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Grammy Awards 2025: A Beatles Reunion with Paul and Ringo Is Possible, They Have Two Major Nominations

Roger Friedman
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Grammy Awards 2025: A Beatles Reunion with Paul and Ringo Is Possible, They Have Two Major Nominations

The Grammy Awards are coming on February 2, 2025.

Among the surprise nominations are Record of the Year and Rock Performance for “Now and Then” by The Beatles. The record was made by Paul and Ringo from the remnants of a John Lennon song, with guitar by George Harrison added.

Would the surviving Beatles come and play the song? Paul’s been doing in his concerts with the video playing in the background. It would certainly be an historic moment. Not only that. but Sean Ono Lennon may be at the Grammys, too. He’s been nominated for the excellent new edition of John’s “Mind Games” album.

The Beatles have won 7 Grammys, and about 17 other nominations. Believe it not, Abbey Road got zilch. Hey Jude lost Best song and record. Simon & Garfunkel won each of those times. The White Album wasn’t even nominated for anything, neither was Let it Be.

Is this just a fantasy? The Grammys producer Ben Winston oversaw Paul McCartney’s award winning visit to Liverpool with James Corden. Winston can work magic.

The possibility of an appearance boggles the mind. Of course, the Grammys say they don’t tell the nominees in advance who won. It would a little awkward if all this came to fruition and “Now and Then” didn’t win anything. But the Best Rock Performance category is a likely win for the song. Best Song puts it up against some powerhouse pop princesses. But you never know. Now and then, good things happen!

Box Office: Hedgehog Eats Lion, Monster Mashes, Dylan Rocks, Nicole Kidman Steams It Up

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Hedgehog Eats Lion, Monster Mashes, Dylan Rocks, Nicole Kidman Steams It Up

Christmas weekend at the box office brought a hedgehog to the top of the heap over a lion.

“Sonic 3” narrowly snaked “Mufasa” as family friendly films ruled. They finished at number 1 and 2 with $38 million and $37 million respectively.

The monstrous “Nosferatu” came in third with $21 million.

Among the smaller releases, “A Complete Unknown” about Bob Dylan with Timothee Chalamet socked away $11.6 million bringing its two week total to $23 million.

Nicole Kidman’s steamy “Babygirl” laid out $4.4 million on the bedpost — although actually I don’t remember many beds in this one. A lot of floors came in handy.

“Wicked” is still out there somewhere, but on Tuesday night the witches of Oz head to home video with $425 million tucked away. It’s still playing in over 3,100 theaters, and those owners may be a little disappointed to see Glinda and Elphaba leave town. Oh well. They’ll be back next year.

Where does this leave the Oscars? Set for March 2nd, by then few if any nominees will still be playing in theaters. The times they are a-changing!

PS What’s not taking off at all? “The Brutalist.” Brady Corbet’s epic was down this week by 24% from last, playing in 7 theaters. The three and half hour run time (with an additional 15 minute intermission) doesn’t help. Total so far $687,444. Brutal. Right now, the trend is down. Can it launch once it’s in more theaters? Maybe audiences will be parched for material in January. They shouldn’t miss Adrien Brody!

Musk Drops F Word Tweet in H1-B Visa Matter, Lowers the Public Discussion to Trump’s Coarse Level

Roger Friedman
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Musk Drops F Word Tweet in H1-B Visa Matter, Lowers the Public Discussion to Trump’s Coarse Level

This is what you folks voted for.

Elon Musk is so angry about the visa matter he’s lowered the discourse as low it can go –and in a violent way– to the Trump level.

He wrote at 11:22pm last night:

“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B. Take a big step back and FUCK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.”

How did this happen? This is only a day after Donald Trump’s Christmas message told liberals to GO TO HELL in his public message. The richest man in the world has done some completely unacceptable and disgusting in its intent.

How can we continue as a civilization this way? We’re beyond political fighting among parties or ideologies. We’re in a sick place. This is especially true for young people, who see the January 6th insurrection and read this garbage from people they admire, and think it’s all okay.

I’d say Musk has to be removed from office, but he doesn’t have an office. He’s self-appointed and confirmed by a hateful man. We are in terrible trouble when language is so perverted that hate just spews forward unchecked.

2024 Charity Season Comes to a Close with Jane Fonda, Tedeschi Trucks Helping Raise Millions

Roger Friedman
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2024 Charity Season Comes to a Close with Jane Fonda, Tedeschi Trucks Helping Raise Millions

The late fall NY Charity Season has come to a close. As always, I recommend donations to Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Rainforest Foundation, Rosie’s Kids, Musicares, and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Foundation.

Here’s a round up of events:

Institut Curie presented its prestigious Marie Curie Legacy Medal to Academy Award-winning actor and activist Jane Fonda at an exclusive Gala event held at the iconic Rainbow Room in New York City on November 19th, 2024. Awarded for only the second time, the Medal recognizes citizens who, through their public advocacy, increase awareness about cancer, a major global health threat. Jane Fonda, through her personal battle with cancer and her dedication to shedding light on the disease, perfectly embodies the spirit of this award.

