Steve Albini, a singer and guitarist best known for producing some of the most groundbreaking and influential albums of the alt-rock genre, died of a heart attack at his Chicago recording studio Electrical Audio. He was 61.
Albini’s death and cause of death was confirmed by Taylor Hales of Electrical Audio.
Born July 22, 1962, in Pasadena, Albini moved to the Chicago area after high school to study journalism at Northwestern University. While there, he began writing for local punk rock ‘zines and beginning to record and engineer albums for local bands.
Stubbornly opposed to the larger music industry and its exploitation of artists, Albini formed the Chicago-based band Big Black in 1981, recording the first of several albums, an EP for the Chicago label Ruthless Records, a label he co-managed. That band last until 1987.
From 1987 to 1988, Albini sang and played guitar for Rapeman, named after a Japanese comic book. The short-lived band broke up after one album,...
Albini’s death and cause of death was confirmed by Taylor Hales of Electrical Audio.
Born July 22, 1962, in Pasadena, Albini moved to the Chicago area after high school to study journalism at Northwestern University. While there, he began writing for local punk rock ‘zines and beginning to record and engineer albums for local bands.
Stubbornly opposed to the larger music industry and its exploitation of artists, Albini formed the Chicago-based band Big Black in 1981, recording the first of several albums, an EP for the Chicago label Ruthless Records, a label he co-managed. That band last until 1987.
From 1987 to 1988, Albini sang and played guitar for Rapeman, named after a Japanese comic book. The short-lived band broke up after one album,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Elon Musk-Don Lemon war continued today, as both sides tweaked each other’s tail over their aborted programming deal.
Lemon had the first at-bat, sending out a dig on X.
“Every time @elonmusk tweets, a subscriber gets his wings. Tune in Monday.” Lemon will continue on the X platform, even though his remuneration will come from clicks and sponsorships rather than a salary and perks.
“That was followed by a Musk retort: “Don “Veruca Salt” and a lemon image.”
The “Veruca Salt” insult likens Lemon to the Willy Wonka character of the same name, an over-indulged and manipulative young girl who shows no gratitude.
That slap stems from earlier reports indicating Lemon had a lengthy wish list while negotiating for his one-and-done show on the X platform. They allegedly included a free Tesla Cybertruck, a $5 million upfront payment on top of an $8 million salary, an equity stake in the multibillion-dollar company,...
Lemon had the first at-bat, sending out a dig on X.
“Every time @elonmusk tweets, a subscriber gets his wings. Tune in Monday.” Lemon will continue on the X platform, even though his remuneration will come from clicks and sponsorships rather than a salary and perks.
“That was followed by a Musk retort: “Don “Veruca Salt” and a lemon image.”
The “Veruca Salt” insult likens Lemon to the Willy Wonka character of the same name, an over-indulged and manipulative young girl who shows no gratitude.
That slap stems from earlier reports indicating Lemon had a lengthy wish list while negotiating for his one-and-done show on the X platform. They allegedly included a free Tesla Cybertruck, a $5 million upfront payment on top of an $8 million salary, an equity stake in the multibillion-dollar company,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
For the first three days after Veruca Salt brought her baby son Cash home from the hospital, she couldn’t sleep. She just couldn’t stop staring at him.
“[At first] I was so scared to just be alone with him. I have this baby, and I didn’t have to do a quiz or anything? They’ve just given me this baby?” Salt, an Australian OnlyFans model and influencer, tells Rolling Stone. “But after that first hour alone with him, all that fear that I was going to do something wrong...
“[At first] I was so scared to just be alone with him. I have this baby, and I didn’t have to do a quiz or anything? They’ve just given me this baby?” Salt, an Australian OnlyFans model and influencer, tells Rolling Stone. “But after that first hour alone with him, all that fear that I was going to do something wrong...
- 3/5/2024
- by CT Jones
- Rollingstone.com
As fans of Mel Stuart's 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" can likely tell you, author Roald Dahl hated the film. His original 1964 novel, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," was, he felt, not a whimsical, sentimental story, but a Dickensian odyssey into a surreal landscape. Additionally, Dahl hated the casting of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, preferring British actor Spike Milligan. Too much was changed from his original text. Why adapt a book to screen, Dahl felt, if you're going to alter everything?
Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...
Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...
- 1/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Throughout the 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," we watched as multiple children were sent to their apparent deaths, and Gene Wilder's Wonka did not seem particularly concerned about any of them. One got the sense that it was part of his plan for Augustus Gloop to drown in that river of chocolate or for Veruca Salt to seemingly fall to her death down that garbage chute. The Oompa Loompas even had a whole choreographed musical number after each incident, with lyrics perfectly suited to the situation, so clearly this was all pre-meditated.
