Looking For A Great Book?

It can be daunting to stare down stacks and stacks – er, I mean page after page of online choices…so here are five terrific books to give as holiday gifts!

“Eve’s Hollywood!”

In the swinging 60’s and 70’s of Hollywood’s music scene, Eve Babitz was described as “bubbly, busty, and brainy!” She was the child of bohemian parents, and was raised on high culture and schooled on rock and roll!

She called the Troubadour club and the Chateau Marmot on LA’s infamous Sunset Strip her home, and she was intimately involved with Jim Morrison – plus, she was a great artist, creating album covers for rock bands, like this one for Buffalo Springfield.

Checkmate!

Babitz achieved the most notoriety in the 60’s, however, for this scandalous photo!

“Naked Chess!”

In 1963, at the age of 20, she played chess with Marcel Duchamp — naked — at the Pasadena Art Museum, an occasion that was immortalized by the photographer Julian Wasser…

Eve’s memoir is a fascinating look at Hollywood in the 70’s…here is one of her beautifully written lines from the book:

“But when I hear that liar’s chocolate voice I am, each time, thrown into a confusion of the night he came in alone from the stars.”

As Amazon describes it, Eve’s memoir is “an album of vivid snapshots of Southern California’s haute bohemians, of outrageously beautiful high-school ingenues and enviably tattooed Chicanas, of rock stars sleeping it off at the Chateau Marmont.”

Eve’s candid memoir is a tale of sex and excess on Sunset Strip, at the height of the era of free love and rock ‘n’ roll…

Read more about this fascinating memoir by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/10/05/the-sex-life-of-a-70s-it-girl-wild-eve-babitz-memoir-of-hollywood-excess-the-beatles-best-girl/

Another series of candid memoirs are among my favorite non-fiction books of all time…

Life On A Deserted Island!

Imagine reading a want ad in the newspaper that said, simply:

A young woman from London answered the ad, which led to Lucy Irvine’s amazing year on a deserted island with a stranger – and the book “Castaway” is her incredible true story….followed up by another unbelievable adventure:

Lucy Irvine has published multiple books, all dealing with her amazing life adventures, as well as a series of short stories that are captivating as well – read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/09/25/from-runaway-to-castaway-the-faraway-dramatic-life-of-writer-lucy-irvine/

Irvine has lived a fascinating, dramatic life, and her books are all worth finding and reading…and speaking of a person who has lived a fascinating life:

AJ Benza’s “Fame: Ain’t It A Bitch” is a hilarious and candid look at his life as a gossip columnist in New York – but this fall, he released a new memoir about life growing up with his father:

“74 & Sunny” is a warm love letter to his family, and a funny and insightful look at a unique time in Benza’s life…read all about this terrific memoir here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/07/05/aj-benza-terrific-new-memoir-74-and-sunny-vintage-la-history-aint-it-a-bitch/

As many of you know, I love to travel, and love travel books as well…and here is one of the best of 2015:

“Dispatches From Pluto!”

Richard Grant is a terrific writer, and I’ve profiled all of his book in the past – but here is his account of life in the Mississippi Delta – everything from deadly snakes to the meaning of life, courtesy of Morgan Freeman:

Get Morgan’s take on life, and see all of Richard Grant’s excellent adventures by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/10/12/dispatches-from-pluto-terrific-new-american-travel-richard-grants-dangerous-adventures/

If you really want to satisfy a friend or family member, get them all of Grant’s book – they are all outstanding!

And if you have a taste for culinary adventures, then look no further than here:

My wife Alex and I were lucky enough to attend of the cooking classes that Patricia Wells conducts in her home in Provence:

Patricia Wells is not only a great cookbook Writer, she’s a terrific host as well…read all about her books by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/10/20/new-patricia-wells-cookbook-her-amazing-cooking-classes/

There you go: five ways to satisfy the book lover in your life!

One of the most difficult aspects of making a film is deciding what to call it – after all, lots of us go see a film based on the title!

Sure, “Jaws” pretty much nailed it…big shark, “JAWS”…I’m in…and when a movie has a distinctive, iconic title, there’s not much more you need to worry about…here are more examples of films where the titles pretty much told you all you need to know…

Yes, THAT film title explains exactly what you are about to see as well! And in that vein of “this film MUST be as bad as it sounds”, I offer you this movie title:

“I Could Never Have Sex With Any Man Who Has Such Little Respect For My Husband!”

First of all, what was the year 1973 thinking when it released this movie to the world?

That said, it’s not only a very accurate description of the film, but one of the strangest movie titles of all time!

In this sex farce, a couple of aspiring swingers rent a summer cottage in Martha’s Vineyard. There they sit around discussing the pros and cons of having affairs!

Of course they do!

This was an actual movie that was released in theaters…and here’s another wacky movie title that shares the same distinction!

“Psyched By The 4D Witch”!

Yes, it’s not only one of the strangest movie titles ever, but it was theatrically released as well! The early 70’s were obviously a gold mine for wacky!

I probably don’t have to tell you this, but “Psyched By The 4D Witch” is one of the worst films of all time…read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/10/06/manos-hands-of-fate-is-here-halloween-2015-celebrates-horrors-worst-directors-sex-fleshpots-4d-witches/

Oh, Dustin Hoffman, REALLY?

While “4D Witch” will only be remembered by the people who made it, some of these strange movie titles had really big stars in the films – here is a great example – take a deep breath and try to get this movie title out in one sitting:

“Who Is Harry Kellerman And Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?”

What the? Well, this obscure 1971 film starred Dustin Hoffman as a song writer who cannot love himself, or others. So he spends his days with various women flying his plane, and dropping in to the world around him. Um, OK….

Dustin went on to star in some more mainstream movies with more straightforward titles of course:

Well, maybe not…you see, I wanted to share some of the funniest and most unique movie titles of all time – the films themselves may be good, bad or ugly, or in some cases, cult classics like this one!

“Sorority Babes In The Slimeball Bowl-A-Rama!”

This 80’s cult horror film starred Scream Queen Linnea Quigley, and was originally called “The Imp!”

You see, a bunch of sorority sisters are trapped in a bowling alley, and are terrorized by the afore-mentioned “Imp!”

To see more of this wackiness, and to celebrate Linnea Quigley in all of her greatness, click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/10/28/scream-queen-linnea-quigley-naked-graveyard-dancing-horror-demons-too/

Finally, there is this gem…if you think I am joking about this movie title, YOU ARE WRONG:

“The World’s First Monster Musical!”

Yes, this is real movie! Time to embrace:

“The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!”

Watch this classic trailer for “the world’s first monster musical!”

That is, without a doubt, the most unique movie title I’ve ver heard…well, except for the others! So there you have it, five very strange movie titles…let me know which is your favorite!

Talk About A Wrong Turn!

It was Steve McQueen’s last film, and it included the most incredible car stunt Chicago has ever seen!

