical pieces ever. So are a lot of other pop songs!
The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ is 1 of several pop songs inspired by Pachelbel’s Canon
In his 2020 book A Sound Mind: How I Fell in Love With Classical Music (and Decided to Rewrite Its Entire History), music writer Paul Morley discussed the impact of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D, a piece of classical music also known as Pachelbel’s Canon. “Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D major [is] the original source of ambient music,” he said. “It was written possibly for his mentee Johann Bach’s (J. S. Bach’s father) wedding in 1694, more likely for just the kind of ordinary domestic function Telemann’s Table Music was designed for, and after being rediscovered in the 1920s,...
The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ is 1 of several pop songs inspired by Pachelbel’s Canon
In his 2020 book A Sound Mind: How I Fell in Love With Classical Music (and Decided to Rewrite Its Entire History), music writer Paul Morley discussed the impact of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D, a piece of classical music also known as Pachelbel’s Canon. “Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D major [is] the original source of ambient music,” he said. “It was written possibly for his mentee Johann Bach’s (J. S. Bach’s father) wedding in 1694, more likely for just the kind of ordinary domestic function Telemann’s Table Music was designed for, and after being rediscovered in the 1920s,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon‘s son, Julian Lennon, was asked to name the first music he remembered hearing. Shockingly, the tune in question was not a Beatles song. However, Julian compared the track to one of The Beatles’ biggest hits.
John Lennon’s son has strong memories of hearing a psychedelic rock song
During a 2023 interview with Esquire, Julian named the first piece of music he remembered hearing. “‘Whiter Shade of Pale,'” Julian said. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is the signature song of the psychedelic rock band Procol Harum. The tune typifies the British music of the 1960s, with its unusual lyrics, its classical music elements, and its full-throated vocal performance by Gary Brooker.
Julian recalled what it was like hearing “A Whiter Shade of Pale” for the first time. “I was three, I think,” he said. “I remember going, ‘I kind of like this.’ Songs bring you back to the time and the place.
John Lennon’s son has strong memories of hearing a psychedelic rock song
During a 2023 interview with Esquire, Julian named the first piece of music he remembered hearing. “‘Whiter Shade of Pale,'” Julian said. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is the signature song of the psychedelic rock band Procol Harum. The tune typifies the British music of the 1960s, with its unusual lyrics, its classical music elements, and its full-throated vocal performance by Gary Brooker.
Julian recalled what it was like hearing “A Whiter Shade of Pale” for the first time. “I was three, I think,” he said. “I remember going, ‘I kind of like this.’ Songs bring you back to the time and the place.
- 12/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Memory” feels like the “Silver Linings Playbook” of Michel Franco’s career: an unexpectedly accessible romance between two damaged human beings, from an independent director who’s been known to put characters through some of life’s most punishing indignities. For those familiar with Franco’s work, the previous film it most resembles is “Chronic,” though the tough-love auteur spares us the bummer ending this time around. In that movie, he followed a hospice nurse through his rounds, then abruptly cut to black when the guy was sideswiped by a car. Womp-womp. When a director does that early in his career, audiences are right to be wary.
Franco is more merciful to his characters in “Memory.” Before meeting one another at a high school reunion, recovering alcoholic Sylvia (Jessica Chastain) and widower Saul (Peter Sarsgaard) have endured more than their share of suffering. She remembers being sexually abused as a girl,...
Franco is more merciful to his characters in “Memory.” Before meeting one another at a high school reunion, recovering alcoholic Sylvia (Jessica Chastain) and widower Saul (Peter Sarsgaard) have endured more than their share of suffering. She remembers being sexually abused as a girl,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Pete Brown, the British countercultural poet who wrote the lyrics for a number of Cream’s most popular songs, has died at the age of 82.
The family of Cream’s Jack Bruce announced Brown’s passing on Saturday. “We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Jack’s long term friend and writing partner Pete Brown who passed away last night. We extend our sincere condolences to Pete’s wife Sheridan and Pete’s children as well as all his family and friends. Love from the Bruce family.” Brown died from cancer.
Brown is credited for co-writing Cream songs including “I Feel Free,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” “Dance the Night Away,” and “Swlabr.”
Following Creem’s breakup, Brown remained a close collaborator of Jack Bruce, contributing to a number of his solo albums.
Outside of his work with Cream and Bruce, Brown fronted a number of his own projects,...