Luckily for the more squeamish in the audience, other versions of the story have clarified that the kids survived. The original novel and the 2005 version both gave the kids a quick appearance at the end, with all of them alive but traumatized. Most of them had their bodies altered, possibly forever, leaving them with plenty...
Luckily for the more squeamish in the audience, other versions of the story have clarified that the kids survived. The original novel and the 2005 version both gave the kids a quick appearance at the end, with all of them alive but traumatized. Most of them had their bodies altered, possibly forever, leaving them with plenty...
- 12/31/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” is a sumptuous feast for the eyes according to film critics who just saw the film. The movie, detailing the life of the Emperor Napoleon (played by Joaquin Phoenix) and his relationship as both a ruler and a husband to Empress Josephine (Vanessa Kirby) is “a lot of movie” according to critic and writer William Bibbiani.
The film will premiere in a truncated two hour and 38 minute cut in theaters, while debuting a four-hour cut on Apple TV+.
Many critics cited the biggest flaw was that it felt like the time had been condensed. According to IndieWire’s David Ehrlich, “Napoleon definitely feels like a 4-hour movie that’s been cut to ribbons, but it’s So funny during the first half when it’s all about Ridley Scott just reading Napoleon for filth and laughing at how embarrassing it is to be a man with ambitions.
The film will premiere in a truncated two hour and 38 minute cut in theaters, while debuting a four-hour cut on Apple TV+.
Many critics cited the biggest flaw was that it felt like the time had been condensed. According to IndieWire’s David Ehrlich, “Napoleon definitely feels like a 4-hour movie that’s been cut to ribbons, but it’s So funny during the first half when it’s all about Ridley Scott just reading Napoleon for filth and laughing at how embarrassing it is to be a man with ambitions.
- 11/15/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
The Nineties are in full swing on the soundtrack to the recent second season of Yellowjackets.
Yellowjackets Season 2 Official Soundtrack: Music from The Original Series, set for release Sept. 1, will include tracks from Alanis Morissette, Nirvana, Garbage, Elliott Smith, Veruca Salt, the Cranberries, and Pulp. It also features an original track, “Just a Girl,” by Florence + the Machine, as well as Papa Roach’s “Last Resort” in a nod to a memorable moment from the show.
Morissette’s contribution is a cover of the Showtime series’ theme song, “No Return,...
Yellowjackets Season 2 Official Soundtrack: Music from The Original Series, set for release Sept. 1, will include tracks from Alanis Morissette, Nirvana, Garbage, Elliott Smith, Veruca Salt, the Cranberries, and Pulp. It also features an original track, “Just a Girl,” by Florence + the Machine, as well as Papa Roach’s “Last Resort” in a nod to a memorable moment from the show.
Morissette’s contribution is a cover of the Showtime series’ theme song, “No Return,...
- 7/21/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Olivia Rodrigo is finally ready to share some new music, with her new single, “Vampire,” arriving June 30.
Admittedly, beyond the announcement — which is obviously monumental in and of itself — there weren’t that many details about “Vampire” to share. Rodrigo wrote the song with producer Daniel Nigro, with whom she made Sour. The song will also get a special seven-inch vinyl single release featuring Rodrigo’s first demo of the song. Beyond that, all that’s left to do is wait — but what’s two-and-a-half weeks after more than two years?...
Admittedly, beyond the announcement — which is obviously monumental in and of itself — there weren’t that many details about “Vampire” to share. Rodrigo wrote the song with producer Daniel Nigro, with whom she made Sour. The song will also get a special seven-inch vinyl single release featuring Rodrigo’s first demo of the song. Beyond that, all that’s left to do is wait — but what’s two-and-a-half weeks after more than two years?...
- 6/13/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
You might know Louise Post as the co-frontwoman of ’90s alt-rock icons Veruca Salt, but she’s now going solo with Sleepwalker, her debut album under her own name.
After Veruca Salt released their 2015 comeback album Ghost Notes, Post went back to writing music as usual. But the songs that began flowing out of her — which she says “almost appeared to be writing themselves” — felt much more personal to her than what she’d done previously with a band.
“I have always identified as a sleepwalker,” Post said of the album’s title in a statement. “I slept-walked around my house routinely when I was a child, and even down the street. I believe in hindsight it was me trying to process what was going on in my home with my parents’ troubled marriage. As far as I know, I stopped sleepwalking after the divorce when I was eight, but...
After Veruca Salt released their 2015 comeback album Ghost Notes, Post went back to writing music as usual. But the songs that began flowing out of her — which she says “almost appeared to be writing themselves” — felt much more personal to her than what she’d done previously with a band.
