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KPop Katastrophe for Sony Music: Mega Seller BTS Leaves for Universal Music, Taking Bread and “Butter” with Them

Roger Friedman
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KPop Katastrophe for Sony Music: Mega Seller BTS Leaves for Universal Music, Taking Bread and “Butter” with Them

Yikes.

Sony Music has lost a major recording deal to rival Universal. The Korean K Pop boy band BTS has made a gazillion dollar deal with Universal Music Group. They’re taking their bread and “Butter” — name of the massive hit single this year — to the world’s largest record company.

BTS had been with Sony and The Orchard since they made their presence known in the U.S. Frankly, Sony’s done a great job for them considering all things. They turned their song “Dynamite” and its album into blockbusters, and “Butter” earlier this year melted all over everything.

But BTS’s company, Hybe, bought Scooter Braun’s company earlier this summer for a billion bucks. All Scooter’s deals are at Universal, especially Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Word is that Braun flexed his UMG muscle to help this deal along.

Sony is doing just fine without BTS. They’ve got Adele about to land like several armies, plus Lil Nas X, Kid Laroi, and Dominic Fike is out there somewhere. Plus Springsteen will arrive with an E Street Band album next year before his big tour. And Beyonce is hovering with a “surprise”album.

But wow, there is no loyalty in the music biz.

“Saturday Night Live” Ratings Remain on the Low Side

Roger Friedman
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“Saturday Night Live” Ratings Remain on the Low Side

“Saturday Night Live” is in a ratings decline and last night was no different. The household overnights were 3.7 million. Total viewers will come in not much higher.

The show itself was top notch, I thought. Jason Sudeikis was an amiable host with many clever sketches. His monologue was touching, and maybe designed to remind viewers how much the show has meant to our culture. (So start watching again was the subliminal message.)

Brandi Carlile was the best musical guest in ages. What a difference when the musical guest is musical. Her performances were knockouts, lovely, for the record books. What a soaring, gorgeous voice!

Kate McKinnon is still AWOL. And some of the newer players haven’t made their mark yet. But James Austin Johnson has jumped in as Biden and in other sketches hitting the ground running. It’s like he’s always been on the show.

But viewership just down by a million year to year.  The show needs an extra spark.

 

Pop Star Ed Sheeran Tests Positive for COVID on Eve of Album Release, “SNL” Gig Likely Canceled

Roger Friedman
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Pop Star Ed Sheeran Tests Positive for COVID on Eve of Album Release, “SNL” Gig Likely Canceled

Talk about bad timing: pop star Ed Sheeran has tested positive for COVID in the UK.

Sheeran won’t be able to travel to the US for his November 5th gig on “Saturday Night Live.” The appearance was to promote his new “Equal” album coming next Friday, October 29th.

“SNL” could have him on live via Zoom or video link, but after the remote pandemic shows they were forced to do last year, it’s unlikely. Sheeran will have to reschedule.

So “SNL” needs a musical act to pair with host Kieran Culkin on November 5th. Adele is busy with CBS but there are plenty of people who need exposure, like Taylor Swift. We never see enough of her!

Sheeran wrote on Instagram:

“Hey guys. Quick note to tell you that I’ve sadly tested positive for Covid, so I’m now self-isolating and following government guidelines. It means that I’m now unable to plough ahead with any in person commitments for now, so I’ll be doing as many of my planned interviews/performances I can from my house. Apologies to anyone I’ve let down. Be safe everyone x”

The “Equal” album comes equipped with two big singles that have been filling the airwaves all summer: “Bad Habits” and “Shivers,” the latter he may have gotten from the COVID. Or from bad habits. Get well soon, Ed!

 

 

Box Office: “Dune” Spices Up the Box Office with Underwhelming $40 Million Weekend

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: “Dune” Spices Up the Box Office with Underwhelming $40 Million Weekend

“Dune” was the movie that was always coming and never did, then finally arrived with HBO Max attached to it.

