Watch This "Damned" Documentary

You know the old adage: Damned if  you do, Damned if you don't? Carry on then! Featuring Chrissie Hynde, Dave Gahan, Lemmy, Mick Jones, Billy Idol and more... After packing cinemas and collecting rave reviews around the world, THE DAMNED: Don't You Wish That We Were Dead is coming to home video on May 20th. Hailed as "excellent" by Uncut, "fascinating" by The Arts Desk,and "funny, fast-moving and gloriously chaotic" by The Hollywood Reporter, the film was directed/produced by Wes Orshoski, and is the first fully authorized documentary on punk pioneers The Damned. Ireland's Hot Press raves: "Orshoski came onto our radar with the acclaimed Lemmy documentary in 2011 [which he co-directed/produced] and has once again created a tour de force, presenting an entertaining and searingly honest depiction of the grievously overlooked punk legends." Filmed around the globe over three years, and world-premiered at SXSW 2015, THE DAMNED: Don't You Wish That We Were Dead tells the story of the third prong in the holy trinity of U.K. punk. In advance of both the Sex Pistols and the Clash, The Damned was the first U.K. punk band to release a single (1976's immortal "New Rose"), the first to release an album ('77's frenetic Damned Damned Damned), and the first to tour America (planting their flag at CBGB in April 1977). Now in their 39th year, The Damned are the only band from London's 1976 Punk Rock Big Bang still touring the world today. In addition to Damned founders Captain Sensible, Dave Vanian, Rat Scabies and Brian James, the film includes appearances by such one-time bandmates as The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde, Mick Jones (The Clash) and Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, as well as such rock and/or punk luminaries as Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Steve Diggle (Buzzcocks), JJ Burnel (The Stranglers), Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode), Billy Idol, Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat/Fugazi), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Keith Morris (Black Flag/Circle Jerks/OFF!), Dexter Holland (The Offspring), Jack Grisham (T.S.O.L.), and more. Taking its name from the title-track of the Damned's 1979 album, Machine Gun Etiquette, the film charts the band's unique history, bitter infighting and legendary bad behavior (drummer Scabies is blamed for creating punk's "gobbing," or spitting, phenomenon); it takes viewers into the toilets once scrubbed by Captain Sensible and viewers follow the Damned on their world-wide 35th anniversary tour in 2011 -- with estranged band founders Scabies and James seen on screen answering that trek with a snarling celebration of their own. In a bizarre twist of fate, other former members find themselves being treated for the same form of cancer by the same doctor in the same Welsh cancer ward; elsewhere, the band's founding members are seen grappling with their legacy, and the fallout from missed and/or bungled business decisions that have kept them painfully working class for most of the past four decades.                                                           "Damned" Trailer The Arts Desk: "Where many music documentaries have a similar dynamic arc-rise, fall, rise again-Don't You Wish That We Were Dead is a fascinating, rambling saga that emanates a rich, sometimes morose, sense of what it's really like to have a whole life defined by the oh-so-brief explosion that was punk rock." In the bonus features, Captain Sensible takes viewers on a tour of Croydon, the south London town that gave rise to the Damned, and he busks on the streets of Hollywood with actor/musician/comedian Fred Armisen, a huge Damned fan. Elsewhere, the full story of the band's involvement and eventual ousting from the Sex Pistols' fabled Anarchy in the U.K. tour of 1976 is told in detail for the first time.  In the film, The Damned is credited with helping to ignite the punk scene in America. In 1977, the Damned were the first of the U.K. punks to play in both New York (at CBGB) and Los Angeles (at the Starwood). In 2010, The Huffington Post's Binky Phillips recalled the band's U.S. debut at CBGB in early April 1977: "I was down at CBGB with a chip on my shoulder. My town was Punk Ground Zero.... I was, in fact, without a struggle, reduced to fan boy within 30 seconds. It was as if the entire evening proceeding them had been in black and white and suddenly we were thrust into Technicolor Oz." The Damned kick off a West Coast tour in April, which includes two appearances at Coachella (April 16 & 23), as well as stops in San Francisco (April 14, Great American Music Hall); Solana Beach, CA (April 19, Belly Up); Pomona, CA (April 20, The Glass House); and Los Angeles (April 21, The Roxy). The band officially kicks off its 40th anniversary tour on May 20 with a sold-out gig at The Royal Albert Hall in London. Follow news about the film at:    www.damneddoc.com    www.facebook.com/damneddoc    TWITTER: @damnedmovie    Instagram: DAMNEDDOC Pre-order at the MVD SHOP: http://bit.ly/1LV7MRm  Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01BSW1NR2