The family of Cream’s Jack Bruce announced Brown’s passing on Saturday. “We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Jack’s long term friend and writing partner Pete Brown who passed away last night. We extend our sincere condolences to Pete’s wife Sheridan and Pete’s children as well as all his family and friends. Love from the Bruce family.” Brown died from cancer.
Brown is credited for co-writing Cream songs including “I Feel Free,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” “Dance the Night Away,” and “Swlabr.”
Following Creem’s breakup, Brown remained a close collaborator of Jack Bruce, contributing to a number of his solo albums.
Outside of his work with Cream and Bruce, Brown fronted a number of his own projects,...
- 5/20/2023
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
The 1960s was the peak of many trends in classic rock. For example, ’60s psychedelic rock songs are probably better than the psychedelic rock songs of any other era. Notably, John Lennon said The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” wasn’t very psychedelic at first.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
“Strawberry Fields Forever” might be the defining psychedelic rock song of the ’60s. In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed its origin.
“Dick Lester offered me the part in this movie [How I Won the War], which gave me time to think without going home,” he recalled. “We were in Almería, and it took me six weeks to write the song. I was writing it all the time I was making the film. And as anybody knows about film work, there’s a lot of hanging around.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
“Strawberry Fields Forever” might be the defining psychedelic rock song of the ’60s. In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed its origin.
“Dick Lester offered me the part in this movie [How I Won the War], which gave me time to think without going home,” he recalled. “We were in Almería, and it took me six weeks to write the song. I was writing it all the time I was making the film. And as anybody knows about film work, there’s a lot of hanging around.
- 4/15/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Keith Reid, who cowrote the lyrics for most of Procol Harum’s original songs, died March 23 of cancer, his wife confirmed. No details on location were provided.
Reid was a writer on Procol Harum’s biggest hit, 1967’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” as well as on group classics as “A Salty Dog,” “Conquistador,” “Shine on Brightly” and “Grand Hotel.”
Born on October 19, 1946, in Hertfordshire, England, Reid began collaborating with Procol Harum keyboardist Gary Brooker in the 1960s. One of their first joint efforts, “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” reached No. 1 in their native U.K., as well as in Australia, Canada, and several European countries. It also reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in the U.S.
Although not a performing member of Procol Harum, Reid was essential to the group’s mystique. His sometimes-oblique lyrics kept fans guessing as to interpretations, fueling discussions that kept the...
Reid was a writer on Procol Harum’s biggest hit, 1967’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” as well as on group classics as “A Salty Dog,” “Conquistador,” “Shine on Brightly” and “Grand Hotel.”
Born on October 19, 1946, in Hertfordshire, England, Reid began collaborating with Procol Harum keyboardist Gary Brooker in the 1960s. One of their first joint efforts, “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” reached No. 1 in their native U.K., as well as in Australia, Canada, and several European countries. It also reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in the U.S.
Although not a performing member of Procol Harum, Reid was essential to the group’s mystique. His sometimes-oblique lyrics kept fans guessing as to interpretations, fueling discussions that kept the...
- 3/30/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the biggest all-star lineups ever will celebrate the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees this weekend. The ceremony filmed October 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, and now airs this Saturday, November 20, on HBO and HBO Max.
The event clocking in at 3 hour and16 minutes honors Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner in the performer category. Kraftwerk, Charley Patton and Gil Scott-Heron were chosen for early influence induction. LL Cool J, Billy Preston and Randy Rhoads were honored in the musical excellence category. Clarence Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
King had been previously inducted as a songwriter. Turner is now a solo artist inductee after going in with Ike Turner the first time around.
SEEThe Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters, Tina Turner, Jay-Z among 16 artists eligible for 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
While the order of inductions was different during filming, here...
The event clocking in at 3 hour and16 minutes honors Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner in the performer category. Kraftwerk, Charley Patton and Gil Scott-Heron were chosen for early influence induction. LL Cool J, Billy Preston and Randy Rhoads were honored in the musical excellence category. Clarence Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
King had been previously inducted as a songwriter. Turner is now a solo artist inductee after going in with Ike Turner the first time around.
SEEThe Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters, Tina Turner, Jay-Z among 16 artists eligible for 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
While the order of inductions was different during filming, here...
