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David Crosby Walks Out on Podcast Interview, Calls Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg “Dipsh*t” for Asking Questions

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Well, everything I always thought about David Crosby came true yesterday afternoon. Twenty nine minutes into a podcast interview with the Hollywood Reporter’s intrepid Scott Feinberg, he called the interviewer a “dipshit” and walked out of the interview.

The funny part is that Feinberg tells Crosby up front that some of the questions may seem redundant after all the interviews he’s done for his new documentary. But Crosby tells Feinberg it’s ok, ask anything. For the first 25 minutes or so, Crosby seems ok. But then he suddenly turns on Feinberg. He gets very angry and declares, “This is stuff you can read in books!”

The movie is called “Remember My Name.” I’m sure everyone will when they hear this exchange. This is the link.

For more on Crosby, read David Browne’s excellent book about “Crosby, Stills and Nash,” just recently published. Feinberg did a fine job, by the way. Crosby was way out of line.

Alas, Feinberg never gets to ask about Crosby being the sperm donor for Melissa Etheridge’s twins, or if he sees them or knows them (very “Kids Are Alright”). And he never gets to talk about why he hates Graham Nash so much that he’s destroyed CSN. It does seem like Feinberg hits a sore spot asking about how Nash stole Joni Mitchell away from Crosby FIFTY FREAKING YEARS AGO. Still not over it, Dave?

Ed Sheeran’s New Album with Guest Stars Sells 62% Fewer Total Copies as Last Release in 1st Week, 76% Less in CDs, Downloads, Worse in the UK

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Ed Sheeran hasn’t been around long, but he’s already feeling what it’s like to have a short cycle of success.

His new album, “No.6 Collaborations Project,” debuted at number 1 yesterday, but selling not as well, at all, as his previous album, “Divide.”

And No. 6 is star studded, with collaborators like Khalid, Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Camilla Cabello, Eminem, 50 Cent, Bruno Mars, and Chris Stapleton among others.

But the new album is down 62 percent in its opening week sales from “Divide,” released in March 2017. “No. 6” first week sales were a total 171,000 compared with “Divide”‘s 451,000.

In pure CD and download sales, “No. 6” had just 75,000. “Divide” did 322,000.

The drop is much worse in the UK, where Sheeran sold 672,000 copies of “Divide” in its first week. “No. 6” has sold just 125K.  That’s a decrease of 81.4%. Where did everyone go?

Sheeran is just 28, it’s a little early to declare him “over.” But changing tastes, the fickle audience, so many platforms with which to reach the audience– all of that hurts.

Plus, “Divide” had very sharp, delineated hits like “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” and “Castle on the Hill,” and “Galway Girl.” (Of course, “Shape of You” turned out be a cover of TLC’s “No Scrubs.”) The new album has hit singles because of all the guest stars, but it may be a case of more is more, too many stars masking the songs’ individuality. It will take time to absorb the 15 tracks. Many of them may not find a foothold for months.

Sheeran is also doing a swell job right now co-starring in the hit Beatles movie, “Yesterday.” I thought that might help, but apparently not.

Still, 171K is nothing to be ashamed of, and “No. 6” has weeks to percolate. But “Divide” may turn out to be Sheeran’s high water mark even ten years from now. Sales are not what they used to be in this record business. Just ask Madonna.

EXCLUSIVE Oscars Getting Ready for New Campaigning Rules That Will Clamp Down Even More on Good Times

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It’s a slow day in Hollywood, but come fall we may have new rules from the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences regarding Oscar campaigns.

I’ve heard from a couple of sources that the new rules would require publicists and studios to serve food at the same site as a screening. This would be dismaying for a lot of restaurants in New York and Los Angeles that live for after-screening receptions. In Hollywood, Chateau Marmont comes to mind. In New York, it’s a lot of places including Michael’s — where lunches in the garden have always been popular– and the Plaza Athenee.

In New York, especially, there are no screening rooms equipped to handle receptions. Indeed, you’re not allowed to have food inside a screening room anywhere. At some screening rooms there’s a foyer– I’m thinking of the Dolby on 55th St. what we call the MGM Screening Room. But it’s narrow and there’s no room for seats.