Time to celebrate “The Hunter!”

Steve McQueen was one of the biggest stars of the 60’s and 70’s, with films such as “The Great Escape”, “Papillon” and the iconic action movie “Bullitt.”

He was also one of Hollywood’s coolest stars…McQueen was a huge car buff and race car driver as well, and his last film included Chicago’s most amazing car stunt ever!

“The Hunter” was the true story of professional bounty hunter Ralph “Papa” Thorson.

Check out the trailer:

“The Hunter” was McQueen’s last film, and sadly, it was during filming that co-workers realized something was wrong with the Actor.

1980 — American actor Steve McQueen on the set of The Hunter, directed by Buzz Kulik. — Image by © Paramount Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis

According to numerous biographies and documentaries on Steve McQueen’s life, one of the first signs of problems relating to the cancer in his lungs occurred when shooting a scene in which McQueen is running down the street and turns a corner. When the director yelled, “Cut!”, McQueen didn’t come back around the corner. McQueen was found leaning against a wall trying desperately to catch his breath.

Steve McQueen was diagnosed with cancer the month after filming had ended.

Also tragic was the fact that the real Ralph Thorson, portrayed by Steve McQueen in the movie, was killed by a car bomb in 1994.

“The Hunter” is best known as the film that showed off Chicago’s iconic Marina Towers in a very special way!

Chicago’s Dual Corn Cobs!

Marina City includes a unique pair of apartment buildings on the Chicago River, and tenants have their cars valet parked on the lower floors of the building.

As the Chicago Tribune noted: “a car chase up Marina City towers’ parking ramp ends with a vehicle losing control on the 15th floor of the corncob-looking building and plunging into the Chicago River.

That’s right, the chase ends when the car shoots off of the 19th floor and into the Chicago river!

“It’s certainly a spectacular image people frequently associate with Chicago, it’s perhaps one of the more memorable stunts the city has done overall. Up until that point, so few big movies were made in Chicago. It helped put Chicago on the map when it comes to filmmaking.”

McQueen’s last movie isn’t one of his best, even with the amazing stunt – which has NEVER been allowed since!

If you want to see more classic Steve McQueen, you can begin here:

The Getaway!

Take notorious Director Sam Peckinpah, add the toughest – and coolest – action star of the time in Steve McQueen, and add new star Ali McGraw, and you have a dynamite action film from 1972 that is as entertaining today as the day it was released!

This is the film that led to McQueen and Macgraw leaving their spouses and running off together. Here is a surprisingly long trailer!

Here’s the plot: Master thief Doc McCoy knows his wife has been in bed with the local political boss in order to spring him from jail.

What he doesn’t know are all of the double-crosses that will sour the deal once he’s on the outside – and pulling off the ultimate robbery.

This is filled with iconic scenes, and so much cool it will put a chill on your living room! Just look at McQueen and MacGraw blasting their way out of trouble…

Ali McGraw’s Husband!

Ali MacGraw was one of Hollywood’s biggest female star when she made “The Getaway”, thanks to the mega-hit “Love Story.” She was also married to movie Executive Robert “The Kid Stays In The Picture” Evans!

MacGraw and McQueen began an affair during the filming of the movie, and ended up getting married…Evans discusses this part of his life in his terrific memoir, “The Kid Stays In The Picture.”

Oh Sally!

Sally Struthers has a deliciously wacky small role in the film, as the wife of a mild-mannered Dentist! They are both kidnapped by a ruthless thug out to find McQueen…

Struthers was a big star at the time on TV’s “All In The Family”…”The Getaway” is a great action movie, beautifully directed, and worth finding on dvd…

If this has whetted your appetite for classic 70’s action films, there I have a story for you!

Here is a story of some of the best 70’s action movies, with some of the biggest guns! Click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/24/the-greatest-70s-action-films-ever-biggest-stars-with-the-biggest-guns/

“Thunderbolt And Lightfoot” is a classic 70’s movie…but somewhat neglected as well….here is another classic 70’s movie that is little known…

If you want to discover more classic 70’s films, click on my story here for ten neglected gems:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/01/29/ten-great-undiscovered-70s-movies/

And leave me a message to let me know if you’ve seen Chicago’s greatest car stunt of all time!

Meet “The Sultan of Sexploitation”!

How is that for a job title! In an era when movies like “The Pigkeeper’s Daughter” played in grind houses across the country, there was one man who made a fortune by delivering a series of software sex comedies!

Harry Novak started Boxoffice International Pictures in 1964, and hit the grind house circuit soon after with the sex romp “Kiss Me Quick” – check out this poster!

These movies were designed to titillate male audiences who were eager to see a new permissiveness on screen…

As a Producer, Novak filled America’s grind houses with a non-stop series of trashy sexploitation movies like these:

Novak’s genius was to capitalize on the explosion of sex and violence in films int he 60’s, and maximize both for profit!

The Secret Sex Lives Of Romeo & Juliet!

One notorious sexploitation stunt was to take a classic story and “perv it up!” So Novak told the story of the “secret sex lives” of history’s most enduring love story, and he knocked off other hit films as well!

I Am Curious Tahiti!

In the late 60’s, “I Am Curious (Yellow)” shocked America with its candid and frank look at sex in Denmark. Novak saw a good thing and did a version from Tahiti!

Remember when Marlon Brando shocked the world with his demand for butter?

Well, Novak knew that moviegoers wanted more of a good thing, so he rushed out this knock off:

Novak also knew how to titillate audiences with his look into the dark corners of the US, like these classic comedies about country girls:

Sassy Sue!

“Sassy Sue” and “The Pigkeeper’s Daughter” were classic software sex romps, full of tons of nudity and action…and speaking of action, Novak also loved to document the country’s road to ruin…

A Scream In The Streets!

These films were made quickly and cheap, and they jumped on whatever was happening in the real world – so “a city ripped apart by sin and lust!” was his way to look at the criminal underworld in America’s cities…

But perhaps Novak’s greatest claim to fame has one of the greatest movie titles of all time:

“Wham! Bam! Thank You Spaceman!”

What else needs to be said: Check out this wacky trailer!

Now THAT’S entertainment! Movies don’t get this wacky anymore! The plot is simple: Two aliens from a dying planet are on a mission to impregnate Earth women – of course they are!

Here’s a funny fact about the quality of this film:

When the spacemen are ready to land, the globe stops and zooms into the center of South America – the interior of Brazil. When they get out of their spaceship, they are in Hollywood!

“Wham Bam” is another example of the raucous era of filmmaking in the 70’s…and we are all better off for it!

Bravo Harry Novak, while you passed away last year your movies will live forever!

And if you love what Harry Novak achieved, then you will absolutely love the greatest softcore filmmaker of all time – Russ Meyer!

