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MAJOR “Law & Order” News: Christopher Meloni Returning as Elliot Stabler in His Own New Series

Roger Friedman
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MAJOR “Law & Order” News: Christopher Meloni Returning as Elliot Stabler in His Own New Series

Christopher Meloni is back with his own “Law & Order” series on NBC as Elliot Stabler.

This is major news. Meloni left “SVU” several years ago with a lot of acrimony over pay and contract renewals. Now, with Dick Wolf’s new massive deal at NBC Universal, this was the right way to go.

Also, this means that a Stabler- Benson reunion for SVU’s 24th and 25th seasons is very likely. This will drive fans into a frenzy. Crossovers galore during sweeps! Meloni left after Season 12, which means there have been 12 seasons without him.

It’s an interesting coincidence– as there are no coincidences– that Meloni appeared on social media this last week showing off his abs. It was weird since Chris has a low profile on the internet. But suddenly he was everywhere. Now we know why.

Wolf will exec produce alongside Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski. Former “Chicago PD showrunner” Matt Olmstead is the likely head writer and showrunner.

Maybe we’ll see some of the beloved actors from the “Law & Order” universe return, too, like Tamara Tunie and BD Wong.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio Goes Free for Everyone Though May 15th, Billy Joel Channel Returning Tomorrow for Duration

Roger Friedman
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SiriusXM Satellite Radio Goes Free for Everyone Though May 15th, Billy Joel Channel Returning Tomorrow for Duration

I’m happy to chime in on this: SiriusXM, which I can’t live without, is now free to everyone through May 15th. Many dedicated channels are returning, too, including Billy Joel and Dave Matthews.

Of course, I just took the offer for $5 a month for a vehicle I am currently driving, but that’s ok.

Just download the Sirius app on your phone, or go to siriusxm.com. And by the way Sirius works everywhere– on phones, computers, tablets, laptops, as well as in the car.

My favorite channels are Soul Town (49), Beatles (18), Seventies on 7 (7), Little Steven’s Underground Garage (21), the E Street Channel (20), and 1st Wave (33). That’s just for starters. I listen to Tom Petty’s old shows a lot on his channel (31) and top 40 from Z100 on 12.

There’s also great talk show programming up around 105 produced by Roger Coletti.

I can’t tell you often I’m in the car and there’s a run of songs on Soul Town that just blows me away. Sometimes I tweet them a thank you note!

Steve Leeds runs the show over there, and my old pal Tracey Jordan handles all urban booking. Scott Greenstein, inveterate surfer, has been in charge of the whole shebang for years and has done a great job. And, of course, there’s always Howard Stern.

This is a smart thing they’re doing, because once you have Sirius, you can’t live without it!

PS The Billy Joel channel will be 30. (I wish they’d do Sting/Police channel.)

 

UPDATED Adam Schlesinger, of Fountains of Wayne, Writer of “Stacey’s Mom” and “That Thing You Do” On Ventilator

Roger Friedman
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UPDATED Adam Schlesinger, of Fountains of Wayne, Writer of “Stacey’s Mom” and “That Thing You Do” On Ventilator

UPDATE 3/31 2:50pm: Adam’s lawyer tells Variety he’s on a ventilator. “He’s very sick and is heavily sedated, as are all people on ventilators, but no one has used the word ‘coma’ to me,” Josh Grier said. That contradicts the earlier post we reported. Kind of. Cagey lawyer talk.

Earlier

Fountains of Wayne front man Adam Schlesinger is an induced coma in New York, caused by corona virus. He’s 52.

Schlesinger’s most famous song, of course, is the great “Stacey’s Mom.” He is also Oscar nominated for writing the title track to Tom Hanks’s directorial debut, “That Thing You Do!” His quirky, melody rich songs are instant sing-a-longs with sly, memorable lyrics.

The news comes from a fan post on Twitter that says he’s been on a ventilator for two weeks.

Schlesinger’s other credits include writing songs for “Crazy ex-Girlfriend” on TV, and for “Sesame Street.” He also co-wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway show, “Cry Baby,” based on the John Waters-Johnny Depp movie. (The book was by the late great Tom Meehan, my neighbor and Mel Brooks’s writing partner for his Broadway musicals.)

I met Adam because he wrote and produced much of the Monkees’ great 2016 comeback album called “Good Times.” The album was a real hit, went to the top of the charts, and spawned a couple of hit singles. The whole thing was a phenomenon and it was because of Adam, who was born in 1967, the year the Monkees were at their peak. He is the nicest guy and a great talent. Everyone is praying for him. His family includes his wife, Katherine, and two daughters. He is also the first cousin of actor Jon Bernthal.

