GEORGE CLOONEY HAITI TELETHON THE BEST

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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The guy or girl that writes this column is a very big industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous, but wants to write about all the headlines happening in Hollywood and the Music Industry.
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Leonardo DiCaprio

HELP FOR HAITI --- Friday night’s George Clooney telethon for Haiti was terrific. I actually think the high point was Shakira, of all people, single The Pretenders “I’ll Stand By You.” I remember when the artist was first launched on these shore many years ago, and the PR-person handling the campaign made the move to immediately compare her to Madonna. Sure, they were both blond even back even back then, but Shakira possessed a more deeply felt emotion even back then. “Hips Don't Lie” and “She Wolf” were massive hits, but she really delivered on this one … very emotional and very deeply felt. Chrissie Hynde, who first performed and wrote the song, should have been there too … it would have be nice touch . I also think that Sting, with brassman Chris Botti sitting in, delivered a major home run with “Driven To Tears,” originally done by The Police all those years ago. Alicia Keys opening the show and Bruce Springsteen delivering on “We Shall Overcome” were standouts as well. With everyone from Ringo to Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, manning the phones, it was a terrific event. A friend remarked it was rather too mellow, but I think it fit in fine with the gravitas of the event. Nice one George. As of this writing is raised 57 million.
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Sandra Bullock

SAGGING IT --- The SAG Awards from L. A. was another stellar event as the seemingly-never-ending awards season in L. A. hits its stride. Sandra Bullock again scored a victory for her Blind Side epic, as well as Mad Men, Michael C. Hall for Dexter and Jeff Bridges. This is the show that the awards come from the actors themselves and though their choices mirrored somewhat the Golden Globes of a week ago … it was a fine show. When SAG head Ken Howard (yes, the original White Shadow of eons ago) delivered his welcoming speech; he looked down at a tired George Clooney and said, ‘what’s up George ... you look tired?’ Funny! No major upsets, but the Oscars still remain the big ticket. Stay tuned --- B.B. BLUES ---When legacy act Dave Mason appeared at B.B. King’s last week, PR-guru David Salidor., who tried to book the artist at his Woodstock-event last August he was denied tickets by Mason’s people. Mason didn't play the Woodstock event and apparently holds the PR-guru responsible. Says Salidor, “I actually first suggested Mason (with Steve Walter) and we were ‘thisclose’ to it actually happening, but then his demands increased and the powers-that-be couldn't accommodate him. I've always been a Mason fan … and, always will be. I guess I’ll have the buy in advance next time. I heard from Mason’s friend Lori Henry that it was a terrific show. I’m sorry I missed it.”
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Micky Dolenz

U. K. HAIRSPRAY --- One week from tomorrow, our favorite Monkee-Micky Dolenz opens in The U. K. production of Hairspray at the. Says Dolenz, “Rehearsals have been great … this will be a terrific opportunity. I am counting the days till Tuesday’s opening.” His run is till May, then back home, he'll have his new CD ready to go, King For A Day (a tribute to the songs of Carole King) and a summer tour. ---UTOPIA IS COMING – No, not the wonderful Todd Rundgren entourage of the 80’s, but rather a terrific booking agency, handling some of the best projects around and enjoying some well deserved success. We'll have a lot of more with their irascible head Wendy Kay on Wednesday, but suffice to say, Utopia is on their way to perhaps their most stellar year yet. They're moving forward with a terrific tour by Bonnie Tyler (“Total Eclipse Of The Heart”) as well as the stellar line up of Peter Noone, Paul Revere, and Micky Dolenz, in the Teen Idols Vol. 2 … which began last summer and was an instant success. I've met Wendy, a second generation industry gunslinger, and she's the Real deal.
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Joan Jett

SUNDANCE A GO-GO --- Sundance correspondent ‘Snow Guy’ reports that the best 2 films so far at this year at Sundance, is Please Give and The Runaways, the tale of Joan Jett and The Runaways that is scoring nothing but major accolades. The first film has already been inked for distribution by Sony Pictures Classic, and features Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt at your typical New York couple with too much money and problems that begin to overwhelm them. Sarah Steele (from Spanglish), Rebecca Hall, and Amanda Peet play supporting roles. I hear this one is terrific. The second film which emerges more as a biopic about rocker Jett, circa 1975, should score as much interest as well. Kristen Stewart, who plays Jett, and Dakota Fanning, as Cherie Currie, features a rumored love scene between the two which should emerge as very controversial. Personally, I was never a Runaways fan, although Jett must be given credit for her place in rocker-lore. I know Jett’s current manager Kenny Laguna was heavily involved in this film, so I would suspect it pretty on the mark. There’s also Tatum O’Neal as Cherie’s mom, and Lisa Marie Presley’s 20-year old daughter Riley as Dakota’s sister. This should be a heavily anticipated spring release.
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Don Johnson

DON JOHNSON -- I've been a fan since the Miami Vice days, and wondered what's become of him. Apparently, he plays Kristen Bell's father in the forthcoming movie When In Rome. Strangely, his name is not featured in the credits ... what's up with that?A bit heavier and with a goatee ... he still looks great and seems perfect for the film. The film premieres in L.A. Wednesday at The El Capitan Theatre. Welcome back Don ---
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Angelina Jolie

BRANGELINA --- Please, let’s give this story a rest. It’s been mathematically calculated that having these two kids on the cover of your magazine sells 3 times as many copies. Apparently, they don’t need to get their facts right, but just get them on that cover. I don’t know either, but from what I hear they are more dedicated to this relationship than ever before. I know the media wants them apart, and Brad back to Jen … but, please, let’s give it a rest.
Photos By: Sara De Boer/RD/Dziekan/Walter McBride/Retna