andPOP » 2009

Lady Gaga Costumes Caused her to Go Bankrupt

Samantha Lui — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:25:38 +0000

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Looks like Lady Gaga’s crazy costumes are costing her more than just a lot of attention.

Gaga, who has gained millions with her multiple number one singles, went bankrupt after her 2009 Monster Ball Tour.

The tour, comprised of 200 shows over an 18-month period, ended in April 2011 and grossed nearly $200 million.

However, the show’s revenue was clearly not enough to cover the cost of Gaga’s extravagant costumes.

In an interview with the Financial Times, the pop star confessed her financial problems.

“I remember I called everybody and said, ‘Why is everyone saying I have no money?” she said.

“This is ridiculous, I have five No. 1 singles.’” Their reply? “Well, you’re $3 million in debt.”

Well, seeing with the recent release of Gaga’s new Born This Way album has outsold the UK top 10 charts, the flamboyant star probably won’t have a lot financial difficulties in the near future!

…That is of course if she goes even bigger on her costumes for her next tour!!

Bret Michaels Sues the Tony Awards for Head Injury

Christian Allaire — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:56:33 +0000

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Bret Michaels is suing the Tony Awards over a head injury he received at the June 2009 awards, reports People Magazine. A lawsuit was filed by the musician on Friday in Los Angeles, according to documents obtained by People.

Michaels’s attorney, Alex Weingarten, issued the following statement: “The Tony Awards dropped a piece of the stage on Bret’s head, and then instead of doing the right thing, joked about it and played it off for ratings … Bret never wanted to file a lawsuit, but the Tony Awards have left us with no choice. They must be held accountable for almost killing Bret, and that is what we are going to do.”

The musician, who performed at the Tonys with his band Poison and the cast of Rock of Ages, fell down after being hit by a piece of scenery. He was knocked to the ground, and fractured his nose. The singer also required three stitches in his lip.

Michaels is suing CBS and the Tony Awards for unspecified damages, and claims that despite his asking producers for instructions on where to stand on the Radio City Music Hall stage during his performance, he was only told to “simply exit the stage from the rear.”

According to the suit, “Michaels was never told that the scenery piece would be descending or given any warning of the existence of the dangers it presented. Quite the opposite, Michaels specifically asked for instructions regarding how to exit after his performance and was just told to walk off the rear of the stage – in what was ultimately the danger zone.”

So far, there has been no comment from CBS or the Tony Awards.

This is a pretty big issue. I can’t believe the Tony people aren’t taking responsibility for this – just own up to it. I have a strong feeling that Michaels will win the case, because really, what can they counter with? Are they actually going to try and say its his fault for walking into the falling piece of scenery? I wish the best of luck to Michaels in this case, and am on his side. If a falling piece of equipment smashed me in the head, I would be pretty pissed too.

Fucked Up Interview on Side B – Do They Know It’s Lawsuit Time?

Dan Busheikin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:49:47 +0000

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Big Tobacco wins again… but Fucked Up doesn’t seem too crushed about it. Their name was used without permission in a cigarette ad (see the scans at http://tinyurl.com/y5xf8hy ) and after a few years of legal battles, they have lost. But spirits still seem high. Ben and Sandy talked to me about the lawsuit, their Christmas single (listen at http://tinyurl.com/yz82dny ), and how they spent their hefty $20,000 Polaris Prize.

U2 is 2009′s Top Earner

andPOP Staff — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:29:46 +0000

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As far as ticket sales are concerned, U2 is the winner for 2009. Pollstar is reporting that the Dublin band had box office sales of $123 million throughout 2009. Next in line was Bruce Springsteen with about $90 million. This was then followed by:

- Elton John/Billy Joel

- Britney Spears

- AC/DC

- Kenny Chesney

- Jonas Brothers

- Dave Matthews Band

- Fleetwood Mac

- Metallica

Dan Does Day 2 of Virgin Fest Toronto

Dan Busheikin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:19:12 +0000

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Dan is always interviewing indie bands or underground acts, so we thought we would give him a change of scenery with the glitz and glamour of V-Fest Toronto. Dan had the pleasure of speaking with Sean Kingston, Mutemath, Plants and Animals, The Von Bondies and more!

Virgin Festival Day 1 Toronto 2009

andPOP Staff — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:41:03 +0000

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Quite arguably one of the biggest events of the year, Virgin Fest again for 2009 was amazing. On Day 1 Jenn had a sit down with Thunderheist, Grizzly Bear and Paolo Nutini. She also found Waldo from “Where’s Waldo” and learned how to poll dance. Look out for Day 2 coming soon!

