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Stephen Rivers, PR Guy and Friend, Dead at 55

Roger Friedman
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Stephen Rivers, PR Guy and Friend, Dead at 55

I am so sorry to read about the passing of my friend, Stephen Rivers. He was 55 and died after a long bout with prostate cancer.

So much of what’s involved in the dying of a friend and contemporary is wrapped up in when you met them. I met Stephen in 1982 when we both worked for Jane Fonda on the 20th Century Fox lot. I was a script reader. Stephen was the in-house pr for Jane’s film company, IPC Films. He also worked for Tom Hayden that summer on his failed bid for a seat the California State Assembly.

Over the years, Stephen and I had much common as he worked for Oliver Stone, Kevin Costner, and a host of other tough clients. He represented Mike Ovitz and worked at Creative Artists Agency during a particularly difficult time there. He started his own pr firm in 1994, and I remember going down to Santa Monica to see his office and have lunch and chew over old times.

Some of Stephen’s other clients were Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Richard Dreyfus. His focus was always on the political, to the left, although he worked with Costner–not a liberal–and tried hard to persuade his friends in the press to see all sides of the actor.

Mostly, though, I will remember that early time in both our careers–he was 27, I was 25– and his devotion to Jane and her causes through good times and bad. Rest in peace, Stephen. You will be sorely missed.

PS Jane wrote on her blog today from France, where she’s shooting a film:

“I am sad anyway because my dear, sweet friend, Stephen Rivers, died last night of cancer. Stephen was my PR person for a long time —as well as my friend–and traveled all over with me, including to Russia, where I was trying to persuade the government to allow the famous and brave refusenik, Ida Nudel, to go to Israel. He was the one who arranged my meeting with 40 Vietnam veterans in the basement of a church in Waterbury, Conn. We went through a lot together. Life is terminal, but for some it happens too soon.”

Jack Johnson: The Last Rock Star?

Roger Friedman
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Jack Johnson: The Last Rock Star?

Is wimpy Jack Johnson the last rock star? Or is it Leif Garrett-wannabe Justin Bieber, the marketing sensation of 2010?

Sales for the top 50 CDs, according to hitsdailydouble.com, are so minimal that they’re barely registering a number. Johnson sold 250,000 albums last week and finished at number 1. Pathetic. Long gone are the days of a new album selling a million copies.

Without Johnson, the total sales for the week would be far less than a million copies. Albums now hit the top 50 with sales of 9,000 or less. Such a situation would have been unimaginable ten years ago.

Who are the culprits? Radio is the main villain in this story. Reliance on paid-for playlists of corporate pop, segmenting every genre into its own station, and refusal to play new or interesting artists has strangled the business. Artists have fewer outlets to get their music to listeners than ever before.

There are some exceptions. Train‘s “Hey Soul Sister” and Bruno Marx‘s “Nothing on You” are actually great singles in he top 10. But then there’s Katie Perry‘s misspelled and awful “California Gurls.” You wonder how she could hear the real “California Girls” and still want to get up in the morning. And then there’s Lady GaGa imitating Madonna, and Eminem still crabbing about his life, his problems, his fame and fortune. He’s “not afraid” anymore. What a relief!

Meanwhile, Warner Music stock is trading around 5 bucks today, down three dollars from its year high. The fading construct of a record company has no albums in the top 10, but four in the overall top 50, all from its Atlantic Records division. One more release, the soundtrack to the new “Twilight” movie, was released this week. Atlantic A&R chief Pete Ganbarg is one of the few bright lights in an otherwise dismal abyss. Aside from Atlantic, it’s hard to imagine how WMG stays in business.

PS I forgot to ask in yesterday’s column about Lady GaGa’s “Alejandro” video: why do all the guys have Mo Howard haircuts from “The Three Stooges”? Nyah nyah nyuk.

Motown Rules as Friars Toast Smokey Robinson

Roger Friedman
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Motown Rules as Friars Toast Smokey Robinson

A great New York night: the Friars Club took over the Waldorf Astoria main ballroom and toasted Motown’s Smokey Robinson and Steiner Studios founder David Steiner.

Steiner probably drew the big donor crowd, which was fine. He’s a lovely guy. But it was Smokey who brought the music. The Supremes’ Mary Wilson, a glamorous and stunning 66 years young, paid tribute by bringing the house down with “I Am Changing” from Dreamgirls, Norah Jones’s “Don’t Know Why,” and invited the audience on stage for a singalong on “Stop! In the Name of Love.”

