THE OSCAR'S THAT ALMOST WASN'T AIRED

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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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Bob Iger

OSCARS AWAY – IT HURTS SO GOOD – I have to say I had high hopes for this year’s Oscar-fest, although what with the ill-timed move by Jimmy Dolan’s Cablevisison (more below) to strip ABC TV away from some 3 million viewers at the very last minute, some of the luster was worn away … although 17-minutes into the show, Cablevision restored the signal ... and, flashed to a shot of ABC/Disney honcho Bob Iger. Tacky, right? But, that’s Jimmy Dolan and this mess in spades! The tackiness never ends! I had many friends out there who just couldn't believe that this happened … right before the 82nd Oscars. But, that’s the point, right? Moving forward: as the show opened, Neil Patrick Harris performed a song (Marty Short as suppose to be there but pulled out at the last moment) that immediately recalled Rob Lowe’s terrible-Oscar moment with Snow White all those years ago. I'm sure that when Neil was first approached top do this, it seemed like a brilliant idea. However, 45 seconds into it … it became very clear it was not. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin certainly did the best they could, but when did the opening segment of the show become a Roast? The way the seating is set up at the Kodak Theatre, most all of the primary nominees are seated in area that is itself set apart from the rest of the seats … giving it more of an intimate/clubby feel. That said, the slings and arrows, aimed at everyone from Meryl Streep to George Clooney were funny, but again a bit tired. And, where was Jack Nicholson? One writer commented that Streep seems to have replaced him as the go-to guy! It was almost as if it were a private performance for those select few. I have to say that my favorite moment was the tribute to filmmaker John Hughes, who was lost this past year. Led by Matthew Broderick (“Ferris Bueller”) is was a touching moment and as the clips rolled from his films (including Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club), we again realized what a terrific writer he was, as every moment shown on screen was something each and every one there could relate to. It’s rather surprising as well as a moving testament to how timely his films still are. It was also a nice touch at the end as several actors, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, and Broderick came onstage to reminisce about Hughes. It was truly an Oscar gold moment and terrifically compelling.. Ben Stiller (getting prepped for a “Zoolander 2”) coming onstage dressed in Avatar-gear was priceless too … even as someone told me James Cameron wasn't laughing. Stiller said it was “either this get up or come in Hitler-gear … but, the producers felt the show was Hitler heavy.” Funny line! "Logorama" won for Animated Short Film and I actually just caught in this weekend ... terrific, see it if you get a chance. Directed with glee by Francois Alaux and Herve de Crecy, its 15-minutes of fun. Christoph Waltz won for his terrific portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino’s sadly overlooked movie “Inglorious Basterds.” Waltz, who at times has gotten a bit carried away on several of these awards show … as he’s been winning every time, was somewhat more composed tonight, and even managed to thank producer Harvey Weinstein (who reportedly built him a new kitchen in his home). Jeff Bridges won for his movie Crazy heart and immediately thanked him parents … Lloyd Bridges from “Sea Hunt,” and, Hollywood writer Dorothy Bridges. Bridges is the real deal and his musical performances in the movie were spot-on terrific. T Bone Burnett won with Ryan Bingham for the terrific song “The Weary Kind.” Bridges, who’s been in more terrific movies in his career than almost anyone I can think of, was gracious and emotional. A terrific Oscar-moment for sure. Sandra Bullock, who I've always enjoyed won for her “Blind Side,” and delivered yet another impassioned speech. Sandy’s great … even in her not-so-good movies and with this one truly delivered a powerhouse performance … based, on a real event. Finally, Kathryn Bigelow won for Best Director (Barbra Streisand presented the award no less) and “The Hurt Locker” for Best Picture. Both awards well deserved, although considering how much revenue “Avatar” has achieved, it makes you think for a moment. The show ran long, till 12:01AM EST and both Martin and Baldwin, who did rather well, all things considered, bid all a fond farewell. Spectacularly looking: Demi Moore; George Clooney; Zoe Saldana; and, Sandra Bullock! Not a bad show … not the best, but, not bad.