Full List of Emmy Winners

Robert Ostfield — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:05:05 +0000

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Full Winners List:

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series – Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series – Toni Collette (United States Of Tara)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series – Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Mini-Series Or A Movie – Brendan Gleeson (Into The Storm)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Mini-Series Or A Movie – Jessica Lange (Grey Gardens)

Outstanding Comedy Series – 30 Rock

Outstanding Drama Series – Mad Men

Outstanding Made For Television Movie – Grey Gardens

Outstanding Miniseries – Little Dorrit

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program – The Amazing Race

Outstanding Variety, Music, Or Comedy Series – The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series – Michael Emereson (Lost)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series – Cherry Jones (24)

Outstanding Writing In A Drama Series – Kater Gordon & Matthew Weiner (Mad Men)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series – Glenn Close (Damages)

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie – Ken Howard (Grey Gardens)

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie – Shohreh Aghdashloo (House Of Saddam)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series – Jon Cryer (Two And A Half Men)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series – Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies)

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series – Jeff Blitz (The Office)

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series – Rod Holcomb (ER)

Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music, Or Comedy Series – Bruce Gowers (American Idol: Show 833)

Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie, Or Dramatic Special – Dearbhla Walsh (Little Dorrit)

Host, Reality or Reality-Competition Program – Jeff Probst (Survivor)

Original Music and Lyrics – “81st Annual Academy Awards: Song Title: Hugh Jackman Opening Number”

Kanye West and Taylor Swift At VMAs

andPOP Staff — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:06:59 +0000

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Kanye you are a talented guy but sometimes you push it too far. At tonight’s VMA awards, Taylor Swift was awarded the Best Female video. However during her acceptance speech an aggressive West stole the mic from Taylor, saying “Taylor, I’m really happy for you. I’ll let you finish.” “But Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time … one of the best videos of all time!” The camera then panned to Beyonce who continued to sit in the crowd obviously shocked and stunned. All we can say is poor Taylor, poor Beyonce, and Kanye you are a huge douche. See below to watch:

Billy Elliot Leads In Tony Noms

Ilan Mester — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:22:16 +0000

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The stage adaptation scored by Elton John of the Oscar nominated movie “Billy Elliot” danced away with 15 Tony Award nominations, leading in nods.

John and Dolly Parton compete for Best Original Score for “Billy Elliot” and “9 to 5.” The ballet-themed play will also go up against “Shrek The Musical,” “Next to Normal” and “Rock of Ages” for the Best Musical category.

Nominated stars include James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Allison Janney, Geoffrey Rush, Martha Plimpton, Angela Lansbury, Jane Fonda, Hope Davis, Raúl Esparza, former “American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis among other performers.

“Hair” received a nod for Best Musical Revival and will compete against “Guys and Dolls,” the bilingual production of “West Side Story” and “Pal Joey” for the award.

This year, the Leading Actor in a Musical category has more names than usual due to the triple nomination for David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish who rotate playing the lead role in “Billy Elliot”.

For the complete list of nominees, visit: www.TonyAwards.com.

2009 JUNO Awards Show Winners

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:46:11 +0000

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With memorable performances from Nickelback and Sam Roberts, to Lights and and Bryan Adams- last night’s 2009 JUNO awards left a packed audience in awe at Vancouver’s General Motors Place.

Here is the complete list of winners:

* JUNO FAN CHOICE AWARD: Nickelback
* SINGLE OF THE YEAR: Dangerous Kardinal Offishall
* INTERNATIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Viva La Vida Coldplay
* ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Dark Horse Nickelback
* ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Sam Roberts
* GROUP OF THE YEAR: Nickelback
* NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Lights
* NEW GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Stills
* SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Dallas Green
* COUNTRY RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Beautiful Life Doc Walker
* ADULT ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR: is it o.k Serena Ryder
* ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Oceans Will Rise The Stills
* POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Flavors of Entanglement Alanis Morissette
* ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Love At The End Of The World Sam Roberts
* VOCAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Lucky Molly Johnson
* CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Embracing Voices Jane Bunnett
* TRADITIONAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Second Time Around Oliver Jones
* INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Nostomania DJ Brace presents The Electric Nosehair Orchestra
* FRANCOPHONE ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Tous les sens Ariane Moffatt
* CHILDREN’S ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Snacktime! Barenaked Ladie
* CLASSICAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: SOLO OR CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: Homage James Ehnes
* CLASSICAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: LARGE ENSEMBLE OR SOLOIST(S) WITH LARGE
* ENSEMBLE ACCOMPANIMENT: Beethoven: Ideals Of The French Revolution Orchestre symphonique de Montréal/Kent Nagano
* CLASSICAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: VOCAL OR CHORAL PERFORMANCE: Gloria! Vivaldi’s Angels Ensemble Caprice
* CLASSICAL COMPOSITION OF THE YEAR: Flanders Fields Reflections John Burge RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Not 4 Sale Kardinal Offishall
* DANCE RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Random Album Title Deadmau5
* R&B/SOUL RECORDING OF THE YEAR: The Love Chronicles Divine Brow
* REGGAE RECORDING OF THE YEAR: Everything Humble
* ABORIGINAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Running For The Drum Buffy Sainte-Marie
* ROOTS & TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: SOLO: Proof Of Love Old Man Luedecke
* ROOTS & TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: GROUP: Chic Gamine Chic Gamine
* BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Ramblin’ Son Julian Fauth
* CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN/GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Ending Is Beginning Downhere
* WORLD MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Africa To Appalachia Jayme Stone & Mansa Sissoko
* JACK RICHARDSON PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Daniel Lanois
* RECORDING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR: Kevin Churko
* CD/DVD ARTWORK DESIGN OF THE YEAR: Anouk Pennel (Director/Designer); Stéphane Poirier (Illustrator)
* VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Honey Honey Anthony Seck FEIST
* MUSIC DVD OF THE YEAR: Blue Road Christopher Mills, Geoff McLean BLUE RODEO