The Institut Curie Gala, under the high patronage of French Ambassador Laurent Bili, provides an important opportunity to showcase the latest advancements in cancer research. The evening, co-chaired by Rear Admiral, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, and Mr. and Mrs. Mathieu and Virginie Chabran, carries forward Madame Marie Curie’s legacy of forging close scientific bonds between France and the United States and Americans support of her work in pursuit of scientific breakthroughs that will improve the health of people worldwide.

Famed musicians Susan Tedeschi, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks entertained at the Samuel Waxman Research Foundation’s 27th Annual Collaborating for A Cure Gala at Cipriani Wall Street. This year’s event honored Mike Rawls, chief executive officer at Xome Holdings LLC. Rawls received the 2024 Distinguished Business Leader Award for his steadfast commitment to supporting cancer research. The Gala raised more than $3.1 million for critical cancer research.

The New York Women’s Foundation (NYWF) ushered in the holiday season with a joyous celebration hosted by indefatigable philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, honoring the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity and supporting women and girls across New York. The event was a resounding success, bringing together notable guests and supporters of the Foundation’s mission.

NY State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright presented citations to long-time Board member Jean Shafiroff and Ana L. Oliveira, the dynamic President and CEO of NYWF. These honors recognized their outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of women and families while championing economic justice and equality.

Broadway: “Gypsy” Cancelled Again, Audra McDonald Musical Misses Vital Christmas Week Box Office

Roger Friedman
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Broadway: “Gypsy” Cancelled Again, Audra McDonald Musical Misses Vital Christmas Week Box Office

Terrible news for the revival of “Gypsy” on Broadway.

They’ve cancelled tonight’s show, which means the entire Christmas week was a shut down because of illness.

Obviously, star Audra McDonald came down with something — maybe COVID — as did others in the cast.

It’s a financial disaster for the raved about show. Christmas week is when everyone makes their money, especially to get through the winter.

Of course, ticketholders are disappointed, especially those who came into New York especially to see the six time Tony winner live on stage.

Undoubtedly, “Gypsy” will return to sold out performances soon. But this is a setback no one saw coming.

Get well, everyone!


Carnie Wilson Recalls How Producer Richard Perry Gave Wilson Phillips Its Start as a Pop Group

Roger Friedman
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Carnie Wilson Recalls How Producer Richard Perry Gave Wilson Phillips Its Start as a Pop Group

Carnie Wilson, daughter of Brian Wilson, has written a beautiful homage to late record producer Richard Perry on Instagram.

Carnie recalls how Perry was key to the beginning of Wilson Phillips, the group she was famously in with sister Wendy and Chynna Phillips.

Richard’s history with The Pointer Sisters encouraged Carnie to take his advice and counsel. What she doesn’t mention is that 20 years earlier, Richard has been the guiding light for the all girl band, Fanny.

“In 1986, Wendy, Chynna, Owen, and I took a chance one night and drove our car to (what was once Ronald Reagan’s home) music producer Richard Perry’s house. We had just formed a “group” and thought that we had a really cool sound. Chy’s Mom Michelle suggested we see her friend Richard Perry & sing for him. I remember the excitement as we drove up Doheny Drive and how nervous we were…but thrilled at the same time .

“We couldn’t believe that a producer of that magnitude agreed to meet with us. When we arrived, Richard rolled a joint and said “OK what do you got for me?” We had been singing a lot of Heart, Stevie Nicks, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac -practicing …so we decided to sing four words from Stevie Nicks’s song “Wild Heart”. We sang “dare my wild heart” and stopped. We said “so what do you think?” He said ” that’s it?… that’s all you’re gonna sing ,four words?” We said “yeah how do you like our sound?” He paused, took a hit off his joint and said “I see the Beatles”. We screamed. Then he said “I think you should name your group “Pretzels With Mustard”. He was clearly high from the joint… lol …we laughed hysterically.

“This was the beginning of our musical career. I’m grateful for a lot of things about Richard. He took us under his wing. He introduced us to a wonderful guy named Jim Tract . Jim was used to working with women because he worked with the The Pointer Sisters who we adored, so we trusted Jim. He taught us how to stand around a microphone together. Richard produced our very first record that we covered in the studio, which was “Mama Said” . I still have the demo on cassette.

“I’ll never forget those moments and those early days of recording. We were young and eager, hopeful and knew that we were on the road to something. He said we needed to write our own songs in order to be respected in this business. If we didn’t- we’d be looked at as spoiled, Beverly Hills children riding on the coat tails of our famous parents. That’s when the miracle happened and he brought us to @glen.ballard. Everything changed and we became a real group with songs we wrote and a vision. I’m forever grateful for u Richard. Rest in Peace and music.”

Bob Dylan Lands 5 Albums on the Top 100 as “A Complete Unknown” Amps Up Box Office for Day 2

Roger Friedman
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Bob Dylan Lands 5 Albums on the Top 100 as “A Complete Unknown” Amps Up Box Office for Day 2

All of a sudden, everything is about Bob Dylan.

You know, you can watch DA Pennebaker’s famous documentary, “Don’t Look Back,” for free on the Criterion Channel website.

