A Band Called Death...punk rock sound resurrected! Stellar documentary entertains!

Because of a chance meeting with a director, I ended up catching a highly entertaining documentary titled "A Band Called Death".

The filmmakers chronicle the phenomenal tale about three band members (brothers) who caused quite a musical stir on the concert circuit over thirty years ago with a punk rock sound that they conjured up two years prior to the one “The Ramones” became famous for later.

The Band known as “Death” was quite an oddity at the time; after all, the musicians were all Afro-American males playing punk!

“We were ridiculed because at the time everybody in our community was listening to the Philadelphia sound, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Isley Brothers,” Bobby Hackney recalled for the record.

“People thought we were doing some weird stuff. We were pretty aggressive about playing rock ’n’ roll because there were so many voices around us trying to get us to abandon it.”

But, the big stumbling block for the punk rock group was their name.

“Who wants to go to a concert to groove to a band that calls themselves Death,” cried bookers and concert promoters alike.

Even Clive Davis – the man with the midas touch (and a legend in his own time) – was baffled by the group’s reluctance to change it when asked.

“He offered us a $20,000.00 contract. That was a lot of money at the time. And, we needed it,” one of the brothers wailed to an interviewer documenting the events.

Even so, they turned the visionary record producer down flat.

The reason?

One of the Hackney brothers – the creative force behind the band – had a premonition that “Death” would ultimately be a success one fine day. But, only if they remained true to themselves.

Unfortunately, Death wouldn’t “make it” ‘til after his own demise, he forewarned.

When their brother died of cancer years later, the Hackney boys packed away the music in the attic (where it sat for umpteen years unheard by music-lovers) and continued to struggle to make ends meet.

But, sure enough – true to form – the band and the music became resurrected decades later in a round-about fatalistic way. The band’s music – once lost – was uncovered by ecstatic music enthusiasts who began to rave far-and-wide about Death's remarkable hard-driving punk sound.

In fact, it wasn't until a record collector stumbled across one of their singles (Politicians in my Eyes) that the Band called "Death" truly came into their own.

Suddenly, there was a buzz around the circuit as music connoisseurs - not only took a widespread interest in the novel band - but were also inclined to snatch up singles at auction on the Internet for a whopping $800.00 a pop.

“I sure wish I had a stack of those records today,” one of the surviving Hackney boys chuckled to the director in one of their one-on-one interviews.

Meanwhile, young kids were getting caught up in the phenomenon, too.

At after-hours clubs, would-be punks starting turning out in droves at raves in a sort-of tribal ritual, to exalt the olden-golden-goodies.

Originally, the directors (Jeff Howlett and Mark Covino) planned to tell the "Dead's" story in a straightforward traditional way with a narrator stringing together all the events in chronological order.

“Once the interviews with the Band Members began, we realized we had so much more to gain by having the Hackneys tell their own stories their own way on camera,” Howlett explained as we chatted each other up in the filmmakers lounge at the LA Film Festival recently.

In addition to being captivated by the charismatic band members, I was particularly wowed by the rich production values on screen, as well.

And, the music was truly awesome!

Filmgoers will be delighted, too, when surprise guests from the film and music industries are spotlighted during the course of the film singing "Death's" praises.

Although the flick is a bit long - and at times self indulgent - the documentary is vastly entertaining.

Catch it if you can!

3 stars!

Justin Bieber...100 m.p.h. speed chase with paparazzi angers local Politician!

An eighteen-year-old and an exotic pricey sports car are usually an adrenalin-rushing mix.

Toss in a celebrity heartthrob – and frenzied paparazzi in hot pursuit – and the intense scenario is capable of quickly transforming into a high-speed chase with potential disasters waiting to unfold out-of-the-blue at the blink of-an-eye.

Such was the case yesterday, when Justin Bieber roared down Highway 101 Highway (he was alleging zig-zagging in-and-out of traffic in his $100,000.00 Fisker Karma sports car at dizzying speeds of up to 100 m.p.h.) in a bold-faced effort to elude aggressive celebrity photographers out to chronicle his every move in the San Fernando Valley.

