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Stevie Wonder, John Mayer Central Park Concert: Questions About Organization

Roger Friedman
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Stevie Wonder, John Mayer Central Park Concert: Questions About Organization

There are already questions about the group staging a massive rock concert in Central Park this September. Stevie Wonder has been signed to headline a the show on September 28th to fight extreme poverty. John Mayer, Alicia Keys and Kings of Leon will join him for a concert produced by an Australian group called Global Citizen. It’s a free show, but ticketed.Last year’s show, the first one from Global Citizen, featured Neil Young, Foo Fighters, and the Black Keys.

Global Citizen says it’s connected to something called the Cotton On Foundation. You’ve never heard of Cotton On because they’re a retail chain, like The Gap, based in Australia. The foundation is based there, too, and has no records in the U.S.

Last December Cotton On was fined $1 million for selling flammable children’s clothing. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-18/cotton-on-fined-for-unsafe-childrens-clothing/4434462.

The report said: “The nightwear was so flammable that they should not have been supplied in Australia at all. To compound this, the highly flammable nightwear was misrepresented by being labelled ‘low fire danger’.”

Cotton On Founder Nigel Austin has no problems with poverty himself: he recently purchased Australia’s most expensive mansion for upwards of $20 million.

The Cotton On Foundation lists no information whatsoever about their finances or anything else on Australia’s official charity registry.

Keep refreshing for more info…

“King of Queens” Star Leah Remini Escapes Scientology

Roger Friedman
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“King of Queens” Star Leah Remini Escapes Scientology

“King of Queens” star Leah Remini has reportedly left — er, escaped– Scientology. The New York Post took credit for the scoop but they got it from Tony Ortega’s fascinating blog. (www.tonyortega.org) The former Village Voice editor is writing a book about Scientology and keeps up with it at an amazing clip.

Remini apparently grew disaffected from Scientology after questioning leader David Miscavige about many things including his long-missing wife, Shelly Miscavige. Remini’s exit is major because Scientology keeps a tight grip on celebrity members and uses them to attract new members. They’re also the cult’s big money makers, donating millions.

It could be that Remini, who’s been off TV for a while, isn’t as important to Miscavige anymore. Ortega says that at Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s wedding in 2006, Remini questioned Miscavige regarding his wife’s whereabouts. After the wedding she filed a “report” on Miscavige, and was then punished.

Remini now joins Oscar winning director Paul Haggis, actor Jason Beghe and possible Lisa Marie Presley on the list of celebs who’ve made it over the wall. Remini faces some obstacles because her mother, sisters, and stepfather remain deeply embedded in Scientology. The cult forces members to “disconnect” from exiles and have nothing to do with them again. So if she’s actually made the break, Remini is tremendously brave.

Stay tuned because there’s more…

Sting, Elton John Releasing Albums of New Material in Time for Grammy Deadline

Roger Friedman
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Sting, Elton John Releasing Albums of New Material in Time for Grammy Deadline

The Grammy year is winding down to its September 30th deadline. Who will make it in time is the big question? Mariah Carey was on track, but now no one knows what will happen. Robin Thicke, John Mayer, Elvis Costello, Drake, Jack Johnson, The Civil Wars and Kings of Leon are all ready to make the deadline. From earlier in the year we have Emeli Sande’s amazing debut, and there will be two Justin Timberlake albums to consider. Daft Punk will make a go of it, although probably for Best Dance Album. “Get Lucky” would be a Best Record nominee.

But in the real Rock Superstar world, two releases on September 24 loom: from Sting, and from Elton John. Sting’s “The Last Ship” and Elton’s “The Diving Board” could so more than just Best Pop Album nominations if the Grammy committees take their jobs seriously this year. In recent years, legacy artists have struggled to get into the Album of the Year category. This past year, Bruce Springsteen wouldn’t appear on the show because he was improperly relegated to Best Rock Album.

But seriously, no one can even think that “Yeezus” or “Magna Carta” are good enough for anything other than Best Rap Album. Timberlake has the lead right now. But Sting and Elton and Kings of Leon– all on the 24–could be big enough deals to be game changers. We’ll know soon enough, as press copies are being mailed shortly.

Here’s the track list for Elton John’s “The Diving Board”:

1. Oceans Away
2. Oscar Wilde Gets Out
3. A Town Called Jubilee
4. The Ballad of Blind Tom
5. Dream # 1
6. My Quicksand
7. Can t Stay Alone Tonight
8. Voyeur
9. Home Again
10. Take This Dirty Water
11. Dream # 2
12. The New Fever Waltz
13. Mexican Vacation (Kids In The Candlelight)
14. Dream # 3
15. The Diving Board
16. Candlelit Bedroom
17. Home Again (live from Capitol Studios)
18. Mexican Vacation (Kids In The Candlelight) (live from Capitol Studios)
19. The New Fever Waltz (live from Capitol Studios)

Randy Travis Has Stroke in Hospital, Now in Surgery

Roger Friedman
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Randy Travis Has Stroke in Hospital, Now in Surgery

From his publicist:
Plano, TX (July 10, 2013) – “As a complication of his congestive heart failure, Mr. Randy Travis has suffered a stroke and is currently undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.  He is in critical condition.  We will have updates as they become available.  His family and friends here with him at the hospital request your prayers and support.

