Seeing Johnny Depp reprise his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow once again for the Pirates of the Caribbean saga is a long-awaited dream of fans that just might never come true. This stands even truer after the recent turn of events, with reports claiming that the sixth film in this saga will be led by a female protagonist instead of the iconic cunning Sparrow.
Johnny Depp. Credit: Wikipedia Commons.
But this wish not holding the chance to come true doesn’t necessarily mean fans can’t continue to dream about it. If anything, they can just build their own stories of how they want to see the sixth film — something that they have been doing lately, considering the viral fanmade trailer of Potc 6, where Depp seemingly joins hands with Emma Stone in an ironic turn of events.
Johnny Depp and Emma Stone Collab for a Fanmade Potc 6 Trailer
Although...
Johnny Depp. Credit: Wikipedia Commons.
But this wish not holding the chance to come true doesn’t necessarily mean fans can’t continue to dream about it. If anything, they can just build their own stories of how they want to see the sixth film — something that they have been doing lately, considering the viral fanmade trailer of Potc 6, where Depp seemingly joins hands with Emma Stone in an ironic turn of events.
Johnny Depp and Emma Stone Collab for a Fanmade Potc 6 Trailer
Although...
- 4/25/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Today, The Rolling Stones‘ debut album turned 60. Hats off to Mick Jagger and company for staying together this long against all odds! Here’s a look at their debut album’s triumphs and tragedies.
13. ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’
The lively rhythm here is ruined by some questionable lyrics. In this song, Jagger compares himself to an enslaved person. It’s tasteless, but what would you expect from the same band that would later give us such racist atrocities as “Brown Sugar” and “Some Girls?” At least this song didn’t hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 like “Brown Sugar” did.
12. ‘You Can Make It If You Try’
Placed near the end of the album, “You Can Make It If You Try” is a self-empowerment song that feels tedious and endless. The Rolling Stones made it. They tried. This song didn’t help them get there.
11. ‘Walking the Dog...
13. ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’
The lively rhythm here is ruined by some questionable lyrics. In this song, Jagger compares himself to an enslaved person. It’s tasteless, but what would you expect from the same band that would later give us such racist atrocities as “Brown Sugar” and “Some Girls?” At least this song didn’t hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 like “Brown Sugar” did.
12. ‘You Can Make It If You Try’
Placed near the end of the album, “You Can Make It If You Try” is a self-empowerment song that feels tedious and endless. The Rolling Stones made it. They tried. This song didn’t help them get there.
11. ‘Walking the Dog...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Fans of the looter-shooter Fortnite have seen some incredible crossovers with Marvel, Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even Avatar: The Last Airbender. However, there are still a bunch of franchises we have yet to see in the game. These are 10 Epic Fortnite Crossover’s Fans Want to See in the Game.
10. Star Trek Star Trek
Players could play as iconic Star Trek characters like Spock, Captain Kirk, or Picard. The surface of Vulcan and the bridge of the USS Enterprise are just two examples of famous Star Trek locales that may be recreated on the Fortnite map. A variety of Star Trek-inspired weaponry and devices, including as tricorders, phasers, and teleporters, may also be added to Fortnite.
9. Five Nights at Freddy’s Five Nights at Freddy’s
Bringing Five Nights at Freddy’s into Fortnite might provide a distinctive take on the horror and action genres. Naturally, we would require skins from Foxy,...
10. Star Trek Star Trek
Players could play as iconic Star Trek characters like Spock, Captain Kirk, or Picard. The surface of Vulcan and the bridge of the USS Enterprise are just two examples of famous Star Trek locales that may be recreated on the Fortnite map. A variety of Star Trek-inspired weaponry and devices, including as tricorders, phasers, and teleporters, may also be added to Fortnite.
9. Five Nights at Freddy’s Five Nights at Freddy’s
Bringing Five Nights at Freddy’s into Fortnite might provide a distinctive take on the horror and action genres. Naturally, we would require skins from Foxy,...
- 4/15/2024
- by David Moya
- FandomWire
There’s much more to Nighy than playing grumpy but lovable men – think Pinter, Palace and Pokémon to name just three. Get your questions in by 10am on Thursday
When it comes to grumpy but lovable men, Bill Nighy has it nailed. He plays Simon Pegg’s grumpy zombie step-dad in Shaun of the Dead with lovable charm, and washed-up grumpy rockstar Billy Mack in Love Actually, for which he won a Bafta for best supporting actor. In 2006, he won a Golden Globe for TV movie Gideon’s Daughter where he plays an, um, grumpy publicist on the verge of a nervous breakdown. In 2022, he was nominated for an Oscar for Living in which he plays an, erm, grumpy 1950s bureaucrat. He plays a grumpy vampire elder in the Underworld series and, less grumpy because he’s near immortal, Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean. He’s fairly grumpy also...
When it comes to grumpy but lovable men, Bill Nighy has it nailed. He plays Simon Pegg’s grumpy zombie step-dad in Shaun of the Dead with lovable charm, and washed-up grumpy rockstar Billy Mack in Love Actually, for which he won a Bafta for best supporting actor. In 2006, he won a Golden Globe for TV movie Gideon’s Daughter where he plays an, um, grumpy publicist on the verge of a nervous breakdown. In 2022, he was nominated for an Oscar for Living in which he plays an, erm, grumpy 1950s bureaucrat. He plays a grumpy vampire elder in the Underworld series and, less grumpy because he’s near immortal, Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean. He’s fairly grumpy also...
- 3/13/2024
- by Rich Pelley
- The Guardian - Film News
Our Flag Means Death was cancelled by Max earlier this year, which was hugely upsetting for fans of the pirate comedy. There was hope that Our Flag Means Death might find a new home on another streaming service, but creator David Jenkins has confirmed that the series is on its way to Davy Jones’s locker.
“I can officially confirm that we’ve reached the end of the road,” Jenkins wrote on Instagram. “At least as far as this sweet show is concerned. After many complimentary meetings, conversations, etc it seems there is no alternate home for our crew. Thank you to all of you who sent us out with tremendous love and care. Your campaign was noticed across the industry. But more importantly it made all of us who worked on this show better able to deal with the loss.“
Jenkins continued, “To you wonderful fans: thank you. You are lovely and earnest.
“I can officially confirm that we’ve reached the end of the road,” Jenkins wrote on Instagram. “At least as far as this sweet show is concerned. After many complimentary meetings, conversations, etc it seems there is no alternate home for our crew. Thank you to all of you who sent us out with tremendous love and care. Your campaign was noticed across the industry. But more importantly it made all of us who worked on this show better able to deal with the loss.“
Jenkins continued, “To you wonderful fans: thank you. You are lovely and earnest.
- 3/8/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
This post contains spoilers for Madame Web.
There are exactly two good things in Madame Web. No, it’s not the meme-worthy line about moms and Amazons, which doesn’t even appear in the movie. Neither is it all of the winks toward Peter Parker nor the young female Spider-heroes who (spoiler) have only two brief scenes in costume.
No, one good thing in Madame Web is the old-school Marvel logo that opens the film. The simple flipping of comics pages that dissolves into the big red block with the word “Marvel” in white font, before MCU movies replaced it with their busy fanfare.