Fortunately, a concerned citizen by the name of Councilman Dennis Zine (also a driver on that stretch of the busy road yesterday morning when the incident occurred) spotted the erratic behaviour of the motorists and called 911 to report the incident.

Within minutes, the “Bieb” was screeching to a halt curbside in a quiet neighborhood at the
keen direction of a California Highway Patrol Officer.

“It was so exciting,” one tourist exclaimed to a TV news reporter first on the scene.

“We're staying in the Motel across the street. When the car pulled over, right way, we knew it must be someone rich because the vehicle was so expensive.”

Her children were elated to learn a few minutes later that it was - in fact - Justin Bieber behind the wheel of the high-end sports car.

“My daughter yelled out…We Love you, Justin…Will you marry me?”

Meanwhile, a couple of the paparazzi sped off, out of harm’s way.  Undoubtedly, they were concerned that they might be charged for violating California's anti-paparazzi laws, so they took off before they could be identified and charged.

Meanwhile, Zine was fuming over the fact the young pop star got off with a citation.

“This reminds me of the Princess Diana situation.”

The politician felt that Bieber and the paparazzi should have been arrested and charged with reckless driving on the 101 freeway.

Is the Bieb on the fast lane to oblivion?

News at 11!


 

God particle...I've seen it! Awesome phenomenon lifted me into space!

I wasn’t surprised when excited scientists recently announced they stumbled on the “God particle” which may explain the “order” of this Universe (and many others in existence).

Tattler readers may recall that I published baffling accounts of encounters with the awesome (an overused word that truly applies in this instant case) phenomenon.

It’s always been difficult to put the experience into words.

Shortly after turning off the lights and tucking in for the night (on numerous occasions over the years) I found myself gazing on a ball of light in the distance slightly above my head (a mass of energy?) which slowly advanced towards me once I accepted its presence.

Within seconds, I was engulfed by it – at which point – I felt like I was floating in boundless space consisting of pure consciousness without a body restricting me.

As I relaxed, I was propelled forward to the far corners of the galaxy, and beyond.

Then, as quickly and unexpected as "it" arrived, the mass suddenly released me and I ended up back on the bed feeling totally at peace.

Personally, I believe I was visited by the creator (the architect of the Universe)!

Was this the “God” particle that scientists have spoken about in recent days?

Katie Holmes...Stepford Wife poses for Elle! Divorce Katie-style!

Now that Katie has taken the necessary steps to get a new lease on life, understandably, the normally down-to-earth star has made a bold-faced effort to put a spanking-new face forward, too.

But, really darling, that Elle Magazine cover is too spooky!

Katie, you look like a Stepford Wive, more now than ever before!

And, Tom didn’t even lift a finger.

It only took one expert make-over artist – and some airbrushing here-and -there – to accomplish the feat (that even Scientology was unable to dredge up from the depths of your troubled soul).

Scrub your face, honey!

And, above all, high-tail it away from those slick misguided fashion photographers.

Otherwise, you’ll lose yourself – honey - in the twinkling of a Hollywood Talent Scout's eye.

‘Nuff said, eh?

Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart...to trot down aisle! Twilight stars to take the bite!

While some lovebirds are calling it quits (TomKat), others are excitedly making surreptitious plans to trot down the aisle to wedded bliss.

If wagging tongues have got it right, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart (Twilight’s star-crossed lovers) are next to say “I Do”.

Uh-huh!

Prying eyes have spotted the winsome twosome jaunting in-and-out of jewellery shops in West Hollywood with an eye-out for the perfect sparkler to grace the cool beautie's wedding finger.

No Vegas quickie for these two!

I expect there will be a few broken hearts around the country when they finally tie the knot.

Sorry, gals (and guys), you'll have to wait 'til the next time around, I guess.
The relationship (Holy Union or not) won’t last, just betcha!

Sorry to be a spoil-sport, folks.

Stay posted for updates, eh?

Justin Bieber...and Selena Gomez splitsville? Pop star to play the field!