The Temptations–all new members along with founder Otis Williams–performed songs Smokey wrote for the group during their heyday including (my all time favorite) “Since I Lost My Baby.” Paul Shaffer described Robinson’s “My Girl” as the greatest pop composition ever from the rock era. Well, it does stand tall with just a few others, maybe, including “Hey Jude,” “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Allen Toussaint brought a little New Orleans to the proceedings with his own funky versions of “Tracks of My Tears” and “I Second that Emotion.”

The Friars night was hosted by legendary comedian Freddie Roman, who is always a hit, and ornamented by hilarious Friar Stewie Stone. Tracey Morgan made an appearance, was subdued most of the night with his 18 year old son in attendance. Is he anything like Tracey Jordan, his character on “30 Rock,” I asked? “Like Tracey, No,” Morgan said, “I’m much wilder.”

Also in the audience: Mike Stoller, songwriter with Jerry Lieber of so many classic rock hits, with wife Corky. And a big highlight was a rare performance by Chuck Jackson, the great R&B hit maker of the 60s and Robinson’s close friend. Chuck belted out “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and his own smash, “Any Day Now” with his still stunning baritone.

Broadway’s Brian Stokes Mitchell performed for Steiner, showing off his Tony award winning range on “The Impossible Dream.”

An odd no-show for the night was Jerry Lewis, whom the Friars say sent a message last week that he was coming and to save him a spot. He just never materialized.

Oprah Winfrey sent a video taped message for Smokey which was played toward the end of the evening. She was so excited that she attempted to sing a couple of lines from his songs. “Keep your day job,” Freddie Roman cracked wise as the video ended.

With all the talent assembled in the room, still the sweetest sound of the night: Smokey himself singing lead on the big group ending “My Girl.” His beautiful tenor falsetto is completely intact. It’s not just sweet, but hypnotic. Smokey is just a rare treasure. I did ask him for whom he wrote “My Girl.”  He replied, “The Temptations.” I said, “No, who’s the girl?” thinking it was his first wife, Claudette. “I honestly don’t know,” he said, with a laugh.

Madonna: Lady GaGa Either Rips Her off or Salutes Her

Roger Friedman
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Madonna: Lady GaGa Either Rips Her off or Salutes Her

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA&feature=player_embedded

Is imitation really the sincerest form of flattery?

Madonna must be trying to control all of her emotions right now on this subject. Photographer Steven Klein, who’s worked with Madonna a lot in the past, is the director of Lady GaGa‘s new eight and a half minute video “Alejandro.”

Eyes closed, “Alejandro” certainly sounds just like a Madonna record, from top to bottom. Stephanie Germanotta‘s voice is processed just the way Madonna’s was during her the late 80s and early 90s, from “Express Yourself” and “Like a Prayer” through “Justify My Love.”

But open your eyes, and Lady GaGa and Klein are just regurgitating “Vogue” or “Justify My Love.” We’ve been here, he’s been here, only Ms. Germanotta hasn’t been here. The only thing completely different about her Madonna worship is that GaGa plays the piano herself. She may even be writing the songs.

Isn’t it funny that no one thought to totally rip off Madonna years ago? I guess one obstacle was the money needed to make such an enterprise successful. But Germanotta obviously has convinced her backers this is the moment for Madonna redux. It has to be embarrassing for Klein, who must know that he’s made either a Madonna rip off or a tribute. I guess it will depend on how he spins it to the Original GaGa.

“Variety” Revives Ancient Greek Legislator in Headline

Roger Friedman
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“Variety” Revives Ancient Greek Legislator in Headline

Variety, ever hoping to stay current, has revived an ancient Greek politician in their headlines today.

The lead story in the Hollywood trade mag may confuse young readers. “Solons Hammer Comcast on Diversity” is the ‘top story’ on Variety.com which is pushed out to subscribers.

Now, it’s not “salons” as in beauty parlors or cocktail parties with glib talk.

Solon was the original Greek politician, circa 1600 BC. He was credited with massive reforms in various areas, and left a lasting imprint.

The term “solons” became shorthand for politicians or legislators as American journalism took off in the 1930s. It was simply short headlines in narrow columns. However, no respectable paper still uses it. “Solons” reeks of mustiness and corniness. I don’t think I’ve actually seen it used in a modern report since 1970.

But there it is today, in Variety. Everything old is new again. Solon –wherever he is–must be thrilled to be included in the same breath as Sandra Bullock and other names of the day! Maybe he’ll hire a publicist. Soon Solons will be appearing in US Weekly, at radaronline, and The Wrap. Deadline Hollywood already is speculating that Solon will get a pilot on the CW. Welcome back!

Helen Thomas Complete “Palestine” Video: Sad Ending

Roger Friedman
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Helen Thomas Complete “Palestine” Video: Sad Ending

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc4OeRu7cfs&feature=player_embedded

The full video with Helen Thomas is not that much longer than the original. But Rabbi David Nesenoff has put up the full one minute and fifty eight seconds.