The other good thing happens at the end of the movie. Or rather, it doesn’t happen. Because after Madame Web‘s closing scene, a very stupid looking close-up on Cass Web’s blank face, played by the ever-wooden Dakota Johnson, credits roll and that’s it.
There are exactly two good things in Madame Web. No, it’s not the meme-worthy line about moms and Amazons, which doesn’t even appear in the movie. Neither is it all of the winks toward Peter Parker nor the young female Spider-heroes who (spoiler) have only two brief scenes in costume.
No, one good thing in Madame Web is the old-school Marvel logo that opens the film. The simple flipping of comics pages that dissolves into the big red block with the word “Marvel” in white font, before MCU movies replaced it with their busy fanfare.
The other good thing happens at the end of the movie. Or rather, it doesn’t happen. Because after Madame Web‘s closing scene, a very stupid looking close-up on Cass Web’s blank face, played by the ever-wooden Dakota Johnson, credits roll and that’s it.
- 2/16/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The Beatles made their first of three appearances on CBS’ “The Ed Sullivan Show” on Feb 9, 1964. Sullivan knew he had a really big “shew” that night, telling the audience mainly of teeny-boppers and teenage girls that “our theater’s been jammed with newspapermen and hundreds of photographers from all over the world. And these veterans agree with me that the city never has witnessed the excitement stirred by these youngsters from Liverpool…Now tonight you’re going to be twice entertained by them…Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles.”
Their fans screamed, cried and grabbed their hair when John, Paul, George and Ringo performed “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You” and “She Loves You.” They came back 35 minutes later in the show to sing “I Saw Her Standing There” and their No. 1 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The ratings for the episode scored to 23.24 million households. Beatlemania was sweeping America before Feb.
Their fans screamed, cried and grabbed their hair when John, Paul, George and Ringo performed “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You” and “She Loves You.” They came back 35 minutes later in the show to sing “I Saw Her Standing There” and their No. 1 hit “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The ratings for the episode scored to 23.24 million households. Beatlemania was sweeping America before Feb.
- 2/9/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Once edited, specific episodes of The Monkees ran shorter than their allotted time. Therefore, producers would film interviews with their cast to fill the void. In one installment, Mike Nesmith called himself a “loser” before succeeding as a television star. He predicted that if success didn’t come, he would have ended up “in jail or dead.”
Mike Nesmith called himself ‘a loser’ before finding success on ‘The Monkees’
Alongside Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork, Mike Nesmith found success beyond his wildest dreams as a cast member of The Monkees series. However, before success hit, he had a bleak outlook on his chance for success.
Nesmith sat down for an interview to fill time for one of the series’ episodes that ran short. He made a shocking admission about what others thought of him before finding fame.
The producer asked, “Since the show’s been on for a few weeks,...
Mike Nesmith called himself ‘a loser’ before finding success on ‘The Monkees’
Alongside Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork, Mike Nesmith found success beyond his wildest dreams as a cast member of The Monkees series. However, before success hit, he had a bleak outlook on his chance for success.
Nesmith sat down for an interview to fill time for one of the series’ episodes that ran short. He made a shocking admission about what others thought of him before finding fame.
The producer asked, “Since the show’s been on for a few weeks,...
- 1/19/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Keira Knightley Begged For A Kiss With Johnny Depp In Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest!(Photo Credit –IMDb)
Pirates Of The Caribbean is one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood, with over $4.5 billion earnings at the worldwide box office. Keira Knightley played the role of Elizabeth Swann and appeared in the first three installments. We all know she begged for that one kissing scene with Johnny Depp. But did you know our Captain Jack Sparrow actor was rather awkward? Scroll below for all the details!
For the unversed, Keira is seen in an intimate moment with Johnny in the second installment, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006). Elizabeth Swann seduces Jack Sparrow and chains him to the mast of the Black Pearl. He is then dragged to Davy Jones’s Locker by the Kraken.
Keira Knightley begged for a kiss with Johnny Depp
Although Keira Knightley...
Pirates Of The Caribbean is one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood, with over $4.5 billion earnings at the worldwide box office. Keira Knightley played the role of Elizabeth Swann and appeared in the first three installments. We all know she begged for that one kissing scene with Johnny Depp. But did you know our Captain Jack Sparrow actor was rather awkward? Scroll below for all the details!
For the unversed, Keira is seen in an intimate moment with Johnny in the second installment, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006). Elizabeth Swann seduces Jack Sparrow and chains him to the mast of the Black Pearl. He is then dragged to Davy Jones’s Locker by the Kraken.
Keira Knightley begged for a kiss with Johnny Depp
Although Keira Knightley...
- 1/2/2024
- by Jishika Madaan
- KoiMoi
For my money, the Monkees are way, way more interesting than the Beatles.
According to Andrew Sandoval's thorough and invaluable book "The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the '60s TV Pop Sensation," an ad was put in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter on September 8, 1965, looking for "four insane boys" to be the members of a new pre-fabricated pop band. The band would also star in a TV series -- deliberately meant to evoke Richard Lester's 1964 Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" -- that would use their real names, but present their lives as a fictional merry-go-round of kooky shenanigans.
The producers zeroed in on former child actor Micky Dolenz, a friend of musician Stephen Stills named Peter Tork, a British, boyish heartthrob named Davy Jones, and heir to the Liquid Paper fortune, Mike Nesmith. Their TV series debuted on September 12, 1966, the week after "Star Trek" debuted, and...
According to Andrew Sandoval's thorough and invaluable book "The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the '60s TV Pop Sensation," an ad was put in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter on September 8, 1965, looking for "four insane boys" to be the members of a new pre-fabricated pop band. The band would also star in a TV series -- deliberately meant to evoke Richard Lester's 1964 Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" -- that would use their real names, but present their lives as a fictional merry-go-round of kooky shenanigans.
The producers zeroed in on former child actor Micky Dolenz, a friend of musician Stephen Stills named Peter Tork, a British, boyish heartthrob named Davy Jones, and heir to the Liquid Paper fortune, Mike Nesmith. Their TV series debuted on September 12, 1966, the week after "Star Trek" debuted, and...
- 12/26/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Beatles gave us cult classic movies like Yellow Submarine and Help! It’s only fitting that John Lennon’s favorite movie was a cult classic Western. The movie in question is one of the most bizarre Westerns ever made. Fascinatingly, the director of the film said multiple rock stars connected with his work.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
John Lennon loved a cult classic Western movie with a heavy dose of mysticism
Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist filmmaker whose movies are like Salvador Dalí paintings come to life. According to Wired, John’s favorite movie was Jodorowsky’s mystical Western El Topo. The film is about an outlaw called El Topo (Spanish for “The Mole”) who becomes a holy man in a landscape filled with Judeo-Christian and occult imagery.
During a 2011 interview with Interviews with Icons, Jodorowsky discussed John’s relationship with the film. “I was lucky because of rock ‘n’ roll,” explained Jodorowsky.
- 12/9/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees‘ “I Wanna Be Free” is strikingly similar to The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” That was no accident. One song has a more universal meeting than the other but they’re both great.
The Monkees’ ‘I Wanna Be Free’ has strings like The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart were regular songwriters for The Monkees under the name Boyce & Hart. In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed the origin of “I Wanna Be Free.” “Tommy looked up at me and sang me his first lines with an original melody, ‘I wanna be free, don’t say ‘You love me’ say ‘You like me.’