“I have always identified as a sleepwalker,” Post said of the album’s title in a statement. “I slept-walked around my house routinely when I was a child, and even down the street. I believe in hindsight it was me trying to process what was going on in my home with my parents’ troubled marriage. As far as I know, I stopped sleepwalking after the divorce when I was eight, but...
- 6/2/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
One of the things we love most about the dark Showtime series “Yellowjackets” is all the fantastic ’90s music. Half of the show takes place in 1996, when high school girls’ soccer team crash lands in the wilderness and half is set 25 years later, with the still traumatized adult survivors.
Season 2 features an exclusive track by Florence + the Machine, an eerie cover of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl,” Sharon Van Etten’s “Seventeen,” and such ’90s feminist icons as Tori Amos.
And of course, we love the kind of creepy main title theme, “No Return,” by Craig Wedren and Anna Waronker. The opening credits from Season 1 teased some of the things we would see unfold, and the updated Season 2 credits sequence also gives us hints at what we’ll see in upcoming episodes.
Also Read:
‘Yellowjackets’ Season 2 Trailer Teases Blood, Birth and Florence Welch’s ‘Just a Girl’ (Video)
The series stars Melanie Lynskey,...
Season 2 features an exclusive track by Florence + the Machine, an eerie cover of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl,” Sharon Van Etten’s “Seventeen,” and such ’90s feminist icons as Tori Amos.
And of course, we love the kind of creepy main title theme, “No Return,” by Craig Wedren and Anna Waronker. The opening credits from Season 1 teased some of the things we would see unfold, and the updated Season 2 credits sequence also gives us hints at what we’ll see in upcoming episodes.
Also Read:
‘Yellowjackets’ Season 2 Trailer Teases Blood, Birth and Florence Welch’s ‘Just a Girl’ (Video)
The series stars Melanie Lynskey,...
- 5/26/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Last month, Veruca Salt’s Louise Post announced her forthcoming debut solo album, Sleepwalker. Now, the trailblazing alt-rocker is unveiling the record’s second single, “What About.”
Sleepwalker (due on June 2nd) is the first record of new material from Post since Veruca Salt’s 2015 comeback album, Ghost Notes. But unlike previous releases, the writing for Sleepwalker took on a more personal and intimate tone, inspiring the 56-year-old songwriter to explore new themes.
“What About” conveys this mode of writing — the candid, emotional tune explores the dynamic of a “together forever” relationship that has fallen apart, leaving the protagonist with a feeling of displacement. Beneath sharp lyricism, a bed of fuzzy guitars and ethereal accents augments the message.
“‘What About’ addresses loss,” Post explained in a press statement. “And navigating the world without someone you thought you would spend an eternity with. Trying to find your footing after the disappearance of someone you love.
Sleepwalker (due on June 2nd) is the first record of new material from Post since Veruca Salt’s 2015 comeback album, Ghost Notes. But unlike previous releases, the writing for Sleepwalker took on a more personal and intimate tone, inspiring the 56-year-old songwriter to explore new themes.
“What About” conveys this mode of writing — the candid, emotional tune explores the dynamic of a “together forever” relationship that has fallen apart, leaving the protagonist with a feeling of displacement. Beneath sharp lyricism, a bed of fuzzy guitars and ethereal accents augments the message.
“‘What About’ addresses loss,” Post explained in a press statement. “And navigating the world without someone you thought you would spend an eternity with. Trying to find your footing after the disappearance of someone you love.
- 5/24/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Yellowjackets, Season 2 Episode 8, “It Chooses.”]
After a riveting first season filled with sonic callbacks to the ’90s, Season 2 of Showtime’s Yellowjackets kicked off with a similarly wistful tone, thanks to the new trailer, spotlighting Florence and the Machine’s cover of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl.”
Season 1 of the series took viewers back to 1996 when a young group of soccer players survives a plane crash and the aftermath forced the characters to deal with a string of psychologically unfortunate events. Considering when the story starts, music from the era is paramount to the series. So far, we’ve heard everything from Portishead’s “Glory Box” to “Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-n-Effect in the series, with Season 2 promising to keep that same energy while jumping in between timelines.
The ’90s part of the series shows Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Sammi Hanratty, Liv Hewson, and Courtney Eaton playing...
After a riveting first season filled with sonic callbacks to the ’90s, Season 2 of Showtime’s Yellowjackets kicked off with a similarly wistful tone, thanks to the new trailer, spotlighting Florence and the Machine’s cover of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl.”
Season 1 of the series took viewers back to 1996 when a young group of soccer players survives a plane crash and the aftermath forced the characters to deal with a string of psychologically unfortunate events. Considering when the story starts, music from the era is paramount to the series. So far, we’ve heard everything from Portishead’s “Glory Box” to “Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-n-Effect in the series, with Season 2 promising to keep that same energy while jumping in between timelines.