After the 89 year old tells him the Jews should return to Poland or Germany, Nesenoff asks Thomas if she’s familiar with the Palestinian religion. She answers in the affirmative. “Very much. I’m of Arab background.

More poignantly, Nesenoff asks Thomas whether she’d recommend journalism as a career to his son and the son’s friend, who are standing there wearing yarmulkes. “Go for journalism,” she tells the young men as she walks away. “You’ll never regret it.”

The story of Thomas’s downfall this week is one that will not soon be forgotten. It boggles the mind that she managed to go so long in the White House press corps, where her opinions were apparently well known, without being exposed. I suppose part of it is that she was for dozens of years associated with a moribund organization, UPI, which was proud to have any employee who had any connections left in Washington.

“Mad Men” Secrets for Season 4: Security is Tight

Roger Friedman
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“Mad Men” Secrets for Season 4: Security is Tight

Want to know what happens in season 4 of “Mad Men”? Even the cast is held to top, top secrecy.

Apparently before every read-through of a script, the cast and crew are read a reminder that they are part of something lucrative and that their confidentiality is required.

Consequently, everyone is scared to talk, about the smallest detail.

Little is known so far, and the production has only now just wrapped Episode 5, of 13.

This much is gleaned: the show picks up more or less right after it ended in Season 3. It’s the beginning of 1964. This could mean the arrival of The Beatles in America and on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It’s also the start of color TV.

The first new episode is called “Public Relations.” The second is titled “Distress Signal,” followed by “The Fine Print,” and “Dominion.”

If there are guest stars, they are being kept under wraps. Listed as appearing in the two shows are the main cast members, as well as some minor players like Allison, Don’s secretary from last season. There’s no listing for Bryan Batt, who played the popular closeted gay art director Sal. But that doesn’t mean a thing. There’s also listing for Henry Francis, Betty’s lover.

But a new young ad man may be introduced in the person Blake Bashoff as Matt Kerney. Bashoff most recently had a minor but recurring role on “Lost.”

Episode 4, “Dominion,” was directed by award winner John Slattery, who plays witty Roger Sterling.

And while Betty, Peggy, Joan, Roger Sterling, Bert Cooper and Pete, Paul and Harry are all listed for each of the episodes, and possibly Jared Harris‘s Lane Pryce, the show is still about one man: Don Draper. If Jon Hamm doesn’t win the Emmy this August for Best Actor, something really is very, very wrong. Not since George Clooney has a TV actor looked so ready to jump to the big screen. The Emmy voters won’t have many more seasons to show they knew him first.

The Emmys should prove a boon to “Mad Men” since the nominations are announced on July 8th, a week before the sizzling drama returns to AMC. Nomination wise, Hamm is a cinch for Best Actor. January Jones is a lock for Best Actress. Elizabeth Moss may wind up settling for Supporting Actress. But both she and Christina Hendricks had diminished screen time this year. John Slattery and Bobby Morse look good for supporting actor, although Vincent Cartheiser‘s Pete had the great Russian au pair episode.

And “Mad Men” had plenty of good guest star parts including Jared Harris –who’s now presumably been promoted to regular cast member–and Chelcie Ross as Conrad Hilton.

Michael Fassbender: Choice Between Spider Man and X Men

Roger Friedman
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Michael Fassbender: Choice Between Spider Man and X Men

Michael Fassbender had a hot year last year, in Quentin Tarantino‘s “Inglourious Basterds,” and in Steve McQueen‘s “The Hunger.”

He also proved himself a good dancer in Cannes with Robin Wright Penn at the big “Basterds” party.

Now Fassbender is in–as his “Basterds” David Nivenish character might say, a bit of a pickle.

He’s being pursued, I hear, for two different Marvel comics movies. Matthew Vaughn is said to want him for “X Men: First Class.” Fassbender would play young Magneto, the precursor for Ian McKellen‘s later character. (Because of early senility, I mixed Magneto up with Professor X/Charles Xavier in an earlier version of this story. This is also largely due to my hearing Paul McCartney singing “Magneto and Titanium Man” in my head. Sorry.) James McAvoy is already signed to play Young Xavier.

At the same time, Fassbender is being pursued to play the villain in “Spider Man 4,”  aka “No Toby Maguire Here.”

Two different movies from Marvel, but two different studios: Fox for the first, and Columbia for the second. He can’t do both.

Either way, Fassbender can’t lose. He’s got four films coming out in 2010 alone including “Jonah Hex.” By the time he’s a supercomic villain, he’ll be a bona fide movie star.