“He said ‘I don’t know where to go next,'” Hart wrote. “‘It’s cool,’ I said, but it sounds more like a second verse to me. Maybe we should try to paint some pictures first...
The Monkees’ ‘I Wanna Be Free’ has strings like The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart were regular songwriters for The Monkees under the name Boyce & Hart. In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed the origin of “I Wanna Be Free.” “Tommy looked up at me and sang me his first lines with an original melody, ‘I wanna be free, don’t say ‘You love me’ say ‘You like me.’
“He said ‘I don’t know where to go next,'” Hart wrote. “‘It’s cool,’ I said, but it sounds more like a second verse to me. Maybe we should try to paint some pictures first...
- 11/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In retrospect, it might look inevitable, the sticky-sweet commercial marriage between soda pop and pop music. (Catchy jingles worked. Why shouldn’t catchy hit songs work even better?) But in actuality, it was far from a sure bet back when Pepsi started formulating their strategic play to become the drink of a “new generation.”
The storied Pepsi pop pivot dates back roughly to 1960 — read: pre-bikini America, still largely an Eisenhower-drab sea of crew cuts, including Elvis, who’d been unceremoniously shorn and shipped off to the army. It was an...
The storied Pepsi pop pivot dates back roughly to 1960 — read: pre-bikini America, still largely an Eisenhower-drab sea of crew cuts, including Elvis, who’d been unceremoniously shorn and shipped off to the army. It was an...
- 11/6/2023
- by Jamie Bryan
- Rollingstone.com
They may be rascals, and scoundrels, and villains, and knaves, but it’s impossible to say that pirates aren’t fun to watch — at least on screen. And of course, there is perhaps no pirate more famous in pop culture at this point than Jack Sparrow, the bumbling, drunken heart of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.
Known for never having a plan but somehow always ending up with one that works out, the unreasonably charming pirate was brought to life by Johnny Depp for five movies across nearly 15 years. In his journeys, he encountered the Kraken, Davy Jones, the Fountain of Youth, and even Poseidon’s trident.
But, if you’re here, you probably know all this. What you want to know is how to watch Sparrow and his pirate friends — including Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner and Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swan — in all their swashbuckling glory.
Well,...
Known for never having a plan but somehow always ending up with one that works out, the unreasonably charming pirate was brought to life by Johnny Depp for five movies across nearly 15 years. In his journeys, he encountered the Kraken, Davy Jones, the Fountain of Youth, and even Poseidon’s trident.
But, if you’re here, you probably know all this. What you want to know is how to watch Sparrow and his pirate friends — including Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner and Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swan — in all their swashbuckling glory.
Well,...
- 10/23/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Anyone who grew up in the 1970s can tell you the story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely girls, and a man named Brady, who was busy with three boys of his own. Of course, one day, the lady met this fellow, and the rest is TV history. When Carol Martin (Florence Henderson) married Mike Brady (Robert Reed), all six of their children came together, along with their trusty maid Alice (Ann B. Davis), to become the sitcom family known as "The Brady Bunch."
"The Brady Bunch" is one of the most beloved and memorable sitcoms of all time. The adolescent antics of Greg (Barry Williams), Peter (Christopher McKnight), Bobby (Mike Lookinland), Marcia (Maureen McCormick), Jan (Eve Plumb), and Cindy (Susan Olsen) made for plenty of comedy and drama as the bunch dealt with the trials and tribulations of a blended family, sibling rivalries, growing up,...
"The Brady Bunch" is one of the most beloved and memorable sitcoms of all time. The adolescent antics of Greg (Barry Williams), Peter (Christopher McKnight), Bobby (Mike Lookinland), Marcia (Maureen McCormick), Jan (Eve Plumb), and Cindy (Susan Olsen) made for plenty of comedy and drama as the bunch dealt with the trials and tribulations of a blended family, sibling rivalries, growing up,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Ringo Starr‘s contributions to The Beatles get understated, but there’s one way they might be overstated. Ringo is credited with coming up with the title of The Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.” John Lennon gave Ringo a lot of credit, while still acknowledging he used the name first. Specifically, John used it in a nonsense story that hasn’t aged particularly well.
John Lennon said he wrote The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ around its title
In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed the origins of the name A Hard Day’s Night. “[Director] Dick Lester suggested the title Hard Day’s Night from something Ringo’d said,” he said. “I had used it in In His Own Write, but it was an off-the-cuff remark by Ringo. You know, one of those malapropisms. A Ringoism,...
John Lennon said he wrote The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ around its title
In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed the origins of the name A Hard Day’s Night. “[Director] Dick Lester suggested the title Hard Day’s Night from something Ringo’d said,” he said. “I had used it in In His Own Write, but it was an off-the-cuff remark by Ringo. You know, one of those malapropisms. A Ringoism,...
- 9/24/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Watch any classic movies, and there’s a good chance you’ll see someone who got famous down the line. A future pop star appeared as a dancer in Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas. That was far from the end of her career on the big screen.
‘Mickey’ singer Toni Basil danced to a Ray Charles song in Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’
Toni Basil is a dancer and choreographer who’s most known for her No. 1 single “Mickey.” In a 2014 Facebook post, she discussed her experiences on the set of Viva Las Vegas. “Over the months of rehearsing with Anne-Margret and Elvis Presley, [choreographer] David Winters and I became close friends with them,” she recalled.
“David the choreographer and I worked on many musical numbers for this film,” Basil added. “Here’s ‘What’d I Say’ where I got to be the girl with the red dress on.
‘Mickey’ singer Toni Basil danced to a Ray Charles song in Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’
Toni Basil is a dancer and choreographer who’s most known for her No. 1 single “Mickey.” In a 2014 Facebook post, she discussed her experiences on the set of Viva Las Vegas. “Over the months of rehearsing with Anne-Margret and Elvis Presley, [choreographer] David Winters and I became close friends with them,” she recalled.
“David the choreographer and I worked on many musical numbers for this film,” Basil added. “Here’s ‘What’d I Say’ where I got to be the girl with the red dress on.
- 9/17/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
20 years after uncovering buried treasure with "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," Disney has yet to repeat that success with any of its other theme park ride-inspired films. As such, the House of Mouse intends to return to the scene of the crime for what will be its sixth round of blockbuster piracy so far.
The sixth "Pirates of the Caribbean" installment has already gone through several permutations. "Deadpool" writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick once toyed with the notion of rebooting the franchise, and there was even talk of a spinoff film starring Margot Robbie taking the place of a traditional sequel at one point. Back in 2022, Robbie indicated the latter film, which was written by her "Birds of Prey" scribe Christina Hodson, has since sunk into Davy Jones's Locker, but that may not be the case. In a later interview with Collider, series...
The sixth "Pirates of the Caribbean" installment has already gone through several permutations. "Deadpool" writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick once toyed with the notion of rebooting the franchise, and there was even talk of a spinoff film starring Margot Robbie taking the place of a traditional sequel at one point. Back in 2022, Robbie indicated the latter film, which was written by her "Birds of Prey" scribe Christina Hodson, has since sunk into Davy Jones's Locker, but that may not be the case. In a later interview with Collider, series...
- 9/5/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Tl;Dr:
The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” is about a district, not a single lane. Multiple members of The Beatles had connections to the real Penny Lane. One member of the band lived there with his parents as a child.