The night has a thousand eyes!

According to spies – and informed sources – Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez may be splitting up!

Has Justin soured on puppy love?

If the gossip is true, Selena shed a tear or two the other evening when the “Bieb” broke the heart-breaking news.

The world is Justin’s oyster right now - so maybe - he’s anxious to sow his wild oats. With a bevy of babes hanging on his every (um) tune - can 'ya blame the handsome pop star for wanting to play the field?

Selena may be inclined to start singing the blues if it’s true.

Next hit single up for the jilted young songird?

It’s my party (and I’ll cry if I want to)!

Heh, a broken heart did wonders for Adele’s musical career, if you recall.

Stay posted for updates, eh?

Outfest..."Making Love" starring Harry Hamlin to screen! 30th Anniversary touted!

When Outfest kicks-off next week, the organizers will be celebrating their 30^th Anniversary, and consequently, touting a film festival that has been transformed in recent years into a major social, cultural and political event that wields quite a bit of muscle - not only in the LGBT community - but in the mainstream across the U.S. as well.

When Outfest first launched years ago, only three films screened at the humble UCLA venue, a far cry from today’s 10-day legit event which is slated to present an impressive array of high-profile screenings (from eclectic shorts, insightful documentaries and feature-length narratives, to fun-filled sing-a-longs under-the-stars!)

Today, Outfest proudly calls the DGA its “home” in Hollywood (CA).

This year, there are a handful of venues sprinkled around the city that promise the filmgoer more bang for their buck, too.

By the way, at the Opening Night Gala there will be a screening of “Vito” (a film that tosses the spotlight on gay activist and film historian Vito Russo).

On closing night, film enthusiasts will no doubt pack the house for a screening of “Struck by Lightning”.

In honor of their 30^th year, Outfest will screen the feature film – Making Love – which broke ground (and some say) sparked a cultural revolution when it was first released.

The gay-themed flick – starring Harry Hamlin, Kate Jackson, and Michael Ontkean – was one of the first to cast an established masculine actor in a “bisexual” role – and ultimately – transformed the image of “gays” in mainstream America forevermore.

No wonder!

The well-written script realistically portrayed the LGBT community warts and all

For example, when Kate Jackson’s character finds a matchbox inside her husband’s pocket with a phone number scrawled on it, she expects that he is having an illicit affair with another woman. However, when she tracks the individual down, she is shocked to learn that her hubby is actually involved with another man.

'Til then, “gay” life was depicted in an awkward stereotypical way. But, In “Making Love”, the characters were well-fleshed - hence - they were believable.

In addition to a slew of narratives, Outfest has also lined up a smattering of short films and documentaries bound to be well-received by filmgoers.

Stand-out “must-see” movies include "Joshua Tree" (an intimate peek into the bisexual world of James Dean), entertaining "I Do" (about a gay man marrying a woman so she can land her green card), "Jobriath" (a fascinating glimpse into the persona of a fabricated 70’s superstar), "Mississippi I Am" (Lance Bass’s doc on two lesbians’ legal fight to attend a High School Prom in each other's loving arms), and Gayby (a light-hearted look at a gay man helping a female pal get pregnant).

There will be special presentations, too.

For instance, John Waters will receive an Outfest Achievement Award this year. In tandem with the honor, the fest will screen a sing-a-long version of the hit musical "Hairspray" (screened under the stars) and an earlier flick (Desperate Living).

There will be a number of panel discussions with celebrity guests throughout the festival run

Outfest will focus on the Television medium, too.

One episode of ABC’s hit comedy show “Happy Endings” will splash across the screen, for instance. At press time, handlers at the fest noted that members of the cast and crew are expected to appear for a Q & A (schedules permitting).

On Saturday July 21^st (at REDCAT theatre) a posse of queer filmmakers, comedians, and bloggers (Drew Droege, John Roberts, and Funky Dineva) are booked to appear on stage and chat up festival guests as well.