The ’90s part of the series shows Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Sammi Hanratty, Liv Hewson, and Courtney Eaton playing...
- 5/22/2023
- by Cervanté Pope
- Consequence - Music
El Kempner, the force behind the indie rock project Palehound, has announced that their next album Eye on the Bat will be out July 14th via Polyvinyl. Along with the news comes the record’s lead single “The Clutch.”
The brilliantly-titled Eye on the Bat was recorded in the Catskill Mountains throughout 2022, and marked the first time Kempner worked on producing their own music. The album is billed as “a documentation of illusions shattering in the face of profound change,” on which the singer-songwriter examines “the tiny details that build or break a relationship, and the flood that comes after.” Pre-orders are ongoing.
“It’s about me, but it’s also about me in relation to others,” Kempner explains of the record in a statement. “After hiding for so long — staying inside and hiding your life and hiding yourself from the world — I was ready. I think I flipped.”
Perhaps as a result,...
The brilliantly-titled Eye on the Bat was recorded in the Catskill Mountains throughout 2022, and marked the first time Kempner worked on producing their own music. The album is billed as “a documentation of illusions shattering in the face of profound change,” on which the singer-songwriter examines “the tiny details that build or break a relationship, and the flood that comes after.” Pre-orders are ongoing.
“It’s about me, but it’s also about me in relation to others,” Kempner explains of the record in a statement. “After hiding for so long — staying inside and hiding your life and hiding yourself from the world — I was ready. I think I flipped.”
Perhaps as a result,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
Olivia Rodrigo marked the two-year anniversary of her breakout single, “Drivers License,” with a message looking toward the future — and new music.
On Instagram Stories yesterday, Jan. 8, Rodrigo shared a short video of her and producer Dan Nigro laughing and headbanging along to some pretty tender and delicate piano chords. “Working on so many new songs I’m excited to show u!” Rodrigo wrote. “Thank u for everything.”
That was the extent of the message, with Rodrigo declining to offer any specifics as to when this new music might be released.
On Instagram Stories yesterday, Jan. 8, Rodrigo shared a short video of her and producer Dan Nigro laughing and headbanging along to some pretty tender and delicate piano chords. “Working on so many new songs I’m excited to show u!” Rodrigo wrote. “Thank u for everything.”
That was the extent of the message, with Rodrigo declining to offer any specifics as to when this new music might be released.
- 1/9/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Gene Wilder Saw Tim Burton's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory As More Of An 'Insult' Than An Homage
Roald Dahl's beloved novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has been re-imagined countless times over the years. The first film adaptation, titled "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," was released in 1971 and starred Gene Wilder as the eponymous chocolatier. Decades later, director Tim Burton put his own spin on the children's tale with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starring Burton's long-time friend and collaborator Johnny Depp. The movie was a critical and financial hit, but not everyone was a fan. In fact, Wilder himself spoke out against the 2005 film.
Dahl's original story was a huge inspiration to Burton, but the director was let down by the '70s cinematic interpretation. "I didn't feel as daunted by the [first] movie," he told Blackfilm.com in 2005. Instead of using the 1971 film as a point of reference, Burton instead used Dahl's source material as a "blueprint" to guide his movie. "Our goal, except...
Dahl's original story was a huge inspiration to Burton, but the director was let down by the '70s cinematic interpretation. "I didn't feel as daunted by the [first] movie," he told Blackfilm.com in 2005. Instead of using the 1971 film as a point of reference, Burton instead used Dahl's source material as a "blueprint" to guide his movie. "Our goal, except...
- 11/15/2022
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
It's hard not to love Gene Wilder. Even if you can name only a few of his films, whenever he appeared on screen, he brought a sense of joy and mischief. His sly smile and piercing blue eyes always made you think he knew something you didn't, but he was always keen to slowly let you in on the joke. Whether in his iconic performance as the titular candy maker in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" or in his later (and final) role on the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace," there was something about Wilder that brought a smile, along with a whole lot of genuine belly laughs.
While Wilder could sell any joke on the page, it was the seriousness with which he took each role that elevated the material, particularly in his multiple collaborations with Mel Brooks. One of the reasons "Young Frankenstein" has endured as one...
While Wilder could sell any joke on the page, it was the seriousness with which he took each role that elevated the material, particularly in his multiple collaborations with Mel Brooks. One of the reasons "Young Frankenstein" has endured as one...
