Ed Koch gave this interview to the New York Times in 2007, to be played upon his death. Surprise! He’s left a documentary and this 20 minute goodbye. He gives it to the Cuomos and others. Koch says: “I was never going to retire.” He says Rudy Giuiliani “destroyed the system,” was “mean spirited,” and made everything about politics in New York. Koch also recalls being very depressed during the Donald Manes scandal, and that a call from Cardinal O’Connor saved him. He said that Mayor Bloomberg is “superb” and that David Dinkins was a “bad mayor.”
Liza with a C: “Cabaret” Returns, 400 Fans Get DVDs After Anniversary Screening Sells Out
It was a little wild outside the Ziegfeld Theater last night. There were so many people outside when I arrived that I thought they had not let the audience inside yet. Turns out these were the 400 or so people who couldn’t get in. The place was filled to capacity between invited guests, Turner Classic Movie and Warner Home Video employees, and actual fans. So Warner Home Video announced they were giving new DVDs to the fans outside. Did it happen? (You tell me– roger@showbiz411.com).
Meantime, for a movie about debauchery, starring a Hollywood and Broadway legend (Liza Minnelli) who is the daughter of a tragic mega legend (Judy Garland), directed by larger than life personality (Bob Fosse), “Cabaret” has survived nicely. The four principal actors are still here, and making the rounds– Minnelli, Joel Grey, Michael York, and Marisa Berenson. York is frightfully ill with something, but plugging along and everyone loves him. Berenson is absolutely gorgeous, unchanged it seems, a natural beauty. Joel Grey, we see all the time, and he’s terrific. And then there’s Liza.
Minnelli sat with TCM’s Robert Osborne at the bottom of the steep stairs to the Ziegfeld’s “green room,” just inside the little door from the lobby. These two were not climbing that flight. She moved to a chair in the wings at the top of the aisle down to the stage area. When her name was called–“Liza!”– the entire theater jumped up and gave her a massive standing ovation as she sailed down to the spotlight. She knows how to make an entrance.
Our PAULA SCHWARTZ observes:
When someone asked Minnelli, now 66, what she thought of movie musicals Hollywood was making now, she said, “I’m just glad they’re making them.” What did she think of “Les Miz”? “I didn’t see ‘Les Miz.’ You know I just got back from a tour.” It was a great way to evade the question that every other person on the red carpet asked her.
Looking back, she was asked about the hardest part about playing Sally Bowles. “Nothing. I knew her. I was directed brilliantly. I loved doing it. And it was so differently done.” When I asked what it was like to see the film celebrated tonight, she sighed, “Oh it’s wonderful! I wish Fosse were here! You know, it’s all about him.”
I asked her about filming “Smash,” and she would only say that she sings on the show and that she had a good time shooting it.
Before she dashed into the theater, Minnelli, who was dressed in a big fur poncho, responded to a remark by a reporter who said the cast seemed to get along so well. “We had such a good time. We were so isolated. They didn’t know what to do with us. Nazi musical. Send them to Germany,” she laughed. “And they did it, and it worked.”
(Arlene Dahl, Bernadette Peters, Alan Cumming and Phyllis Newman were in the audience and TCM host Robert Osborne introduced them before a Q&A with the cast.)
Minnelli told Osborne, “I asked my father, [egendary director Vincent Minnelli], after he saw the film, what did you think of the film, daddy?’ And he said, ‘It’s strange and wonderful.”
Ed Koch Goes Out with a Bang, A Documentary, and One Last Email
Ed Koch died this morning, he was 88 years old. I have the honor of getting one of his last, contentious emails. He sent it on January 7th after I reviewed the documentary about him, “Koch.” The mayor, whom I used to see regularly in the neighborhood, wasn’t happy that I pointed out he was visiting his grave in the film, that it already an inscribed headstone, and that it wasn’t in a Jewish cemetery. He wanted to be buried in Manhattan, he said, and no Jewish cemetery was accepting new burials. He wanted to be where the action was.
