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Taylor Swift Updated “Love Story” is a Tragedy for Scooter Braun, Shamrock Capital, with 125K in Sales

Roger Friedman
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Taylor Swift Updated “Love Story” is a Tragedy for Scooter Braun, Shamrock Capital, with 125K in Sales

Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” has turned into a tragedy for Scooter Braun.

Swift’s re-record of her 2008 hit, “Love Story,” sold 125,000 copies this week, 90 percent of the sales from streaming. The song had 15 million streams.

This isn’t a good omen for Scooter Braun, Scott Borchetta, and Shamrock Capital. The latter paid the former $300 million for the rights to Swift’s catalog from Big Machine Records. That was after they denied Taylor the right to own her own master recordings.

But now Taylor has begun re-recording the old music in an effort to put the old records into oblivion. And it’s working. “Love Story” is the lead single from the re-recorded album, “Fearless,” which will come next. Swift’s fans are organized enough to be marshaled into turning Shamrock’s purchase into a massive write off.

“Love Story” will have a happy ending for Fearless Swift, not so much for the others.

 

Justin Bieber Still Not Selling Tickets, Tour Starts in 4 Months, Singer May Wish Pandemic Returns to Cancel Again

Roger Friedman
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Justin Bieber Still Not Selling Tickets, Tour Starts in 4 Months, Singer May Wish Pandemic Returns to Cancel Again

Justin Bieber was supposed to be on a tour last spring and summer. Tickets weren’t selling at around this time of year. By March, the tour was in trouble, and was downsized in April. Then it was cancelled. The pandemic was used as the explanation.

Now it’s mid February again, and the 2021 tour isn’t selling. On Ticketmaster, for every date, the arenas are a field of blue. Floor seats have sold, but it’s unclear how much of that went to scalpers. The secondary market is very busy. But primary sales for two thirds of every venue are spotty for the first tier, second tier, and in some cases third tier.

There are a lot of tears, er, tiers.

Justin Bieber’s promoters may be the only people hoping for a return of the pandemic. They need an excuse if they’re going to cancel again.

It’s not like Bieber isn’t selling records. He’s had several hit singles. He’s also tried to drum up enthusiasm by doing various private streaming shows. But between his audience aging, and a general reluctance still this year for fans to pile into 20,000 seat arenas, the Biebs is suffering.

The thing is, his first show, on June 5th, in Glendale, Arizona, doesn’t look too bad. But two shows in a row in San Jose, California, are largely unsold for June 7th and 8th. And it goes from there. When Bieber hits the New York area on July9th at the Prudential Center in Newark, the show is light. Ditto the next two nights at Madison Square Garden, and then a night at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center.

There isn’t a show on the tour where you can’t get a decent seat at a decent price, frankly. And right from Ticketmaster, not Stub Hub.

Here’s July 14 at MSG:

 

Nevermind that right now, Gov. Cuomo is only allowing 10% seating at indoor venues. So only 2,000 people can fill the Garden. Maybe by July it will be 50%. If that’s the rule, then Justin will be all right.

But look at July 3 in Bieber’s hometown of Toronto. Blue, blue, blue.

In Toronto, at ScotiaBank Arena, the floor doesn’t look bad. But the surrounding tiers are very empty. And there are many — many — rows of gold seats– premium tickets that come with meet and greets for extra money.

2022? Stay tuned…

Exclusive: Bruce Springsteen Arrest Report Includes 24 Pages Held Back by Dept. of Interior “Pending Trial”

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Bruce Springsteen Arrest Report Includes 24 Pages Held Back by Dept. of Interior “Pending Trial”

EXCLUSIVE
What is the government hiding about Bruce Springsteen’s arrest? And whatever it is, could it help his case?

I filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Department of the Interior when Springsteen’s arrest was announced, at the suggestion of a local New Jersey police insider. This was because the record of Bruce’s arrest wasn’t available through regular police inquiries. The arrest had been in a national park, so it was a federal issue, they said.

