Harrison Ford thinks the much-anticipated Star Wars reunion will happen after all, as he explained in a recent interview with Chicago's WGN 9 News. "I think it's almost true. I'm looking forward to it," said the actor who portrayed space cowboy Han Solo in the original trilogy. "It's not in the bag yet, but I think it's happening."
Rumors of a cast reunion have been circulating since Disney purchased Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise last October. With J.J. Abrams attached to direct, the in-progress Episode VII is slated for a 2015 release, with two more installments plus stand-alone films planned for the future. Ford, along with his co-stars Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher (Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, respectively), have all expressed interest in reviving their beloved characters.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, series creator George Lucas mentioned he'd already signed the trio to return before the Disney deal went down. "We had already signed Mark and Carrie and Harrison – or we were pretty much in final stages of negotiation," Lucas said. "Maybe I'm not supposed to say that. I think they want to announce that with some big whoop-de-do, but we were negotiating with them."
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Spider Man Musical Lawsuit Gets Court Date
U2's Bono and the Edge, director Julie Taymor and the other producers of the Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark will meet in court on May 28th to settle a legal battle over the infamous show.
Taymor, who co-wrote the script and was the musical's first director, initially filed suit against the show's producers, plus composers Bono and the Edge, in November 2011 after they fired her from the disastrous, injury-prone show in March, the New York Times reports. Taymor filed a copyright suit claiming the producers were making money off her ideas and script and that she was owed $1 million. The producers countersued, claiming she had been fired for breach of contract.
Judge Katherine B. Forrest set the New York court date after four days of closed-door sessions that failed to produce any sort of settlement over copyright control and profits, despite coming to terms in principle in August. What's more, last February, both parties reportedly settled their dispute over Taymor's firing, with the producers withdrawing their breach of contract claim and allotting Taymor full royalty fees for her work.
Taymor, who co-wrote the script and was the musical's first director, initially filed suit against the show's producers, plus composers Bono and the Edge, in November 2011 after they fired her from the disastrous, injury-prone show in March, the New York Times reports. Taymor filed a copyright suit claiming the producers were making money off her ideas and script and that she was owed $1 million. The producers countersued, claiming she had been fired for breach of contract.
Judge Katherine B. Forrest set the New York court date after four days of closed-door sessions that failed to produce any sort of settlement over copyright control and profits, despite coming to terms in principle in August. What's more, last February, both parties reportedly settled their dispute over Taymor's firing, with the producers withdrawing their breach of contract claim and allotting Taymor full royalty fees for her work.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Academy Award winning composer Tan
Academy Award-winning composer Tan, who heard the duo's arrangement on one of their CDs, says that he was surprised that Chinese songs and the guitar could be a perfect match.
For Wang, the guitar comes to life in a blend of Chinese and Western music elements.
Barrueco also composed a song, a new transcription of composer Chen Yi's China West, which was originally written for two pianos. It will be recorded on Beijing Guitar Duo's third album, which they plan to release this year.
"My father kept telling me that the sound of guitar is the most beautiful sound in the world," recalls Wang, who came from Qingdao, Shandong province.
A turning point for her came one day in March 1992. Her father took her to Beijing Concert Hall, to see a guitar performance by 15-year-old Yang Xuefei and 14-year-old Bai Pu - a magical program of Bach, Paganini and Tarrega.
Afterward, the little girl told her father: "I want to be like them, playing such beautiful sounds."
For Wang, the guitar comes to life in a blend of Chinese and Western music elements.
Barrueco also composed a song, a new transcription of composer Chen Yi's China West, which was originally written for two pianos. It will be recorded on Beijing Guitar Duo's third album, which they plan to release this year.
"My father kept telling me that the sound of guitar is the most beautiful sound in the world," recalls Wang, who came from Qingdao, Shandong province.
A turning point for her came one day in March 1992. Her father took her to Beijing Concert Hall, to see a guitar performance by 15-year-old Yang Xuefei and 14-year-old Bai Pu - a magical program of Bach, Paganini and Tarrega.