SCREENINGS: April 2: New Orleans, Louisiana, Zeitgeist Arts Center, 9:30 PM April 6: London, England, Hackney Picturehouse, 8:30 PM. April 14-15, 23: Buenos Aires, Argentina, BAFICI - Buenos Aires International Independent Film Fest April 22-28, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Broadway Theatre, check times for each date April 24, Kingston, New York, BSP Kingston, 6:30 PM April 28: Houston, Texas, 14 Pews, 8 PM April 29-30: Providence, Rhode Island, The Cable Car Cinema, 5 PM, 9 PM May 2: Orlando, Florida, Enzian Theater, 9:30 PM May 5: Durham, North Carolina, The Pinhook, 7 PM May 6: Calgary, Alberta, Canada, The Globe, 7 PM, 9 PM May 12: Toronto, Canada, Revue Cinema, 9:15 PM May 23, 25: Edmonton, Canada, Metro Cinema # # #

Anna Nicole Smith "American Myth"

Guitar Hero
Margaret Cho
Photo: Dusti Cunningham

Today I chatted with Margaret Cho about her CD American Myth which will drop on April 29th, yes you will have to wait another week before you get to eavesdrop on the fun we had, so there!

Margaret released the video for the song Anna Nicole from the upcoming album this week. Cho appeared on Smith's E! series, The Anna Nicole Show, and was friends with the starlet, whom she's praised in the past — as well as on this song — for changing the perception of bigger women in the beauty industry. Here is what she has to say about the late bombshell:

"American Myth is a lyric from the song, 'Anna Nicole,' about the American myth that certain people are too beautiful for this world," Cho told A Plus. "They die young because they are too good for it. That is Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, the 27 Club — this is the same with Anna Nicole. I knew her and her death struck me very hard, and still does."

Jump down to the video.

                                                                      Anna Nicole

In Margaret We Trust at: 

http://margaretcho.com/

Raph Solo "Good Morning London"

Modeling The British Flag
Raph Solo

RAPH SOLO RELEASES LOVE LETTER TO HIS HOME CITY, “GOOD MORNING LONDON”

The second single from his album, THE ANONYMOUS ICON, out now 

Raph Solo’s “Good Morning London,” the second single off of his new album, THE ANONYMOUS ICON, is a love letter to the city he calls home. “The song is about being yourself, no matter what they say,” says Solo. “Good Morning London” is available on iTunes today, along with his full-length studio album, THE ANONYMOUS ICON.

“It’s a metaphorical breakup song about finding your way home,” continues Solo of his sultry new single. “As a songwriter, I never sit down to write a song. It’s an organic process. When I feel inspired, the melody and the lyrics come out together as one.”

With a hit dance record under his belt, it’s intuitive that Solo never stops moving—not even to write a tender pop ballad. “I remember writing the song on the street, walking from my ex’s flat to my friend’s flat. My ex and I were living together at the time, and things had gotten so bad that I called up a friend to ask if I could stay over for a few nights until I found a new place to stay.”

Solo credits “Good Morning London” as one of the quickest songs he’s ever written in his career as a songwriter, while walking down the streets of London, no less. Nonchalantly, he says, “I wrote it in three minutes.”

Solo reunites with video director David Brant on the “Good Morning London” music video.  “It was really nice to be asked to work with Raph again, for what is now our third music video together,” says Brant. “Raph always has a strong idea of what he wants up front. Visually, we're both into that quirky, surreal, cinematic, and epic look. We just have a similar aesthetic that seems to set the mood perfectly against his music.”

                                                        Good Morning London

olo likens baring his chiseled body on the set of “Good Morning London” to baring his soul as an artist. As the track hits full stride, Solo is seen with a big British flag wrapped around his otherwise-naked torso in a scene that’s become synonymous with the singer-producer’s mantra of authenticity and self-acceptance. Solo salutes a new day and a new chapter in his life, he says, with the words “Be you” scrawled on his back, and a bruised eye.