In the interim, TMZ and other outlets ferreted out what they thought was the complete police report. In that report, Springsteen told an arresting officer that he had consumed “two shots of tequila in the last 20 minutes.” It continued: “Springsteen smelt strongly of alcohol coming off his person and had glassy eyes,” the report continued, before stating that the New Jersey singer, who was arrested for DWI, performed a “standardized field sobriety tests and observed four out of six clues on the [horizontal gaze] test.”

But now today my FOIA request was denied. But in the denial came this news: “We are withholding 24 pages of records due to the case is still pending trial.”

The reason for the withholding, it says, is because of Exemption 6. “Exemption 6 allows an agency to withhold “personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”

read: Exclusive Mia Farrow’s Child Molester Brother

Also Exemption 7: “Exemption 7(C) protects law enforcement records if their release could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. It is regularly applied to withhold references to individuals in law enforcement files. For the materials that have been withheld under 7(C), we have determined that releasing them would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy because they identify individuals referenced in law enforcement records and the release of this information would not shed light on an agency’s performance of its statutory duties.”

What is going on here? Why is this arrest not transparent? It’s a minor infraction at best. I’ve appealed the denial, although that may not be answered before Springsteen’s February 24th virtual court appearance.

As I’ve written before, I’ve rarely seen anyone as selfless and menschy as Bruce Springsteen, let alone a gigantic public figure. Let’s hope we get to the bottom of this, and do some good for Bruce for a change.

 

read the rest of today’s headlines here

Netflix Showing Oscar Buzzed “Trial of the Chicago 7” For Free on YouTube for 48 Hours to Commemorate 1969 Acquittal

Roger Friedman
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Netflix Showing Oscar Buzzed “Trial of the Chicago 7” For Free on YouTube for 48 Hours to Commemorate 1969 Acquittal

Netflix wants the Oscar for Best Picture really badly. They’ve come close with “Roma” and “The Irishman,” but now they have a real shot and they’re pulling out all the stops.

For Aaron Sorkin’s really wonderful “Trial of the Chicago 7,” Netflix is going to show the film for free on their YouTube channel for 48 hours beginning tonight at midnight. All day Friday and Saturday, through 11:5pm Saturday night, you can watch this film for nothin’.

The reason is tomorrow is the 52nd anniversary of the acquittal of the Chicago 7 in the infamous crazy trial depicted in Sorkin’s film.

This is the link.

I just watched “The Trial of Chicago 7” on Netflix again the other night. It’s a great film that certainly could be Best Picture. Its only other real competition is Searchlight’s “Nomadland.” You better believe that if Netflix could throw screening events, “Chicago 7” would be a hot ticket in NY and LA and that cast members would be doing Q&As, lunches, breakfasts, and dinners non stop.

The entire cast is super. Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden is much better in the second viewing. But Sacha Baron Cohen is overwhelming in the showy role of Abbie Hoffman. He’s the most likely Oscar candidate, and could easily win Best Supporting Actor. Mark Rylance, to me, is the heart of the film as William Kunstler and should have gone in the lead category. Frank Langella is outstanding as crazy Judge Julius Hoffman. For SAG voters, they’ve got a Best Ensemble here, no question. And Sorkin will and should get writing and directing nods.

So take advantage of this Netflix give away. This is a real treat. And watch it on a big screen, please. No phones or computer screens.

Dolly Parton Humbly Asks Tennessee State Legislature Not to Put Up a Statue of Her This Year

Roger Friedman
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Dolly Parton Humbly Asks Tennessee State Legislature Not to Put Up a Statue of Her This Year

Dolly Parton is humbly asking the Tennessee state legislature not to put up a statue to her this year. She says given everything that’s going on, do it some time in the future or after she’s gone.

You know, she should get a statue just for saying this! God bless Dolly!

CNN Biden Town Hall Beats All Cable News Tuesday Night, Then CNN Fact Check Says 4 Big Mistakes

Roger Friedman
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CNN Biden Town Hall Beats All Cable News Tuesday Night, Then CNN Fact Check Says 4 Big Mistakes

CNN’s Town Hall with Joe Biden was the biggest ratings getter Tuesday night.