When he was mayor, he was the action. In his first term, 1977-81, he saved New York after Abe Beame left us for dead. In his second term, Koch continued his programs, and New York became “the city that never sleeps.” In his third term, he was out of control, the outer boroughs crumbled, the drugs situation got out of control and homelessness and begging was epidemic.
But think of it: he was so brash that he was the subject of an off Broadway musical. He wrote a bestselling autobiography–in the middle of his long administration. He’s managed to leave a documentary behind, timed to his death. He was intrepid. In September he went to Barbra Streisand‘s return to Brooklyn concert in a wheelchair. He never stopped writing movie reviews and sending them out. Sometimes they were on the money. Maybe he was emblematic of New Yorkers. He didn’t care what anyone thought about him even though he was famous for asking “How’m I doing?” He really didn’t. He was cantankerous and outspoken, told everyone what to do, and revealed little about himself. He made it impossible for anyone ever to forget Ed Koch.
Beyonce Sings the Star Spangled Banner Live for Reporters (Video Here)
Beyonce sang The Star Spangled Banner today for reporters in New Orleans. She explained about her inaugural debacle. But as I said the other day, the pre-tape stuff is normal. Plus, Beyonce doesn’t care what people think. She is rich and famous. She doesn’t need us telling her what to do. No one sings at the Super Bowl without a back up tape. Let’s hope the game is more interesting than all of this nonsense.
Barbara Walters’ Millionaire Ex Husband Now Lives in a 500 Square Foot Apartment
Wow! I am really fascinated by Merv Adelson, the man behind “Dallas” and “Knots Landing,” and who was briefly the husband of Barbara Walters. In the new Vanity Fair, Bryan Burrough writes a cool piece about Adelson, who now lives in a 500 square foot apartment in Santa Monica. He used to be the King of TV. Adelson created Lorimar Pictures, which produced those aforementioned shows and “Falcon Crest.” They also produced Valerie Harper’s ill fated sitcom, fired her, and lost a major lawsuit she filed against them.
Adelson sold the company to Warner Communications, Burrough says, for $1.2 billion in stock. When Warner became Time Warner and then AOL Time Warner, Adelson saw his stock plunge from $58 a share to $7 a share. He lost $141 million, and wound up with nothing. On top of that, there were also persistent rumors about his Mob ties. Those rumors helped end his short marriage to Barbara Walters, who was embarrassed about Merv flying mobsters to Rancho La Costa Spa in Arizona on his private plane. You can read about it at here.
Graffiti Legend Keith Haring Will Get Biopic, Starring Ben Foster
Exclusive: one of the many things we learned last night at the premiere of Netflix’s wonderful first “TV series” called “House of Cards”: “Rampart” director Oren Moverman has picked up the rights to famed graffiti artist Keith Haring’s life. A script is being written, and the plan is for talented young actor Ben Foster (“The Messenger,” “3:10 to Yuma,” etc) to play Haring. This could be a great great idea. Foster just had two hits in Sundance–“Ain’t them Bodies Saints” and “Kill Your Darlings”–). He and Moverman were at the “Cards” premiere cheering on actress Robin Wright (yes, Ben and Robin are an “item”) who is sort of mesmerizing with Kevin Spacey in the two episodes that were shown last night at Alice Tully Hall.
Whew. Did you get all that?
Foster and Moverman were among the many A listers in the big crowd at Alice Tully last night, all taking in the first ever Tv series not for TV or cable but for what? Pay-viewing, I guess. Netflix is coming on strong with several series over the next few months including the return of “Arrested Development.” Big time movie maker David Fincher directed the first two episodes of “House of Cards” and they are chilling and fascinating. Spacey and Wright are a Washington power couple–he’s a conniving, ambitious congressman. She runs a charitable foundation that helps get water to dry places. They are either LBJ and Lady Bird, or MacBeth and the Mrs.