- 11/8/2022
- by Jeff Kelly
- Slash Film
Singer Billy Joel welcomed surprise guest Olivia Rodrigo during his 82nd consecutive sold-out show at New York’s Madison Square Garden for runs through her hit single ‘Deja Vu’ and his own 1983 smash ‘Uptown Girl’ released nearly 20 years before Rodrigo was even born.
Decked up in a plunging black top, a brown patterned skirt and black leather boots, Rodrigo saluted Joel’s influence on her songwriting with ‘Deja Vu’, which references both Joel and ‘Uptown Girl’.
The pair embraced warmly following the latter.
Beyond a steady stream of hits such as ‘Just the Way You Are’, ‘Allentown’, ‘Only the Good Die Young’ and ‘My Life’, Wednesday’s show included rarities such as the opening ‘A Matter of Trust’, ‘I Go to Extremes’ and ‘The Downeaster Alexa’, reports Variety.
Joel was in fine, self-deprecating form all night, warning the crowd that he might not reach a key high note in ‘An Innocent Man...
Decked up in a plunging black top, a brown patterned skirt and black leather boots, Rodrigo saluted Joel’s influence on her songwriting with ‘Deja Vu’, which references both Joel and ‘Uptown Girl’.
The pair embraced warmly following the latter.
Beyond a steady stream of hits such as ‘Just the Way You Are’, ‘Allentown’, ‘Only the Good Die Young’ and ‘My Life’, Wednesday’s show included rarities such as the opening ‘A Matter of Trust’, ‘I Go to Extremes’ and ‘The Downeaster Alexa’, reports Variety.
Joel was in fine, self-deprecating form all night, warning the crowd that he might not reach a key high note in ‘An Innocent Man...
- 8/25/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia joined Olivia Rodrigo on stage in London Wednesday for a performance of her 1997 chart-topping single, “Torn.” The performance comes just days after the “Good 4 U” singer covered the song during a surprise appearance at a dive bar in Manchester.
“Torn” was first recorded by Danish singer Lis Sørensen in 1993 before Los Angeles-based alt-rock band Ednaswap, who wrote the song, released their own version the following year. The song was covered again in 1996 by Norwegian singer Trine Rein — but the uptempo ballad is most closely associated with Imbruglia’s rendition.
“Torn” was first recorded by Danish singer Lis Sørensen in 1993 before Los Angeles-based alt-rock band Ednaswap, who wrote the song, released their own version the following year. The song was covered again in 1996 by Norwegian singer Trine Rein — but the uptempo ballad is most closely associated with Imbruglia’s rendition.
- 7/7/2022
- by Kat Bouza
- Rollingstone.com
Days after appearing alongside Gwen Stefani at the Met Gala, Olivia Rodrigo added a cover of No Doubt’s classic “Just a Girl” to her setlist over the weekend.
Rodrigo performed the song during her two shows at the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia on May 6 and 7. A fanshot video from one of the concerts captures a good chunk of her faithful rendition of the Tragic Kingdom classic, with Rodrigo stomping and spinning around the stage, bellowing along with the audience, “Cause I’m just a girl, I’d rather...
Rodrigo performed the song during her two shows at the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia on May 6 and 7. A fanshot video from one of the concerts captures a good chunk of her faithful rendition of the Tragic Kingdom classic, with Rodrigo stomping and spinning around the stage, bellowing along with the audience, “Cause I’m just a girl, I’d rather...
- 5/9/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Olivia Rodrigo kicked off her highly anticipated Sour Tour in Portland Tuesday evening — and news of the teen superstar’s surprise cover of Veruca Salt’s 1994 single “Seether” during the show set music Twitter ablaze, with reactions from fans of the trailblazing grunge outfit ranging from enthusiastic to bewildered.
Veruca Salt, however, is lending their full support to Rodrigo’s rendition of their breakthrough hit, sharing their reaction to the news on social media. “Xx to @oliviarodrigo for covering our bop amidst all of hers! We love it,” the band wrote in an Instagram post.
Veruca Salt, however, is lending their full support to Rodrigo’s rendition of their breakthrough hit, sharing their reaction to the news on social media. “Xx to @oliviarodrigo for covering our bop amidst all of hers! We love it,” the band wrote in an Instagram post.
- 4/7/2022
- by Kat Bouza
- Rollingstone.com
Olivia Rodrigo has two Number One singles, a three-times platinum debut album and, as of Sunday, three shiny new Grammy Awards. On a chilly Tuesday in Portland, she finally launched her first-ever tour. It’s the type of rite of passage that would be a massive deal if Rodrigo hadn’t just experienced a million other even bigger — and rarer — career milestones in her year of dominating the music world. Still, the Sour Tour hits just as sweet.
Kicking off in Portland’s Theater of the Clouds, a few thousand fans (mostly girls,...