The Beatles‘ “Penny Lane” made the titular district a household name across the world. Despite this, only one member of The Beatles lived in Penny Lane. Reportedly, he was not the member of the band who penned the song.
The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ was inspired by a place where John Lennon lived as a kid
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. In it, John discussed Penny Lane. “Penny Lane is not only a street but it’s a district,” he said “It’s like Times Square or Columbus Avenue. When you say Columbus Avenue, you mean the whole area.
The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” is about a district, not a single lane. Multiple members of The Beatles had connections to the real Penny Lane. One member of the band lived there with his parents as a child.
The Beatles‘ “Penny Lane” made the titular district a household name across the world. Despite this, only one member of The Beatles lived in Penny Lane. Reportedly, he was not the member of the band who penned the song.
The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ was inspired by a place where John Lennon lived as a kid
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. In it, John discussed Penny Lane. “Penny Lane is not only a street but it’s a district,” he said “It’s like Times Square or Columbus Avenue. When you say Columbus Avenue, you mean the whole area.
- 9/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ben Affleck made one significant change to his face that threw off his ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their children. And his family let Affleck know as much as they could how much they disapproved of his new look.
Ben Affleck’s family complained about his hated look for this film Ben Affleck | Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images
Affleck decided to change his style a bit when he starred in his Oscar-winning film Argo. The movie saw the actor playing an experienced extractor trying to rescue refugees from Iran in the late 1970s. The actor ended up changing his hairdo to fit in with the film’s time period.
His hair was longer, and he sported a full beard, which audiences might not have been used to seeing. According to Us Weekly, Affleck wasn’t a fan of his new look. But felt it was important to further authenticate the story.
“I hated it,...
Ben Affleck’s family complained about his hated look for this film Ben Affleck | Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images
Affleck decided to change his style a bit when he starred in his Oscar-winning film Argo. The movie saw the actor playing an experienced extractor trying to rescue refugees from Iran in the late 1970s. The actor ended up changing his hairdo to fit in with the film’s time period.
His hair was longer, and he sported a full beard, which audiences might not have been used to seeing. According to Us Weekly, Affleck wasn’t a fan of his new look. But felt it was important to further authenticate the story.
“I hated it,...
- 8/20/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Anne Murray put her spin on several of The Beatles‘ songs. Murray’s cover of a song from The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night outshone the original. Despite this, her version of the Fab Four’s track is terrible and doesn’t fit the song’s lyrics.
1 song from The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and Anne Murray’s cover didn’t hit the top 40
The Beatles’ “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was barely a hit. It reached No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a single week. The tune appeared on the album A Hard Day’s Night. That record topped the Billboard 200 for 14 weeks, lasting on the chart for 56 weeks.
Murray’s cover of “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was a bigger hit. Her version of the tune peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for six weeks. Murray...
1 song from The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and Anne Murray’s cover didn’t hit the top 40
The Beatles’ “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was barely a hit. It reached No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a single week. The tune appeared on the album A Hard Day’s Night. That record topped the Billboard 200 for 14 weeks, lasting on the chart for 56 weeks.
Murray’s cover of “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You” was a bigger hit. Her version of the tune peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for six weeks. Murray...
- 8/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams played step-siblings on the iconic TV series The Brady Bunch. But off-screen, the feeling between the two actors wasn’t exactly what you would expect between a brother and sister. The two had a long-simmering crush on each other that they finally acted on while filming on-location in Hawaii.
Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams had feelings for each other
In 1972, the cast of The Brady Bunch released their second studio album, Meet the Brady Bunch. Soon after, they headed out on a cross-country tour, playing at state fairs and theaters in San Bernardino, Savannah, Atlantic City, and elsewhere, McCormick recalled in her 2008 memoir, Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My Voice.
While on tour, the Brady kids spent a lot of time together in close quarters. “We changed clothes in makeshift rooms off to the side of the stage, boys and girls...
Maureen McCormick and Barry Williams had feelings for each other
In 1972, the cast of The Brady Bunch released their second studio album, Meet the Brady Bunch. Soon after, they headed out on a cross-country tour, playing at state fairs and theaters in San Bernardino, Savannah, Atlantic City, and elsewhere, McCormick recalled in her 2008 memoir, Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My Voice.
While on tour, the Brady kids spent a lot of time together in close quarters. “We changed clothes in makeshift rooms off to the side of the stage, boys and girls...
- 7/15/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees’ Davy Jones was a big fan of The Beatles and met each one of them. He revealed which of The Beatles he thought was underrated. He said this Beatle was different from the others as a songwriter.
The Monkees‘ Davy Jones said The Beatles’ George Harrison was underrated as a musician. In addition, Jones named some of his favorite songs by the quiet Beatle. While George may have been underrated, he still produced some huge hits and classic album tracks.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones discussed an anecdote about The Beatles’ George Harrison
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones revealed he was a massive fan of The Beatles and that he met each one of them. He praised George in particular. “George was an amazing musician, totally underrated. Totally. I have a tape of them together.
“Ringo couldn’t be at this meeting, so um, George and John an Paul are talking,...
The Monkees‘ Davy Jones said The Beatles’ George Harrison was underrated as a musician. In addition, Jones named some of his favorite songs by the quiet Beatle. While George may have been underrated, he still produced some huge hits and classic album tracks.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones discussed an anecdote about The Beatles’ George Harrison
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones revealed he was a massive fan of The Beatles and that he met each one of them. He praised George in particular. “George was an amazing musician, totally underrated. Totally. I have a tape of them together.
“Ringo couldn’t be at this meeting, so um, George and John an Paul are talking,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees are often thought of as a manufactured group. Davy Jones said The Beatles were the first manufactured group, not The Monkees. In addition, he compared The Beatles’ look to characters from a famous Broadway and West End musical.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones loved The Beatles’ music even though it was ‘manufactured’
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones said he was friends with all of The Beatles. He was a big fan of the group, and he praised George Harrison’s songwriting in particular. He thought George wasn’t given his dues as a musician. In addition, Jones revealed he loved The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” so much that he listened to it thousands of times.
“Don’t get this wrong: The Beatles were the first manufactured group,” he said. “Not The Monkees. It was The Beatles.”
Jones said The Beatles’ manager, Brain Epstein, fired the Fab Four’s first drummer.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones loved The Beatles’ music even though it was ‘manufactured’
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones said he was friends with all of The Beatles. He was a big fan of the group, and he praised George Harrison’s songwriting in particular. He thought George wasn’t given his dues as a musician. In addition, Jones revealed he loved The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” so much that he listened to it thousands of times.
“Don’t get this wrong: The Beatles were the first manufactured group,” he said. “Not The Monkees. It was The Beatles.”
Jones said The Beatles’ manager, Brain Epstein, fired the Fab Four’s first drummer.
- 7/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees are often thought of as a manufactured group. Davy Jones said The Beatles were the first manufactured group, not The Monkees. In addition, he compared The Beatles’ look to characters from a famous Broadway musical.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones loved The Beatles’ music even though it was ‘manufactured’
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones said he was friends with all of The Beatles. He was a big fan of the group, and he praised George Harrison’s songwriting in particular. He thought George wasn’t given his dues as a musician. In addition, Jones revealed he loved The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” so much that he listened to it thousands of times.