In the crowd last were the great Kate Mulgrew, set to star in another Netflix series, “Orange is the New Black,” as well as Lily Rabe, Steven Soderbergh, Harvey Weinstein, George Stephanopolous (who appears as himself in the film), co-stars Kate Mara, Jayne Atkinson and Corey Stoll and Constance Zimmer, script writer Beau Willamon (who also wrote “Ides of March”), plus the great Joanne Horowitz (who runs the Spacey world).
And Kate Mara, who’s so good in “House of Cards” as a savvy reporter, got support from sister Rooney Mara, who premieres tonight with Jude Law in “Side Effects.” The girls’ family were all there, and their brother showed me his solid gold Super Bowl ring from a couple of seasons ago. You do know the Maras co-own the New York Giants.
“House of Cards” is available starting on Friday via Netflix. Don’t miss it. Get a smart TV that comes with Netflix, order the DVDs through Netflix, or buy one of those Roku boxes (that’s what I’m going to do). This isn’t the future–the future is here, as Harvey Weinstein said last night. Let’s get with the programs.
photo via PopShop
The Who’s Pete Townshend Gets the Les Paul Award in California
Before the week gets away from us: last weekend, Pete Townshend received the Les Paul Award in Anaheim, California. Julia Fordham performed, Paul McCartney sent a video message (in our home page video player), and there was a lot of rocking going on.
The gregarious and dependable Martin Lewis not only helped put the whole thing together, but then he wrote it up for me. Since I can’t improve on Martin’s recollections, here’s his version:
Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer and Kennedy Center Honoree Pete Townshend of The Who has received one of the music industry’s highest accolades – the Les Paul Award. Named in honor of guitarist and multi-track recording pioneer the late Les Paul, the trophy is presented annually to honor “individuals or institutions that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of audio technology.”
Townshend was the 22nd recipient of the award that was first established in 1991. Past winners include: Peter Gabriel • Brian Wilson • Neil Young • Sting • Paul McCartney • Robbie Robertson • Bruce Springsteen • David Byrne • Steve Miller • Al Kooper • Lindsay Buckingham • Steve Vai
The award was presented to Townshend in Anaheim, California – the same city in which Townshend’s band The Who kicked off their 2013 US tour this past Monday (January 28th).
Among those toasting Townshend at the presentation were rock legends Slash, John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful (who emceed the awards show) and Eric Burdon of the Animals (friendly rivals to the Who in the 1960s). Townshend was presented his award by an old friend, producer and humorist Martin Lewis – who recruited and produced Townshend for his ground-breaking acoustic performances at Amnesty International’s first “Secret Policeman’s Ball” in 1979.
In Lewis’ speech presenting Townshend with the Les Paul Award, he surprised the honoree by showing two special messages he’d arranged from two of Townshend’s oldest pals who were in the UK and unable to attend the event – Rolling Stone Sir Mick Jagger and Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.
Following Townshend’s heartfelt acceptance speech – the evening was brought to a crescendo with a five-song, 30-minute musical salute produced by Lewis and Musical Director Larry Batiste that climaxed with an unscheduled on-stage performance by Townshend who was moved to join the grand finale.
Backed by the event’s house band – The 2Cold Chilibone TEC Band – Townshend and the 1,000 industry professionals in attendance in the Pacific Ballroom of the Anaheim Hilton heard these songs:
“I Can’t Explain” – the Who’s first hit – written and recorded in 1965. Performed by a 19-year-old newcomer from Los Angeles, Bree Kennedy. Guest bass player on this performance was former Jeff Beck & Rod Stewart bassist Phil Chen – whose friendship with Townshend dates back to 1965. (Chen was a member of “Jimmy James & The Vagabonds” – a Jamaican ska-soul band who often supported the Who in 1965-1966.)