At another panel, a handful of TV’s most accomplished gay and lesbian comedy writer’s will participate in a panel discussion on the subject of “gays” and how their “image” has been transformed on the old boob tube over the past decade or so. Ari Karpel, a journalist with the New York Times (and the Advocate) will moderate what is expected to be a sell-out house.

See ‘ya there!

INFO

http://www.outfest.org/

Paparazzi...advance warning for pics! No autographs, please!

Yesterday, I was waiting for a ride just down the street from the Troubadour (with guitar in hand) when a woman rolled down her window and began to snap photos of me.

The fan was lucky I didn't happen to be Alec Baldwin; after all, I may have thrown a hairy conniption (or bent her car aerial, at least!).

Frankly, I don't mind if folks are inclined to snap a pic - because it's flattering - after all.

But, advance warning would be appreciated so have the precious time to brush my golden locks and ensure there isn't any soup stain on my snazzy designer t-shirt or broccoli stuck between my teeth!

I don't want to end up on someone's worst-dressed list, after all!

Don't ask me for my autograph, though.

Unlike Cher (who practised her "Jane Henry" for years because she intuitively knew she'd be a superstar one day) mine is a sloppy undecipherable scrawl.

Happy Celebrity-hunting, eh?

Mr. Manners (aka Julian Ayrs)...bicycle etiquette!

Recently, I nearly got “creamed” by three bicycle riders during the course of one day.

In one incident, the cyclist sped up behind me without warning and nearly careened into me when he swerved to avoid another pedestrian approaching on the sidewalk the other way.

A few hours later, a careless rider cruised around a corner, failed to abide by a stop sign, and nearly knocked me down on the pavement in Santa Monica (the breezy city).

When I crossed the border of Beverly Hills and strode into West Hollywood later on, I was relieved to spy a sign posted on a pole which noted that bicycle-riding on the pedestrian walkway was prohibited.

Of course, many enthusiasts of the sport simply ignore the notice and break the law.

In the event riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is not banned in a neighborhood, cyclists should endeavour to not only exercise caution – but also – follow the rules of the road. For example, the bicycle-rider should “flow” with the traffic (and not against it).

And, always use hand signals whenever possible. For instance, the right arm held straight out means a "right turn" is anticipated, while the same arm crooked "straight upward" signals a left (important since a cyclist may be crossing in busy traffic).

By the way, the owner of a bicycle should properly equip it with all the necessary bells and whistles to ensure there is ample opportunity to warn pedestrians to step aside if (and when) necessary. For starters, the bike should be installed with a bell or a horn (at a minimum).

Speeding up out-of-the-blue yelling - “Heh, you! Get out of the way!” – at a pedestrian is not only unacceptable, but also, improper bike etiquette according to Mr. Manners.

At night, the two-wheeled contraptions should also sport reflectors on the wheels - and a night lamp - as well. Otherwise, when a cyclist is crossing at an unmarked pedestrian walkway, they may end up in harm’s way because motorists tend to be focused on traffic zipping by (of the four-wheel variety) and are often blinded by oncoming headlights.

In closing, I have one reminder!

Cyclists always be ever mindful that on the sidewalk - in daylight or after dark - pedestrians have the right of way.

There may be an exception if President Barack Obama is out for a cruise on his bike with the Secret Service tailing behind.

In that event, it's a matter of National Security, not public safety!

John Waters...to be honored with Outfest Life Achievement Award!

John Waters – the “King” of Queer Cinema – is being honored at Outfest this year with a "Life Achievement Award".

When asked how he felt about the nod, Waters was quick on the uptake.

“Jane Lynch won last year, didn’t she? That’s a tough Queen to top,” he cackled.

The ballsy zany filmmaker is best known for putting the spotlight on off-the-wall characters – such as “Divine” (Pink Flamingos) – who had no qualms scooping up poop and gobbling it down on cue (and shocking theatre-goers in the process).

If anything, Waters is an in-your-face risk-taker - and quite definitely - a naughty-boy extraordinaire.

On occasion, he even draws the ire of the local gay community, you betcha.

