Features
Odds & Ends: Duran Duran, Mick Jagger, Bruce Johnston & Jimi Hendrix
Duran Duran adds a few summer shows, additional musical guests have been announced for Mick Jagger’s “SNL” episode, Jimi Hendrix’s estate isn’t thrilled about the new biopic, and there’s a good chance Beach Boy Bruce Johnston isn’t voting for Barack Obama in November.
More & More Duran Duran
Duran Duran recently updated its tour plans with a few additional stops in Europe and North America.
The previously announced European trek begins June 25 in Wroclaw, Poland, and concludes with the English rock band’s July 27 performance at the Olympic Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert in London.
Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, N.J.
New shows are scheduled July 7 in Skopje, Macedonia, at the Skopsko Kale and July 9 in Istanbul, Turkey, at Maçka Küçük Çiftlik Park. Tickets for Istanbul went on sale today and Skopje’s onsale begins May 21.
The North American tour kicks off with two nights in Saratoga, Calif., Aug. 8-9 and includes appearances at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, Calif., Aug. 11 and the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Ill. Aug. 29.
Now the tour features two Canadian gigs – Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 in Rama, Ontario, at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre. Tickets go on sale May 15.
Duran Duran is touring in support of its thirteenth studio album, All You Need Is Now. A digital version of the album was released in December 2010 and the physical edition hit stores in March 2011.
The Estate Cries No
Earlier this week we reported that Andre 3000 had snagged the lead role of Jimi Hendrix in a biopic about the guitarist. According to an exclusive announcement from the Irish Film & Television Network, “All Is By My Side” is set to focus on Hendrix’s time in England between 1966-1967, during which he recorded his 1967 debut album, Are You Experienced. John Ridley, who wrote “Three Kings” and “U-Turn,” is writing and directing the film.
Experience Hendrix, LLC, has since released a statement explaining that the filmmakers might have a big problem because the company, which manages the guitarist’s music and publishing catalog, hasn’t agreed to be involved with the biopic.
The estate “has made it known many times in the past that no such film, were it to include original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix, can be undertaken without its full participation,” the statement said, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A future biopic hasn’t been ruled out – as long as Experience Hendrix was involved from the inception of the project “if it is to include original Jimi Hendrix music or compositions.”
That’s Why God Made Meet & Greets
Beach Boy Bruce Johnston shared his political opinions and predictions with fans while posing for pictures and signing autographs in New York May 10.
“Obama’s an a**hole,” Johnston said in a video posted on TMZ.com. “Unless you’re interested in never having any money and being socialized.”
Later in the short clip he offered a warning to Obama supporters, saying “Wait ‘til Obama doesn’t have to try anymore. You’re f**ked.”
Photo: AP Photo
Escenario Puerta del Ángel, Madrid, Spain
Johnston isn’t the biggest fan of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney either. He said, “And who’s the Republican a**hole? Our guy isn’t any good.”
The Beach Boys were in New York City this week to play two shows at the Beacon Theatre May 8-9 as part of the band’s 50th anniversary tour.
Mick Jagger SNL Update
Photo: AP Photo
53rd Annual Grammy Awards, Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
Mick Jagger won’t be the only musical guest on the season finale of “Saturday Night Live.” Foo Fighters and Arcade Fire will also take the stage May 19, according to Entertainment Weekly.
In addition to performing for the third time on “SNL,” the Rolling Stone frontman is hosting the show for the first time.