The Academy is trying to level the playing field for films that don’t have large budgets and can’t compete with the big studios. They certainly have a point. Waving the name of a great restaurant under the noses of Academy voters could be attractive bait. On the other hand, the Academy should remember that — and this is certainly borne out by the ultimate nominees and winners — voters are smart. A piece of avocado toast isn’t going to make anyone vote for a mediocre performance. And partying is part of the fun of being in on Oscar season. Remember, movies are entertainment.

There is a rumor going around that Netflix, always on top of things, has already booked SoHo House in West Hollywood to accommodate this new wrinkle. Smart idea. I do wish the world would calm down about Netflix. “Roma” didn’t win. Trump did. That’s what we should be focusing on.

PS One screening rule that I’d like to see implemented: no phones allowed inside theaters. I am tired of asking people to ‘turn it off’. You won’t believe the people who start texting as soon as a movie starts!

“Lion King” Reboot Has $23 Mil Thursday Opening, But Beyonce Album Soars to Number 1 on iTunes

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Doesn’t $23 million sound like a lot of money? It is! But that’s also a soft Thursday preview night for “The Lion King” reboot.

“The Lion King” previewed almost everywhere it opens tonight officially– in 4,250 theaters, the widest release in the history of greed.

Anyway. tomorrow’s Friday numbers will include that $23 million. So we could be looking at $100 million for three days.

Tepid reviews haven’t shooed off the audience. Familiarity will draw customers. Also Beyonce’s number 1 album “The Gift,” should be valued added.

And then there’s air conditioning. Box office should be up this weekend as over heated fans seek cooling areas. What’s better than a movie theater?

Stay tuned…

(Listen) Four New Tracks from Beyonce’s “Lion King: The Gift” Album Including a Hit in “Find Your Way Back”

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I’m pleased to report that even though “Spirit” hasn’t been a big sales hit, there are plenty of good songs on “The Lion King: The Gift” album from Beyonce. I’m posting four, including one I think has potential for being a real hit, “Find Your Way Back.” The album dropped at midnight. As I told you yesterday, Beyonce has parted ways with her musical advisor of 28 year, Theresa La Barbera Whites. This is White’s exit album, and it’s pretty great, weaving in African music and pop. By morning, “The Gift” will be number 1 on iTunes.

Find Your Way Back

Otherside

Bigger

Brown Skin Girl

Watch Trailer for Movie of Broadway Hit “Cats” And Hear Jennifer Hudson Go For Her Second Oscar

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I always hated the musical, “Cats.” It was something for out of towners on Broadway who didn’t need to know much English because there is no story, really, just the costumes. “Memory” as sung by Betty Buckley was part of the TV commercial that ran ceaselessly like a high pitched dog whistler to Japanese tourists.

But now I see this trailer, and I am unaccountably excited. The great director of “Les Miserables” and “The King’s Speech,” Tom Hooper, has cast the best people in the world to put on those costumes. Judi Dench will be like Kibble to catty movie goers. Jennifer Hudson– listen to her sing “Memory” in this trailer. She’s going to get another Oscar. (She is the best singer we have, bar none.)

So I will put up with “Cats” and probably enjoy it. Dammit!

Kennedy Center Becomes the Grammy Awards with More Pop Stars, Plus Sally Field, and “Sesame Street”

The Kennedy Center inductees are Sally Field, composer-conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, “Sesame Street,” plus Linda Ronstadt and Earth Wind & Fire.

They’re all good choices, but on the other hand, the KC Honors is turning into the Grammy Awards. Linda and EWF are too much in one season. Just pick one. There are plenty of people who have been waiting a long time.

Among them is Dick van Dyke. Also, Kenny Rogers. The Kennedy Center Honors are supposed to go to people who changed the arts or influenced them. But every year since George Stevens was ousted, it’s also become a ratings game.

Forget it: the KC Honors airs on a day no one is watching TV, between Christmas and New Years. The same people tune in year after year.

So for Sally Field, you know it will be Julia Roberts. Their “Steel Magnolias” friendship has carried them in good stead. I do hope for Linda Ronstadt we do not see Sheryl Crow (much I as love her) again. Kelly Clarkson is Linda’s heir to power country.