“Often we lose ourselves in relationships, and we end up saying ‘yes’ to please our partners because we love them, when really we want to say ‘no’,” Solo explains. “And sweetness gets taken for weakness, and the fairytale turns into a nightmare.”

“We should always remember to love and honor ourselves enough to stay true to who we are in relationships, romantic or otherwise.” The bruised eye, he says, is symbolic of the price he had to pay to learn that lesson the hard way.

The song’s standout lyrics, “City life is no piece of cake // that you can have with your cup of tea on your morning break,” speak to Solo’s state of mind and the vivacity of the city he loves. Today, he stands tall as a gay man and outspoken advocate for human rights, and he can have his cake and eat it, too.

Inspired by up-tempo 80’s pop and contemporaries like Burt Bacharach and Marvin Hamlisch, the combination of Solo's vocals, Alex Pacali's sweeping riffs, and David Brant's hypnotic stroke of the keys leaves listeners spellbound. His third record sees the full realization of Solo’s signature timbre, layered with new refinement with every passing year and release, akin to the evolution of any true pop powerhouse. Solo colors his second single with a burst of falsettos, putting his vocal range on parade.

Born to Lebanese/Chilean parents on the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria, West Africa, the singer-producer now hangs his hat in London, calling the second single a tribute to the city that’s helped to shape him. “‘Good Morning London’ speaks to exactly where I was — welcoming a new day and feeling like I was on my way home to somewhere I belong.”

Festival Bound: Terror Toons 3

Woot! Here it is! I recently got the 411 on an groovy little indie I acted in called Terror Toons 3. It's the sequel to Terror Toons & Terror Toons 2, I thawt I saw a puddy werewolf! 

So here is some cool news about the film, that yeah, I was part of:

TERROR TOONS 3 has been Officially Selected for the 2016 IFS: Independent Filmmakers Showcase in Los Angeles/Beverly Hills, CA happening May 25-June 4, 2016

Yikes! Those Pants R Scary!!!
Me @ The "Terror Toons 3" Screening 

There will be several Red Carpet events, Awards Reception as well as a Q&A. Produced by Steven Escobar. TT3 is Directed by Joe Castro.

Visit the festival website to find out more...!

http://www.ifsfilm.com/Festival/Home.php 

Let's Get Gastronomical, Taylor Hicks

There's Something About Taylor Hicks

Hey Hicks fans. It's time to get your grub on with your favorite former "Idol"...

Yummy!

Though American Idol came to an end Thursday night, Tayolr Hicks' television career is going full steam ahead. He has recently been announced as the host of State Plate, a new food and travel series on INSP, to premiere this fall.

State Plate will celebrate the unique food traditions of all 50 states. “In each episode we dig into the distinctive foods of a particular state,” said Doug Butts, SVP of Programming at INSP. “Unlike most food shows, we won’t be touring restaurants; this is about the food itself, how it is grown and the people who bring it to our dinner tables. What emerges is the trivia and unknown stories behind our states’ most emblematic foods.” Taylor Hicks is no stranger to great cuisine, as the singer is a partner in Saw's Juke Joint in Birmingham, Ala.

“Taylor’s wide popularity, experience as a restaurateur, and down-home charm make him an ideal host for a traveling food series.” Butts said. “In each episode of State Plate, he travels to a particular state, where he will ‘assemble’ a plate filled with the food most associated with that state. He’ll sample everything from crab cakes in Maryland and peaches in Georgia; to chili in Texas and potatoes in Idaho. As he makes his way from coast to coast, Taylor will visit farms, ranches, markets, festivals, and other diverse and unusual locales. In the process, viewers share in the journey as he uncovers the rich details behind each state’s unique food traditions. It’s a heaping helping of America’s most beloved cuisine, rich in history, folklore, and flavor.”

“State Plate has tested very well, and audiences agree that this series complements and enhances INSP’s family-oriented schedule,” Butts said. “We are thrilled that viewers will be taking this journey with such a beloved personality as Taylor Hicks.

State Plate is produced by RIVR Media.