Russ Meyer was the genius behind “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” and “Vixen”, among many others…read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

These are classic grind house films…if you don’t know what grind houses are, here is a look at New York’s Times Square in the 70’s…

These movie theaters showed movies full of sex and violence, and they played 24 hours a day…”grinding them out” for single guys…read about this crazy era in movies here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/11/23/sex-violence-grindhouse-have-a-purient-holiday-an-exploitation-gift-guide/

Let me know what you think!

Talk about a fun locker room! One of the NFL’s most legendary stars not only hung out with Farrah Fawcett, he made football history when he said:

“We’re going to win Sunday. I guarantee it.”

It is the boldest prediction in Super Bowl history! And it was true…launching the legend of “Broadway Joe” Namath, one of the NFL’s most colorful stars…need proof? How about his choice of wardrobe when on the sideline?

Football And Fur Coats!

Yes, he wore a fur coat on the sideline! That, my friends, is how legends are born!

It’s time to look at the legend of “Broadway Joe” Namath, one of football’s wildest stars!

These pics say it all: he was a legendary ladies’ man who enjoyed all of the perks of a successful football career!

It’s a legend that re-emerged in a recent N.Y. Times article, “Does Celibacy Help Your Game?”, discussing how Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has taken a public vow of celibacy [for Biblical reasons]. The article asks one person if that will help his game…and they asked, of course, Broadway Joe Namath, who replied:

“If some players don’t keep themselves from having sex before big games, it remains a favorite tactic of coaches!”

Time To Celebrate The Sexy Legend Of Broadway Joe Namath!

He will always be one of football’s most colorful players, a Super Bowl-winning Quarterback who played and partied in America’s biggest city – and he lived up to every one of his legends! Who else would get ALL three of these Sports Illustrated covers!

From Superstar on the rise to NY party boy – and Super Bowl legend, the story of Joe Namath was, at the beginning, a traditional one…

Namath played college football for the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962 to 1964, before becoming a superstar NFL Quarterback for the New York Jets, becoming the legendary “Broadway Joe” Namath.

He wore white fur coats on the sidelines when not suited up to play, and he lived “larger-than-life” in a city that not only embraced him, they made him the toast of the town!

“Broadway Joe’s” Super Bowl Guarantee!

Namath’s legendary status was sealed when he boldly predicted that his New York Jets, from the upstart American Football League, would beat the legendary Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl 3.

“We’re going to win Sunday. I guarantee it.”

The conservative minds at the NFL were shocked by such a bold proclamation!

The Biggest Upset In NFL History!

Namath backed up his bold guarantee by leading a shocking Jets victory over Don Shula’s NFL Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, 16-7. Many feel it led the NFL to move faster to merge with the AFL…it was one of the NFL’s most shocking upsets of all time.

After conquering the world of sports, where else was there for “Broadway Joe” to go than, of course, Hollywood!

“Broadway Joe Meets Sex Symbol Ann-Margret!

Namath went to Hollywood and starred in the cult classic action film “C.C. and Company”, with sex symbol Ann-Margret…check out the trailer!

Namath ended up on some of the 70’s and 80’s biggest TV shows such as “The Love Boat” , “Married… with Children”, “The Brady Bunch”, and “The A-Team!”

He’s one of sport’s most entertaining stars…and The NFL Network captured it all with a terrific show about his career:

Here is a link to that great episode:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life/0ap3000000466179/A-Football-Life-Broadway-Joe-electrifies-New-York

And Joe Namath has his own website with great content as well…check it out here:

http://broadwayjoe.tv

How can you note become a legend when you co-star alongside Hollywood’s sexiest bombshell?

Ann-Margret has had an amazing career, from co-starring with Joe Namath and Elvis, to starring in the cult classic “Tommy” – with an outrageous baked bean scene!

Read all about this iconic Actress by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

And Joe Namath wasn’t the only sports star of the 70’s to end up in the movies: don’t forget this appearance by Joe Bouton in “The Long Goodbye”:

Jim Bouton was a pitcher for the New York Yankees who wrote the greatest book about baseball ever written:

Read all about this classic book by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/09/17/ball-four-baseballs-most-controversial-and-best-book/

And of course, if you want to enjoy some of the greatest movies ABOUT the NFL, well, time to suit up!

From Al Pacino to Tom Cruise, here are the best movies about the NFL!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/08/09/nfl-nfl-pacino-yells-walhberg-runs-cruise-shows-me-the-money-hike-hike-hike-the-nfls-best-movies/

And let me know your favorite Broadway Joe story!

“Hey baby, nobody suffers like the poor.”

He’s been called the “laureate of American lowlife” – and this classic photo by Mark Hanauer captures the intensity and bravado of one of America’s greatest Writers, Charles Bukowski!

Let’s Have A Drink And Write A Novel!

Charles Bukowski was a great writer and poet, his writing influenced by the rough and tumble life he lived in Los Angeles.

A Boozer AND A Brawler!

He was both a boozer and a brawler – which he captured with incredible honesty in his writing, but so much more…he lived the life he wrote about, using the pseudonym Henry Chinaski in his books to tell his story…as his first novel, “Post Office” captures so well…

His work captured the ordinary lives of poor Americans, beginning with a fictionalized version of his own life as a postal employee.

Bukowski wrote thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories and six novels, publishing over sixty books in all.

This is just one of his more memorable quotes. In 1986, Time magazine called Bukowski a “laureate of American lowlife”. He lived the life he wrote about, capturing life on the fringes of society – he embraced his life and wrote about it with power, anger and dignity – using his alter ego as an outlet to express his own rage.

Along with his novels, he published a huge amount of poetry…one of those collections was titled “Love Is A Dog From Hell.”

His novels included “Post Office”, “Ham On Rye” and “Hollywood.” That’s fitting because his life was turned into a movie starring Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway!

Barfly!

This 1987 film captured Bukowski’s life to a tee, a seedy world of alcohol, lust and violence.

First, check out the trailer:

Mickey Roarke was “Henry Chinaski”, who spends his days drinking and listening to the radio, and he spends his nights drinking and fighting. He meets Wanda – who is a barfly, who believes that “if another man came along with a fifth of whiskey, I’d go with him”.

The movie captures the spirit of Charles Bukowski in dialogue like this:

Tully: You can really write. Why do you live like a bum?
Henry: I am a bum. What do you want me to do? Do you want me to write about the sufferings of the upper classes?
Tully: This may be news to you but they suffer too.
Henry: Hey baby, nobody suffers like the poor.

Welcome To “Craby Joe’s”!

The film was shot using authentic locations around Los Angeles. All of the bar scenes, and the apartments featured throughout the film were real Bukowski haunts with names like Firefly, Boulevard Inn, Ski Room, Catelina Cocktails, The Elbow Inn, The Golden Horn, Craby Joe’s, Smog Cutter, Frady Hank, The Sunset, Silver Platter, Side Show and Snug Harbor.