As for EW&F, what a shame founder Maurice White isn’t here to see this. But his brother Verdine, and Philip Bailey, will be grinning from ear to ear. Again, please, if I see a CBS-friendly white guy singing “September” bowls will be thrown, glasses will be smashed. Sam Moore, of Sam & Dave fame, has the only voice that would suit those tunes.

PS This will be the 3rd year of no Trump. Sally and Linda don’t want him, I doubt EWF does. Michael Tilson Thomas can’t want him. And Elmo, Big Bird, and the Cookie Monster– Trump threatened to wipe out PBS.

Exclusive: Beyonce Shocker as Singer Parts Ways with Music Advisor of 28 Years, Teresa LaBarbera Whites One of Most Admired in Business

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Well, this is a shock.

Beyonce — on the eve of her new album, “The Lion King: The Gift,” has parted ways with her music advisor of 28 years, the legendary Teresa Labarbera Whites. Sources tell me the split was amicable, since Whites is maybe the Most Wanted music advisor in pop music today. Everyone from Katy Perry to Taylor Swift, Alessia Cara, Selena Gomez, etc will be knocking down her door when they hear this news. Adele would do well to call her.

TLW met Beyonce when she was nine years old, signed her when she was 11, and launched Destiny’s Child. She has overseen almost all of Beyonce’s music, with a brief time out years ago when she was lured to Jive Records to resuscitate Britney Spears. She did, too, and then returned to be on staff with Beyonce as her in house A&R person. (She also discovered Jessica Simpson, and has consulted on albums by Pink and the Backstreet Boys, among others.)

But as “The Gift” — which TLW oversaw — releases tomorrow, Whites is said to be down in her home of Texas getting some rest before advancing on the charts again.

So what happened? I’m told that as Beyonce’s business grew, there was tension at the top of Parkwood Entertainment. A new co-COO, Steve Pamon, from JP Morgan Chase, was brought in. Art and commerce clashed. Pamon’s background is in running a company, not picking music or developing musical ideas. TLW has long been known in the industry as Beyonce’s secret weapon. How the internationally beloved singer will function without her is now a big question.

Whites, by the way, is so low key that she doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page. But if you search for her on Wikipedia, her name comes up a lot, always in conjunction with making a hit record. From what I can tell, she smells a hit and knows almost better than anyone how to pull it together.

 

Take a Load off Fanny: Toronto Film Festival Will Open with Robbie Robertson-The Band Doc “Once Were Brothers”

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Great news from TIFF, the Toronto Film Festival.

Their opening night film will be “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band,” directed by Daniel Roher. It’s about time there was a Band doc, and opening night in Toronto for these great Canadian musicians is a perfect selection.

The Band was already the subject many years ago of Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Waltz,” a now classic concert film about their final performances. I’m sure we’ll see clips of “The Last Waltz” here, but this film should the whole story of Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Robertson, and how they changed music in the 1970s. They’re a major influence for Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and so many others.

“This stirring documentary takes audiences on a musical journey and shows us just what it takes to build one of the most significant groups in rock history,” said Joana Vicente, new Executive Director & Co-Head of TIFF. “Robertson is a Canadian music icon, and his moving story of persistence and passion is the perfect way to begin Festival 2019 for both Cameron and me. We’re eager to share the excitement of Opening Night with Toronto’s film lovers, and audiences can expect some very special guests joining us to help celebrate.”

The Band’s music covers years with Bob Dylan as his backup band, and for the Basement Tapes. But it’s also about their own amazing career, from songs like “The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and so on.

Great choice. Everyone’s going to be knocking down the doors of RoyThomson Hall to see this one!

Oscars: It’s the Year of Brad Pitt with “Ad Astra” (Watch Trailer) and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

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Unless something goes wrong, this is the year of Brad Pitt. The new trailer for James Gray’s “Ad Astra” has dropped and it’s a winner. The space opera will be here in a few weeks, starting probably with the Venice Film Festival and maybe Toronto (fingers crossed). The film launches in late September. Look at this cast: Liv Tyler, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland.

Before that we get “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” the hotly anticipated Quentin Tarantino movie, next Friday! Brad in a comedy, Brad in a drama. Top notch films. We could be talking about two Oscar nominations. And wouldn’t that be swell?