Afterward, the little girl told her father: "I want to be like them, playing such beautiful sounds."
Friday, March 15, 2013
The Boss plays a note of caution on economic sway
Bruce Springsteen is playing a note of caution about his political influence over Australian economic policies.
Springsteen and his E Street Band opened their Wrecking Ball Tour to enthusiastic reviews in Brisbane, the hometown of Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan, who revealed in a speech last year that The Boss had long been his political inspiration.
Swan said the New Jersey-born working-class hero's musical railings against inequality echoed his own public battle against Australian billionaire mining tycoons who oppose his tax reforms.
When told at a news conference Thursday that Swan had cited his musical idol as an influence on his center-left government's economic policies, Springsteen urged caution.
"Really? You better watch out there," Springsteen joked. "I'm not sure how good I am with my money."
He added, "I hope it's been a positive influence, that's all I can say."
Swan was named by banking magazine Euromoney as the world's finance minister of the year for 2011 for helping steer Australia clear of recession during the global economic meltdown. He is attending the final two-week session of Parliament in Canberra before he releases his annual budget blueprint on May 14 and has revealed that the annual ritual involves him playing Springsteen's hit single "Born to Run."
Springsteen and his E Street Band opened their Wrecking Ball Tour to enthusiastic reviews in Brisbane, the hometown of Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan, who revealed in a speech last year that The Boss had long been his political inspiration.
Swan said the New Jersey-born working-class hero's musical railings against inequality echoed his own public battle against Australian billionaire mining tycoons who oppose his tax reforms.
When told at a news conference Thursday that Swan had cited his musical idol as an influence on his center-left government's economic policies, Springsteen urged caution.
"Really? You better watch out there," Springsteen joked. "I'm not sure how good I am with my money."
He added, "I hope it's been a positive influence, that's all I can say."
Swan was named by banking magazine Euromoney as the world's finance minister of the year for 2011 for helping steer Australia clear of recession during the global economic meltdown. He is attending the final two-week session of Parliament in Canberra before he releases his annual budget blueprint on May 14 and has revealed that the annual ritual involves him playing Springsteen's hit single "Born to Run."
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Modern singers lack stamina
Modern-day singers lack commitment and stamina compared to previous generations of performers, the music director of London's Royal Opera House said Wednesday.
Speaking at the announcement of the company's 2013-2014 season, Antonio Pappano said singers "are either weaker in their bodies or don't care," and need more periods of rest than previous generations.
His comments come in the wake of several high-profile pullouts from Royal Opera House productions this season.
Later, Pappano told the BBC that young singers are "faced with tremendous pressure ... PR pressure, image pressure, but also vocal pressure."
He also said modern productions, which are often filmed for broadcast, demand more rehearsal from performers. Travel and promotion duties also take a toll, he added.
"They are expected to sing more in the rehearsals, the rehearsals are longer, cutting of operas, which used to be a big tradition, is no longer seen in a favorable light," he said. "So they are singing much longer versions of the operas, even the popular ones. Maria Callas never sang a whole 'Traviata' in her life."
Speaking at the announcement of the company's 2013-2014 season, Antonio Pappano said singers "are either weaker in their bodies or don't care," and need more periods of rest than previous generations.
His comments come in the wake of several high-profile pullouts from Royal Opera House productions this season.
Later, Pappano told the BBC that young singers are "faced with tremendous pressure ... PR pressure, image pressure, but also vocal pressure."
He also said modern productions, which are often filmed for broadcast, demand more rehearsal from performers. Travel and promotion duties also take a toll, he added.
"They are expected to sing more in the rehearsals, the rehearsals are longer, cutting of operas, which used to be a big tradition, is no longer seen in a favorable light," he said. "So they are singing much longer versions of the operas, even the popular ones. Maria Callas never sang a whole 'Traviata' in her life."