This movie, like Bukowski’s writing, isn’t for everyone…this ISN’T “The Great Gatsby” life he’s writing about! But it is authentic, raw and beautifully written – and you can see more about this great Artist by going to the website that honors his work:

http://bukowski.net

Bukowski died in 1994, but his work lives on…

There is another great Writer who also left behind a body of work that you should know about:

Richard Brautigan was one of the 60’s most colorful, eclectic writers, known best for his most famous book “Trout Fishing In America.”

He was a prolific Writer of novels and poetry as well, and if you want to know more about his work, check out my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/22/watermelons-babylon-and-trout-fishing-in-america-the-brilliant-richard-brautigan/

Let me know if you’ve read either Author!

“I Saw A Werewolf Drinking A Pina Colada At Trader Vics…His Hair Was Perfect”

Thanks to Chet Phillips for this terrific image! Time to celebrate the Author of one of music’s most iconic lines – let’s hear it for Warren Zevon, the Singer/Songwriter of “Werewolves Of London”!

Zevon’s work includes such classic songs as “Werewolves of London”, “Lawyers, Guns and Money”, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”, “Tenderness On The Block” and “Reconsider Me.”

“I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
Walkin’ through the streets of Soho in the rain
He was lookin’ for the place called Lee Ho Fooks
Gonna get a big dish of beef chow mein”

Let’s get right to it: here is the music video for his most famous song, the legendary “Werewolves Of London” from his “Excitable Boy” album:

“Excitable Boy” is a perfect album. Another song was also a big hit, known for very fun, inventive lyrics:

“I went home with a waitress…the way i always do
How was I to know she was with the Russians too?”

“Lawyers, Guns & Money!”

Here’s a great live version performed by Zevon from 1980:

“Send Lawyers, guns and money, the shit has hit the fan!”

The “Excitable Boy” album is a masterpiece of pop rock, with intelligent lyrics and great melodies…one of his most beautiful songs from the album is this:

“Accidently Like A Martyr”:

Several other albums followed, but with less commercial success, and after the disappointing reception for “The Envoy”, Asylum Records dropped him from the label, which Zevon discovered only when he read about it in the “Random Notes” gossip column of Rolling Stone!

Zevon re-emerged in 1987 on Virgin Records with the terrific album “Sentimental Hygiene”. The song “Bad Karma” featured R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe on backup vocals, and one of his best ballads is also featured, “Reconsider Me”.

“Every night I come home exhausted
From trying to get along
I need some sentimental hygiene”

Here is the music video for “Sentimental Hygiene”, featuring a blistering guitar solo by Neil Young:

In 1991, Zevon released “Mr. Bad Example”. This album featured the gorgeous pop hit “Searching for a Heart”, which was featured in the film “Grand Canyon.” Here is the music video:

According to Wikipedia, Zevon felt dizzy before playing at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in 2002, and was ultimately diagnosed with inoperable peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the abdominal lining that is associated with exposure to asbestos).

Zevon recorded his final album, “The Wind”, with guest appearances by close friends including Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, Jackson Browne, Timothy B. Schmit, Joe Walsh, Billy Bob Thornton, Emmylou Harris, Tom Petty and Dwight Yoakam.

Here is his last song, “Keep Me In Your Heart”

“Shadows are falling and I’m running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for awhile

If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for awhile”

On October 30, 2002, Zevon was featured on the Late Show with David Letterman as the only guest for the entire hour. The band played “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” as his introduction. Zevon performed several songs and spoke about his illness.

Here is that interview with David Letterman:

One of Zevon’s most honest comments is when he admits, “I might have made a tactical error in not going to a physician for 20 years.”

“Enjoy Every Sandwich!”

When asked by Letterman if he knew something more about life and death now, he offered his memorable insight on dying:

“Enjoy every sandwich.”

In the green room after the show, Zevon presented Letterman with the guitar that he always used on the show, with a single request: “Here, I want you to have this, take good care of it.”

“Aint no room on board for the insincere”

After Zevon’s death, Letterman replayed the Singer’s “Mutineer”:

Warren Zevon died on September 7, 2003 at the age of 56. “The Wind” was a big hit, and Zevon received five posthumous Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year for the ballad “Keep Me in Your Heart”.

“The Wind” won two Grammys – for Best Contemporary Folk Album, and “Disorder in the House”, Zevon’s duet with Bruce Springsteen, won Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal. These posthumous awards were the first Grammys of Zevon’s career.

Put on any of his albums and you will be in for a treat – and equally great was how supportive David Letterman was to Zevon over the years…

Letterman also has supported Todd Rundgren as well, and here is a look at all of Todd’s appearances on the show over the years:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/05/05/todd-rundgren-goes-global-new-cd-todds-30-years-on-letterman-one-amazing-video/

Let me know your favorite Warren Zevon songs!

Welcome To Hollywood!

Yes, it’s an iconic sight – looking down on all of Los Angeles, as a welcoming sign of impending stardom…

It is probably one of the most photographed images in Hollywood, but no matter how much the city promotes “the heart of Hollywood”, the iconic buildings from entertainment’s storied past are being destroyed in front of our eyes….

This is a familiar story on local news: another legendary Hollywood landmark torn down in the name of progress…many are leveled, some just evicted…recently, another landmark restaurant that catered to the stars announced it was closing:

Say Farewell to Dominick’s

The latest casualty is Dominick’s, the legendary West Hollywood restaurant that was home to some of the Rat Pack, as well as Hollywood’s biggest stars. As the Los Angeles Times reported:

“Dominick’s opened in 1948. Frank Sinatra was a frequent visitor, and the restaurant has been a celebrity hangout ever since, with famous customers including Brad Pitt, Ewan McGregor and Britney Spears.”

When former Los Angeles Times Food editor Ruth Reichl reviewed Dominick’s in 1986, she referred to it as:

“The restaurant that all the new American places are trying to be.”

Reichl went on to write:

“There is history in every pore of the place, from the brick that props up a nail that is holding up a piece of the front wall to the funky slope of the roof. Dominick’s has plenty of charm. This is not a restaurant for the hip or the harried, and it is certainly not a restaurant for a Foodie. But for anyone who wants a restaurant that does not take itself too seriously, Dominick’s is a very pleasant place to be.”

Dominick’s is just the latest Hollywood landmark that is disappearing. It’s a very sad trend, as Hollywood’s history is demolished and forgotten:

Farewell To “Chasens” Chili!

The legendary Chasen’s restaurant was located just west of Dominick’s – one of Tinseltown’s most fabled hangouts. It was renowned for its chili, which Elizabeth Taylor loved A LOT!

Here’s Liz enjoying her favorite food at the restaurant with Eddie Fisher – yes, Carrie’s Dad, who Liz stole away from Debbie Reynolds. No doubt they had the chili, because, as this book excerpt points out – Liz LOVED IT!

The Restaurant Is Gone, But The Red Banquettes Live On!