We’ll never know how Denis Villeneuve’s beautifully made epic did on the home box, but in theaters it made $40 million from Thursday through Sunday. That’s not chump change but it’s also a little underwhelming for a $200 million movie.

How “Dune” will fare going forward is unknown, but it may pick up speed as people get more comfortable being out and about and in theaters. If you’re already going to sporting events, and other large gathering, a theater shouldn’t be much of a deterrent. And “Dune” is worth seeing on the big screen.

Elsewhere “No Time to Die” is up to $120 million after 3 weeks, and heading toward a comfy $150 million. “The Last Duel” is completely dead, and heading to a $150 million write off for Disney.

RIP Jay Black, Hitmaker of Jay Black and the Americans, Dead at 82

Roger Friedman
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RIP Jay Black, Hitmaker of Jay Black and the Americans, Dead at 82

Jay Blatt, known to the 60s generation as Jay Black, has died. He was 82. Jay Black and the Americans were real hitmakers. “This Magic Moment,” “Come a Little Bit Closer,” were just some of their hits.

A Facebook post from around 12 noon today says: “Today, we mourn the passing of David Blatt a/k/a Jay Black and we acknowledge the great successes we had with him both as a partner and as a lead singer. We shared both wonderful and very contentious times, and much like an ex-wife, we are so proud of the beautiful children we created. We’ll always remember The Voice.”

In the late 60s, at the end of the Americans’ run, soon to be Steely Dan partners Walter Becker and Donald Fagen worked as their back up band. Fagen told me years ago that they mostly toured state fairs.

But for most of the 60s, Jay Black’s Americans were hometown heroes in the New York area who ruled top 40 radio. Some of their other hits were “Cara Mia” and “Coming to America.” Their first hit was “She Cried,” and most of their hits were written by the legendary team of Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.

Rest in peace, Jay. Thanks for everything.

UPDATE: Alec Baldwin Spoke at Private Memorial Service for Killed Cinematographer, Guests Included Wounded Director

Roger Friedman
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UPDATE: Alec Baldwin Spoke at Private Memorial Service for Killed Cinematographer, Guests Included Wounded Director

UPDATE

EXCLUSIVE

I’m told the memorial service last night at a Santa Fe hotel for 42 year old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was, as expected, very emotional.

I’m also told that Alec Baldwin, who fired the gun that killed Hutchins, spoke to the cast, crew, and mourners. His words were termed as “heartfelt” by those who attended.

Director Joel Souza, who was shot when the bullet that was fired in Hutchins’ direction passed through her body and hit him, was there, as well. This man, like everyone else, must be in shock.

First assistant Dave Halls, whose name has figured in the chain of command for the loaded prop gun, was also at the memorial. Hannah Gutierrez, who was considered the film’s “armorer,” did not attend.

Most importantly, Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, and their son, were in attendance. Matthew told the assembled mourners that he’d lost his own mother to cancer earlier this year.

Hutchins posted to Twitter last night: “Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words. Our loss is enormous, and we ask that the media please respect my family’s privacy as we process our grief. We thank everyone for sharing images and stories of her life.”

Baldwin left New Mexico after the service, presumably to join his wife Hilaria, and their six small children on Eastern Long Island. My sources say that there was “a sense” that the movie, “Rust,” would not resume production. It doesn’t seem possible that any of the people involved would return to that set.

A public memorial is set for tonight.

The Pleasures of the Rolling Stones’ “Tattoo You” 40th Anniversary: These Unreleased Tracks

Roger Friedman
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The Pleasures of the Rolling Stones’ “Tattoo You” 40th Anniversary: These Unreleased Tracks

There are many pleasures of the Rolling Stones’ new box set 40th anniversary edition of “Tattoo You.”

Among my favorite tracks are “It’s a Lie” and “Drift Away,” the latter a cover of Dobie Gray’s 1973 hit. What I didn’t know is that “Drift Away” had an earlier life in the 60s, and that it was written by Mentor Williams, brother of legendary songwriter Paul Williams, whose credits include “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “An Old Fastioned Love Song,” among his many hits. What a family!