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” – Townshend’s 1971 classic performed as a finger-picking acoustic solo by multiple Grammy-winning guitarist Laurence Juber – who shared his first Grammy with Townshend when both were among the multiple guitarists on the studio version of Paul McCartney’s 1979 track “Rockestra”. (They also performed together at the 1979 “Concerts for the People of Kampuchea”)
“The Seeker” – Townshend’s 1970 song about his spiritual journey was performed by 71-year-old Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Eric Burdon – vocalist for the Animals. Apart from their musical paths crossing frequently in the 1960s and 1970s, the two worked together in a literary vein in the 1980s when Townshend commissioned and edited Burdon’s autobiography “I Used to Be an Animal But I’m All Right Now” for British book publishers Faber & Faber. Playing bass on this performance was 26-year-old Australian bass prodigy Tal Wilkenfeld who currently plays for Jeff Beck.
“Lifehouse Medley” – L.A.-based British chanteuse Julia Fordham brought Townshend to his feet to applaud her vocals on a medley of two key songs from Townshend’s famous 1971 “Lifehouse” project (originally conceived as the follow-up to “Tommy” – but subsequently abandoned and not released till 1999.) Martin Lewis – a longtime admirer of Townshend’s “Lifehouse” – conceived the medley consisting of “The Song Is Over” and “Pure And Easy” and arranged it with Musical Director Larry Batiste.
“Let My Love Open The Door” – led by Grammy-winning David Pack – formerly vocalist/guitarist for 1970s/1980s rock band Ambrosia – all the evening’s musicians assembled on stage together – with Eric Burdon, Julia Fordham and Bree Kennedy providing backing vocals. The performance of Townshend’s 1980 Top Ten solo hit brought the night to a rousing end.
Midway through the song, Townshend left his table to join the musicians on-stage – bringing the entire audience to its feet in salute. Townshend embraced Burdon and after joining in on the chorus – delighted the crowd by singing several verses from the song – taking evident pleasure in delivering one of the tongue-in-cheek lyrics in the song “you’re so lucky I’m around…” to the crowd – a sentiment that the cheering ballroom appeared to endorse.
The ceremony was the highlight award of the 28th Annual TEC Awards (Technical Excellence in Creativity) – often referred to as the “backstage Grammys” – awards that recognize excellence in the professional audio world. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TEC_Awards). The awards night was held under the aegis of the world’s largest annual music products trade fair – the NAMM Show (first established in 1901). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NAMM_Show The TEC Awards were established in 1985. They are executive-produced by TEC Foundation founders David Schwartz and Hillel Resner.
The TEC Foundation for Excellence in Audio is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. Proceeds of the TEC Awards have been donated over the years to organizations that educate both sound professionals and music listeners about hearing health. The Foundation has also funded scholarship endowments at a number colleges and universities for students of the audio arts and sciences. http://www.tecfoundation.com/
Flash: Barbra Streisand to Perform on Oscars for First Time in 36 Years
Barbra Streisand is coming to the Oscars. She’s singing. Imagine a show with Barbra, Adele, and Jennifer Hudson all performing. Holy cow. This will be a good show. Plus, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and the tributes to “Chicago,” “Mamma Mia,” “Hairspray,” “Dreamgirls.” Bring a pillow and a blanket!
Here’s the press release:
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Two-time Academy Award® winner Barbra Streisand, who has sung on the Oscars only once before, will perform on the upcoming Oscar® telecast on February 24. Streisand last sang the love theme from “A Star Is Born” on the March 28, 1977 show, winning the Best Original Song Oscar for “Evergreen” that same night.
http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/10/11/streisand-gets-political-in-her-brooklyn-singing-return
“In an evening that celebrates the artistry of movies and music,” said producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, “how could the telecast be complete without Barbra Streisand? We are honored that she has agreed to do a very special performance on this year’s Oscars, her first time singing on the show in 36 years.”