U2 Could Release Another Album In 2009

Ilan Mester — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:15:16 +0000

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It’s possible that in the near future, maybe even as close as later this year, U2 will release another album, according to MTV News.

The band is said to have material they compiled in the original “No Line” recording with Rick Rubin nearly three years ago. However, after recording with Rubin in 2006, they decided to move into a new direction, leaving enough songs for another LP.

“We have talked about a second album. We certainly have loads of material,” said U2’s The Edge to MTV News. “But we’re still so delighted with this record. It’s hard to put a timetable on it.”

U2 drummer Larry Mullen also explained to MTV News why they moved into a new direction. “It wasn’t like we fell out with Rick — it just wasn’t the right time for us,” he said. “It went really well. The songs were fantastic. It would have been great for Atomic Bomb … [the songs] weren’t right for this.”

‘New Moon’ To Be Finished By 2009 – Hopefully

Ilan Mester — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:39:35 +0000

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“Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke, who recently broke the record for the largest opening by a female filmmaker, says that the first step for a ‘Twilight’ sequel is making sure everyone is on the same page.

“Well, right now we’re trying to figure out if the studio people, and me, and everyone’s on the same page,” Hardwicke told MTV News, “I want to do ['New Moon'] better than we did ‘Twilight,’ and do it really cool. I definitely don’t want to do it as something just tossed off, like a ‘Saw II’ or something like that.”

Hardwicke said “New Moon” could be finished by the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010. “Cameras could be rolling in about five moths,” Hardwicke explained to MTV News. “We spent about a year and three months getting ['Twilight'] ready, between writing the script and casting. We could probably do things a little bit faster this time, but who knows? It depends.”

The director also revealed to MTV News a draft has already been made by “Twilight” screenplay writer Melissa Rosenberg, “There’s a draft, but then of course, you do more than one version of the script. You work on it. You try to bring it to life”.

Linkin Park’s New Material

andPOP Staff — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:05:44 +0000

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Linkin Park’s members are already planning a return to a studio. Though their summer tour, Projekt Revolution, just ended a few months ago, they’ve been writing new material for months, according to frontman Chester Bennington.

And the new material, following up 2007’s Minutes to Midnight, will have a slight twist – it will be the band’s first attempt at a concept album. As Bennington said to MTV News, “For me, you say the words ‘concept record,’ and the first thing I think of is theater or the opera or something. There’s a story, and everything has to relate to that story. It sounds a little daunting to me, so, I think my confidence level will drop, but when it was presented to us by this friend of ours, we liked the idea….It couldn’t have come strictly from us – an outside source brought it to us in a way that was exciting.”

He estimates that it will take about six weeks for the band to record the new album, which, in terms of the sound, he says, “it sounds like peanut butter and jelly. It’s sounding delicious.” Linkin Park plan to hit the studio before December, right around the time their live CD/DVD Road to Revolution: Live at Milton Keynes hits stores on Nov. 25.

Beatles Video Game In 2009

andPOP Staff — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:23:30 +0000

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Shout! There’s a Beatles music game coming from MTV.

MTV and Beatles license-holder Apple Corps will join forces to create the first-ever Beatles-themed video game, set for release in the 2009 holiday season.

It’s not a Rock Band or Guitar Hero-typed game, according to Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos, but users can still expect to “twist and shout”. It’s a “creative exploration of their music and a celebration of their legacy.” It will also be a music-making game, – so users can wear their “blue suede shoes” and “shake, rattle and roll” with interactive performance. The game will take users “across the universe” of the band’s career, from first album to last, but it wasn’t stated whether or not the game will include every Beatles song ever written.

Apparently, Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison all gave input and back the project. In a press release from MTV, McCartney said, “The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of the Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out.” Yoko Ono commented that she hoped the game would appeal to “young blood”, saying “I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation or many decades.”

Not many details were revealed, but the game is already in development and will be compatible with Rock Band instruments. No word of whether or not the game will come with a Yellow Submarine, either.