Michael Jackson Estate Posts Letter to the Fans Supporting Michael

Roger Friedman
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Michael Jackson Estate Posts Letter to the Fans Supporting Michael

In a rare move, Michael Jackson’s executors have posted a letter to his fans. The letter supports Michael and criticizes the latest spate of negative stories from the British press. I’m surprised– and flattered–that they cited a story I wrote about the malicious falsehoods that were created from decades old, discredited gossip. I don’t know if it’s available online, but I spent about a half hour on Tuesday morning with Mark Simone on WOR Radio here in New York going over all this stuff again.

Message From The Estate Of Michael Jackson regarding recent tabloid stories :

We know many fans have been upset by recent tabloid stories in the UK about Michael. In his song “Tabloid Junkie” Michael Jackson sings: Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn’t make it factual.

Sadly, we were recently reminded of just how prophetic Michael’s lyrics were when these disgraceful, stale and discredited stories more than two decades old were published making unfounded allegations about Michael and so-called FBI “files.” It should be no surprise that one of the authors of this rehash has a long history of writing tabloid articles about Michael. It also should be noted that he formerly was a top editor at a scandal-ridden British tabloid that folded following revelations that the phones of celebrities, public figures and even a child murder victim were illegally hacked. Even more unseemly was one press account in which the tabloid’s source was identified as a former investigator whose license was revoked and who also has filed for bankruptcy. He isn’t denying that he was paid to tell these falsehoods, but he is boasting about his pornography career. It goes without saying that this callous and brazen disregard shown Michael’s children, family and fans is beyond reprehensible.

Responsible journalists who don’t practice checkbook journalism have thoroughly debunked this disgusting story and its unreliable sources. Showbiz411 titled its story: “ ‘FBI Files’ Are From People Discredited Long Time Ago” (http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/06/30/michael-jackson-fbi-files-are-from-people-discredited-long-time-ago). CNN called the London tabloid reports a “questionable” rehash while noting that, “A website can enjoy a sharp spike in traffic — which can translate into advertising revenue — with a sensational headline” (http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/03/showbiz/michael-jackson-files) in describing how media can play fast and loose with the truth to drive viewers or readers to their site.

We believe unethical tabloid journalists and publications spreading falsehoods about Michael for their own selfish reasons are best ignored. Sadly, they hide shamelessly behind a legal shield allowing them to smear those who are no longer with us. As readers abandon them and their businesses collapse, they desperately seek attention and publicity. We don’t believe they deserve it, and are confident that discredited articles such as these vanish quickly and are easily forgotten.

Rest assured that Michael’s legacy is his artistic genius. It’s his humanitarian work that touched millions, and his global messages of peace. Most important, Michael’s legacy is his enduring love for his children, his family and his fans.

– John Branca and John McClain, Co-Executors, The Estate Of Michael Jackson

Doctors: Randy Travis Had Congestive Heart Failure

Roger Friedman
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0
Doctors: Randy Travis Had Congestive Heart Failure

Doctors in Texas say country superstar Randy Travis was diagnoses with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. He’s been transferred to The Heart Hospital in Plano, TX for a higher level of care. Since the transfer, says Travis’s new doctor,” his condition has stabilized and he has shown signs of improvement.”

Joan Rivers Brought Up on Charges by the Writers Guild East

Roger Friedman
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Joan Rivers Brought Up on Charges by the Writers Guild East

Wow. Joan Rivers, who’s always been very pro-union and a writers’ advocate, is being brought up on charges by the Writers Guild East. We will try and get a response from Joan ASAP.

Here’s what they say:

New York– The Council of the Writers Guild of America, East voted July 3rd to send charges filed against Joan Rivers, a lifetime member of WGAE, to a hearing before a three-person trial board.

The charges allege that Rivers violated the union’s rules by writing and by performing showrunner duties for the E! Network show Fashion Police. Writers Guild members have been on strike against Fashion Police since April 17, 2013. The writers on that show are paid a fraction of industry-standard compensation and receive no health or pension benefits.

The WGAE’s governing body determined that, if the charges against Rivers are proven to be accurate, then they would constitute a violation of the union’s rules; accordingly, pursuant to the WGAE’s constitution and by-laws, the Council referred the charges to a trial board. A trial board of three WGAE members will be appointed shortly. Rivers will be given the opportunity to present her case directly to the trial board, which will also hear evidence, including from the striking writers.

“We are distressed by reports that Joan Rivers, who worked so hard to create an illustrious career, turned her back on other writers who are still building careers of their own,”  said Michael Winship, WGAE President. “The question of whether she has, in fact, violated our working rules will be decided by the trial board.  We cannot pre-judge the outcome, but we can say that it is a very serious matter when a member is accused of writing and showrunning on a non-covered show, and continuing to do so after the other writers have decided to go on strike for reasonable pay and benefits.”