For example, when a reporter recently noted that “Desperate Living” was going to screen at Outfest in Los Angeles next week, he recalled the uproar he first faced in Boston when the screening was blocked by a posse of angry dykes.

“How dare he make a film about us,” the lesbians angrily protested, he recalled with glee.

“You know me, I’m so gayly incorrect.”

Me, too.

The pink mafia often gets annoyed with moi when I refer to gay men as “homos” and lesbians as “diesel dykes” ( or lipstick Lesbos).

And, how dare I "out" someone!

Like Waters, I get a kick out of ruffling their feathers, and upsetting their agenda for the LGBT community-at-large.

Waters was born in Baltimore, the son of Patricia Ann (née Whitaker) and John Samuel Waters.

John's father who was a manufacturer of fire-protection equipment.

The filmmaker grew up in the suburb of Lutherville, Maryland. His boyhood friend and collaborator - Glenn Milstead (Divine) - also resided in town.

Even as a kid, Waters was a strange one.

Friends and family recall that he used to stage violent versions of "Punch and Judy" for local birthday parties for kids in the neighborhood.

A biographer - Robert L. Pela - reported that Waters's mother believes the puppets in  a show called "Lili" had the greatest influence on Waters's subsequent career as did tacky tasteless
films at the drive-in nearby.

For his sixteenth birthday, Waters received an 8mm movie camera from his maternal grandmother (Stella Whitaker) and there was no looking back.

His first short film was "Hag in a Black Leather Jacket".

Waters has sadly noted that the film was only shown only once in a "beatnik coffee house" in Baltimore, although it was included in his traveling photography exhibit years later.

Probably one of Waters's best-known films is  "Polyester" (1981) which starred Divine and former teen hunk Tab Hunter.

Other memorable films that feature his trademark inventiveness include "Hairspray", "Cry-Baby", "Serial Mom", and "Pecker".

Outfest has scheduled a sing-a-long presentation of “Hairspray” (the John Travolta version) and Waters is delighted to hear that.

On the subjects of controversy – and censorship – he is unrelenting.

“I had to see a lot of bush before I could see a man’s ass,” he chortled in a recent interview.

Along the way, Waters found a lot of fodder in the absurdity of it all, too.

“First, you could see a woman’s ass, then her tits, then her vagina (OMG), then men’s ass, then the dick and hardcore."

Uh-huh!

I expect that the producers of “Shame” were trying awfully hard to mainstream the kind of taboos that Waters tossed into the searing spotlight decades ago.

Currently, Mr. Waters is writing a book titled “Carsick” which he slaves over from a perch in quaint Provincetown daily.

“The cottage is like a Grey Gardens house,” he points out.

Hopefully, he will take some time to stop and smell the roses.

Or, at least check out the hot action in the bushes nearby!

Michael Phelps...to hang up goggles after London Olympics! Won't try for 8 gold!

Apparently, Michael Phelps will be hanging up his goggles on the heels of the closing ceremonies at the Olympics in London next month.

In spite of that, insiders are whispering that Phelps is quite optimistic (he has plans to drub the competition overseas nonetheless) about his swan dive across the big pond.

One thing is for certain.

Phelps doesn't intend to go for eight gold medals - or repeat his Beijing Olympic performance - which made Sports history.

Bob Bowman (Phelp's coach) announced Monday that the swimming dynamo was scratching the 200-meter freestyle leaving him with seven events at the London Games. Bowman said his main concern was Phelps being fresh for the 400 freestyle relay.

The Australians are favored to win the event, although the U.S. has traditionally dominated the event.

Subsequently, Phelps won't be able to match the eight golds he scooped up in Asia in 2008. But, he still has a shot at seven.

I guess, I’d better get out my crystal ball for a glimpse at the outcome, eh?

Unless Phelps is planning a comeback down the long-and-winding road -  the U.S. trials will be the last time the Olympic Gold Medalist will be competing on U.S. soil - sorry to say.

So, if you missed the competitions in Omaha this past week, you’re SOL!