- 11/19/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Fifty years ago this week, a new record arrived in shops called Nursery Cryme by the largely unknown British band Genesis. The cover showed a Victorian-era schoolgirl wielding a croquet mallet in a vast field full of disembodied heads. The songs inside were just as bizarre, including “The Fountain of Salmacis” and “The Return of the Giant Hogweed.” The former is a detailed telling of the ancient Greek myth of Hermaphroditus, while the latter is about an obscure, venomous plant that wreaks havoc in England when brought over from Russia.
- 11/11/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Twenty-two years ago, no one could avoid “Smooth,” that unlikely combo of Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas that won multiple Grammys, sold millions, and haunted all of us at weddings. But neither man seemed to take the idea of a sequel all too seriously. “We always talked about doing something,” Thomas says. “Usually I’d get a text from Carlos at 3 in the morning with Otis Redding doing ‘Day Tripper’ and Carlos saying, ‘We’re gonna do this song!’ It was always two guys drinking too much wine and having...
- 8/18/2021
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
“All I Need Is a Miracle” is not a Phil Collins song. But had he not become a solo star in the Eighties, giving his Genesis bandmate Mike Rutherford the time and incentive to launch the side project Mike and the Mechanics, the song would not exist. It was the second single off their 1985 self-titled debut and it became a big hit all over the world.
Collins was very fond of the tune and often sang a snippet of it when introducing Rutherford to the audience at Genesis concerts in...
Collins was very fond of the tune and often sang a snippet of it when introducing Rutherford to the audience at Genesis concerts in...
- 3/4/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
As Chick Corea witnessed for himself again and again, including on the British music series The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1976, the strangest thing happened in pop during the Seventies. Music fans would buy tickets to arena or amphitheater shows by bands like Return to Forever — founded and fronted by the late jazz keyboardist, who died of an unspecified type of cancer on February 9th at 79. Then they would settle into their seats and watch, and attentively listen, as the musicians would play an hour or two of entirely instrumental music.
- 2/12/2021
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Motown Records stumbled into the 1980s from the ‘70s, watching its greatest hitmakers return to the charts via other labels — Diana Ross at RCA, Marvin Gaye at Columbia and, of course, Michael Jackson and his brothers at Epic. Its fortunes perked up a bit in 1982 with hits from Lionel Richie and DeBarge, but overall, the label was on a downhill slide from its glory days.
Then came 1983.
That year saw two significant events restore interest in Motown and its peerless catalog (and fatten its bank balance) that would resonate for decades — and would also affect the way film, television and music intersect.
May 1983 saw the debut of NBC’s Emmy-winning “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” The show was watched by 34 million viewers and introduced Jackson’s moonwalk to the world — cementing his status as the world’s biggest superstar — but it also had a huge impact on the legendary Motown quintet the Temptations.
Then came 1983.
That year saw two significant events restore interest in Motown and its peerless catalog (and fatten its bank balance) that would resonate for decades — and would also affect the way film, television and music intersect.
May 1983 saw the debut of NBC’s Emmy-winning “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” The show was watched by 34 million viewers and introduced Jackson’s moonwalk to the world — cementing his status as the world’s biggest superstar — but it also had a huge impact on the legendary Motown quintet the Temptations.
- 4/12/2019
- by Phil Gallo
- Variety Film + TV
Whit Stillman on overcoming drawing a "blank" for The Last Days Of Disco: "I was very helped by the fact that a magazine sent me Anthony Haden-Guest's book about Studio 54 to review."
In the final instalment of my conversation with Whit Stillman we go on a "magical" stroll connecting Fred Astaire and Joan Fontaine in George Stevens's A Damsel In Distress to Greta Gerwig and Adam Brody in Whit's Damsels In Distress, Ryan Paris's Dolce Vita, Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, Matt Keeslar, Mackenzie Astin, and a Dean Martin song in The Last Days Of Disco.
The director/screenwriter talks about adapting Jane Austen's Lady Susan for Love & Friendship, the possible influence of his children on The Wizard Of Oz costumes turning up in his films, and a Peter Afterman comment about baroque music and Jamaican music that matches for Whit a Procol Harum Whiter...
In the final instalment of my conversation with Whit Stillman we go on a "magical" stroll connecting Fred Astaire and Joan Fontaine in George Stevens's A Damsel In Distress to Greta Gerwig and Adam Brody in Whit's Damsels In Distress, Ryan Paris's Dolce Vita, Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, Matt Keeslar, Mackenzie Astin, and a Dean Martin song in The Last Days Of Disco.