Empire State of Blog: Keitel Sups, Soap Spoofs, IPad Scares

Roger Friedman
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Empire State of Blog: Keitel Sups, Soap Spoofs, IPad Scares

Yes, that was Harvey Keitel having dinner at the Waverly Inn the other night. The Waverly remains the hot spot of the West Village despite losing our pal, chef John deLucie to the new Lion, east of Sixth Avenue…

Hilarious: “One Life to Live” ‘s ad-libbing Tuc Watkins got a dig in on Scientology on Monday, claimed he was the minister who married Tom and Katie, and wore Joseph’s amazing technicolor dreamcoat from a road production; the show played Sam & Dave’s “Hold On I’m Coming” during a great wedding episode as well. Star Bobby Woods (pictured) is a big friend/fan of legend Sam Moore…

…Megabillionaire Ron Burkle seen at T-Bar at Savanna‘s in Southampton…No idea if his Miramax deal is on or off…Phillippe Chow in Easthampton hosted an eclectic group: Blackstone Group’s Stephen Schwartzman, Stavros Niarchos, Vito Schnabel, Devon Aoki, and deejay Paul Oakenfold…Not, believe me, at the same table…

Vice President Joe Biden‘s Secret Service shacked up at the Southampton Inn and had lunch at the restaurant Oso. Where was Biden? Being Vice President…

…the new food destination for those heading back to the city from the Hamptons is Gregory Baumell‘s amazing Stone Turtle in Island Park, just off the L.I.E. past Rockville Centre. Baumell is the star who made the Half King such a hit in Chelsea…He serves something called a Chocolate Ashtray stuffed with vanilla ice cream…

…Last Friday night, stopped into the Apple store on Fifth Avenue around 1:40am after decamping Elaine‘s. Manager Amy insisted she’d never heard that AT&T’s unlimited data plan was ending on Sunday. I told her it had been in the New York Times. “Unless Apple tells us so, I don’t know anything about it.” IPads may be the greatest thing ever invented, but those staffers come off like cult members…Weird…

And like the Lost City of Atlantis, AT&T World Net Service disappeared a few days ago. AT&T fobbed off their email business on Yahoo. No notice to the customers. The result was that all Blackberry’s and other devices were disconnected and had to be re-validated. I lost all the emails on my Blackberry. There is no one to call. The AT&T 800 number is gone. Email to the press rep, one Mark A. Siegel, went unanswered…

Update: Helen Thomas Resigns, Leaves White House Press Corps

Roger Friedman
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Update: Helen Thomas Resigns, Leaves White House Press Corps

Helen Thomas has retired. Her career ends in disgrace thanks to comments she made on May 27th to Rabbi David Nesenoff at a White House event.

Thomas was criticized today at a White House press briefing. Here’s the link: http://www.politico.com/singletitlevideo.html?bcpid=19407224001&bctid=90405445001

The New York Times, which did not even mention what was going on previously, now reports the story online.

The Times has simply ignored the entire Thomas fiasco, even though: Thomas’s lecture agent has dropped her, her co-author has disavowed her, and there’s an open letter to her in today’s Jerusalem Post.

The Times–and all the New York newspapers–have completely ignored the fact that man who interviewed Thomas and posted the now infamous video on You Tube is a rabbi who lives right here on Long Island. Considering how much the papers want to increase their local coverage, you’d think they’d be camped out on Rabbi David Nesenoff‘s front yard. Nada.

See the video at www.rabbilive.com.

The last reference to Rabbi Nesenoff in the New York Times was in 1996.

Maybe it didn’t happen. Maybe the eldest member of the White House Press Corps didn’t insist on video that the Jews in Israel “get the hell out of Palestine” and return to “Poland or Germany.”

Meantime, the Times story today on jailed money manager Ken Starr reflects a complete lack of knowledge of anything in that story. Starr’s been in jail since June 1st, but the Times can only get movie director Robert Benton to say he can’t help but feel sorry for him. There’s curiously no mention of Starr’s business partner and connected at the hip pal, Marvin S. Rosen, former Democratic National Party fundraiser from 1995-97 for President Clinton.

Business writer Nelson Schwartz also somehow missed the point of the lawsuit brought by the estate of Joan Stanton against Starr. The other defendant was film producer and Planet Hollywood owner Keith Barish, who settled with the estate. Starr, the Stanton lawyers complained, had directed Stanton’s millions into Barish’s failing Planet Hollywood despite instructions not to make that investment. Barish isn’t even mentioned in today’s Times story.

As a Democrat and a liberal, I’d hate to think these omissions are because Thomas has stood for progressive politics and Rosen is a Democrat.

PS The Washington Post has equally avoided the Thomas story, making passing reference in a blog (written by someone from the Conservative right) and a short summary of it in Howard Kurtz’s column today.

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