Streisand won her first Oscar for Best Actress in “Funny Girl” (1968), and was nominated again in 1973 for her lead performance in “The Way We Were.” She was also nominated for producing the Best Picture nominee “The Prince of Tides” (1991), which she also directed, and for co-writing the original song “I Finally Found Someone” from “The Mirror Has Two Faces” (1996).
http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/09/19/barbra-streisand-aretha-franklin-rare-meeting-of-divas-for-hamlisch
Justin Timberlake Single Sales Soft: Is it Jay Z or the Six Year Absence?
Justin Timberlake’s first album in six years, “The 20/20 Experience,” is coming on March 19th. I told you about Timberlake’s new album last fall exclusively. Last week, he released the premiere single, “Suit and Tie,” featuring Jay Z, to some fanfare after teasing it on social media. The single is great, and so is the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KReoTOZK9W8 But after a flurry of initial interest and sales, “Suit and Tie” has struggled on all charts. It’s dropped to number 9 already on iTunes, and number 13 on amazon.com. It’s only been 10 days.
Of note: the top pop station in the US, Z-100, lists “Suit and Tie” at number 20 of its most popular records this week. And in morning drive, “Suit and Tie” is simply not in the rotation of the last 10 records played.
What does this say for “20/20”? A couple of things. First of all, “Suit and Tie” is just about ruined by Jay Z’s rap plopped into the middle of the song for no reason. Jay Z is fine if you like him, but Timberlake fans don’t want him popping up on records willy-nilly. I hope there’s a version of “Suit and Tie” without him, much like Alicia Keys released her own “Empire State of Mind” sans the entrepreneur rapper.
Second, six years may have been too long to stay away. “Suit and Tie” is behaving like a single from a ‘legacy artist’ like the Rolling Stones– and not like a contemporary artist. Timberlake is 31 years old, which is ancient in the world set up by record labels in 2013. The other Justin, who is frightful, is 18. Pop music has become the domain of prepubescents. “Suit and Tie” is already too sophisticated for the dumbed down audience of today. I hope someone’s thought about that. You think of JT as a kid, but Lady Gaga and Adele are six years younger than him.
Oscars: Is “Argo” the Best Picture or the Most Snubbed?
As the Oscar voting goes into high gear, some people are wondering whether “Argo” is the Best Picture of the Year or the Most Snubbed? So far “Argo” seems to have picked up awards based at least partly on the Academy’s inadvertent snub of Ben Affleck as the director of “Argo.” The directors chosen by the Academy voters have caused no end of discussion among the Oscar cognoscenti.
My own theory was that the Academy didn’t have the DGA final nominees list in front of them. But for some reason, the Academy left out Affleck, Kathyrn Bigelow, Quentin Tarantino and Tom Hooper. Now it would seem a little odd to have a Best Picture that was directed by someone who didn’t even make the ballot. But that’s the case for “Argo,” “Zero Dark Thirty,” “Django Unchained,” and “Les Miserables.”
And then we have Ang Lee, David O. Russell, and Steven Spielberg– all of whom have the Best Picture and Best Director nominations. “Life of Pi,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Lincoln” would seem like more reasonable choices– and less emotional. It’s possible that since “Argo” won its early awards, voters have calmed down from that earlier ‘we’ll show ’em” stance. I do think people are actually feeling sorry for Ben Affleck (who I like a lot and have known since “Good Will Hunting”). But really, kids, he’s married to Jennifer Garner. And he’s Ben Affleck. He should feel sorry for us.
“Life of Pi” is very popular, and Fox is spending on its campaign. “Silver Linings” is just hitting $70 million at the box office, and keeps engendering great word of mouth. “Lincoln” remains the epic achievement, with a Best Actor nominee in Daniel Day Lewis who’s sure to win. And that’s another thing–aside from Alan Arkin, “Argo” has no acting nominees. Can it be Best Picture without a director or actors?
I think there are still some surprises out there. The Oscar race is far from over.