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Smashing Pumpkins to Play SXSW
Add one more band to the list of big names playing SXSW: the Smashing Pumpkins will hit downtown Austin on Saturday, March 16th, for Red Bull's showcase, Sound Select: 120 Hours. Also on the bill are the Sword and Girl in a Coma. The show will happen in downtown Austin, with the exact location being revealed the morning of the show via the Twitter handle @rbsoundselect. Tickets will be free.
The Pumpkins will kick off their U.S. tour supporting last year's Oceania on April 29th in Melbourne, FL, part of a six-month world trek that hits Japan, Mexico and more.
Green Day, Dave Grohl’s Sound City Players and the Stooges are among the other major acts hitting Austin for SXSW this year.
The Pumpkins will kick off their U.S. tour supporting last year's Oceania on April 29th in Melbourne, FL, part of a six-month world trek that hits Japan, Mexico and more.
Green Day, Dave Grohl’s Sound City Players and the Stooges are among the other major acts hitting Austin for SXSW this year.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Old friends turn out for Mindy McCready memorial
Mindy McCready's time in Nashville was filled with music, and her memorial service in Music City reflected that.
Old friends Bryan White, Lorrie Morgan and Bekka Bramlett sang for McCready and family members spoke about her difficulties and triumphs during the hour-long remembrance Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
"She achieved many of her dreams with No. 1 records and fame," said singer Lorrie Morgan, a former label mate of McCready's. "But we all know fame and fortune do not ensure happiness."
The Nashville memorial attended by about 200 comes two weeks after her funeral in her hometown of Fort Myers, Fla.
McCready shot herself last month on the front porch of the home she once shared with her fiance, David Wilson, in Heber Springs, Ark., authorities have said. That's the same spot where Wilson, the father of her second son, committed suicide a month earlier.
Old friends Bryan White, Lorrie Morgan and Bekka Bramlett sang for McCready and family members spoke about her difficulties and triumphs during the hour-long remembrance Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.
"She achieved many of her dreams with No. 1 records and fame," said singer Lorrie Morgan, a former label mate of McCready's. "But we all know fame and fortune do not ensure happiness."
The Nashville memorial attended by about 200 comes two weeks after her funeral in her hometown of Fort Myers, Fla.
McCready shot herself last month on the front porch of the home she once shared with her fiance, David Wilson, in Heber Springs, Ark., authorities have said. That's the same spot where Wilson, the father of her second son, committed suicide a month earlier.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Iggy and the Stooges Ignite with New Single
Iggy and the Stooges have released "Burn," the first single from their upcoming record, Ready to Die – a grinding, thumping punk cut that finds Iggy Pop delivering a hypnotic bellow over wire-cutter guitar riffs.
Out April 30th on Fat Possum, Ready to Die is being pegged as the band's follow-up to 1973's seminal Raw Power (though the Stooges released The Weirdness in 2007). The album will feature original members Pop, guitarist James Williamson and drummer Scott Asheton, with Mike Watt taking over bass for Ron Asheton, who passed away in 2009.
The band is set to preview a handful of Ready to Die cuts at the House of Vans Showcase at Mohawk during SXSW on March 13th, after which they'll head overseas for a handful of shows before returning stateside later in the summer.
Out April 30th on Fat Possum, Ready to Die is being pegged as the band's follow-up to 1973's seminal Raw Power (though the Stooges released The Weirdness in 2007). The album will feature original members Pop, guitarist James Williamson and drummer Scott Asheton, with Mike Watt taking over bass for Ron Asheton, who passed away in 2009.
The band is set to preview a handful of Ready to Die cuts at the House of Vans Showcase at Mohawk during SXSW on March 13th, after which they'll head overseas for a handful of shows before returning stateside later in the summer.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Berklee College of Music
Imagine Dragons had been building a buzz on the music scene as an independent act before Alex da Kid got hold of them. They released four EPs and toured America. Lead singer Dan Reynolds said the group was "dead set" on being an independent act.
