GOSSIP ON ALEC BALDWIN AND JOHN MAYER

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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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Justin Bieber

WORLD 25 --- I just viewed the new "We Are The World" 25 video … and, my first thought was ‘I wished I had seen some of the old faces there one again.’ Now, I'm quite sure the only way this song could have gotten done was to include as many new artists as possible (Kanye, Fergie, Usher and Jamie Foxx). Justin Bieber kicking the song off just doesn't seem right. I mean, he’s seems real cute and all, but what is it about him that screams musical credibility? Foxx gets a solo early on and seems to mimic Ray Charles, who was so brilliant in the original. He even cracks up Jennifer Hudson. It’s one nice moment that firmly harks back to the original. Carlos Santana, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and Tony Bennett seem totally out of place. Jeff Bridges, who I have tremendous admiration for (always have!) seems like he got off the wrong bus. Call me a cynic and all …but, something’s amiss. Actually, seeing Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand was kind of cool! But, where were Beyonce, Lady GaGa and Elton? Michael Jackson is digitally there singing the same chorus as the first time around, this time with sister Janet (who’s entire visage seems somewhat unreal and unfocused) … but remains a terrifically emotional moment nonetheless. There’s also Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole and Josh Groban … whose voice seems to be getting more operatic by the day. It was a good record the first time around and I'm pretty sure it'll have the same impact this time. Let’s face it: You don't get much better than Quincy Jones. Check out their site at www.world25.org.

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Bette Midler

PLASTIC ONO ETHOS --- In 1969, John Lennon (reeling from the imminent dissolution of The Beatles) formed the conceptual super group the Plastic Ono Band, featuring Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, bassist Klaus Voorman, and, drummer Alan White. At various times, fellow-Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr were featured, as well as Keith Moon, Billy Preston, the NY-band Elephant’s Memory, Nicky Hopkins and drummer Jim Keltner. Their first single, “Cold Turkey,” aurally documented the effects of heroin withdrawal ... a harrowing, spine-tingling song; most especially for Ono’s wailing in the last quarter of the song. Ono said of the group, “I was asked to do a show in Berlin before John and I got together, I wanted to use four plastic stands with tape recorders in each one of them, as my band. I told John that story and he coined the name of the group.” Tonight at BAM in Brooklyn, will be the reunion of the group; with Sean Ono Lennon, Harper and Paul Simon, Bette Midler, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Mark Ronson, The Scissor Sisters, and many surprised guests. Starr is in New York right now and I would bet my last dollar he'll show. A recording of the group’s performance in Toronto was released and still stands as a fantastic recording of their work. Whether you're a fan of Ono’s work or not, she has endured as a mythic and important artist and I predict tonight’s performance will be just as memorable as anything she’s ever done. When I was at college I had the privilege of working for Lennon/Ono through their travails of trying to stay in this country. As has been well documented, the U.S. was trying to revoke Lennon’s immigration status and throw him out. He had Nixon on his tail as well as several other then-prominent government persons. He was terrific and an inspiration to be around, Ono I never really got. Was she an opportunist? Did she truly possess any talent and insight? To this day, I still haven't answered those questions … although every time I walk past 496 Broome Street, where we were all headquartered. My spine starts to tingle. Truth is, she is and was one of the last originals and for that she has my eternal thanks.

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Colin Farrell

CRAZY HEART --- I just saw Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart … what a movie! Having moved in and out of the music biz for years, the story didn’t show me anything really new, in fact, it just showed me yet again what a lousy and frustrating business it can be. Bridges’ protégée’ goes off to become bigger than him; Bridges is frustrated until he sees him again; and, collaboration ensures; that brings Bridges much deserved fame and fortune. In the interim, he meets a woman; falls for her; and, then screws it up with an addiction to alcohol. He wins his fame, but loses her. Jeff Bridges is always great, Fearless and The Fabulous Baker Boys being two of my Bridges- favorites, and here is spot-perfect here. Robert Duvall and Colin Farrell show up and are equally as compelling. Maggie Gyllenhaal is also a revelation. I never saw her strong before. Totally believable and totally on cue. T Bone Burnett is on hand as the music supervisor (and, producer!) and what he has delivered is just perfect. Bridges has a strong voice, solid and perfect for this tale. To tell you the truth, his portrayal reminds me more of Waylon Jennings than anything else. In fact, he even looks like Waylon a bit. Farrell is more Keith Urban, and is quite compelling. I'll be honest, I don’t know if it’s the BEST Bridges yet … but, he should win the Oscar (as should Maggie) … no question!