Kicking off in Portland’s Theater of the Clouds, a few thousand fans (mostly girls,...
- 4/6/2022
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
Hey film fans, since traveling is still a bit iffy (some health issues) and pricey how about a cinematic getaway to a faraway exotic island? Not tempting enough? Well, how about hanging out with a trio of your favorite movie stars (and I do mean stars…real “A-listers”)? Indeed this marks the big-screen return of a favorite leading lady who has been absent for four long years. And she shares scenes with not one, but two Hollywood “hunks”. Yes, romance, comedy (with a touch of satire), and a bit of danger are on the itinerary when you grab a (theatre) ticket and the multiplex whisks you away to The Lost City.
Things are looking steamy and a touch scary for the duo at the heart of the story when the Paramount logo fades away. Oops, it’s all in the head of popular romance novelist Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) as...
Things are looking steamy and a touch scary for the duo at the heart of the story when the Paramount logo fades away. Oops, it’s all in the head of popular romance novelist Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) as...
- 3/23/2022
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Fifty years this ago this week, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory opened at movie theaters all across America. It’s since become one of the most beloved children’s movies of all time, but it was a big commercial disappointment at the time, and many of the reviews were quite negative.
“It’s tedious and stagy with little sparkle and precious little humor,” read a typical review in The New York Times. “Take the youngsters only if they’re tired of Sesame Street, and why should they be?”
Unsurprisingly,...
“It’s tedious and stagy with little sparkle and precious little humor,” read a typical review in The New York Times. “Take the youngsters only if they’re tired of Sesame Street, and why should they be?”
Unsurprisingly,...
- 7/1/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
On June 30, 2021, the beloved family film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory celebrates its 50th anniversary. Peter Ostrum (“Charlie Bucket”), Paris Themmen (“Mike Teevee”), Julie Dawn Cole (“Veruca Salt”) and Michael Bollner (“Augustus Gloop”) recently sat down together to reflect on 50 years of the perennial family classic.
Originally released on June 30, 1971, directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as the legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka, this splendiferous movie brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s cherished book. Coated with flavorful tunes and production designs that are a visual treat for the eyes, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And viewers will rediscover all the timeless...
Originally released on June 30, 1971, directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as the legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka, this splendiferous movie brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s cherished book. Coated with flavorful tunes and production designs that are a visual treat for the eyes, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And viewers will rediscover all the timeless...
- 6/30/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Paris Themmen, the actor who played Mike Teavee in the Gene Wilder-led 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, says Timothée Chalamet is “a talented actor,” but that the 25-year-old star doesn’t “have to be as good” as Wilder for Warner Bros.’ planned prequel Wonka.
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
- 6/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paris Themmen, the actor who played Mike Teavee in the Gene Wilder-led 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, says Timothée Chalamet is “a talented actor,” but that the 25-year-old star doesn’t “have to be as good” as Wilder for Warner Bros.’ planned prequel Wonka.
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
- 6/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Illumination has unveiled the cast of Sing 2, the sequel to the studio’s blockbuster 2016 film Sing. The film is scheduled to premiere during the 2021 holiday season.
Sing 2 sees the return of director Garth Jennings, along with Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Nick Kroll, and Tori Kelly to the voice cast. The film also introduces new characters played by Bobby Cannavale, Pharrell Williams, Halsey, Letitia Wright, Eric Andre, Chelsea Peretti, and Bono.
“Garth is a truly great storyteller at whatever age you’re in his thrall,” Bono told Rolling Stone.
Sing 2 sees the return of director Garth Jennings, along with Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Nick Kroll, and Tori Kelly to the voice cast. The film also introduces new characters played by Bobby Cannavale, Pharrell Williams, Halsey, Letitia Wright, Eric Andre, Chelsea Peretti, and Bono.
“Garth is a truly great storyteller at whatever age you’re in his thrall,” Bono told Rolling Stone.
- 12/21/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Halloween is here again and though it isn’t being celebrated as usual due to the pandemic, celebrities are still getting in the spooktacular spirit by dressing up in some amazing costumes. See below for a sampling of stars’ best Halloween costumes of 2020 and click through TheWrap’s gallery to find more.
Chrissy Teigen as a ballerina and John Legend as Spider-Man
Kylie Jenner and crew as the Power Rangers
Heidi Klum in multiple variations of camouflage for her high-quality, homemade scary movie.
Ciara as Megan Thee Stallion
Mindy Kaling as Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington’s “Little Fires Everywhere” characters, Elena and Mia
Sofia Richie as Sleeping Beauty
Lil Nas X as Nicki Minaji
Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka and their kids Harper and Gideon as “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” characters Slugworth, Willy Wonka, Veruca Salt and Charlie Bucket
Kenan Thompson and family as pumpkins
Halsey as the...