"We had offers from those labels all throughout the years and we turned them down," he said. "It was so important that we built that organic, independent fan base."
Three of the band members met while "playing jazz together a lot" at the Berklee College of Music.
"I just didn't think I'd ever play with them again to be honest. I hoped that I would someday," said guitarist Wayne Sermon (bassist Ben McKee and drummer Dan Platzman round out the group). "I called (Reynolds) and he had eight credits left before he could graduate and get his degree, but apparently he didn't care much about that, so he just actually left and dropped everything and came to Vegas."
Meeting Alex da Kid, born Alexander Grant, changed his perception about staying independent. He says the producer filled a void in the band's sound.
"We had offers from those labels all throughout the years and we turned them down," he said. "It was so important that we built that organic, independent fan base."
Three of the band members met while "playing jazz together a lot" at the Berklee College of Music.
"I just didn't think I'd ever play with them again to be honest. I hoped that I would someday," said guitarist Wayne Sermon (bassist Ben McKee and drummer Dan Platzman round out the group). "I called (Reynolds) and he had eight credits left before he could graduate and get his degree, but apparently he didn't care much about that, so he just actually left and dropped everything and came to Vegas."
Meeting Alex da Kid, born Alexander Grant, changed his perception about staying independent. He says the producer filled a void in the band's sound.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Rogers founder of Motown group The Miracles dies
Bobby Rogers, a founding member of Motown group The Miracles and a songwriting collaborator with Smokey Robinson, died Sunday at his suburban Detroit home. He was 73.
Motown Museum board member Allen Rawls said Rogers died about 6 a.m. in Southfield. Rogers had been ill for several years.
Rogers formed the group in 1956 with cousin Claudette Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronnie White and Robinson. Their hits included "Shop Around," ''You've Really Got a Hold on Me," ''The Tracks of My Tears," ''Going to a Go-Go," ''I Second That Emotion" and "The Tears of a Clown."
"Another soldier in my life has fallen. Bobby Rogers was my brother and a really good friend," Robinson said Sunday in a statement. "He and I were born on the exact same day in the same hospital in Detroit. I am really going to miss him. I loved him very much."
Motown Museum board member Allen Rawls said Rogers died about 6 a.m. in Southfield. Rogers had been ill for several years.
Rogers formed the group in 1956 with cousin Claudette Rogers, Pete Moore, Ronnie White and Robinson. Their hits included "Shop Around," ''You've Really Got a Hold on Me," ''The Tracks of My Tears," ''Going to a Go-Go," ''I Second That Emotion" and "The Tears of a Clown."
"Another soldier in my life has fallen. Bobby Rogers was my brother and a really good friend," Robinson said Sunday in a statement. "He and I were born on the exact same day in the same hospital in Detroit. I am really going to miss him. I loved him very much."
Friday, March 1, 2013
Rapper Ja Rule in NYC jail with July release date
Federal authorities say platinum-selling rapper Ja Rule is in a New York City jail with a July release date.
The 36-year-old rapper left a state prison in central New York last week after serving most of his two-year sentence for illegal gun possession and went straight into federal custody in a tax evasion case.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons says he has since moved from an upstate jail to Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, which houses prisoners awaiting court dates or having short terms left on their sentences.
The bureau said Thursday his expected release date is July 28.
Ja Rule admits he failed to pay taxes on more than $3 million earned between 2004 and 2006 while he lived in New Jersey.
A call to his attorney hasn't been returned.
The 36-year-old rapper left a state prison in central New York last week after serving most of his two-year sentence for illegal gun possession and went straight into federal custody in a tax evasion case.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons says he has since moved from an upstate jail to Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, which houses prisoners awaiting court dates or having short terms left on their sentences.
The bureau said Thursday his expected release date is July 28.
Ja Rule admits he failed to pay taxes on more than $3 million earned between 2004 and 2006 while he lived in New Jersey.
A call to his attorney hasn't been returned.
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