Meanwhile, “A Complete Unknown” picked up $4 million yesterday on its second day of release. The James Mangold movie is so much of a hit that Timothee Chalamet’s soundtrack album is in the top 20 on iTunes.

Dylan was never a chartbuster. But today he has FIVE albums on the top 200, three in the top 20. His catalog is booming. “The Essential Bob Dylan” is number 5. Also on the chart is “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,” the original Greatest Hits album, and “Blood on the Tracks.”

The times, they are a-changing!

New Dylan fans can also check out The Basement Tapes, with the Band, Nashville Skyline, Desire (one of my faves), and Shadow Kingdom, an album Dylan recorded during the pandemic that really is gold. We were lucky to get it.

Beyonce Half-Time Show Puts “Cowboy Carter” Back in the Top 10, Makes a Case for the Grammy Award

Roger Friedman
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Beyonce Half-Time Show Puts “Cowboy Carter” Back in the Top 10, Makes a Case for the Grammy Award

Until Christmas night, Beyonce had not done much to promote her “Cowboy Carter” album.

While Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Sabrina Carpenter have been everywhere pushing their songs, Beyonce seemed to drift away after the album’s release last spring.

But on Wednesday night, Beyonce came roaring back with her NFL half time show on Netflix during the Chiefs-Steelers show.

It didn’t hurt that 24.1 million people watched the game and saw the Queen Bey at her best. The performance sent “Cowboy Carter” to number 6 on iTunes albums, and “Texas Hold ‘Em” to number 30. They’d each been dormant for some time.

Beyonce’s NFL appearance made the best case ever for “Cowboy Carter” to win Album of the Year at next February’s Grammy Awards. Up til now, it seemed like Taylor Swift would just walk away with the award for Best Album without discussion. Her “Tortured Poets” album has sold over 6 million copies. Swift is a constant presence in the media. Her Eras tour was a $2 billion hit.

But now the Bey Hive is buzzing. “Cowboy Carter” is back in play. Beyonce has never won the top prize at the Grammys despite several worthy albums including “Lemonade.” But if she’ll stick to a campaign — maybe hit a late night show — Beyonce could have the award she has always deserved.

Kennedy Center Honors Needs a Shake Up, and Liza, as Rating Continue Decline, Lose 400,000 Viewers from Last Year

Roger Friedman
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Kennedy Center Honors Needs a Shake Up, and Liza, as Rating Continue Decline, Lose 400,000 Viewers from Last Year

The Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday night was a ratings bust.

Total viewers was 4.1 million, down from 4.5 million last year. That’s at least better than 2023, when the show dropped by 1 million from 2022.

The Honors had a strong lead in from football than “60 Minutes,” which had 8.7 million fans Sunday night. But fewer than half of those people — who should be Kennedy Center Honors aficionados — stuck around.

It didn’t help that the show began with Queen Latifah in an absolutely excruciating number. This has been the trend lately for this show, opening with something that has nothing to do with the Honors themselves. It’s a big waste of time and money.

The Honorees this year were fine if not exciting: Bonnie Raitt, Francis Ford Coppola, Arturo Sandoval, the Grateful Dead, and the Apollo Theater were a curious mix.

The Bonnie Raitt segment was excellent, with Julia Louis Dreyfus, Sheryl Crow and the ubiquitous Brandi Carlile doing the toasting.

But then things got weird. Grace van der Waal — who? — singing “The Impossible Dream” was maybe the strangest performance ever. This had nothing whatsoever to do with Coppola. If they needed music, why didn’t they have an orchestra perform the Theme from the Godfather? Where were Sofia Coppola? Nephew Nicolas Cage?

Worse yet was the Apollo segment. None of the living performers from the Apollo performed. Where were Smokey Robinson, Sam Moore, Gladys Knight? There seemed to be no sense of the excitement of the Apollo, the first institution to be inducted into the Kennedy Center (which was odd enough).

And then, the Grateful Dead. Not a group with wonderful songs, and John Mayer — who owns 51% of the sequel Dead & Co band, was just on video. Wasn’t he supposed to be the hook? The segment also lacked the Dead’s two biggest hits, “Truckin'” and “Touch of Grey.”

The Honors felt stale. None of the people the public want, like Denzel Washington or Liza Minnelli, made the cut. There’s no humor, and it all feels like an obligation. It’s definitely time to get back to the George Stevens, Jr recipe for making the show vibrant.

PS Where was Caroline Kennedy, introducing the show and explaining its importance?

“SNL” Martin Short All Star Show Added 500K from Previous Week, Highest Rating Since November 2

Roger Friedman
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“SNL” Martin Short All Star Show Added 500K from Previous Week, Highest Rating Since November 2

Last week’s “SNL” with Martin Short and a huge group of all-stars was a hit.

Total viewers came in at 4.79 million, the fourth highest of the fall season. It was the biggest audience since John Mulaney hosted on November 2nd, up 500K viewers since the Chris Rock show a week before.

“SNL” didn’t announce any surprises, so the come on was just for Short and singer Hozier. More viewings once the news got out aren’t known yet.

The episode was pretty much perfect. Every bit of it worked. And no. Tom Hanks is not ill. Someone please tell the tabloids.

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