“Don’t get this wrong: The Beatles were the first manufactured group,” he said. “Not The Monkees. It was The Beatles.”
Jones said The Beatles’ manager, Brain Epstein, fired the Fab Four’s first drummer.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones loved The Beatles’ music even though it was ‘manufactured’
During a 2006 interview with The Bob Show, Jones said he was friends with all of The Beatles. He was a big fan of the group, and he praised George Harrison’s songwriting in particular. He thought George wasn’t given his dues as a musician. In addition, Jones revealed he loved The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” so much that he listened to it thousands of times.
“Don’t get this wrong: The Beatles were the first manufactured group,” he said. “Not The Monkees. It was The Beatles.”
Jones said The Beatles’ manager, Brain Epstein, fired the Fab Four’s first drummer.
- 7/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
A Monkees hit from 1967 sounds like The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” from 1965. There are two versions of The Monkees’ song. They are both great.
The Monkees were often inspired by The Beatles, but they once nicked a riff from The Rolling Stones. One of their songs initially sounded very similar to The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Subsequently, the song was substantially changed before it was released to the public.
1 Monkees song has a riff like The Rolling Stones’ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’
The most notable aspect of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is Keith Richard’s riff. It is the riff to end all riffs. Top 40 radio probably never heard a guitar lick that good again.
The Rolling Stones released that song in 1965. In 1967, The Monkees released their song “Valleri.” The opening of demo version of the...
A Monkees hit from 1967 sounds like The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” from 1965. There are two versions of The Monkees’ song. They are both great.
The Monkees were often inspired by The Beatles, but they once nicked a riff from The Rolling Stones. One of their songs initially sounded very similar to The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Subsequently, the song was substantially changed before it was released to the public.
1 Monkees song has a riff like The Rolling Stones’ ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’
The most notable aspect of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is Keith Richard’s riff. It is the riff to end all riffs. Top 40 radio probably never heard a guitar lick that good again.
The Rolling Stones released that song in 1965. In 1967, The Monkees released their song “Valleri.” The opening of demo version of the...
- 7/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” is similar to one of Hanson’s songs in an obvious way. A member of Hanson discussed the similarity. The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” was once the most popular song in the United States.
The Beatles‘ “Penny Lane” inspired one of Hanson’s songs. A member of Hanson said the tune was referencing the Fab Four on a subconscious level. Notably, the track in question appeared on one of Hanson’s successful albums.
The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ inspired Hanson’s ‘Penny & Me’ in a subconscious way
During a 2004 interview with Songfacts, Hanson’s Zac Hanson said the members of his band became interested in the music of the 1960s at a young age. In addition, he was asked about his band’s song “Penny & Me.” “Penny was a reference to ‘Penny Lane,’ The Beatles,” he said. “It’s a great name, and also just referencing...
The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” is similar to one of Hanson’s songs in an obvious way. A member of Hanson discussed the similarity. The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” was once the most popular song in the United States.
The Beatles‘ “Penny Lane” inspired one of Hanson’s songs. A member of Hanson said the tune was referencing the Fab Four on a subconscious level. Notably, the track in question appeared on one of Hanson’s successful albums.
The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ inspired Hanson’s ‘Penny & Me’ in a subconscious way
During a 2004 interview with Songfacts, Hanson’s Zac Hanson said the members of his band became interested in the music of the 1960s at a young age. In addition, he was asked about his band’s song “Penny & Me.” “Penny was a reference to ‘Penny Lane,’ The Beatles,” he said. “It’s a great name, and also just referencing...
- 6/27/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even TV stars get starstruck from time to time. Just ask Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady on the iconic 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch. Even she got a little flustered when Davy Jones of the Monkees guest starred in a memorable season 3 episode.
The Monkees’ lead singer guest-starred on ‘The Brady Bunch’
“Getting Davy Jones” revolved around an ill-considered promise that Marcia made to Fernwood Junior High School’s prom planning committee. The teen, who was the president of the school’s Davy Jones Fan Club, claimed she could get the singer to appear at the school dance.
The school announced that the pop star would be at the big event, which mean that Marcia had to scramble to get in touch with Jones and convince him to show up. She went so far as to sneak into the singer’s recording studio and plead her case to his manager.
The Monkees’ lead singer guest-starred on ‘The Brady Bunch’
“Getting Davy Jones” revolved around an ill-considered promise that Marcia made to Fernwood Junior High School’s prom planning committee. The teen, who was the president of the school’s Davy Jones Fan Club, claimed she could get the singer to appear at the school dance.
The school announced that the pop star would be at the big event, which mean that Marcia had to scramble to get in touch with Jones and convince him to show up. She went so far as to sneak into the singer’s recording studio and plead her case to his manager.
- 6/24/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The very first episode of The Monkees, “Royal Flush,” won the series‘ director an Emmy Award in 1967. The Monkees‘ creators, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider won their own golden statuettes in the Best Comedy Series category that same legendary evening.
Davy Jones is seated on the sand in front of fellow ‘The Monkees’ co-stars Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz in ‘Royal Flush’ | Keystone Features/Getty Images The first episode of ‘The Monkees’ was ‘Royal Flush’
The Monkees episodes may not have been the first to feature slapstick on television. However, the series was one of the first to include music shorts within each 30-minute episode.
Viewers were treated to a new music montage each week, driving The Monkees‘ record sales to number one on the Billboard Charts. However, the series also found a home with viewers who enjoyed its light humor.
In the series very first episode, “Royal Flush,...
Davy Jones is seated on the sand in front of fellow ‘The Monkees’ co-stars Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz in ‘Royal Flush’ | Keystone Features/Getty Images The first episode of ‘The Monkees’ was ‘Royal Flush’
The Monkees episodes may not have been the first to feature slapstick on television. However, the series was one of the first to include music shorts within each 30-minute episode.
Viewers were treated to a new music montage each week, driving The Monkees‘ record sales to number one on the Billboard Charts. However, the series also found a home with viewers who enjoyed its light humor.
In the series very first episode, “Royal Flush,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees Peter Tork achieved many bucket list moments as a member of the iconic 1960s pop rock band. However, one of his most significant early achievements as a Monkees member involved getting “the crew to dance” during an on-set jam session with Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones.
The Monkees members included Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admitted The Monkees ‘never rehearsed’ before getting the TV ‘crew to dance’
In 1982, Peter Tork appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. He discussed his career and the impact being a member of The Monkees had on his life.
During one key interview moment, Tork discussed what he said was the quartet’s lack of rehearsal before filming the first episode. However, that didn’t stop Tork, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones from watching one unforgettable moment unfold before their eyes.
The Monkees members included Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admitted The Monkees ‘never rehearsed’ before getting the TV ‘crew to dance’
In 1982, Peter Tork appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. He discussed his career and the impact being a member of The Monkees had on his life.
During one key interview moment, Tork discussed what he said was the quartet’s lack of rehearsal before filming the first episode. However, that didn’t stop Tork, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones from watching one unforgettable moment unfold before their eyes.
- 6/9/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Despite starring in The Monkees‘ first and only feature film, Head, in 1968, Peter Tork still didn’t understand its premise. He admits he had to watch the edgy movie upwards of 80 times before he realized what bothered him about it.