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Barbara Walters

BYE BYE BABA --- I've voiced my objections to Barbara Walters in the past; I love her… but, enough with her endless self-promotion. Talking about this special, or her Oscar special, or The View … I mean, she’s a legend for sure, but enough is enough. Sometimes, the first few minutes of The View are taken up with this plug or that plug. I get it ... but, it's just not right. Last night was her last Oscar special after 29 years. She’s decided not to continue because she’s done it all … adding, the stars of today are very different than the stars of yesterday. Boy, she’s got that right. And then, it was a walk down memory lane with a brief moment recalling each-and-every interview she’s done … from Ringo Starr on her first one, to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You know, it’s one of the first times I've agreed with her about walking away. Hey, bring back Nancy O’Dell from Access Hollywood. She’s great. And, don't worry about her ... she's still with ABC, there’s a rumor afloat for her to take her View to the God-like Oprah spot … 4:00PM on ABC .. of course, once Miss O vacates that slot. My favorite Barbara memory: Gilda Radner’s dead-on spoof of her on SNL. Priceless!

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Lorne Michaels

ZACH GALIFINAKIS ON SNL --- This fellow Galifinakis is the one from last year’s ‘The Hangover’ and in my opinion is one of the funniest guys out there right now. His humor is not so much in your face as it is rather cerebral. You must listen to what he says very carefully … wait a beat … then you get the point. His debut stint on Saturday’s SNL was exceptionally good … especially the monologue, where at one point he segued over the piano and started playing something that sounded like a moody jazz-piece from Don Cherry (of all people!) … most cerebral for sure. And, he just riffed from one subject to another; like when he said he loved dark comedies … and, waited a beat, and said, ‘that’s why I like the Wayan Brothers movies,’ At one point, he turned to the band and said, ‘you guys going to start?’ Hilarious! Let’s face it, the writing has never equaled the likes of Aykroyd and Belushi back in the day… but, it’s in its 35th year. Impressive? I'd say so. The musical guests were Vampire Weekend, and though they sounded all right, it was more English Beat than anything else. I'll give them credit for bringing in the new bands and new music … but, when they have a credible act on like Prince or Neil Young or U2, the place rocks. The Killers appearance last year was one of the show's best ever. Short story; The Killers did three numbers on that show and when the broadcast was over, gave a mini concert for everyone there. Very cool! Lorne Michaels must know it too … he’s there on camera every week, sometimes even in the sketches … but, even he looks way too tired!

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Mostly MopTop

FAB FOUR REDEUX ---The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center www.DHPAC.org and The John Lennon Center for Music and Technology at Five Towns College will present Long Island's premier Beatles tribute band Mostly Moptop on Saturday, March 20 (7:30pm show), in celebration of the release of the Fab Four’s final album, “Let it Be.” The show, entitled “Let It Be(fore and After),” will see the group performing not only the key songs in the band’s discography, but also performing a special “track-by-track” 40th anniversary recreation of the album. Says Moptop Anthony Pomes, “Far from being just the last Beatles album before they officially split, “Let It Be” represented a pivotal momentum in the growth and evolution of the four artists in that band. Now, that decades have gone by and we've lost two members of the group [John Lennon and George Harrison], there is a rich tapestry of relationship, camaraderie, communication, and love that continues to grow from the music of The Beatles. In this new concert, we'll show through the songs that the Beatles were still cosmically and musically ‘together’ even in the immediate months after the breakup.” I've seen the band before and can promise that they do deliver the goods. Funny thing about tribute bands; once they were looked upon with a certain degree of disdain, but tribute bands are now hotter than ever. Billy Joel, Springsteen, U2, Styx, The Pretenders, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Anne Murray, Anthrax, Air Supply, Bad Company, Badfinger, Bob Dylan, Allman Brothers, Blondie, Neil Young, Moody Blues, The Police, and, even the Backstreet Boys and The Monkees. I guess its part re-living your youth and the other thing has got to be that many of these bands just wrote and performed the best music ever. Will Lee’s Beatles tribute band, The Fab Faux, is terrific too. Moptop is comprised of Pomes, John Tabacco, Edward Franz and Paul Michael Barkan. Pomes’ other gig is the go-to guy at Square One Publishers in Long Island. He, along with Square One head honcho Rudy Shur, has released a terrific array of books, including Elliot Tiber’s groundbreaking book, “Taking Woodstock,” as well as titles by Micky Dolenz and Joe Franklin. Good guy! This show should be terrific.