With Anderson Cooper hosting, the Town Hall at 9pm beat all cable news including Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. The show scored 3.6 million viewers, also drawing more eyes than Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show from 8pm.

The Town Hall doubled CNN’s 8pm draw with Chris Cuomo, which had 1.8 million viewers.

The program was a success. But then, just in case you thought CNN was just letting Biden say whatever he wanted, they fact checked the Town Hall and decided he made four big errors.

Beach Boys Cash Out: Brian Wilson, Rest of Group, Sells Rights to Everything to Irving Azoff Company

Roger Friedman
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Beach Boys Cash Out: Brian Wilson, Rest of Group, Sells Rights to Everything to Irving Azoff Company

No touring in 2020 and 2021 has put a large crimp in the Beach Boys organization. There’s no money coming in.

So rock and roll’s most entrepreneurial maestro, Irving Azoff, has swept in and bought everything from them, lock, stock, and sandbox.

Azoff, already the top manager in rock with Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, and Earth Wind & Fire on his roster, also has a company called Iconic Artists Group with Olivier Chastan. They announced today that they’ve bought the rights to the Beach Boys master recordings, controlling interest in their intellectual property, including their sound recordings, the brand, select musical compositions, and memorabilia.

And surfboards, of course.

The Beach Boys and their heirs will retain an interest in their assets to “participate in the upside Iconic expects to create by actively marketing and promoting the Beach Boys.”

No dollar amount is mentioned, but it’s got to be in the $100 million range. Beach Boys’ songs like “God Only Knows,” “California Girls,” “Wouldn’t it Be Nice,” and “Good Vibrations” remain huge staples on radio and in commercials, with plenty of opportunities to monetize them into infinity.

“The Beach Boys are an American treasure,” added Azoff, Chairman and CEO of The Azoff Company. “I am honored that the Beach Boys have entrusted Iconic to preserve and grow their legacy. And I’m thrilled that the Beach Boys want to stay invested in the growth of the incredible cultural brand they created.”

The fact that Azoff was able to get Brian Wilson on the same page with Al Jardine, as well as the much loathed Mike Love, not to mention the estates of his two brothers, Carl and Dennis, is really a tribute to the famed manager.

Not mentioned is who gets to keep John Stamos. But I’m sure they’ll work that out!

The Beach Boys official statement:

“The Beach Boys and our songs have been one of the great joys of our lives. For more than half a century, we’ve witnessed generations of fans from all corners of the world come together to celebrate our music, dancing and singing along to the songs that we have loved and performed for decades. As we look towards the upcoming 60th anniversary of The Beach Boys, we wanted a partner to help expand opportunities for our brand, while continuing to preserve our tradition as a band whose music transcends the test of time. We are confident that Irving and Iconic are the ideal partners and are confident that The Beach Boys’ ongoing legacy is in the best possible hands. We are very proud of what we have achieved as The Beach Boys and how our songs continue to resonate with our fans.”

 

 

Liza Minnelli All Star 75th Birthday Tribute Special With Joel Grey, Chita Rivera to Stream March 12th

Roger Friedman
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Liza Minnelli All Star 75th Birthday Tribute Special With Joel Grey, Chita Rivera to Stream March 12th

Liza Minnelli is turning 75, how do you like that?

For her 75th Birthday,  Liz will get an all star virtual celebration called “Love Letter to Liza: A 75th Birthday Tribute Celebration,” on  Friday, March 12 at 8:00 PM EST on the streaming platform Stellar.

It looks like Alan Cumming, who starred in “Cabaret” a generation after Minnelli made the show her signature hit. is one of the producers.