The director/screenwriter talks about adapting Jane Austen's Lady Susan for Love & Friendship, the possible influence of his children on The Wizard Of Oz costumes turning up in his films, and a Peter Afterman comment about baroque music and Jamaican music that matches for Whit a Procol Harum Whiter...
- 7/12/2018
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
We can't quite believe this is already happening, but the grand final of The Voice UK is on Saturday! We've already got the pizza place on our speed dial and we've obviously turned our sofa away from the television, but we felt that wasn't quite enough preparation, so we decided we should take a little time to assess the top four.
So if you've not been watching - or if you just want a reminder of everything that's led to this point - you're in luck. Read on for our complete guide to the final four...
Emmanuel Nwamadi
Basics: 23-year-old student from London (originally from Nigeria)
Team: Ricky Wilson
Songs performed so far: 'Sweetest Taboo' - Sade (blinds); 'The Living Years' - Mike & the Mechanics (battles); 'I've Been Loving You Too Long' - Otis Redding (knockouts); 'Another Day In Paradise' - Phil Collins (first live show); 'A Whiter...
So if you've not been watching - or if you just want a reminder of everything that's led to this point - you're in luck. Read on for our complete guide to the final four...
Emmanuel Nwamadi
Basics: 23-year-old student from London (originally from Nigeria)
Team: Ricky Wilson
Songs performed so far: 'Sweetest Taboo' - Sade (blinds); 'The Living Years' - Mike & the Mechanics (battles); 'I've Been Loving You Too Long' - Otis Redding (knockouts); 'Another Day In Paradise' - Phil Collins (first live show); 'A Whiter...
- 4/2/2015
- Digital Spy
Hello, good evening and welcome to our second The Voice UK live blog of 2015. It's semi-final time and things are getting serious.
We can't tell you who'll progress to the final, but we can guarantee a few 'Yeah's! from Tom Jones and some inspirational blabbering from will.i.am. You can also expect performances from the wonderful Jess Glynne and the enigmatic Sia!
Join Digital Spy from 7pm for updates and commentary on tonight's show.
21:05Well, that's about it! What did you make of this year's semi-final then? Aside from the crushing news about Vikesh, pretty strong I reckon! Until next week, thanks for joining us - and goodnight!
21:04Sorry, let me compose myself. So, the finalists are... Lucy, Stevie, Sasha and Emmanuel! A strong line-up for next week's show.
21:01No!!!! Vikesh!!! What happened? He kept his afro on too, and now he looks even more adorable.
We can't tell you who'll progress to the final, but we can guarantee a few 'Yeah's! from Tom Jones and some inspirational blabbering from will.i.am. You can also expect performances from the wonderful Jess Glynne and the enigmatic Sia!
Join Digital Spy from 7pm for updates and commentary on tonight's show.
21:05Well, that's about it! What did you make of this year's semi-final then? Aside from the crushing news about Vikesh, pretty strong I reckon! Until next week, thanks for joining us - and goodnight!
21:04Sorry, let me compose myself. So, the finalists are... Lucy, Stevie, Sasha and Emmanuel! A strong line-up for next week's show.
21:01No!!!! Vikesh!!! What happened? He kept his afro on too, and now he looks even more adorable.
- 3/28/2015
- Digital Spy
Hello, good evening and welcome to our second The Voice UK live blog of 2015. It's semi-final time and things are getting serious.
We can't tell you who'll progress to the final, but we can guarantee a few 'Yeah's! from Tom Jones and some inspirational blabbering from will.i.am. You can also expect performances from the wonderful Jess Glynne and the enigmatic Sia!
Join Digital Spy from 7pm for updates and commentary on tonight's show.
21:05Well, that's about it! What did you make of this year's semi-final then? Aside from the crushing news about Vikesh, pretty strong, I reckon! Until next week, thanks for joining us - and goodnight!
21:04Sorry, let me compose myself. So, the finalists are... Lucy, Stevie, Sasha and Emmanuel! A strong line-up for next week's show.
21:01No!!!! Vikesh!!! What happened? He kept his afro on too, and now he looks even more adorable.
We can't tell you who'll progress to the final, but we can guarantee a few 'Yeah's! from Tom Jones and some inspirational blabbering from will.i.am. You can also expect performances from the wonderful Jess Glynne and the enigmatic Sia!