Now that Phelps is about to retire, and in view of the fact he turned twenty-seven this week, it begs the question.

What are Phelps' plans for the future in respect to a career?

Coaching?

Newscaster?

Spokesperson?

News at 11!



 

Anderson Cooper..."I'm Gay" fesses up CNN anchor!

Anderson Cooper – the silver-haired fox from CNN – has fessed up!

“I’m gay.”

OMG!

You don’t say!

Anderson must be totally clueless if he thought he was keeping his sexuality a deep dark secret all these decades. After all, viewers around the country have known about his sexuality since day one, I dare say! After all, eyebrows are bound to be raised when a virile middle-aged man isn’t inclined to date the opposite sex (and there’s no fair maiden on the horizon) preferring instead to keep company with a posse of muscular young studs he’s met at the local gym or on the prowl around the town.

The news broke after Cooper disclosed the fact in an e-mail to a Daily Best Blogger by the name of Andrew Sullivan.

And, guess what?

According to “Coop”, he’s a well-adjusted homo with little to complain about.

"Always have been (gay), always will be (gay) and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud (to be gay)."

Why has Anderson been reluctant to come out of the closet?

"Even though my job puts me in the public eye, I have tried to maintain some level of privacy,” he stressed for the record. There were practical reasons, too, from a career point of view.

"Since I started as a reporter in war zones 20 years ago, I've often found myself in some very dangerous places. For my safety and the safety of those I work with, I try to blend in as much as possible, and prefer to stick to my job of telling other people's stories, and not my own. I have found that sometimes the less an interview subject knows about me, the better I can safely and effectively do my job as a journalist. I've always believed that who a reporter votes for, what religion they are, who they love, should not be something they have to discuss publicly."

Some may wonder why the articulate newsman didn’t make the revelation in his recent 2006 memor titled “Dispatches from the Edge”.

“The book was meant to be about war and not about his personal life,” he explained.

Since that time, his stance has changed considerably.

Is the single city-dweller older and wiser now, perchance?

"In a perfect world, I don't think it's anyone else's business, but I do think there is value in standing up and being counted," Cooper has reasoned.

Does he have a significant other? And, if so, is there a gay marriage in the offing for Mr. Anderson?

News at 11!





Happy Canada Day...to my fellow Canucks up North, eh?

Ryan Lochte...shirtless and flogging Gillette products at U.S. trials! Gone Hollywood?

NBC decided to take the spotlight off that “other guy” this past week at the U.S. swim trials.

Normally the media is in a frenzy over the Golden Boy (Michael Phelps), but with Lochte nipping at the fins (um) heels of the “Subway Man”, the Network was inclined to profile the underdog.

“Everywhere I look, I spot you shirtless, even more than Matthew McConaughey,” Bob Costa gushed poolside in a one-on-one interview.

In response, wide-eyed Lochte grinned.

“In 2008, I gave up the fast-food. I focused on my diet and I weight-trained. I entered some iron-man contests, too,” he elaborated with pride.

“You’re in great shape,” Costa uttered up in a heartbeat.

“Milk does a body good,” Lochte beamed right back on cue.

Could it be that the cocky swimmer was pitching for a milk endorsement?

By the way, was it just a coincidence that he turned up on a commercial break flogging a Gillette shaver?

As to Phelps, well, he was pretty forthcoming about their relationship.

“We’ll always be friends no matter what happens. On the blocks, it’s every man for himself, though” he joked.

According to Lochte, he hasn’t tapped his potential yet, either.

"At the trials, first or second place doesn’t matter," Ryan spouted to Costa.

In London it’s a different matter, though, according to the rising superstar.

“I can go faster,” he boasted.

Golly!

That upstart has quite the competitive spirit, too.

“I’m going to London for the gold,” he stressed no bones about it.

It will be tough, though, if Phelps is in the race.

Last night at the trials, it was close, for instance.

In one competition, Lochte lost out to Phelps by a whisker.

Lochte had better get shaving, eh?




Lochte has tattto of Olympic rings on shoulder!