TUES AFTERNOON UPDATE: Schlesinger’s attorney Jaime Herman says in a statement: “Thank you for the outpouring of love for Adam and his family. Adam has been hospitalized with COVID-19. He’s on a ventilator and has been sedated to facilitate his recovery. He is receiving excellent care, his condition is improving and we are cautiously optimistic. His family appreciates all of the love and support.”

Two Shocking and Terrible Virus Deaths: Hearst UK Chief Terry Mansfield, and Scholar, Cantor William Helmreich

Roger Friedman
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Two Shocking and Terrible Virus Deaths: Hearst UK Chief Terry Mansfield, and Scholar, Cantor William Helmreich

I may not be able to sleep tonight. Two incredible men of more value than Donald Trump could ever be, have died as a result of the corona virus.

William Helmreich, eulogized in the NY Times tonight, was a writer, philosopher, and scholar. He was our cantor in Connecticut on the high holidays for many years. He was only 74, and this is such a tragedy. You can read about him here. My family and all of the members of B’nai Torah in Trumbull, Connecticut send condolences to his family.

Just as terrible is the passing in London of a dear, dear friend, a wonderful man named Terry Mansfield, longtime President and CEO of the National Magazine Company Ltd., Hearst’s International Publishing Arm in the U.K. Terry was awarded Britain’s royal CBE in 2002 for his service to the magazine industry and was the first non-American to serve on Hearst’s board of directors.

How did I know Terry? Many readers of this column may recall the saga of Iris Sawyer, a brilliant woman who was ostracized by New York “society” after she had an affair with the late and very evil Thomas Kempner. Nan Kempner, described as the “social x ray” in Tom Wolfe’s “Bonfire of the Vanities,” made her life a living hell and reduced her to homelessness.

Iris started her own jewelry business and went to London, where she sold expensive pieces to very interesting people. One of them introduced her to Terry, who bought some baubles from her and was intrigued by Iris’s mind. They were totally platonic friends. But Terry saw the gem of a person Iris was, and immediately got how the Kempners had worked to destroy her. Even though he was in London, Terry remained Iris’s stalwart champion.

In the last couple of years when Iris was ill and living in a nursing home on the Upper West Side, Terry interrupted his business meetings to come see Iris at the home. He didn’t have to do this. He was so solicitous and supportive, he was remarkable. Plus, over the last decade he and I became phone pals concerning Iris. Then he would be infallibly interested in my career, and what I was doing.

Erudite, so well spoken, but a real, very genuine person, full of grace. He reminded me a lot of Harry Evans. I often thought I should introduce them. Terry was just brilliant. I doubt he was respected by the new, awful people who run Hearst, but that didn’t matter. He was from a time when ideas mattered. That time is over.

To Terry’s family in London: please accept my condolences. He loved all of you and spoke of you all the time, particularly wife, Helen. For Terry and for William Helmreich, we are so sorry. This was not the way you should have left us. To Terry, I know you’ll see Iris Sawyer in heaven this week, give her my regards. We don’t forget.

 

Kelly Ripa Pays Tribute to Her “All My Children” Co-star John Callahan on Morning Show, “One of the funniest people I ever met”

Roger Friedman
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Kelly Ripa Pays Tribute to Her “All My Children” Co-star John Callahan on Morning Show, “One of the funniest people I ever met”

Kelly Ripa paid tribute to her “All My Children” co-star John Callahan on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” on Monday morning. “We are so devastated.”

Who Ya Gonna Call? Not Ghostbusters–Sony Moves Its Summer Releases to 2021, Leaving Warner’s and Paramount to Decide Season’s Fate

Roger Friedman
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Who Ya Gonna Call? Not Ghostbusters–Sony Moves Its Summer Releases to 2021, Leaving Warner’s and Paramount to Decide Season’s Fate

Will there be summer 2020 movies? Sony says no.

The studio has moved its four big releases to 2021 and who knows when. That list includes “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Peter Rabbit 2,” “Morbius,” and “Greyhound.”

This is a blow to movie theater owners who were hopeful that when the virus quarantines end, they’ll have product to lure back customers. “Ghostbusters” would have been a colossal summer hit. Now it’s set for March 2021.

Sony’s move checks Warner’s and Paramount. Those studios were looking forward to Warner’s Christopher Nolan’s mysterious “Tenet” starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, and Michael Caine; and “Wonder Woman 84,” with Gal Gadot and Chris Pine. And Paramount is on deck with “Top Gun: Maverick,” which literally will save them. The other big summer movie coming in June is “Soul,” from Pixar, with Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey leading an all star cast of voices.

If one or more of those four are relocated, the summer movie season may be over. And then what? The fall season depends on film festivals– Telluride, Venice, Toronto. Venice is already looking imperiled. With so many deaths in Italy, would they really proceed? Would they be allowed to by the government? But then the fall begins overloading. “Tenet” certainly sounds like Oscar material. And this year, the studios are in the power position, with Netflix not having the hot hand they had last year.