Join Digital Spy from 7pm for updates and commentary on tonight's show.
21:05Well, that's about it! What did you make of this year's semi-final then? Aside from the crushing news about Vikesh, pretty strong, I reckon! Until next week, thanks for joining us - and goodnight!
21:04Sorry, let me compose myself. So, the finalists are... Lucy, Stevie, Sasha and Emmanuel! A strong line-up for next week's show.
21:01No!!!! Vikesh!!! What happened? He kept his afro on too, and now he looks even more adorable.
- 3/28/2015
- Digital Spy
The Ultimate Slumber Party
By Raymond Benson
There are certain films that capture the zeitgeist of an era, and The Big Chill is definitely one of them. If a movie like, say, Annie Hall, hits the nail on the head of urban relationships in the late 70s, then Chill embraces the Baby Boomers’ angst of adulthood in the early 80s—a time when the partying and discoing Carter years were undoubtedly over and we, in the USA, were solidly entrenched in Reagan’s world of hippies-turned-yuppies. The Big Chill is a love letter to the Baby Boomers, as it explores themes of regret over wasted opportunities, friendship and camaraderie, nostalgia, and the eternal question of what-happens-next.
Director and co-writer Kasdan, in a recent video interview (included as an extra on the disk), states that one of his influences for the picture was Jean Renoir’s 1939 classic, The Rules of the Game,...
By Raymond Benson
There are certain films that capture the zeitgeist of an era, and The Big Chill is definitely one of them. If a movie like, say, Annie Hall, hits the nail on the head of urban relationships in the late 70s, then Chill embraces the Baby Boomers’ angst of adulthood in the early 80s—a time when the partying and discoing Carter years were undoubtedly over and we, in the USA, were solidly entrenched in Reagan’s world of hippies-turned-yuppies. The Big Chill is a love letter to the Baby Boomers, as it explores themes of regret over wasted opportunities, friendship and camaraderie, nostalgia, and the eternal question of what-happens-next.
Director and co-writer Kasdan, in a recent video interview (included as an extra on the disk), states that one of his influences for the picture was Jean Renoir’s 1939 classic, The Rules of the Game,...
- 7/24/2014
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
The themes this week on "American Idol" are contestants' choice and one-hit wonders, plus a couple duets thrown in for good measure. That's a lot of singin' -- let's get to it.
1. Amber Holcomb, "The Power of Love," Celine Dion
Wow. It's like Whitney singing Celine. The a capella opening is exquisite. She is just ... wow. It's not exactly current, but when you can sing, you can sing. That high note was perfection. Also, she looks amazing. Those big curls really suit her.
The judges are over the moon about it -- Keith calls it an "amazingly perfect" song choice and Randy says she's the contestant who has grown the most over the competition. For sure.
2. Candice Glover, "Find Your Love," Drake
Interesting song choice, but if she wants to be current R&B, then this is a good pick. It's nice to hear her put her diva-ness on it,...
1. Amber Holcomb, "The Power of Love," Celine Dion
Wow. It's like Whitney singing Celine. The a capella opening is exquisite. She is just ... wow. It's not exactly current, but when you can sing, you can sing. That high note was perfection. Also, she looks amazing. Those big curls really suit her.
The judges are over the moon about it -- Keith calls it an "amazingly perfect" song choice and Randy says she's the contestant who has grown the most over the competition. For sure.
2. Candice Glover, "Find Your Love," Drake
Interesting song choice, but if she wants to be current R&B, then this is a good pick. It's nice to hear her put her diva-ness on it,...
- 4/25/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Welcome to Miss American Idol, an exciting new reality series from Fox where gorgeous, talented women take the stage and sing for your votes — and then the ones with the skinniest legs advance to the finale.
Wait, that’s not an actual show? Then please someone tell me what I spent two hours watching tonight as a white-hot rage percolated through my circulatory system and turned me into the kind of cussing, fork-throwing (yes, I may have slammed cutlery into the hard wood floor), definitely-not-enjoying-myself monster you’d typically see on a show like Bad Girls Club or The Real Housewives of the Ninth Circle.
Wait, that’s not an actual show? Then please someone tell me what I spent two hours watching tonight as a white-hot rage percolated through my circulatory system and turned me into the kind of cussing, fork-throwing (yes, I may have slammed cutlery into the hard wood floor), definitely-not-enjoying-myself monster you’d typically see on a show like Bad Girls Club or The Real Housewives of the Ninth Circle.
