ELTON JOHN AND MARK RONSON GOSSIP SNIPS

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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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Ben Stiller

GREENBERG --- Tonight is an all-exclusive screening of Ben Stiller’s new movie, “Greenberg.” The movie was written and directed by the terrific Noah Baumbach with the story from an idea by Jennifer Jason Leigh. It tells the story of Roger Greenberg, a New Yorker, moving to Los Angeles, where he house sits for his brother and he soon starts to connect with his brother’s assistant. I know this synopsis probably doesn't seem very funny, but Stiller, with his terrific nuances and onscreen skills, sets the screen ablaze. From the trailers I've seen, no movie has excited me more to see this year. He’s definitely channeling early Woody Allen-here and Stiller’s gift is his slow-burn line readings of his lines. Let’s face it, the guy an out-and-out genius … need I reference “Tropic Thunder” and “Zoolander.” Rhys Ilfans (Notting Hill, 1999), as his buddy, is hilarious. Mark my words – this film will be a smash. Even his cameos are the stuff of legends. I'll have a full play-by-play Wednesday.

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Elton John

ELT AND RON --- It was reported late last year that producer Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse) would be handling the productions chores on the next Elton John album. Then came word that Elton and partner Bernie Taupin would be working with Leon Russell and producer T Bone Burnett. Now, word is out that another Mark Ronson solo work is forthcoming (under the moniker of Mark Ronson and the Business) including Elton, and a song with Boy George, of all people singing on it. Says The Boy, “Mark said he wanted to make a song like ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me so I decided to get involved … and its turned out great.” George said Mark as a “true professional.” Also, Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) appears on the disc.

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Conan O’Brien

COCO TO GO --- Talk about being proactive. Artist Mike Mitchell came up with a flashy-graphic of Conan O’Brien during the Tonight Show fracas. The image was so well received that magazines started using it, T-shirts were printed, and now, it'll be the ‘official’ logo for O'Brien’s upcoming live-in-person tour, so named ‘The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour.’ According to TMZ, Mitchell says that “Conan’s producers approached him about using the image to promote the tour.” He wouldn't go into specifics of the deal, but said Conan’s people made sure he was well taken care of. The artists still retains the rights to the image, which was originally posted to the Internet via Twit-Pic. As an interesting side note, Mitchell says he’s raised over $25,000 in Haiti relief so far through sales of the image on T-shirts and bracelets. He also says he’s received additional requests for other artwork … no word if Jay Leno is one of those interested parties. P.S. 1 IN LIC --- I had the pleasure of checking out P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City yesterday (www.ps1.org). The space is one of the oldest and largest non-profit art installations in the U.S. An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, P.S. 1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. It was founded in 1971 by Alanna Heiss and in 1976 opened its first major exhibition in its permanent location in LIC, Queens. Currently partnered with MOMA, I found its wide open spaces and selection of works just outstanding. My one complaint was a rather over-active security staff … including one fellow who followed one patron so closely, in my opinion it bordered on stalking. This thin-young, bearded fellow … take it easy … please! Without these patrons … you wouldn't be there! Please remember that. Other than that … I loved it and recommend it heartily. In Long Island City, Queens, which is sandwiched between the city and the LIE … it was a delightful escape on this dreary weekend in NYC.

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Larry King

TROUBLE IN HEARTLAND? --- Remember we reported on an amazing new EKG procedure a few columns back, from some new friends out in Port Washington? Now comes word, that we may have been mis-informed … somewhat. Too bad, because what their media-maven, David Salidor, told us was that this new, four-minute procedure was an immediate signpost for any heart trouble ahead … something that everyone from David Letterman to Larry King to Regis Philbin would want to know about … instantly. Dr. Joseph Shen, their main point man, said if Tim Russert had known about this and had it ... he'd still be alive. We're sorting it out and will keep you posted.

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Billy Joe Armstrong

ROCK & ROLL HOOCHIE COO – The 25th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony talks place tonight at the Waldorf. Steve Van Zandt will induct the Hollies, Green Day’s Billy Joe Armstrong will induct the Stooges, Phil’s Trey Anastasio will induct Genesis, Wyclef Jean will salute Jimmy Cliff, and surviving Bee Gees Barry and Robin Gibb will induct ABBA. Jackson Browne will honor music legend David Geffen, and Carole King will pay tribute the 2010 class of songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry, Jesse Stone, Mort Shuman, and Otis Blackwell. The performers will include Ronnie Spector, Eric Burdon, Peter Wolf, Faith Hill, Chris Isaak, Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael of Maroon 5, Train’s Pat Monahan and Fefe Dobson. Though these events in theory sound great, the naysayers have running hot and heavy. I won’t go into all the performers who have NOT been inducted and certainly should have been, but suffice to say that the Hall of Fame is the sole domain of Rolling Stone’s Jann Wenner. If you’re not a FOJ (Friend of Jann), you won’t make it. My friend, the late- Ahmet Ertegun who helped put this whole thing together with Jann, had a brilliant perspective and was, truth be told, a great asset to Wenner. I like Jann … but, don’t agree with most of his choices. Have a great night all!

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Peter Graves

SHORT NOTES: Just heard that legendary actor Peter Graves has died. Terrific personality. “Mission Impossible” and “Airplane” are two of my Graves-faves. He will be missed … Comedian and actor Sal Richards new memoir “Behind The Laughter, Hidden Tears” (Strategic Publishing) is out and is terrific. The legendary comic’s tales of his struggles in show biz makes for great reading. Congrats Sal …Tommy Silverman’s next NY-edition of the New Music Seminar has set its date for July 19-21. Silverman, who first created this along with Danny Heaps, David Salidor, Mark Josephson, and the late Joel Webber, is a must-be-at event if you are in the music industry. Last year’s event at NYU was spot-on terrific.
Photos By: Sara De Boer/Walter McBride/Retna