Peter Tork in a photoshoot while on the set of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admits it took almost 80 viewings of ‘Head’ before he got it
The 1968 film Head was a watershed moment in The Monkees’ career. The film depicted a series of vignettes amounting to a loosely interpretive message by the band signaling the end of their pop star personas.
The film included scenes of Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones chanting, “Hey hey, we are the Monkees, you know we like to please/A manufactured image, with no philosophies” over a series of TV screens playing first clips from the film.
Peter Tork in a photoshoot while on the set of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Peter Tork admits it took almost 80 viewings of ‘Head’ before he got it
The 1968 film Head was a watershed moment in The Monkees’ career. The film depicted a series of vignettes amounting to a loosely interpretive message by the band signaling the end of their pop star personas.
The film included scenes of Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones chanting, “Hey hey, we are the Monkees, you know we like to please/A manufactured image, with no philosophies” over a series of TV screens playing first clips from the film.
- 6/6/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees are best known for pop-rock and tunes typical of the mid to late 1960s. However, in rare interview footage, Micky Dolenz admitted that the sound fans knew and loved was a mashup of different styles the band’s members loved. He claimed there never was a “group sound.”
The Monkees members photographed on the set of their television show included Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork | Bettmann/Getty Images Micky Dolenz once claimed there was never a ‘group sound’ of The Monkees
Micky Dolenz shared his opinion regarding The Monkees’ music in a rare 1968 interview with Monkees bandmates Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork for the Hy Lit Show. He claimed the band never had a “group sound.”
At the clip’s 3:10 mark, Dolenz discussed the band’s music and their first and only feature film, Head. He and his fellow bandmates shared...
The Monkees members photographed on the set of their television show included Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork | Bettmann/Getty Images Micky Dolenz once claimed there was never a ‘group sound’ of The Monkees
Micky Dolenz shared his opinion regarding The Monkees’ music in a rare 1968 interview with Monkees bandmates Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork for the Hy Lit Show. He claimed the band never had a “group sound.”
At the clip’s 3:10 mark, Dolenz discussed the band’s music and their first and only feature film, Head. He and his fellow bandmates shared...
- 6/6/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Mike Nesmith always had a soft spot for The Monkees‘ only feature film, Head. The 1968 film was misunderstood by many critics and fans of the band who were used to the casual hijinks of the quartet’s NBC series. However, Nesmith discussed how the film had a hidden meaning missed by many. He claimed the film poked “a lot of fun at The Monkees’ expense.”
The Monkees in a scene from the feature film ‘Head’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith shared in a rare interview the intentions of the movie ‘Head’
Mike Nesmith shared the purposes of the group’s first feature film in a rare interview with Monkees bandmates Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork for the Hy Lit Show. Head, he explained, poked “a lot of fun” at the expense of its stars.
“The most fun was the character assassination,” Nesmith said of the darker...
The Monkees in a scene from the feature film ‘Head’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith shared in a rare interview the intentions of the movie ‘Head’
Mike Nesmith shared the purposes of the group’s first feature film in a rare interview with Monkees bandmates Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork for the Hy Lit Show. Head, he explained, poked “a lot of fun” at the expense of its stars.
“The most fun was the character assassination,” Nesmith said of the darker...
- 6/1/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Along with being a member of The Monkees, Mike Nesmith was a stellar songwriter. His composition “Different Drum” became a hit for The Greenbriar Boys and The Stone Poneys. However, his own recorded version included a verse that ultimately changed the meaning of the entire song. Here are all the details.
Linda Ronstadt and Mike Nesmith in side-by-side photographs taken in the 1960s | Bettmann/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith’s extra verse changed the overall intent of Linda Ronstadt’s version of ‘Different Drum’
Nesmith started writing and performing music in the early 1960s under the name “Michael Blessing.” He found some small success as a songwriter with a fusion of country and rock.
During that period, Nesmith wrote “Different Drum.” The song tells the story of a pair of lovers. One wants to settle down, while the other wants to retain a sense of freedom and independence.
Linda Ronstadt and Mike Nesmith in side-by-side photographs taken in the 1960s | Bettmann/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Mike Nesmith’s extra verse changed the overall intent of Linda Ronstadt’s version of ‘Different Drum’
Nesmith started writing and performing music in the early 1960s under the name “Michael Blessing.” He found some small success as a songwriter with a fusion of country and rock.
During that period, Nesmith wrote “Different Drum.” The song tells the story of a pair of lovers. One wants to settle down, while the other wants to retain a sense of freedom and independence.
- 5/19/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Historically, The Monkees were not known for controversial songs and lyrics. However, in the latter part of their career, Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, and Davy Jones were a trio. As a group, they became way more experimental than the bubblegum pop tunes attached to their NBC series of two years. Dolenz wrote one song, in particular, that he deemed “too controversial” to be a pop staple. But that didn’t stop him from tackling some heavy subjects in its lyrics.
Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork of The Monkees | NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images Micky Dolenz once called this little-known Monkees song one ‘my best’
The album The Monkees Present contained plenty of gems. However, it came at a time when interest in the band began to wane. The Monkees Present only reached No. 100 on the Billboard Chart.
Dolenz wrote a then-controversial song titled “Mommy and Daddy,...
Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork of The Monkees | NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images Micky Dolenz once called this little-known Monkees song one ‘my best’
The album The Monkees Present contained plenty of gems. However, it came at a time when interest in the band began to wane. The Monkees Present only reached No. 100 on the Billboard Chart.
Dolenz wrote a then-controversial song titled “Mommy and Daddy,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
What do the 76th annual Tonys have in common with the 17th annual awards?
Stephen Sondheim.
The late, great influential composer is represented in this year’s Tonys with the acclaimed, popular revivals of his 1979 classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Street” earning eight nominations and 1987’s “Into the Woods” receiving six.
Sixty years ago, it was Sondheim’s musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” which dominated the Tony Awards with six wins: best musical, best producer for Harold Prince, best director for George Abbott, best author for Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, leading actor for Zero Mostel and featured actor for David Burns. Ironically, Sondheim failed to earn a nomination for best original score (music and/or lyrics) written for the theater. He would not win for his tunes until “Company” in 1971. Vying in that category were “Stop the World I Wanted...
Stephen Sondheim.
The late, great influential composer is represented in this year’s Tonys with the acclaimed, popular revivals of his 1979 classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Street” earning eight nominations and 1987’s “Into the Woods” receiving six.
Sixty years ago, it was Sondheim’s musical comedy “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” which dominated the Tony Awards with six wins: best musical, best producer for Harold Prince, best director for George Abbott, best author for Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, leading actor for Zero Mostel and featured actor for David Burns. Ironically, Sondheim failed to earn a nomination for best original score (music and/or lyrics) written for the theater. He would not win for his tunes until “Company” in 1971. Vying in that category were “Stop the World I Wanted...
- 5/8/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Many of The Monkees‘ earliest hits followed a traditional music and lyric formula popular in the mid-1960s. However, as the group evolved as songwriters and musicians, their tunes became more experimental. Micky Dolenz penned one memorable song, written from the perspective of a cat and included on the band’s 1969 LP Instant Replay, that followed that guideline. To remind their followers how great the song was, the band’s official social media page honored the frisky feline with a sweet post.
