MONKEES UNITED AGAIN FOR THE ONE SHOW

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Micky Dolenz

MONKEES RE-UNITE IN U.K. – 60's TV sensations The Monkees Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork, will appear today on England’s The One Show, to confirm the rumors are true - they will be uniting to tour together for the first time in 20 years. Prior to the press announcement, Jones confirmed a new round of shows to begin in the U.K., where they will rehearse and perform ten initial dates in May. A tentative 30-date U.S. is also in the works and is targeted to kick off on June 3, 2011. Why get back together, after all these years? According to author Eric Lefcowitz, author of the recently-released book Monkee Business: The Revolutionary Made-For-TV Band, “They are always guaranteed box office. Especially in this day and age, when it’s difficult to sell tickets and legacy rock acts are disappearing. Plus, it’s just a fun brand. Just hearing Micky belting out hits like “I’m A Believer” and “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” and Davy’s classic performance of “Daydream Believer,” is usually worth the price of admission." On a human interest level, there is also Tork’s recent throat cancer ordeal and hard-earned recovery. "Peter's courage in the face of such a major health scare is also compelling this time around," continues Lefcowitz, noting that Tork battled the disease and went straight back to performing live shows with his band, Shoe Suede Blues, within months of completing treatment. "A Monkees tour always produces some drama," he goes on to say. "From 1967, when Jimi Hendrix opened for them, to 1997 when they last toured together as a foursome, there's always some intrigue. When you think about it, there aren't any other TV show casts touring, unless you include recent arrivals like Glee and American Idol. So The Monkees are a rare breed, indeed.” For this writer, Lefcowitz’s book is the touchstone on the creation and evolution of this group; a must-read. Check it out here.


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Lady Gaga

ADELE ON TODAY – When radio-wunderkind Tom Cuddy first sounded us on new Brit-vocalist Adele in 2008, we were immediately intrigued. When we saw her at a WPLJ/China Club Up Close And Personal concert, we were blown away. Not since Alison Moyet (remember her from Yaz?) had we witnessed such a strong personality … and, what a voice! She was, absolutely awesome. Her then new album 19 featured some stunning songs, including “Chasing Pavements,” “Daydreamer” and an absolutely terrific cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” We spoke to her briefly after the show and though she seemed somewhat overwhelmed by everything going on about her, her innocent charm was totally engaging. Three years later, has brought the release of new album 21 … which we haven’t yet heard, but a preview performance on The Today Show last week, where she performed her new single “Rolling In The Deep” was just so perfect. The band was excellent, but they held back and wisely let her show off her tremendous vocal talents. Can't wait to hear the new album, which we are expecting any moment now. Goo goo for Gaga? We’ll take the sensual and luscious vocal styling's of Adele anytime! Catch her on VH1’s Unplugged which premiere’s online Thursday, March 3.


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Gwyneth Paltrow

MY UMBRELLA – We found ourselves on the contagious YouTube the other afternoon and dialed up the stunning mash-up from Glee of “Singing In The Rain” and Rianna’s “Umbrella,” which to me, has been the highlight performance this season. Matthew Morrison and Gwyneth Paltrow performed the song which also featured some inspired choreography. Morrison has become quite the talent and personality and deservedly so; did you know he starred with none other than Debbie Gibson in the West End production of Grease? Apparently, his first album is done and about to come out in May. Promising a mix of originals and covers songs (one, a duet with none other than Sir Elton John), Morrison recorded tracks for the album in Los Angeles New York City and London, and has reportedly collaborated with several writers including Steve Kipner, JC Chasez, and Eg White in England, who has worked with both Adele and Duffy. Says Morrison, “When I started the process, I had a vision of what I wanted it to be, and it’s now completely different; I went into it wanting a Justin Timberlake-meets-Michael Jackson kind of feel, but what came out of it was something more raw.” Mercury Records David Massey who signed him not long after Glee premiered on TV, said, “There’s a modern-day Gene Kelly aspect to him. And I don’t think anything like that has been done for a very long time.” If I may, I’d like to present my concept: challenging, gritty … and, yes, raw! Can’t wait!


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Jerry O'Connell

DEFENDING THE DEFENDERS – Another TV series that launched this past September, CBS’ The Defenders starring James Belushi and Jerry O’Connell is facing ratings trouble. I have found it, positively captivating, I’ve always liked Belushi and O’Connell, who I’ve liked since his terrific show Sliders decades ago. The writing has been crisp and this past Friday’s episode featured none other than Dan Aykroyd as a judge who has fallen somewhat foul of the law and goes to Belushi to defend him. Now, you may not know it, but Belushi has filled in for his late-brother John in several shows of the group The Blues Brothers. The rapport between the two was just so impeccable, it brought the show up to their highest level ever; and, the ratings were good too! In fact, there were a few scenes that Aykroyd delivered that were Emmy-worthy. Just terrific TV! I hope this show lasts, as I can’t find one thing to complain about. Do yourself a favor and catch them on Fridays! Terrific TV!


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Pat Cooper

COOPER ON FIRE -- There's an amazing anniversary coming up in show-biz lore . . . on March 6, 2011: it will be thirty years since comedian Pat Cooper went on with Tom Snyder in 1981 and basically burned a hole through the TV screens tearing down fakery and hypocrisy in the business and, at the same time, reinventing himself as one of the most courageous comedians in the biz - basically, this kind of break-out courage is what led Howard Stern and his crew to invite Pat to their show in the first place; and, he’s become a very welcome guest on his Sirius/XM show. Cooper will guest on The Opie & Anthony Show Friday, February 25 … unbridled radio for sure! The man is a genius! Check out his terrific book How Dare You Say Dare Me , via Square One.

Photos By: Walter McBride/Kirkland/Orchon/Retna