The restaurant was known for its red leather banquettes – and when Chasen’s closed in 1995, the banquettes were saved! More on that in a moment, but first, there is a great documentary that tells some of the restaurant’s greatest stories:

Someone who is trying to save Los Angeles landmarks like Chasen’s – and it’s legendary banquettes – or at least document them before they are gone forever – is my friend Alison Martino – and she worked tirelessly with the new owners to keep the Chasen banquettes in the Bristol Farms grocery store – all part of what she does with her terrific website:

Vintage Los Angeles!

Alison has a great website dedicated to preserving the memory of LA’s iconic haunts!

Alison’s efforts have gotten a lot of attention. Here is the most recent issue of West Hollywood Magazine with Alison on the cover:

Her website “Vintage Los Angeles” is telling the story of Hollywood’s legendary venues, with the hope of helping keep them alive for future movie lovers to enjoy.

You can see the website here:

http://alisonmartino.com

Alison has great stories about some of LA’s most iconic spots – like this!

“Tail O The Pup!”

Alison produced a great video showcasing the history of “Tail O The Pup”, a legendary LA hot dog stand that, yes, was shaped like a hot dog! See this incredibly fun video here:

http://alisonmartino.com/?page_id=7846

Keeping LA’s history alive is so important to our appreciation of entertainment, movies and pop culture, and kudos to all that Alison is doing!

Here is also a story I posted about the “Vintage Los Angeles” website, and Alison’s work in reviving interest in some classic films about Hollywood:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/08/20/vintage-l-a-noir-celebrate-las-heritage-amazing-website-and-classic-70s-noir/

Alison has hosted special screenings of classic movies like this one:

Here is a story about her terrific screening of “Sunset Boulevard”, which included a live appearance from the film’s ingenue Nancy Olson:

You can see a clip from the conversation here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/06/02/nancy-olsons-sunset-boulevard-screening-hollywoods-classic-tale-discussed-live/

Alison has also written many stories for Los Angeles magazine and others, looking at some of Hollywood’s most unique landmarks, like this one:

Welcome To The Hollywood Hightower!

This building has been home to a Robert Altman film AND Kurt Cobain!

Here is my story about the Hightower’s Hollywood history, and some of those other legendary Hollywood landmarks that Alison has been profiling:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/09/14/hollywoods-hightower-movie-past-vintage-los-angeles-climbs-these-legendary-stairs/

Happy Birthday Alison!

I posted this on Dec. 15 to celebrate Alison’s birthday – Happy Birthday Alison!

FYI, Alison is uniquely qualified to tell the story of Hollywood, since Alison IS Hollywood royalty!

Here is a photo Alison has shared on her social media, taken with her parents – her father was legendary Hollywood entertainer Al Martino! Along with being one of our greatest singers, he also starred in the greatest film ever made!

Martino was terrific in “The Godfather” as Johnny Fontaine, the down-on-his-luck singer helped by Don Corleone…here is a look at some of the most interesting trivia about the making of that classic film:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/20/brandos-cue-cards-real-horse-heads-the-godfathers-best-stories/

So happy birthday Alison, and kudos for your efforts to keep some of Hollywood’s most iconic hangouts alive!

Let me know if you have a chance to eat at Dominick’s before it’s too late!

Ringo Starr With His Musical Pal Todd Rundgren!

I love this photo: two great Artists having a blast together…and some great news just came out to make fans even happier!

Ringo and Todd are heading back out on the road!

Beatles fans rejoice whenever Paul McCartney embarks on another worldwide tour, and why not? His shows are 3 hours long, and every single song is a classic…he is one of the world’s great musical treasures….

But So Is Ringo!

Yes, Ringo also tours extensively, playing great Beatles songs, his own solo hits, and the best songs from his “All-Starr” band!

What’s fascinating is that Ringo Starr is out on the road more than McCartney! According to Billboard magazine, the 12th and longest-running incarnation of his All-Starr Band, together since 2012, is planning to hit the road again in the new year.

“Yes, we are going out again, I believe next summer,” Todd Rundgren tells Billboard. “We decided to do another American tour”.

The “All-Starr” Band Is Back!

Here is what Todd told Billboard about Ringo’s touring plans:

“As far as Ringo`s concerned, as long as everyone is able to show up he’s probably just going to keep doing this until either he can’t do it anymore or one or more of us can’t do it anymore!”

Here is what Ringo said as well to Billboard:

“I love this band. I love the guys and we all get on well and everyone is cool. I’m keeping it together.”

Making The Cut!

Billboard delves into the genesis of the band: Ringo touring with musicians who have their own hits, as well as playing all of his own…but Todd points out that’s not always an easy thing for the “All-Starr” band to do:

Ringo Star at the Santa Barbara Bowl with his band Richard Page, Steve Lukather, Starr, Todd Rundgren, Gregg Bissonette, and Gregg Rolie (July 11, 2014)

Todd points out that you can’t just be able to play your own music:

“Part of the problem with an All-Starr band is his minimal requirement is that you have three hit records. Well, it’s easy enough to find somebody who can play their three records, but they all have to be able to play everybody else’s hit records, and often you would get somebody who can just play their own records, and then when it comes to play everyone else’s stuff they just turn the volume on their guitar down and pretend to strum. That doesn’t happen with this lineup.”

So Ringo’s current lineup remains intact, and that means Todd Rundgren will be traveling the world with Ringo once again!

Here is a fan’s video from 2014, with Todd’s song “Love Is The Answer” performed by the All-Starr band:

And here is the band backing up Ringo as he performs one of his best solo songs, “Photograph”:

Ringo actually had some of the biggest hits of the post-Beatles era in the 70’s…lots of great solo music from John, Paul George and Ringo, but what if they had never broken up? Well, one book took ALL of the Fab Four’s solo songs and imagined them as Beatles albums:

I love this book! There’s no doubt that The Beatles would have released amazing albums if they hadn’t broken up – you can see what those albums would have been like by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/03/exclusive-the-lost-beatles-album-the-fab-fours-solo-songs-remixed/

And Ringo was much more than just a musician – he was an Actor too! Don’t believe me? Just as Raquel Welch!

“Lights! Camera! Ringo!”

Ringo starred with Raquel in the cult classic “The Magic Christian” – and yes, Macca wrote the movie’s theme song for Badfinger! Read more about this classic movie by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/05/02/ringo-starr-the-fab-fours-magic-christian-madness-raquel-welch-dominatrix-great-solo-music/

One last piece of fun Ringo trivia: did you know that the other Beatles sent him postcards while The Beatles were on the road in the mid-60’s?

I bought this great collection of postcards from “the boys” to Ringo when he was ill – and the box set was signed by Ringo – a really fun and intimate look at what was going on in Ringo’s head – and if you want to get really inside it, take a look at this terrific biography!

“Ringo: With a Little Help” – by Michael Seth Starr

Forget the similar last name, Michael Seth Starr has covered television as a reporter and columnist at The New York Post since 1995, with a number of great entertainment biographies. Now, he take on the world’s most recognizable drummer!