Chrissy Teigen as a ballerina and John Legend as Spider-Man
Kylie Jenner and crew as the Power Rangers
Heidi Klum in multiple variations of camouflage for her high-quality, homemade scary movie.
Ciara as Megan Thee Stallion
Mindy Kaling as Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington’s “Little Fires Everywhere” characters, Elena and Mia
Sofia Richie as Sleeping Beauty
Lil Nas X as Nicki Minaji
Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka and their kids Harper and Gideon as “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” characters Slugworth, Willy Wonka, Veruca Salt and Charlie Bucket
Kenan Thompson and family as pumpkins
Halsey as the...
- 10/31/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
It’s finally time for the 62nd annual Grammy Awards, but what a time it’s been over the past few weeks, with the drama ramping up even more just before the show.
Music’s biggest night has turned into an embarrassment for the organization running it. This week saw more accusations from suspended CEO Deborah Dugan and an appearance on Good Morning America to air them; the barring of longtime Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer from performing on the show; the arrest of performer Yg, the rapper scheduled to appear in a tribute to Nipsey Hussle; and the quiet dropout of Taylor Swift, who was scheduled to be a surprise performer but now reportedly shunning the show because of its sexism.
Here’s the thing – the worst is yet to come as the Dugan legal battle plays out. It raises the question: who would be crazy enough to take the...
Music’s biggest night has turned into an embarrassment for the organization running it. This week saw more accusations from suspended CEO Deborah Dugan and an appearance on Good Morning America to air them; the barring of longtime Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer from performing on the show; the arrest of performer Yg, the rapper scheduled to appear in a tribute to Nipsey Hussle; and the quiet dropout of Taylor Swift, who was scheduled to be a surprise performer but now reportedly shunning the show because of its sexism.
Here’s the thing – the worst is yet to come as the Dugan legal battle plays out. It raises the question: who would be crazy enough to take the...
- 1/25/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the most exciting groups to emerge from Australia's hyper-buzzing Gold Coast, Eliza & the Delusionals is led by frontwoman Eliza Klatt and has been making waves on its native continent since its inception in early 2015 with a sound that has been likened to that of Catfish & The Bottlemen and Alex Lahey.
Building momentum after the release of its debut EP The Deeper End In 2017, Eliza & The Delusionals has played Bluesfest, Falls Festival and supported artists including Luca Brasi, Ali Barter, City Calm Down, Nothing But Thieves, Dear Seattle, and Tiny Little Houses.
With the career-cementing opening slot for Silversun Pickups now firmly in its back pocket, the band is planning on releasing even more music in 2020 and will continue to spread its indie rock goodness with more dates. Stay tuned! Tour Dates
w/ Silversun Pickups
2/4/20 Ventura Theater
2/5/20 Observatory
2/7/20 Wiltern
2/8/20 Fox Theater
2/10/20 House of Blues
2/12/20 The Union Event Center
2/13/20 Belly...
Building momentum after the release of its debut EP The Deeper End In 2017, Eliza & The Delusionals has played Bluesfest, Falls Festival and supported artists including Luca Brasi, Ali Barter, City Calm Down, Nothing But Thieves, Dear Seattle, and Tiny Little Houses.
With the career-cementing opening slot for Silversun Pickups now firmly in its back pocket, the band is planning on releasing even more music in 2020 and will continue to spread its indie rock goodness with more dates. Stay tuned! Tour Dates
w/ Silversun Pickups
2/4/20 Ventura Theater
2/5/20 Observatory
2/7/20 Wiltern
2/8/20 Fox Theater
2/10/20 House of Blues
2/12/20 The Union Event Center
2/13/20 Belly...
- 12/10/2019
- by Matt MacNabb
- Legions of Gotham
Actress Denise Nickerson, best known for playing the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died. She was 62.
Nickerson’s family announced her death in a Facebook post late Wednesday night. “She’s gone,” Nickerson’s son Josh and his wife Jasmine said.
On Wednesday morning, Nickerson’s family shared that the actress had been taken off of life support. “They just took off all the equipment. None of it was helping, but making her only more uncomfortable. We’re telling her it’s okay to let go,” the couple wrote on the page they created...
Nickerson’s family announced her death in a Facebook post late Wednesday night. “She’s gone,” Nickerson’s son Josh and his wife Jasmine said.
On Wednesday morning, Nickerson’s family shared that the actress had been taken off of life support. “They just took off all the equipment. None of it was helping, but making her only more uncomfortable. We’re telling her it’s okay to let go,” the couple wrote on the page they created...