The Monkees’ Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Micky Dolenz in the recording studio | Gems/Redferns/Getty Images The Monkees’ ‘Instant Replay’ included three out of four original band members
After filming their only feature film, Head, The Monkees said goodbye to Peter Tork. He left the band after six albums and two seasons of their television series.
Tork contributed to six Monkees albums in total. These included The Monkees,...
The Monkees’ Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Micky Dolenz in the recording studio | Gems/Redferns/Getty Images The Monkees’ ‘Instant Replay’ included three out of four original band members
After filming their only feature film, Head, The Monkees said goodbye to Peter Tork. He left the band after six albums and two seasons of their television series.
Tork contributed to six Monkees albums in total. These included The Monkees,...
- 5/1/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees‘ earliest hits spoke of girls, love, and good times. However, as they evolved as musicians and grew in the public eye, their music also changed. Songs with more topical themes were explored in the band’s fourth album, Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, & Jones Ltd. One included a song that exposed how musicians felt about groupies in the 1960s.
The Monkees members included Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images The Monkees released ‘Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.’ in 1967
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. was the fourth album of four released by The Monkees. It was their final LP of 1967.
With that record, The Monkees broke a record that remains. Per Billboard, the band had four number-one albums in one calendar year.
The group dropped their eponymous debut album at the end of 1966, where it remained locked at the number one position for eight weeks.
The Monkees members included Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images The Monkees released ‘Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.’ in 1967
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. was the fourth album of four released by The Monkees. It was their final LP of 1967.
With that record, The Monkees broke a record that remains. Per Billboard, the band had four number-one albums in one calendar year.
The group dropped their eponymous debut album at the end of 1966, where it remained locked at the number one position for eight weeks.
- 4/19/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The 1960s was the peak of many trends in classic rock. For example, ’60s psychedelic rock songs are probably better than the psychedelic rock songs of any other era. Notably, John Lennon said The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” wasn’t very psychedelic at first.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
“Strawberry Fields Forever” might be the defining psychedelic rock song of the ’60s. In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed its origin.
“Dick Lester offered me the part in this movie [How I Won the War], which gave me time to think without going home,” he recalled. “We were in Almería, and it took me six weeks to write the song. I was writing it all the time I was making the film. And as anybody knows about film work, there’s a lot of hanging around.
The Beatles | Bettmann / Contributor 5. The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
“Strawberry Fields Forever” might be the defining psychedelic rock song of the ’60s. In a 1980 interview from the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John discussed its origin.
“Dick Lester offered me the part in this movie [How I Won the War], which gave me time to think without going home,” he recalled. “We were in Almería, and it took me six weeks to write the song. I was writing it all the time I was making the film. And as anybody knows about film work, there’s a lot of hanging around.
- 4/15/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Like most musicians, The Monkees Mike Nesmith felt the influence of Elvis Presley’s music as a young man. Presley made his mark on the sounds of the 1950s and early 60s and how musicians performed. However, Presley’s influence went way beyond his music for The Monkees guitarist. Nesmith and the king of rock and roll had a legendary history together without meeting.
Elvis Presley and Mike Nesmith shared a musical connection but never met | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley became a rock and roll superstar 12 years before The Monkees’ debut
Shortly after graduating from Humes High School in June 1953, Elvis Presley began to explore the idea of a music career. That July, he entered Sun Studios, where he cut a 45-rpm record, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.”
One year later, in 1954, Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black entered Sun Studios to record “That’s All Right Mama.
Elvis Presley and Mike Nesmith shared a musical connection but never met | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley became a rock and roll superstar 12 years before The Monkees’ debut
Shortly after graduating from Humes High School in June 1953, Elvis Presley began to explore the idea of a music career. That July, he entered Sun Studios, where he cut a 45-rpm record, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.”
One year later, in 1954, Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black entered Sun Studios to record “That’s All Right Mama.
- 4/15/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Bobby Hart wrote many songs for both The Monkees and The Partridge Family. Hart explained how he got a job writing for The Partridge Family. The Partridge Family only had one No. 1 single in the United States. The Partridge Family | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
One of The Monkees‘ songwriters wrote songs for The Partridge Family. Subsequently, he explained how another songwriter helped him get a job writing for The Partridge Family. Notably, The Partridge Family beat one of The Monkees’ records.
2 of The Monkees’ songwriters left the band’s production company
Bobby Hart co-wrote many Monkees songs with Tommy Boyce, such as “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed fellow songwriter Wes Farrell.
“Wes Farrell had recently moved to L.A. to produce...
Bobby Hart wrote many songs for both The Monkees and The Partridge Family. Hart explained how he got a job writing for The Partridge Family. The Partridge Family only had one No. 1 single in the United States. The Partridge Family | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
One of The Monkees‘ songwriters wrote songs for The Partridge Family. Subsequently, he explained how another songwriter helped him get a job writing for The Partridge Family. Notably, The Partridge Family beat one of The Monkees’ records.
2 of The Monkees’ songwriters left the band’s production company
Bobby Hart co-wrote many Monkees songs with Tommy Boyce, such as “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I Wanna Be Free,” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” In his 2015 book Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem Into Miracles, Hart discussed fellow songwriter Wes Farrell.
“Wes Farrell had recently moved to L.A. to produce...
- 4/13/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
As the upcoming "Ahsoka" live-action series hovers on the horizon, the recent Star Wars Celebration announcement of Lars Mikkelsen taking up the blue make-up to reprise his legendary animated voice role in the full-bodied flesh sent waves of excitement through Star Wars fans. A main baddie for the final half of the "Star Wars Rebels" animated series created by Dave Filoni (showrunning again for "Ahsoka"), the ice-blue Chiss Admiral proved to be a formidable and terrifying threat to the Ghost crew. Mitth'raw'nuruodo's (Thrawn's Chiss name) epic (re)entrance into the public consciousness provided fond memories for Celebration attendees back in 2016, especially for the generation who grew up with the Legends novels that started with Timothy Zahn's 1991 "Heir to the Empire." That book kicked off an enduring Legends reign for Thrawn as an intelligent Imperial tactician who had no nonsense for Imperial stupidity.
Thrawn might admire how the history rhymes like poetry.
Thrawn might admire how the history rhymes like poetry.
- 4/10/2023
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
Presidents of the United States (both sitting and former) have won. So have former Beatles. And a First Lady. And a lot of other unlikely movie types. The truth is, with so many Primetime Emmy Awards handed out – well over 100 annually – it’s easy for some intriguing victors in both the deeper past and more recently to slip through the cracks.
So as a public service, here are a few dozen-plus Emmy winners you may have missed.
Barack Obama – Yes, our 44th President took home an Emmy trophy in 2022 as best narrator for an episode of the doc series “Our Great National Parks.” He thus became the second President to be so honored. To find out the first, see below. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr – It may have escaped your gaze, but the former Beatles won an Emmy last year for top documentary/nonfiction series (shared with Peter Jackson and...
So as a public service, here are a few dozen-plus Emmy winners you may have missed.
Barack Obama – Yes, our 44th President took home an Emmy trophy in 2022 as best narrator for an episode of the doc series “Our Great National Parks.” He thus became the second President to be so honored. To find out the first, see below. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr – It may have escaped your gaze, but the former Beatles won an Emmy last year for top documentary/nonfiction series (shared with Peter Jackson and...