“Ringo: With a Little Help” looks at Ringo’s entire life, from his sickly childhood to what the book calls his “triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of the Beatles as he comes to terms with his legacy.”

Click on my story to see more on the postcards and this great book:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/06/16/ringo-starr-great-rock-biography-postcards-from-the-beatles/

As the book title says, Ringo is performing a number of Beatles songs on tour, such as the iconic “With A Little Help From My Friends”…but Paul McCartney is still going strong as well!

McCartney is touring the world and making new music – read about his latest album, one of his best, “NEW” – and see his great music video with Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep! – by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/10/30/paul-mccartneys-terrific-new-music-great-new-cd/

And of course, Ringo’s new bandmate Todd Rundgren is also releasing great new music as well!

Todd Goes “Global!”

Read all about Todd’s latest album, which I capture here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/05/05/todd-rundgren-goes-global-new-cd-todds-30-years-on-letterman-one-amazing-video/

And leave me a note if you’ve gone to one of Ringo’s shows!

I Love Chopper Chicks!

Well, their movies at least! If you missed out on this genre of cult exploitation movie – the “chopper chick” film, then here are some of the classics that have passed you by! First of all, “biker” flicks have been part of the grindhouse film genre since Marlon Brando was “The Wild One”!

But it’s the chick who rule the hogs! Any guy can ride a Harley and call himself a man – but when you put a beautiful woman on the back of a motorcycle, she becomes a “Hellcat!”

“Leather On The Outside!~ All Woman On The Inside!” Meet “The Hellcats!”

What more is there to say? Roll the trailer!

OK, if you are about to ask me the plot of this movie, you are missing the point! These are about one thing only: an “untamed” woman who can ride a Motorcycle and kick some ass!

Here are some more classic examples!

“Guts As Hard As The Steel Of Their ‘Hogs’!”

Absolutely! These are movies that tell the stories of women who know how to stand up to a man – and live by their own rules! Are the films good? Again, who cares when you have posters as entertaining as these!

“Big Men With Throbbing Machines And The Girls Who Take Them On!”

One of the great aspects of this genre is the blatant blatant BLATANT pandering to men as exemplified by this poster – hilarious!

These movies may not be that good, but boy are they fun!

I also posted a story about a classic counter culture film from 1971 – which included a star-making turn by an Actress who shows up riding a motorcycle – naked!

Meet Gilda Texter!

This Actress didn’t make many films – she ending up working behind the camera – but what an entrance she made!

Her appearance in “Vanishing Point” mesmerized male moviegoers – and made her a counter-culture star! Read more about this fascinating movie cameo by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/08/24/legendary-naked-motorcycle-starlet-hollywood-sex-symbol-gilda-texter-fascinating-nude-70s-movie-icon/

Now, if your “chopper chick” films need bigger stars, perhaps an Oscar winner will do the trick – and I’ve got you covered!

“Chopper Chicks In Zombietown”! Troma Strikes Again!

Just say the title of this film three times out loud and you will smile for the rest of the day! Meet “The Cycle Sluts”: a gang of tough women bikers who ultimately are the only thing that stands between a ravenous band of zombies and the residents of a small town! Check out this “Tromatic” trailer!

Billy Bob Thornton Rides His Hog!

That’s right, “Chopper Chicks In Zombietown” stars Billy Bob Thornton, which Troma is most eager to make you aware of on the front cover of the new DVD release!

You must take this ride! Troma films have a great sense of humor, lots of gore effects, nudity and plain old fun! The “Cycle Sluts” take on Zombies and kick some serious Zombie butt – with Billy Bob Thornton!

Troma is behind some of the greatest cult films of all time – like “The Toxic Avenger” and “Class Of Nuke ’em High!”

If your taste for Troma isn’t satisfied – and how could it be – then check out some of the best Troma films of all time here!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/02/11/tromas-top-ten-the-tromatic-classics-unveiled/

Billy Bob Thornton wasn’t the only big star to ride a bike…one of Hollywood’s legendary sex kittens once rode a chopper as well!

Ann-Margret rode a chopper in the cult classic “C.C. & Company”, starring opposite NFL legend Joe Namath!

Read all about that movie by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/12/06/the-nfl-legend-of-broadway-joe-namath-super-bowls-biggest-shocker-sexy-nfl-movie-star-nfl-legend/

And of course, legendary filmmaker Russ Meyer also had a thing for “Chicks on bikes” – check out “Motorpsycho!”

Russ Meyer came to be known as the “King Of Software” for such films as “Vixen” and “Up!” In this film, one of this big-busted regulars, Haji stars in a “chopper chick” drama that’s full of action, stunts, and scantily clad Haji!

“Sexploitaiton’s Godfather!”

Russ Meyer’s films are raucous and wildly entertaining. This came out a year before Meyer hit the sexploitation big time with his iconic cult film “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”

If you haven’t seen this film, you have missed one of cinema’s most energetic and shamelessly entertaining films ever!

Read more about the renegade spirit that lives in “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

Let me know what your favorite “Chopper Chick” flick is!

Welcome To Beverly Hills, Todd!

Hey Todd Rundgren fans, here’s my review of the show from Beverly Hills California on January 6th – and yes, Todd rocked!

First, I apologize for the quality of the pictures…my iPhone did NOT want to capture any good shots, but I DO have some great video to share, so let’s get to it!

An Evening With Todd Rundgren!

First of all, my son Jeff and I bought the tour apparel, which looks great – and I was excited to give Jeff a chance to see Todd live for the first time!

The Saban Theater in Beverly Hills seats about a thousand people, and on this wet el nino night in Beverly Hills it was packed with fans, and Todd did exactly what he promised to do:

Todd Rundgren’s Greatest Hits Live!

Yes, it was indeed a greatest hits show, as Todd wryly noted twice during the concert: he mentioned that some fans still want songs from 45 years ago, and haven’t paid attention to anything he’s done since!

It was stated in a funny way, but he also commented that those same fans want to hear the songs EXACTLY as they were recorded as well!

Well, as you are about to hear, he did just that – Todd and the band performed the songs virtually note for note as they were originally recorded, although with all the great Todd live energy you’d expect, and with his voice sounding perfect as well…

“I Saw The Light” and “Love Of The Common Man” were first – have a listen:

Todd’s voice was perfect all night, hitting high notes with ease…and the band was tight and focused as well…

Todd then performed the Nazz classic “Open My Eyes” – this slightly psychedelic-60’s song announced to the world that Todd could write a great hook with smart lyrics…in fact, every song has such great writing – Todd really knows how to tell a story…

Todd and the band then performed flawless versions of “Can We Still Be Friends”, “Black & White” and “Lysistrata” – and this classic, “Black Maria”:

Todd was on fire with his guitar – and he was really enjoying the harder edged music…that said, Todd also performed “Sometimes I Don’t Know How To Feel” and the R’n’B medley from “AWATS” – softer material that showed off his voice – and then of course he launched into his other classic hit:

“Bang On The Drum!”

