NBC HAS HANDS FULL WITH JAY LENO SPOT

****
THE WEB GOSSIP
****

Jay Leno

NBC certainly does have a problem on their hands; push Jay Leno back into his former 11:30PM spot … and, move Conan … or, lose him! The one variable in all this, as our colleague Roger Friedman pointed out the other day, is Saturday Night Live major-domo Lorne Michaels. He is THE man behind the launching of the Conan show, and even though Conan will get a rich pay out if he does leave … how can NBC go against the wishes of Michaels. SNL is in its third decade of survival … you don’t want to piss off Uncle Lorne. For my money, I’m a Letterman-man, always have been, and what with his own recent scandals … he could well be the winner. His ratings have never been better. In fact, it was reported this past Friday, that contract talks with him to continue for another five years are already in the works … There’s this 92-year old, yoga-practicing matron on the UES, and she’s just released her own memoir … written with a more-than-casual acquaintance of her walker! We gave it a read, can’t mention it by name … but, it’s a great, great read. Provisionally, the plan was to roll out a rich, media campaign, flogging it to everyone from Oprah to Dr. Oz. Turns out, everyone involved is now getting butterflies over the possible furor. Amazing! … Next week is the annual NAMM in California; the National Association of Music Merchants. The largest music product trade show held this year in Anaheim, CA. Eric Martin from the legendary Mr. Big in the i90s, now with his own terrific solo CD ‘Timeless’ will be there, as will our pal Clive Young from industry trade Pro Sound News. It’s from January 14th-17th…

Mickey Dolenz

Congrats to our fave celebrity-biographer Mark Bego, whose own tome ‘Paperback Writer’ will be out in the late-spring. Bego, who just did a fantastic bio on Elton John, dishes on his life in the celebrity trenches. Everyone from Micky Dolenz to Mary Wilson to Michael Jackson and Madonna are there. Says the outrageous ‘Prince of Pop Bios’ …. “There’s a lot I had to leave out, but it’s still some story!” … Bego is also working with China Club-kingpin Danny Fried in penning a tome of the most outrageous antics of the legendary club. In the 80s, located on New York’s Upper West Side, it was a haven for the elite of the rock music world; one night you’d walk in and find David Bowie playing with Ron Wood and Iggy Pop, and, on another night you’d find The Eagles onstage. It was a mass of hysteria and mayhem … which, I hope they get that in the book. I asked one notable who visited rather frequently during that time, and his reply was “I’m told I had a very good time.” Once you were granted entry to the back room … everything went wild! It just might be called, China Nights.’ Speaking of Monkee-man Dolenz, he just left for a multi-run stint in the West End production of ‘Hairspray,’ which continues to thrive there. He’ll be essaying the part of ‘Wilbur Turblad’ … the father that Christopher Walken played in the fantastic 2007 movie. Directed by Adam Shankman. He’s also finished the forthcoming album ‘King For A Day,’ his tribute to the songs of Carole King. That release is set for sometime this summer.

Mel Gibson

Have you caught the trailers for Mel Gibon’s movie return, Edge Of Darkness? They look fantastic. Now, I know editing is everything, but they looked positively riveting, Directed by Martin Campbell, who most recently directed the Bond, ‘Casino Royale,’ this one, in addition to Gibson features Danny Hutson, Ray Winstone, and, Frank Grillo. Looks like another winner for Warner Brothers. Going to see their new Denzel Washington release, ‘Book Of Eli,’ tomorrow.

John Travolta

SHORT HITS: Last time I mentioned the Tony Scott-redo of ‘The Taking Of Pelham 123.’ I thought it was out-and-out terrific, with John Travolta playing the baddie (and, relishing it) and Washington just fabulous. Also, James Gandolfini played the Mayor and was terrific too. My memory is that it sort of came and went … but, it’s terrific. A must-see …Tony Noto, from The Fantasticks-fame, is prepping a reality show of sorts. I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but there’s nothing else on the tube like it. I wish him all the best. Surprised to see absolutely NO mention of Army Archerd’s name on the recent People’s Choice Awards. I mean, after all … he invented the show. Sad! … I recently watched ‘The Hangover’ again – it’s now the biggest selling R-rated comedy ever!) and, didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Talk about your shelf life. They’re currently doing the next two sequels. See you next week!!!

Editors Note: The Web Gossip will appear every Monday. The guy or girl that writes the column is a very big industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous.
Photos By: Sara De Boer/Retna