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Brooke Shields

OLYMPIC FEVER --- I rushed home from the Cynthia Rowley post-show event, where Brooke Shields attended (still a stunner!) to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics from Vancouver. Really dazzling! I‘m quite sure these shows take at least a year to brainstorm and execute … and, though it does get a bit tedious at times, this year was again a winner. Brilliantly thought-out and realized. Seeing Canadian Sarah McLaughlin perform, and Wayne Gretzky lighting the stadium torch was terrific.

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David Twohy

DIESEL FEVER --- Vin Diesel is going back to topline a third installment of the “Chronicles of Riddick.” This one will be entitled “Riddick,” and will be penned by David Twohy, who did the initial one (”Pitch Back”) and the follow up. This was an interesting sci-fi series that somehow got lost in the shuffle, with the debut one actually quite fascinating as Diesel took a decidedly low-key turn … it actually turned out to be a winning performance. The first one also had a personal favorite in it, Radha Mitchell, who was so fabulous in the Lisa Chlodenko’s terrific 1998 “High Art.” Her character sadly perished in the first one, so she won’t return. Watch out for this one!

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John Mayer

BALDWIN & MAYER --- Two peas in a pod? What’s up with John Mayer? You would have thought by now he realized that the words coming out of his mouth was usually pretty petty. This latest outburst, courtesy of a forthcoming Playboy interview, stank like never before. C’mon John … close it up for now. I’m sure he thinks he’s a genius … but, sadly not! It’s by no means Tiger Woods-territory, but some harm has been done. Can he recover? I'm sure, but what bad manners. Shame on you Johnny-boy! And, what to do about Alec Baldwin? Terrific actor … but, this latest episode of him being rushed to the hospital, then getting into a tussle with a photographer from the New York Post the very next day … is, sad! It appears, and I have heard, that the man has been plagued by demons for YEARS! So very sad. Brilliant mind, brilliant mimic, brilliant actor … but, he should get some help!

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Vincent Curatola

SACK TIME --- One of our favorite PR-sources’, David Salidor, has just begun to represent actor Vincent Curatola, best known for his portrayal of ‘Johnny Sack’ from The Sopranos. Word is Curatola will be attending a special event with director James Cameron tomorrow night. More on that come Wednesday.


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Jeff Bridges

EVERYTHING REAMAINS THE SAME --- You ever think you got a good idea for Hollywood? Stand in line as news comes this week comes that the entire National Lampoon opus is getting a reboot; as well as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” Those two, plus a re-make of "True Grit" with Jeff Bridges (in the John Wayne role and a remake of "The A Team" with Liam Neeson due soon ... and, you do realize everything old ... is new again!

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Christine Ebersole

QUICK HITS --- I want to see Christine Ebersole at The Cafe Carlye; call me silly, but I really do want to see the remake of "The Wolfman" with Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins. I absolutely loved the original Universal b@w film back in 1966 … I just purchased a new 46” hi-def TV … all I can say is wow! Of course, as I set it up with my tech guru Alan has been singing for years …. including his original solo album 1968 It’s Time For Rothstein, he just had to say, “In a few years, you’ll be getting a new 3D TV.” No, I don’t’ think so. The sound, the image … totally awesome … I just watched Regis and Joy Philbin singing “That Guy’s In Love with You,” from their new BigDot Records CD Just You, Just Me, on the Letterman Show and it was fabulous. Paul Shaffer did the arrangement and production on that album track, and he put together a totally wonderful group for the show which took place center stage and high above hung a chandelier. It was totally flawless. Now, RegisRegis and has been including wife Joy (who was Joey Bishop’s secretary) for years. It was most captivating and we're hoping the snare a copy of the album. A magical moment!

Photos By: Walter McBride/Sara De Boer/RD/Kirkland/Braun/Kabik/Smith/Retna