- 4/25/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Writer and actor Richard O'Brien and composer Richard Hartley remember how three weeks at the Royal Court turned into a gender-bending 20th Century Fox extravaganza
Richard O'Brien, writer and actor
I'd been in Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair, and was starting to think I wouldn't mind seeing a musical that appealed to me, an eternal adolescent. I loved B-movies, rock'n'roll and glam, so thought I'd do a parody – or homage – to all those things.
Then Jim Sharman, the director of Jesus Christ Superstar, asked me to audition for a play at London's Royal Court. There I met Richard Hartley, who was writing its incidental music. One night, Jim brought Richard round to my place, and I sang them some of my songs, including Science Fiction/Double Feature and Hot Patootie. Jim thought they'd make a great show and called me afterwards saying: "They've asked me to do another play at...
Richard O'Brien, writer and actor
I'd been in Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair, and was starting to think I wouldn't mind seeing a musical that appealed to me, an eternal adolescent. I loved B-movies, rock'n'roll and glam, so thought I'd do a parody – or homage – to all those things.
Then Jim Sharman, the director of Jesus Christ Superstar, asked me to audition for a play at London's Royal Court. There I met Richard Hartley, who was writing its incidental music. One night, Jim brought Richard round to my place, and I sang them some of my songs, including Science Fiction/Double Feature and Hot Patootie. Jim thought they'd make a great show and called me afterwards saying: "They've asked me to do another play at...
- 3/5/2013
- by Kate Abbott
- The Guardian - Film News
For Rush, this no doubt gives new meaning to living in the limelight. The Canadian power trio, Public Enemy and the late Donna Summer are among the artists who have been chosen to be inducted next year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it was announced on Tuesday. So who else joins these music legends in the class of 2013? That would be Heart, Randy Newman and blues guitarist Albert King, who passed away in 1992. Producers Lou Adler and Quincy Jones will also be inducted by way of the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performers. Meanwhile, those who had been in the running, but didn't make the cut this time around included Chic, Deep Purple, N.W.A., Procol Harum, the Meters, Kraftwerk...
- 12/11/2012
- E! Online
During the first months of the year, it sometimes seems like the entire Fox lineup consists of "American Idol" and nothing else. And as Monday night's (March 15) episode of "House" proved, hour-long dramas can get in on the music-on-tv front as well. On last night's episode, star Hugh Laurie (the titular Dr. House) sat down at an organ and pounded out Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale."
It was an interesting choice for a prime time cover, as the British progressive rock band is not exactly a cornerstone and remain somewhat unknown save for their signature hit. Recorded and released in 1967, where it shot to the top of the U.K. singles chart and stayed there for six weeks. Despite the fact that Procol Harum didn't have much of a foothold in the United States, the song was a hit here anyway. Interestingly, both the original and cover...
It was an interesting choice for a prime time cover, as the British progressive rock band is not exactly a cornerstone and remain somewhat unknown save for their signature hit. Recorded and released in 1967, where it shot to the top of the U.K. singles chart and stayed there for six weeks. Despite the fact that Procol Harum didn't have much of a foothold in the United States, the song was a hit here anyway. Interestingly, both the original and cover...
- 3/16/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
It’s a crime that there are only a dozen or so films about, or involving, the world of broadcast radio. Not too many actually deal with the tribulations of censorship, though, which is where the upcoming film Pirate Radio comes in.
The film is about a group of rogue DJ’s on a boat in the middle of the Northern Atlantic who broadcast a pirate radio station in the 1960s, despite the laws forbidding Rock and Roll…all for the love of music. Given the fact that the film is all about 60’s Rock, you can believe that the soundtrack is pretty killer, and you may get to win a copy!
Starting today, keep an eye on our Twitter account every week for a trivia question involving “Radio in The Movies.” The question may be the name of the radio station from Grosse Point Blank or the name of the epic band in Airheads,...
The film is about a group of rogue DJ’s on a boat in the middle of the Northern Atlantic who broadcast a pirate radio station in the 1960s, despite the laws forbidding Rock and Roll…all for the love of music. Given the fact that the film is all about 60’s Rock, you can believe that the soundtrack is pretty killer, and you may get to win a copy!
Starting today, keep an eye on our Twitter account every week for a trivia question involving “Radio in The Movies.” The question may be the name of the radio station from Grosse Point Blank or the name of the epic band in Airheads,...