The show features this list of stars, and, I assume, Liza’s singing sister, Lorna Luft. Look at this list of people who will perform and give tributes:

 Joel Grey, Lily Tomlin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chita Rivera, Joan Collins, Harry Connick, Jr., Ben Vereen and the dancers from the Verdon-Fosse Legacy, Ute Lemper, Billy Stritch, Charles Busch, Kathie Lee Gifford, Lea Delaria, Jim Caruso, Jonathan Groff, Sandra Bernhard, Andrew Rannells, Nathan Lane, Mario Cantone, Tony Hale, Coco Peru, John Cameron Mitchell, Michele Lee,  Andrea Martin, Seth Sikes, Neil Meron, and more.

Tickets, priced at $30.00, are now available at stellartickets.com and clubcummingnyc.com.       

 “Liza is a total entertainer, a show person the likes of which is hard to find these days. Liza’s talents have known no bounds, and her contribution to Broadway, film and even a hilarious stint on television’s “Arrested Development,” make her so deserving of this, a glorious celebration of her 75 years on Earth, said producer Daniel Nardicio. “I’m thrilled to be able to do this for Liza, and for her friends and fans in a safe, socially distant way to say we all love you Liza—Happy Birthday Darling!”

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to The Actors Fund, the national human services organization for everyone in performing arts and entertainment. Through offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Fund serves everyone in film, theater, television, music, opera, radio and dance with programs including social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and secondary employment and training services.

 

In addition to the March 12 showing, repeat airings will take place on March 13 and 14 on Stellar Video on Demand.

We Were Right: “NCIS New Orleans” Is Coming to An End Thanks to Low Ratings, Scott Bakula Star Trek Bound?

Roger Friedman
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We Were Right: “NCIS New Orleans” Is Coming to An End Thanks to Low Ratings, Scott Bakula Star Trek Bound?

I said the other day in this space that “NCIS New Orleans” was coming to an end. And tonight, I was proven right. This will be its last season.

Never a ratings maker, this iteration of the “NCIS” franchise ran for seven seasons and starred Scott Bakula. But once it was leaked that Bakula might be returning to the “Star Trek” franchise, we knew the gig was up.

CBS is replacing this show with a new iteration of “CSI” just to fool viewers who are dyslexic with initials.

As for Bakula, rumors abound that he will join the current “Star Trek” shows on CBS All Access, er, Paramount Plus, where there are now two series. He played Captain Jonathan Archer on the “Star Trek Enterprise” series.

The only other big star of “New Orleans” is the great CCH Pounder, who can do anything and should be on a show where she can get the Emmy she deserves. I don’t know what happened to Shalita Grant, but I hope she goes back to doing comedy. On Broadway, she was hilarious.

Allison Janney Sitcom “Mom” Ending After This Season Thanks to Anna Faris’s Mysterious Exit Last September

Roger Friedman
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Allison Janney Sitcom “Mom” Ending After This Season Thanks to Anna Faris’s Mysterious Exit Last September

Say goodbye to “Mom.”

By Mother’s Day, the Allison Janney sitcom on CBS will be a thing of the past.  The network announced the end is coming after 8 seasons.

“Mom” starred Emmy winner Janney as the Mom, and Anna Faris as the daughter. But at the end of last summer, Faris suddenly announced she wasn’t coming back, and the show’s premise was left in the lurch.

Producer Chuck Lorre filled the vacancy with excellent secondary characters, but without a daughter there was no “Mom.” Frankly, they should have recast Faris’s part or had Janney announce a child she’d given away or something.

The ratings have been disappointing. Last April, the season finale had 7.1 million viewers. The season average was 6.2, excellent for such an old show. But this year, the average has been 5 million. Ironically, the last first run episode scored a 5.4 million, the highest so far.

Janney has an Oscar, several Emmys, she deserved a Tony for her “Six Degrees of Separation.” She is versatile and entertaining, one of our best actresses with a lot of great things ahead. Faris, however, has been silent since her announcement. There was speculation that she had personal issues that precluded being on camera, but no one knows what happened.

PS too bad– those secondary characters, played by Mimi Kennedy, Jaime Pressly, Kirsten Johnson, Bill Fichtner, and Jane Curtin, are the ones that suffer. Faris really wrecked things for them.

 

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