Todd was upbeat and talkative the entire show, and had a blast with “Drum” – which he turned into a bit of a sing-a-long for the crowd.

Oh, and once again Todd is at the forefront of technology!

Todd Goes “Virtual Reality!”

The jib camera crane you see in the picture above was “virtual reality!” Todd told the crowd that he filmed the entire show in VR so we will soon be able to see the show from all around Todd!

The show lost a few of the songs that were in previous fan posts: there was no “#1 Lowest” or “God Said”, but Todd did perform “Drive”, “Kiddie Boy” and a gorgeous version of “Lost Horizon”:

Todd performed both “Rise” and “Soothe” from the new album, but interestingly, his encores were “Hello It’s Me” and “Couldn’t I Just Tell You” – he did NOT close with “A Dream Goes On Forever”….here’s his beautiful live rendition of “Hello It’s Me”:

The show was great from start to finish, and the fans were dancing in the aisles by the end – the two hour show flew by – and my son LOVED IT! We’ve added a new “Todd Is God” fans thanks to this classic live Todd show!

Todd Tours With Ringo!

If seeing Todd’s new tour just makes you want MORE TODD, I posted this story about Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band tour planned for 2016, with some great insight from Todd. You can read that story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/12/16/ringos-all-starr-band-rocks-on-todd-rundgrens-2016-tease-the-beatles-tour-on/

And since we are speaking of Todd’s live performances, one of his most unique tours took place in the 90’s:

I have a VHS – yes, VHS! copy of Todd’s “Live In Cyberia” tour – signed by Todd!

This London performance is an amazing artifact: Todd performing inside a circular cage with fans all around him – using computers to play with the order of songs as fans yelled out selections…

This performance once again shows how creative Todd is – you can read the whole story with a couple of fun videos by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/11/07/todd-rundgren-is-the-individualist-todds-no-world-order-tr-i-todd-gets-interactive/

And finally, Todd fans got a great present last year when the BBC released this amazing collection of live music:

This is a great collection of Todd live performances, both solo and with Utopia – a treasure trove of great music, showing a very talkative Todd having funs with the british fans…see some of that here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/03/23/todd-rundgren-live-at-the-bbc-utopias-pyramid-climb-a-decade-of-brilliant-music/

Bravo Todd for an incredible evening of music in Beverly Hills 90210!

RIP David Bowie…

This has shocked music fans around the world…the announcement that David Bowie has died of cancer at the age of 69.

“Look Up Here, I’m In Heaven”

These are the first words of his music video just released…here is the brand new song “Lazarus”:

“Black Star” was released late last week on the singer’s birthday, and it’s a prescient look at what he knew was ahead…

I was just listening to one of my favorite albums of his, and was planning on posting about it…

“They Call Them The Diamond Dogs!”

“Diamond Dogs” was Bowie’s 1974 concept album: a marriage of the novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell and Bowie’s take on a future that was a bit like the film “Escape From New York.”

Bowie had tried to license Orwell’s book for a theatrical play but was denied, and so the album was released, with a song “1984” included.

Here is a live version of the title track from 1996 I found on youtube…an updated feel to the song, but with the same great Bowie theatrics:

The album is also known for one of his biggest hits, “Rebel Rebel”…here is a great version of that song as well – from the era in which it was recorded:

Bowie was also an Artist and a great Actor, with “The Man Who Fell To Earth” his classic sci-fi film…and he wasn’t afraid to be commercial:

His erotic horror thriller with Susan Sarandon, “The Hunger” is good trashy 80’s fun…you can read about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/11/the-hunger-sex-blood-bowie-new-music-lusting-for-vampires/

Alex and I saw his art exhibit in Chicago last year, and it only reinforced the various creative facets of his career…

RIP David Bowie…

RIP Alan Rickman!

More sad news: great Character Actor Alan Rickman has died. He achieved stardom for his first movie role: dastardly criminal Hans Gruber in the classic “Die Hard” – but Rickman’s career was varied, everything from period dramas like “Sense & Sensibility” to the blockbuster fantasy series “Harry Potter”:

And of course, he was also in one of the best holiday films ever: “Love Actually.”

Here’s a look at two of his greatest roles!

BOW DOWN AND “DIE HARD”!

Perhaps the best action film ever, it was the movie that made Bruce Willis a superstar, playing New York City Detective John McClane, who arrives in Los Angeles to spend Christmas with his wife. Unfortunately, it is not going to be a Merry Christmas for everyone. A group of terrorists, led by Hans Gruber, is holding everyone in the Nakatomi Plaza building hostage.

Hello, Hans Gruber!

Alan Rickman steals the film – his first! – as the bad guy Hans Gruber, because he plays the character in an understated, sarcastic manner instead of as the “BAD GUY!”

Here’s the first exchange, by walkie talkie, between Rickman and Willis:

Hans Gruber: [on the radio] Mr. Mystery Guest? Are you still there?
John McClane: Yeah, I’m still here. Unless you wanna open the front door for me.
Hans Gruber: Uh, no, I’m afraid not. But, you have me at a loss. You know my name but who are you? Just another American who saw too many movies as a child? Another orphan of a bankrupt culture who thinks he’s John Wayne? Rambo? Marshal Dillon?
John McClane: Was always kinda partial to Roy Rogers actually. I really like those sequined shirts.
Hans Gruber: Do you really think you have a chance against us, Mr. Cowboy?
John McClane: Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker.

The scene in which Gruber and McClane meet was inserted into the script after Rickman was found to be proficient at mimicking American accents. The filmmakers had been looking for a way to have the two characters meet prior to the climax and capitalized on Rickman’s talent. It is one of the film’s highlights.

Hans: [Hans uses McClane’s gun and says something in an uninterpreted German on his CB Radio] Put down the gun, and give me my detonators.
John McClane: Well, well, well… Hans.
Hans: Put it down now.
John McClane: That’s pretty tricky with that accent. You oughta be on fucking TV with that accent. But what do you want with the detonators, Hans? I already used all the explosives. Or did I?
Hans: I’m going to count to three…
John McClane: Yeah, like you did with Takagi?
John McClane: [Hans pulls trigger] Ooops.
[Hans pulls the trigger a few times more]
John McClane: No more bullets. What do you think, I’m fucking stupid, Hans?
Hans: [elevator opens] You were saying?

Rickman’s First Movie!

“Die Hard” was Rickman’s first film. He got the role just after arriving in Los Angeles, and he almost turned it down!

Luckily, he took the part in an action movie and it made him a star!

Rickman went on to act in a number of popular movies, but one has become a holiday classic!

“Love Actually” is a series of inter-locking stories that take place during the holiday season: some are funny, and a few are sad – with an all-star cast including Rickman, Kiera Knightley, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson.