“Pacific Rim”: Financier Leaves Warner Bros. As Studio Braces For Next Big Possible Flop

Roger Friedman
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“Pacific Rim”: Financier Leaves Warner Bros. As Studio Braces For Next Big Possible Flop

“After Earth.” “White House Down.” “The Lone Ranger.” “The Internship.” It hasn’t been a great summer in the US for big studio tentpole movies. Four flops right there. And now a fifth may be on the way. Despite good reviews and a high (85%) rating from critics on RottenTomatoes.com, “Pacific Rim” is not looking so good for the box office this weekend.

Tracking hasn’t been so good, confined mostly to fan boys who want to see Guillermo del Toro’s new endeavor. The sci- fi sort of neo- “Iron Man” flick has no stars per se in its cast, just affable Charlie Hunnam from TV’s “Sons of Anarchy.”

On top of that, Legendary Pictures, run by Thomas Tull, a major financier for Warner Bros. with Batman and Superman movies, is leaving for Universal Pictures ASAP. Legendary has had hits and big misses, like the recent “Jack the Giant Slayer.” “Pacific Rim” could be a parting stink bomb for Warner’s.

Tull specializes in roll of the dice, $200 million movies. They either hit home runs, or blow up like a skyscraper demolition. “Pacific Rim,” of course, could surprise everyone a la “World War Z.” That movie had bad buzz, turned out to be very good, and became a huge success. But I’ve been hearing that audiences are not so keen on “Pacific Rim,” despite the reviews. And it doesn’t have Brad Pitt, or his tireless campaigning.

Stay tuned…

Wendi Murdoch Going Ahead with “Lang Lang” Movie, Starts Casting

Roger Friedman
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Wendi Murdoch Going Ahead with “Lang Lang” Movie, Starts Casting

EXCLUSIVE Wendi Deng’s divorce from Rupert Murdoch is only recent, if it’s even finalized. But she has not gone into hiding. Deng, who seems to be keeping the name Wendi Murdoch, is going ahead with plans to produce a movie about the great Chinese pianist Lang Lang. A casting call has gone out for “Journey of a Thousand Miles,” a filmed based on the book written by Lang Lang with David Ritz. Murdoch is listed as coproducer with Florence Sloan who also co-produced “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” with Wendi, and is married to former MGM chief and businessman Harry E. Sloan. The movie’s director is a first timer– Chinese actor Mo Zhang. No script is available yet, but its author is ID’d as Xiaozhu Wang.

Here’s who they’re looking for so far: [LANG LANG] Chinese male, 16 to 23 years-old to play 17. Appealing, outgoing and friendly. Not quite a boy but not yet a man, he still has a sweetness to him. Must be fluent in Mandarin. No prior acting experience required. Some piano playing ability preferred…LEAD

STORY LINE: Based upon the real life story of the Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang, this tender dramatic story
centers around 17 year-old Lang Lang as he struggles to overcome seemingly overwhelming obstacles on his
journey to greatness – leaving his home and adjusting to a new life in America, the constant struggle to be the
best, defying his father who had been his greatest supporter, and the heartbreak of finding and potentially losing his first love…

 

Cate Blanchett Could Be Woody Allen’s First Best Actress Since Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall”

Roger Friedman
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1
Cate Blanchett Could Be Woody Allen’s First Best Actress Since Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall”

At last: we saw Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” tonight in a screening room so full at Sony that an overflow room had to be booked at Dolby down the street. It’s a little early for a real indepth review since “Blue Jasmine” doesn’t open until July 26th. Still, I will tell you that Cate Blanchett is a cinch for a Best Actress nomination. She could win the whole enchilada, too. She’d be Woody’s first Best Actress since Diane Keaton in 1978’s “Annie Hall.”

Woody has had plenty of Best Supporting Actresses, from Dianne Wiest (two wins– “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “Bullets Over Broadway”) to Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”), to Penelope Cruz (Vicki Cristina Barcelona”). “Midnight in Paris,” Woody’s biggest movie ever, had no acting nominations but did have a Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay.

“Blue Jasmine” is a sad story with many laughs, an updating of “A Streetcar Named Desire” with l’affaire Madoff. Blanchett, Sally Hawkins, and Bobby Cannavale are just about as superb as any trio could be, with several integral roles beautifully filled out by Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard, Tammy Blanchard, and Andrew Dice Clay, of all people, who comports himself nicely.

The idea is Ruth Madoff as Blanche DuBois unraveling before our eyes. Blanchett is simply stunning. And it’s nice for her because “Blue Jasmine” is contemporary. Blanchett won her Supporting Oscar for playing Katharine Hepburn in “The Aviator.” She’s known for playing Queen Elizabeth I. She’s well versed in Blanche DuBois, having played her in Australia and then at BAM under the direction of Liv Ullmann. I was lucky to see that production. Blanchett is her generation’s Streep and Fonda. She is basically infallible. “Blue Jasmine” takes her to a whole new level.

Best Actress is shaping up as a tough category for 2014: Kidman, Dench, Streep, Roberts, Watts, Winfrey are all in the mix. But Blanchett will be the one to beat, I think.

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