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Regis Philbin

DOLAN'S DUES --- So Cablevision’s Jimmy Dolan held good on his threat at 12:01 AM EST Sunday morning, to plug the plug on ABC? WTF! Dolan’s been a much maligned figure in the cable wars over the last decade. His interests are many, and was even rumored to have hosted Tiger Woods during his silence-streak at his huge Long Island estate. He’s also the primary dollar-shaker on Long Island Pulse; a sleek, slick lifestyle monthly magazine out there on the Island. Despite what you've read, from both sides, it all comes down to a pissing-match between Dolan and ABC/Disney honcho Bob Iger. Iger’s held firm and because of that 3 million cable viewers on the Island just may not have watched last-night Oscars … and, may not get to continue watching 'Lost,' 'The View,' and even 'Regis & Kelly.' Truth be told, the interruption occurred during an ABC-rerun of Lost ... I guess just ensure everyone got the point! Disney has been urging its ABC-viewers to switch to satellite (big mistake!). According to Nikki Finke, “A source close to Cablevision refuted the claim that viewers were leaving the cable provider in droves and said, Disney may think its good business to attack its own viewers and black out the Oscars in NYC … they may call it resolve, we call it stupidity.” She goes on to add, “Frankly, I’m shocked that Disney/ABC would jeopardize its Oscar ratings given that ABC, Channel 7, is the most watched local station is the U.S., serving more than 7.4 million TV households in 29 countries covering NY, NJ, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The only losers in this whole mess are, of course, the viewers. Cablevision claims they pay ABC $200 million for the programming, while ABC wants in excess of $40 million in new fees. Sad, but another sign that even in Hollywood, times are very, very tight. My prediction: They’ll come to an understanding while retaining what dignity each party has left. LOL!
Editors Note: Only the first few minutes remained blacked out, ABC and Cablevision came to a partial last minute agreement.

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Happy Birthday Mickey Dolenz

MANASSAS IN ’74 --- I have to confess, in my way formative years, I was a huge fan of writer/guitarist Stephen Stills … from Buffalo Springfield to C,S,N and Y to his numerous solo projects. An Army brat, Stills was raised in Gainesville, Florida and developed an appreciation of Latin music which he brilliantly fused with his burgeoning interest in rock and roll. His release of his "Havana Jam" tour and album years later was terrific. Stills was also close to Jimi Hendrix and reportedly was contacted to join what would become the Jimi Hendrix Experience; his then-manager feared he might leave the Buffalo Springfield, so declined without even bringing the offer to Stills. He's also one of the few people in rock and roll to have been inducted twice into the hall of Fame; both Springfield and C,S,N, and Y., In those halcyon days many of the so-called geniuses of rock and roll were somewhat self-absorbed and tales of his excesses and wild tales became urban legend. There’s no need to go into all that, other to say that in 1974 he released a double-album from a new incarnation of his called Manassas. There were so many people in the band, all virtuosos; it was at times amazing that it all gelled so well. Mark Schulman, then a VP at Atlantic Records, gave me a just released CD of that album, as mine began to wear out. I haven’t listened to it in a long time, but pulled it out yesterday and put it on. It was so good, so transformative, so compelling … just like the first time I listened to it in `74. So many good memories … and, music. As a friend of mine once said, ‘it all starts with a good song and good music.’ He was right then … and, right now. One last funny Stills story: He actually auditioned for the role of the drummer for The Monkees TV show. Micky Dolenz got it and recently said, “I wish I was Stephen Stills … and, he probably wishes he were me!” Funny stuff! … BTW: Happy Birthday today to Micky Dolenz!
Photos By: Sara De Boer/RD/Dziekan/Kirkland/Retna