- 10/30/2009
- by Matt Raub
- The Flickcast
Organist Matthew Fisher has won his court case to be recognised as a co-writer of 'Whiter Shade Of Pale'. The former Procol Harum star is entitled to a share of future royalties from the hit, the Law Lords have ruled. In 2006, the High Court said that Fisher should be allowed 40% of the copyright, but the Court of Appeal overruled afterwards, arguing that he had waited too long to bring the case to court. However, the Law Lords said at the hearing that Fisher's 38-year delay in coming to court had only benefited the song's writers. Before yesterday's ruling, (more)...
- 7/31/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Before there was Susan Boyle, there was Paul Potts, astounding the world as a chubby little cell phone salesman who could sing opera. Imagine. Fat people could sing. Even on TV.
So there's Paul, on the cover of his second album Passione, which I'm going to take a wild guess is Italian for "passion," looking broodingly out over Venice's Grand Canal. If you had translated Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" into Italian, and actually had the audacity to call it "La Prima Volta," you might brood, too. Here's the deal: Italian is cool, and makes people feel sensitive and sophisticated and brooding. You will be able to listen to this album and instantly feel urbane and cosmopolitan. Even with Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Paul doesn't do much to vary the formula that made his debut album such an international hit: mix in a couple operatic arias,...
So there's Paul, on the cover of his second album Passione, which I'm going to take a wild guess is Italian for "passion," looking broodingly out over Venice's Grand Canal. If you had translated Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" into Italian, and actually had the audacity to call it "La Prima Volta," you might brood, too. Here's the deal: Italian is cool, and makes people feel sensitive and sophisticated and brooding. You will be able to listen to this album and instantly feel urbane and cosmopolitan. Even with Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Paul doesn't do much to vary the formula that made his debut album such an international hit: mix in a couple operatic arias,...
- 5/7/2009
- Pastemagazine.com
Musicians stepped up to help raise money for children diagnosed leukaemia last week in a charity auction that was held in the U.K. Over Ł6,000 (Us,500) was raised for Children With Leukaemia.
Eric Clapton, Mike Rutherford from Genesis and Procol Harum singer Gary Book signed a guitar to contribute to the event. Clapton also signed a DVD of a Cream reunion at the Albert Hall that sold. A guitar signed by the members of the band Green Day was also a popular item that went quickly.
The charity, Children With Leukaemia, is a 20 year-old leading charity in the U.K. that is dedicated to help fighting Britain's biggest childhood cancer. The money raised will be used to help fund research into causes and treatments, help support families through welfare programs and to campaign on their behalf.
The charity has gained worldwide support from celebrities such as Phil Collins, Paul McCartney,...
Eric Clapton, Mike Rutherford from Genesis and Procol Harum singer Gary Book signed a guitar to contribute to the event. Clapton also signed a DVD of a Cream reunion at the Albert Hall that sold. A guitar signed by the members of the band Green Day was also a popular item that went quickly.
The charity, Children With Leukaemia, is a 20 year-old leading charity in the U.K. that is dedicated to help fighting Britain's biggest childhood cancer. The money raised will be used to help fund research into causes and treatments, help support families through welfare programs and to campaign on their behalf.
The charity has gained worldwide support from celebrities such as Phil Collins, Paul McCartney,...
- 4/2/2009
- icelebz.com
Former Jayhawks bandmates put history behind them to make some new memories
These new memories—thank the Americana gods—are riddled with Louris and Olson’s past, but there are hints of even older musical moments. Ready for the Flood reveals traces of The Kinks, the Grateful Dead, Moby Grape, Buffalo Springfield and even Procol Harum (check the organ on “My Gospel Song For You”) lingering in the minds of the makers. That the ghost of Gram Parsons haunts some of the tunes is less surprising but more than welcome. The production of Black Crowe Chris Robinson lends grit, but is never intrusive, letting the scruffy melodies and jigsaw-puzzle interlocking of these stellar voices do the heavy lifting. The few electric moments (“Bicycle” stands out) provide a different kind of tension, a gruff contrast to the straightforward acoustic timelessness of tracks like “Bloody Hands."
Listen to tracks from Ready for the Flood on MySpace.