There’s a whole CD in the box of these outtakes and unreleased songs besides the remixed version of the original album and a live album. “Tattoo You,” for most Stones fans, was the last great album in 1981. The whole next chapter has some great moments, but it’s not the same. Even “Tattoo You” was sort of cobbled together and created by Mick Jagger. So glad he did it, though.

There’s also a great version of “Start Me Up” in the box set. I can’t find it on YouTube but I’m including the Spotify link. I do love my Rolling Stones, especially “Brown Sugar,” even the version with Eric Clapton that came out a few years ago.

It’s a Lie:

Drift Away:

Start Me Up:

Sandy: “Dune” Makes $12 Mil On Opening Night, Heads to $40 Mil Weekend

Roger Friedman
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Sandy: “Dune” Makes $12 Mil On Opening Night, Heads to $40 Mil Weekend

“Dune” didn’t cause a swoon at the box office last night.

The remake of the 1984 David Lynch Star Wars in the sand took home $12 million on Friday night, plus $5 million on Thursday previews.

The result is a $17 million “opening” and a probably $40 million weekend. “Dune” has another $117 million tucked away from international showings already.

Denis Villeneuve’s epic is also playing on HBO Max. It has a budget of at least $150 million, likely more. But at least it’s playing, it’s out after a year of delays thanks to the pandemic.

One of “Dune:’s stars is Timothee Chalamet, who is also featured in “The French Dispatch” from West Anderson, which opened last night in 50 theaters. Total take was $555,000. There’s a lot of interest in “The French Dispatch,” which will have a big first weekend in limited release.

Exclusive: Alec Baldwin Attends Private Memorial for Halyna Hutchins, Public One Set for Saturday Night

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Alec Baldwin Attends Private Memorial for Halyna Hutchins, Public One Set for Saturday Night

I’m told a private memorial service is being held right now for Halyna Hutchins, the beloved cinematographer killed yesterday on the set of “Rust” in Santa Fe. Her husband and son are attending, and sources say there are grief counselors on the scene. Alec Baldwin is in attendance.

A public memorial is set for tomorrow night in Santa Fe by Local 600. The human factor in this story is almost overwhelming. More to come.

RIP Peter Scolari, 66, Emmy Winner from “Girls,” Star of “Newhart” and “Bosom Buddies”

Roger Friedman
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RIP Peter Scolari, 66, Emmy Winner from “Girls,” Star of “Newhart” and “Bosom Buddies”

Peter Scolari was a class guy, friendly and funny and totally accessible. I had a few long encounters with him back in 2o13, before he got sick, when he was in “Lucky Guy,” the Nora Ephron play, on Broadway. His old friend, Tom Hanks, who starred in the play, made sure he was part of the cast.

Their friendship went back to the early 80s, when the two newcomers starred in “Bosom Buddies” on ABC. It was only two seasons, but it was their shared beginning, and they remained close to the end.

Coincidentally, when they were in “Lucky Guy” on Broadway, their “Bosom Buddies’ co-star, the great Holland Taylor, was also on the boards playing Ann Richards in “Ann” at Lincoln Center. The two guys were thrilled, and so was Holland, who received Tony And Drama Desk nominations. It was a fitting full circle.

On “Bosom Buddies,” Peter was the straight man to Hanks’s cut up. He was also the cute guy, getting the girls once he revealed that he was just cross dressing. He was hilarious. When he debuted on “Newhart” as Michael, the officious self centered 80s metrosexual, his stock went through the roof. He and Julia Duffy were magic together.

“Newhart’ set him  up for lots of roles with four Emmy nominations. He finally won his Emmy more recently, playing Lena Dunham’s father on “Girls.” He was poignant and funny, and winning as ever. This death is cruel because he had so much left in his career. Condolences to his family and friends, and to Tom Hanks, who I’m sure is devastated.

 

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