As the nation said a fond farewell to FOX-TV's American Idol, Hicks returned to the show that made him a star, one last time.

Taylor was among those that performed on the series' final episode.

"I'm so grateful for the platform that American Idol gave me as a performer and a recording artist," said Hicks. 

Taylor also has a fast-filling slate of tour dates woven into his taping schedule, stretching well into the fall. His 2016 tour includes more stops next week in his hometown of Birmingham, continuing on through Georgia, Tennessee, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and more!

TAYLOR HICKS ON TOUR:
Apr. 14 Cox Capital Theatre / Macon, Ga.
Apr. 15 Lyric Theatre / Birmingham, Ala.
Apr. 16 Franklin Theatre / Franklin, Tenn.
Apr. 17 Lyric Theatre / Birmingham, Ala.
Apr. 21 StageOne - Fairfield Theatre / Fairfield, Conn.
Apr. 22 World Cafe Live / Wilmington, Delaware
Apr. 23 Avalon Theatre / Easton, MD
Apr. 24 New Hope Winery / New Hope, Pa.
May 04 Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre / Branson, Missouri
May 26 The Tobin Center / San Antonio, Texas
Jun. 04 PRIVATE / Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Jun. 11 Flat Rock Summer Blast / Flat Rock, Mich.
Jun. 16 Daryl’s House / Pawling, N.Y.
Jun. 17 Flying Monkey Performance Center / Plymouth, N.H.
Jun. 24 Center for the Arts / Natick, Mass.
Jun. 25 Opera House / Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Jul. 08 Downtown Rutland / Rutland, VT
Jul. 09 Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center / Old Saybrook, CT
Oct. 29 Halloran Centre at the Orpheum / Memphis, Tenn.
Nov. 26 Island View Casino / Gulfport, Miss.
Dec. 01 Black Oak Casino / Tuolumne City, Calif.
Dec. 04 Cache Creek Casino Resort / Brooks, Calif.


For more 411 visit TaylorHicks.com and follow him onTwitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Bruce Springsteen Is Boss

Taking A Stand
Bruce Srpingsteen

Bruce Springsteen used to be called "The Boss," at the height of his career. Well he may no longer be "The Boss" but he still is "Boss" meaning, an excellent and outstanding person. 

He is so "Boss" he cancelled his plans to play his scheduled gigs in Greensboro, North Carolina days ahead of time. Here is the reason he gave:

"As you, my fans, know I'm scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the ‘bathroom' law. HB2—known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act—dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden."

Expanding on his initial statement he also said:  

"It's an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters."

Not only did I grow up with Bruce's music, my sister Sue Waters is a huge Springsteen fan, and rightfully so. 

Born In the USA!!!

Stand Up With Bruce at: 
brucespringsteen.net/

A Quickie With Ted Casablanca

It's My Gallery & I'll Do What I Want To
Ted Casablanca 

Once upon a time there was a gossip named Ted Casablanca real name, Bruce Bibby. He worked at E! as a correspondent and online columnist. Well Teddy moved on from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood to Hollywood lite in Palm Springs, CA - where he opened an art gallery called the Ted Casablanca Gallery, naturally. From gossip to art, how does that shift happen? 

Here to answer that in a quickie 10 is Mr. Casablanca, Bibby, Casablanca - my sister, my daughter, oh fuck it! Here is Ted Casablanca! 

MS: Ted Casablanca    

TC:  Yep, he's a fag. A big one.                                                                                 

MS: Bruce Bibby

TC: He's a fag, too, just not as averse to vaginal exploration as Ted is.

MS: Art

TC: My first love and talent, before film and writing.

MS: Valley of the Dolls

TC: Trashy but truthful.

MS: Gossip 

TC: Truthful but trashy.                              

Is This Art?
Teddy C. Nude

MS: Palm Springs

TC: Rebirth.

MS: Unicorns

TC: Who gives a fuck.

MS: Monica Orozco

TC: Genius in the making.

MS: Relationship Status

TC: Happy at last. Not what I was expecting.

MS: Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?

TC: Yes. But luckily I don't see Kris Jenner much anymore.

Visit Ted's Gallery at:
http://tedcasablanca.com/  
https://www.facebook.com/tedcasablancagallery/