These new memories—thank the Americana gods—are riddled with Louris and Olson’s past, but there are hints of even older musical moments. Ready for the Flood reveals traces of The Kinks, the Grateful Dead, Moby Grape, Buffalo Springfield and even Procol Harum (check the organ on “My Gospel Song For You”) lingering in the minds of the makers. That the ghost of Gram Parsons haunts some of the tunes is less surprising but more than welcome. The production of Black Crowe Chris Robinson lends grit, but is never intrusive, letting the scruffy melodies and jigsaw-puzzle interlocking of these stellar voices do the heavy lifting. The few electric moments (“Bicycle” stands out) provide a different kind of tension, a gruff contrast to the straightforward acoustic timelessness of tracks like “Bloody Hands."
Listen to tracks from Ready for the Flood on MySpace.
- 1/27/2009
- Pastemagazine.com
The song at the centre of a recently resolved legal battle between the members of progressive rock act Procul Harum holds special significance for Sir Paul McCartney - because it always reminds him of his late wife Linda.
The former Beatle admits he's tremendously fond of A Whiter Shade of Pale because the song was played on his first date with Linda.
McCartney has opened up about his romance with the revered photographer and animal rights activist to mark the 10th anniversary of her death, and in an essay for Britain's Sunday Times newspaper, he recalls magical moments he spent with her.
In his article, he recalls the moment they first met at London's Bag O'Nails nightclub in May 1967 and the "corny" chat-up line he used to win her over.
He explains, "As she was leaving... I saw an obvious opportunity. I said: `My name's Paul. What's yours?' I think she probably recognised me. It was so corny, but I told the kids later that, had it not been for that moment, none of them would be here.
And he reveals how A Whiter Shade of Pale came to symbolise his close relationship with Linda after a date at London's Speakeasy club.
He writes, "I remember I heard Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade of Pale for the first time. It became our song."
Linda died of breast cancer in April 1998 and Procol Harum frontman Gary Brooker won back full royalty rights to the hit song last week, after a two year legal battle with former bandmate Matthew Fisher.
The former Beatle admits he's tremendously fond of A Whiter Shade of Pale because the song was played on his first date with Linda.
McCartney has opened up about his romance with the revered photographer and animal rights activist to mark the 10th anniversary of her death, and in an essay for Britain's Sunday Times newspaper, he recalls magical moments he spent with her.
In his article, he recalls the moment they first met at London's Bag O'Nails nightclub in May 1967 and the "corny" chat-up line he used to win her over.
He explains, "As she was leaving... I saw an obvious opportunity. I said: `My name's Paul. What's yours?' I think she probably recognised me. It was so corny, but I told the kids later that, had it not been for that moment, none of them would be here.
And he reveals how A Whiter Shade of Pale came to symbolise his close relationship with Linda after a date at London's Speakeasy club.
He writes, "I remember I heard Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade of Pale for the first time. It became our song."
Linda died of breast cancer in April 1998 and Procol Harum frontman Gary Brooker won back full royalty rights to the hit song last week, after a two year legal battle with former bandmate Matthew Fisher.
- 4/6/2008
- WENN
Procol Harum frontman Gary Brooker has won back full royalty rights to hit song A Whiter Shade Of Pale.
The singer won his appeal against a 2006 ruling, which gave organist Matthew Fisher a 40 per cent cut of the song's royalties at London's Court of Appeal on Friday.
Fisher had argued he had written the 1967 song's melody, and should be entitled to royalties as a result.
But Judge John Mummery ruled the rights will be retained by Brooker as Fisher took 38 years to bring the case to court - but insisted the track should still be credited with Fisher's co-authorship.
He said, "Matthew Fisher is guilty of excessive and inexcusable delay in his claim to assert joint title to a joint interest in the work.
"He silently stood by and acquiesced in the defendant's commercial exploitation of the work for 38 years."...
The singer won his appeal against a 2006 ruling, which gave organist Matthew Fisher a 40 per cent cut of the song's royalties at London's Court of Appeal on Friday.
Fisher had argued he had written the 1967 song's melody, and should be entitled to royalties as a result.
But Judge John Mummery ruled the rights will be retained by Brooker as Fisher took 38 years to bring the case to court - but insisted the track should still be credited with Fisher's co-authorship.
He said, "Matthew Fisher is guilty of excessive and inexcusable delay in his claim to assert joint title to a joint interest in the work.
"He silently stood by and acquiesced in the defendant's commercial exploitation of the work for 38 years."...
- 4/4/2008
- WENN
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