- 4/5/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
By the time The Monkees began production of their first and only feature film, Head, they had undergone a metamorphosis as both performers and a music group. Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, Davy Jones, and Micky Dolenz evolved from hired actors to pop music phenomena over the course of three years. Therefore, to depict this, the music for Head was just as pivotal as the script itself. Subsequently, Monkees producer Bob Rafelson said one song was “critical” to the soundtrack. Here are all the details.
Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images How did The Monkees get involved with ‘Head’?
The last episode of The Monkees Emmy-winning television show aired in March 1968, during its second and final filming season. Moreover, the world’s cultural climate appeared to be in upheaval. The series seemed out of step with the times.
The Monkees...
Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith of The Monkees | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images How did The Monkees get involved with ‘Head’?
The last episode of The Monkees Emmy-winning television show aired in March 1968, during its second and final filming season. Moreover, the world’s cultural climate appeared to be in upheaval. The series seemed out of step with the times.
The Monkees...
- 4/5/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees were lucky enough to have prolific songwriters working behind the scenes to craft songs for their music catalog. Many came from New York’s Brill Building, where they worked for the show’s music producer, Don Kirshner. One of these songwriters was Carole King, who, along with her husband Gerry Goffin, wrote tunes on almost every Monkees album except one, perhaps the most important of the band’s career.
Carole King wrote some of The Monkees’ most beloved hits but was excluded from one album | Michael Ochs Archives/Jim McCrary/Getty Images/ The Monkees’ biggest hits came from the songwriting team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin
Don Kirshner handpicked husband and wife songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin to write songs for The Monkees. King’s music and Goffin’s lyrics perfectly captured the pop sensibilities of the 1960s.
Together and separately, King and Goffin wrote songs...
Carole King wrote some of The Monkees’ most beloved hits but was excluded from one album | Michael Ochs Archives/Jim McCrary/Getty Images/ The Monkees’ biggest hits came from the songwriting team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin
Don Kirshner handpicked husband and wife songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin to write songs for The Monkees. King’s music and Goffin’s lyrics perfectly captured the pop sensibilities of the 1960s.
Together and separately, King and Goffin wrote songs...
- 4/3/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Neil Sedaka wrote three Monkees songs, one of which Davy Jones released as a solo song. One of the songs in question uses a lot of ape metaphors. Another one of the songs was co-written by an important professional songwriter. Neil Sedaka | Gab Archive / Contributor
Neil Sedaka’s songs continue to fascinate classic rock fans to this very day. In addition to writing his own material, Sedaka also wrote a few Monkees songs. One of the tunes he wrote became Davy Jones’ only charting solo single.
3. ‘I Go Ape’
The early 1960s was a golden age for novelty songs, producing such hits as Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini,” Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” and Elvis Presley’s “Rock-a-Hula Baby.” The arrival of The Beatles mostly put an end to this trend, though they occasionally wrote similar songs like “Yellow Submarine.
Neil Sedaka wrote three Monkees songs, one of which Davy Jones released as a solo song. One of the songs in question uses a lot of ape metaphors. Another one of the songs was co-written by an important professional songwriter. Neil Sedaka | Gab Archive / Contributor
Neil Sedaka’s songs continue to fascinate classic rock fans to this very day. In addition to writing his own material, Sedaka also wrote a few Monkees songs. One of the tunes he wrote became Davy Jones’ only charting solo single.
3. ‘I Go Ape’
The early 1960s was a golden age for novelty songs, producing such hits as Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini,” Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” and Elvis Presley’s “Rock-a-Hula Baby.” The arrival of The Beatles mostly put an end to this trend, though they occasionally wrote similar songs like “Yellow Submarine.
- 4/3/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
"Batman: The Animated Series" is one of the crowning achievements of American animation. To this day, it's remembered for its atmospheric art design (homaging Fleischer Studios' Superman cartoons) and mature storytelling — even if it never forgot its young target audience along the way. The series' star, the late, legendary Kevin Conroy, is the definitive voice of the Dark Knight for a generation, while Harley Quinn, who was created for the series, has become the most successful DC Comics character who didn't originate in the comics.
The series' success meant its creative team shaped Batman in animation for the next decade. In 1993, the series led to the theatrical film, "Mask of the Phantasm," which took everything great about the series and pushed it further. While "Batman: The Animated Series" ended in 1995, it became only the first installment in the DC Animated Universe, which culminated wiith "Justice League Unlimited," which ran from...
The series' success meant its creative team shaped Batman in animation for the next decade. In 1993, the series led to the theatrical film, "Mask of the Phantasm," which took everything great about the series and pushed it further. While "Batman: The Animated Series" ended in 1995, it became only the first installment in the DC Animated Universe, which culminated wiith "Justice League Unlimited," which ran from...
- 4/1/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
One of The Monkees‘ most prolific singalong hits, “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” appeared on their classic album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, and Jones Ltd. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song was inspired by a street near the couple’s suburban New Jersey home. However, the song’s lyrics had a darker edge than fans realized.
Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith are the cast of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ was a Monkees smash
The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1967. At the number one position was Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe,” followed by The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
The Monkees held steady at number three. In addition, rounding out the top five in the first week of August 1967 was The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You.
Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Mike Nesmith are the cast of ‘The Monkees’ | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ was a Monkees smash
The single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1967. At the number one position was Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe,” followed by The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
The Monkees held steady at number three. In addition, rounding out the top five in the first week of August 1967 was The Doors’ “Light My Fire” and Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You.
- 3/30/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Monkees may have started their music careers as a television show band. However, the prefab four quickly morphed into one of the most beloved groups of musicians of the 1960s. Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones broke records and became radio mainstays during that decade. However, some of their best songs never made the Billboard top 10. Here are 5 Monkees songs that should have been hits.
Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith cranked out dozens of hits, but some fan favorites never topped the charts | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 1. ‘Porpoise Song’ (1968)
In the late 1960s, The Monkees were on a downturn. Their eponymous television show ended. Peter Tork was exiting the band.
However, one bright song crafted for the band appeared in their feature film Head. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, “Porpoise Song” is a beloved tune that occurs at the...
Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith cranked out dozens of hits, but some fan favorites never topped the charts | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 1. ‘Porpoise Song’ (1968)
In the late 1960s, The Monkees were on a downturn. Their eponymous television show ended. Peter Tork was exiting the band.
However, one bright song crafted for the band appeared in their feature film Head. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, “Porpoise Song” is a beloved tune that occurs at the...
- 3/29/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This Post Contains spoilers for this week’s episode of The Mandalorian, “The Pirate.”
The Mandalorian is a show that likes to keep things simple whenever possible. And it’s hard to imagine a more fundamentally simple story than “heroes rescue community under siege by pirates.” It’s a framework the show has used very successfully in the past, going all the way back to Mando and Cara Dune’s initial team-up early in Season One. In many ways, “The Pirate” leans hard into this kind of straightforward, classical adventure structure.
The Mandalorian is a show that likes to keep things simple whenever possible. And it’s hard to imagine a more fundamentally simple story than “heroes rescue community under siege by pirates.” It’s a framework the show has used very successfully in the past, going all the way back to Mando and Cara Dune’s initial team-up early in Season One. In many ways, “The Pirate” leans hard into this kind of straightforward, classical adventure structure.
- 3/29/2023
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
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