- 7/11/2019
- by Helen Murphy
- PEOPLE.com
Chicago – A fiery phoenix rising from grunge and punk rock ashes, Skating Polly brings youthful hope to anyone looking for in-your-face, high energy, furious live performances. The talented trio alternate instruments and create a new form of music they call “Ugly Pop.” They performed at Schuba’s in Chicago on May 2nd, 2019.
Jeff Doles of HollywoodChicago.com recently attended that show. He caught up with Peyton Bighorse, the bass guitarist, sometimes drummer, sometimes singer of Skating Polly. In addition to talking about the origins of the band, Peyton discusses a wide array of topics, including the songwriting process, the local scene in their native Oklahoma (which includes a famous local venue) and how the band continues to evolve and grow.
Peyton Bighorse of Skating Polly
Photo credit: Jeff Doles for HollywoodChicago.com
HollywoodChicago.com: How did the music scene in Oklahoma, and the local venue The Conservatory [now 89th Street] influence the band’s music and style?...
Jeff Doles of HollywoodChicago.com recently attended that show. He caught up with Peyton Bighorse, the bass guitarist, sometimes drummer, sometimes singer of Skating Polly. In addition to talking about the origins of the band, Peyton discusses a wide array of topics, including the songwriting process, the local scene in their native Oklahoma (which includes a famous local venue) and how the band continues to evolve and grow.
Peyton Bighorse of Skating Polly
Photo credit: Jeff Doles for HollywoodChicago.com
HollywoodChicago.com: How did the music scene in Oklahoma, and the local venue The Conservatory [now 89th Street] influence the band’s music and style?...
- 5/25/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Paris Themmen has fulfilled his Willy Wonka character’s obsession with getting on television.
The former actor, 58, who played young TV and cowboy-enthusiast Mike Teevee in the classic 1971 film, kept his Hollywood past a secret when he appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy!
During the portion of the show when host Alex Trebek asks contestants about their personal lives, Themmen was introduced as an “entrepreneur” and “avid backpacker.” While he revealed that he’s traveled to 61 countries, he did not mention his role in the movie.
Jeopardy!" /> Willy Wonka." />
But it didn’t take long for sharp-eyed viewers to...
The former actor, 58, who played young TV and cowboy-enthusiast Mike Teevee in the classic 1971 film, kept his Hollywood past a secret when he appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy!
During the portion of the show when host Alex Trebek asks contestants about their personal lives, Themmen was introduced as an “entrepreneur” and “avid backpacker.” While he revealed that he’s traveled to 61 countries, he did not mention his role in the movie.
Jeopardy!" /> Willy Wonka." />
But it didn’t take long for sharp-eyed viewers to...
- 3/14/2018
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
With the World Cup heating up to bite-worthy levels of intensity, it's the perfect time for everyone's favorite wise-ass pooch, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, to diffuse the situation with some crass soccer observations. On Tuesday night's episode of Conan, the beloved puppet (and his operator, comedy writer Robert Smigel) hit the streets of Queens, making fun of the sport and an array of fans from Colombia, Greece and Uruguay.
Jack White Gets Intimate With 'Temporary Ground' on 'Conan'
"Tens of thousands of Africans, Europeans and South Americans...
Jack White Gets Intimate With 'Temporary Ground' on 'Conan'
"Tens of thousands of Africans, Europeans and South Americans...
- 6/25/2014
- Rollingstone.com
G’day Zoners! I hope you have all had a wonderful Easter break. I’ve spent my much needed week of Uni eating far too much chocoloate, and compilling the latest round-up of Six Degrees news. This week Jon Stewart will again be performing in the Story Pirates benefit, Mark Malkoff races a NYC bus, Aasif Mandvi pen a book of semi autobiographical essys, Ed Helms is set to guest host “SNL”, Samantha Bee will co-host the 2011 Lucille Lortel Awards, “Wyatt Cenac: Comedy Person” debuts on Comedy Central, and Conan O’Brien is a guest on “Wtf with Marc Maron”.
The Colbert Report
Glenn Eichler (Writer)
Glen’s new book, with illustrations by artist Joe Infurnari “Mush! Sled Dogs with Issues” is set to be released on December 6th.
Mark Malkoff (Former Audience Co-Ordinator)
Mark will be talking to actress Julie Dawn Cole who played Veruca Salt in “Willy...
The Colbert Report
Glenn Eichler (Writer)
Glen’s new book, with illustrations by artist Joe Infurnari “Mush! Sled Dogs with Issues” is set to be released on December 6th.
Mark Malkoff (Former Audience Co-Ordinator)
Mark will be talking to actress Julie Dawn Cole who played Veruca Salt in “Willy...
- 4/30/2011
- by Katt
- No Fact Zone
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