The Amazing Joan Baez Sends John Prine — Now in Stable Condition– Her Version of “Hello in There”

Roger Friedman
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The Amazing Joan Baez Sends John Prine — Now in Stable Condition– Her Version of “Hello in There”

The amazing Joan Baez sent ailing John Prine a lovely gift. She made a video of her singing his classic, “Hello in There.” Prine’s wife, Fiona, says he’s in stable condition, and that she, Fiona, has recovered from the virus. Thank goodness.

Interesting that first Bob Dylan has a surprise hit with his 17 minute “Murder Most Foul,” then Joan turns up with this gesture. We keep coming back to these two. They are where we started.

Joan says: “John, this song that I’ve sung of yours has been one of the most requested songs in my repertoire for over 40 years. So let me sing it to you and send along my best wishes and prayers.” Baez originally covered the song on her magical 1975 album, “Diamonds and Rust.”

Elton John Was the Highlight of His Living Room Concert on Fox, Along with Backstreet Boys, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey

Roger Friedman
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Elton John Was the Highlight of His Living Room Concert on Fox, Along with Backstreet Boys, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey

The whole hour of Elton John’s “Living Room” concert on Fox last night was just great, with real singers and musicians performing ad hoc from their homes. Backstreet Boys somehow put together “I Want It That Way,” a song still no one knows what it means or what way they want it. Alicia Keys was tremendous with “Underdog,” which soared to number 2 on iTunes.

But the real cherry on the sundae was Elton himself, whose hosting was spot on. At the end, after claiming he didn’t have a piano in his house, it turned out he had a good enough keyboard, and sang a little impromptu “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me.” I clapped. It very moving.

Ratings: just fine, 4.5 million people watched. They were third in their time slot, but it’s Fox, which can’t compete with “American Idol” (they used to broadcast that show), and “NCIS: Somewhere.” But they’ll get an Emmy nomination. Joel Gallen did a terrific job.

Listen: they should do this again, with Elton and another group– Sting? Paul McCartney? Stevie Wonder? One thing they need, though, is black male artists. And I don’t mean just John Legend. Smokey Robinson? Sam Moore? Let’s get some vets in there.

amFAR Gravy Train May Be Coming to an End with No Cannes Event This Year, Revenues, Assets Drop by Millions

Roger Friedman
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amFAR Gravy Train May Be Coming to an End with No Cannes Event This Year, Revenues, Assets Drop by Millions

The gravy train may be over for amFAR. All that swanning around at the Cannes Film Festival in specially marked cars with drivers, the incredible hubris of CEO Kevin Frost and his minions, face a certain extinction.

Revenue and net assets for 2018 — the first year they operated without Harvey Weinstein and Kenneth Cole — were way way down.

On their Form 990 for 2018, under revenue, contributions and grants fell by eight million dollars from 2017.

Net assets or fund balances dropped by $7 million.

Even Frost took a hit. His income from amFAR fell from around $682,000 to $560,000. How did he survive?

Most of amFAR’s income revolves around their big Cannes fundraiser. But this year, there is no Cannes, and no fundraiser. There are no other fundraisers in exotic locales, where amFAR for 20 years has been flying celebrities to pump up their image. The parties are over.

The latest tax filing covers the period from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. That lines up exactly with Weinstein’s fall from grace and the revelations of his auction scandal involving his musical, “Finding Neverland.” With Weinstein, and then Kenneth Cole, out of the picture, amFAR’s celebrity quotient collapsed. It was obvious that all their parading around Cannes, spending money, and not worrying about the consequences, would have an unhappy conclusion.

amFAR was also paying around $1.8 million for event production to two different firms. That also should be under re-evaluation.

All together, amFAR claimed a loss of $13 million for all its fundraisers, most especially the Cannes event for May 2018.

Prayers: Legendary Singer Songwriter John Prine is in ICU in Critical Condition, Had a Huge Renaissance In the Last 2 Years

Roger Friedman
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Prayers: Legendary Singer Songwriter John Prine is in ICU in Critical Condition, Had a Huge Renaissance In the Last 2 Years

Upsetting news from the family of the great singer songwriter John Prine. He has coronavirus, is in the ICU and in critical condition. His fans around the world I know are sending him prayers.

Ironically, John has had a huge Renaissance in the last couple of years. The author of staples like “Hello in There” and “Angel from Montgomery” re-emerged to accolades with his album, “The Tree of Forgiveness.” It went to number 5 on the charts, and Prine was suddenly be feted all over the world.

Two times Prine has survived cancer. We’ve got to put our money on him now. At 73, he has a lot more to do.

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