Rickman plays a husband who is being pulled away from his family by a young co-worker…not the most upbeat of holiday stories, but Rickman handles the subject matter well…

His honest portrayal of an unfaithful husband gives the movie weight, and helps maintain a balance of humor, happiness, and emotional depth that makes the film a classic.

Rickman’s most recent film was one he directed as well: “A Little Chaos” with Kate Winslet

Alex and I are going to seek it out to pay tribute to his work and legacy…

RIP Alan Rickman!

A Tribute To These “Lyin’ Eyes…”

As the music world mourns the loss of founding Eagles member Glenn Frey, great stories are emerging about some of the songs he wrote.

My friend Alison Martino shared one of the best: a classic Eagles song written on a restaurant napkin!

” You Can’t Hide Those Lyin’ Eyes”!

“Lyin’ Eyes” was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey – the two wrote most of the Eagles songs, and this is one of their best.

Glenn Frey talked about the origin of the song many times, and how the piercing lyrics were due to a scene they witnessed in a bar!

Frey and Henley hung out at Dan Tana’s, located in West Hollywood near the Troubadour club. As Frey tells the story, Dan Tana’s is where the most beautiful women in Hollywood hung out. What they saw one night inspired them to write the song lyrics right there!

Here is a classic live performance by the Eagles from 1977, with Frey on lead vocals:

Frey and Henley saw a couple meet at the bar and as they watched them, they imagined an illicit rendezvous, resulting in one of the Eagles’ greatest songs….

The Classic “One Of These Nights!”

“Lyin’ Eyes” was the second single from “One of These Nights” – and reached #2 on the Billboard charts…

Here is some additional trivia: the song was kept off the top spot by Elton John’s single “Island Girl”!

“One Of These Nights” was the band’s second #1 album in a row, and cemented their superstar status…

Frey and the band won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Group for the album…and next up would be what is considered the band’s masterpiece:

Vintage Los Angeles!

“Hotel California” includes the iconic shot of the Beverly Hills Hotel on the album cover. My friend Alison Martino covers legendary Hollywood on her website “Vintage Los Angeles”. She posted this story about “Lyin’ Eyes” last night:

“Dan Tana’s Restaurant employee, Arturo Saucedo spoke about his memories of Glenn Frey on ABC and KTLA this evening. (I bet the news saw our post about “LYIN’ EYES” being written on a napkin at table 4 earlier today!)

Arturo has been working at Dan Tana’s for 23 years and waited on Glen and his family numerous times. “He was always polite and smiling. He favorite dish was the New York Steak with Chianti. I will really miss him!”

Alison has great stories about classic Hollywood – follow Alison on her “VLA” website here:

http://alisonmartino.com

RIP Glenn Frey.

The documentary “History Of The Eagles” shows how driven he was – hungry for success, but also shows the creativity and passion for music he had…

Here is a look at that remarkable documentary:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/10/04/eagles-no-peaceful-easy-feeling-here-just-heartache-tonight/

I saw the “History Of The Eagles” concert tour in 2013, and the band never sounded better:

Here is a portion of “Hotel California” that the band performed that night – as you can hear, they were flawless:

Here is my review of that concert, along with some clips of the concert:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/09/21/history-of-the-eagles-amazing-concert-old-friends-return/

RIP Glenn Frey!

The Tragic Story Of Yvette Vickers!

The life of a Hollywood sex symbol can be difficult: it’s a hard transition from Hollywood starlet to life out of the spotlight, and for some, it’s an impossible transition to make…

Meet Sex Kitten Yvette Vickers!

Young starlet Yvette Vickers had it all in 1950’s Hollywood: beauty, sex appeal, and a bawdy view on life…she was poised to become one of Hollywood’s newest sex kittens!

Two things cemented Vicki’s stardom….The first being a classic cult film that rode the wave of 50’s sci-fi:

“Attack Of The 50-Ft. Woman!”

This is one of the most entertaining films of the 50’s, a huge hit that made Vickers a household name.

Here is the very entertaining trailer for “Attack Of The 50-Ft. Woman”:

Cue The Sexual Revolution!

The following year, Vickers posed for a new and scandalous magazine – Playboy! You have to remember that, in the late 50’s, nude photographs in magazines like Playboy were shocking, but at the end of the 50’s, America was ready to be jolted out of complacency, and a sex kitten like Vickers was just what the country needed!

Her 1959 Playboy pictorial was photographed by legendary filmmaker Russ Meyer!

Vickers became a cult icon, and in the 60’s she acted in several more films, and then became a common face for decades at conventions and film festivals, where she signed autographs and lived life as a “former” sex symbol.

A Death In Beverly Hills!

It is here where the story turns tragic: for decades, friends and neighbors in Beverly Hills saw Vickers changing.

People magazine ran a great story about Vickers. Here are some highlights:

“She was bright and intelligent, but she became very paranoid about people stalking her and talking about her behind her back,” her longtime friend Boyd Magers, 70, of Western Clippings magazine tells PEOPLE. “She lost her looks. She became very overweight.”

She also became “delusional” after she was no longer being invited to film festivals that tended to be “an ego boost for a lot of actors and actresses who have been forgotten from Hollywood,” says Magers.

Vickers lived off Benedict Canyon in Beverly Hills. One day in May 2011, neighbors noticed mail that was stacked up. Yvette’s small two-story house in Beverly Hills had fallen into disrepair. As People magazine states, “a fruit picker held up part of the house’s framing. A door had a panel broken, mended with duct tape. Rusty shade umbrellas hung out on the tiny upstairs balcony. The shingles on the home’s roof were pulling apart.”

A Shocking Discovery!

A neighbor went into the house to look for Vickers, and instead discovered her mummified corpse! Police think she may have been dead for almost a year…she was 82 years old when she died….

The People article goes into more details, and can be found online, but the saddest part of this story is that a beautiful Actress slowly drifted into obscurity…as People reported:

“Some of my neighbors – myself included – have been given a bad wrap for not checking on Yvette,” says neighbor Rick Trent. “We are not inconsiderate people. Yvette was a recluse by her choice.”

Stardom is elusive, and staying in the spotlight for decades is almost impossible in Hollywood…some just can’t handle life after fame…whatever led to Vickers’ death, the stories note that life after Hollywood was more and more difficult for her…

It is also, unfortunately, a story that isn’t unique. I have written about other sex symbols in Hollywood who met a tragic ending:

Jayne Mansfield was one of Hollywood’s most famous sex kittens, but she also met a tragic end. You can read that story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/28/jayne-mansfield-the-tragic-life-of-hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten/

Some sex symbols, however, manage to navigate that difficult path from stardom – one such example is the legendary Mamie Van Doren!

Mamie Van Doren
Screen Legend Mamie Van Doren launches Mamietage Wine
held at Eleven Restaurant – Arrivals
West Hollywood, California – 14.11.07
Credit: (Mandatory): Dimitri Halkidis / WENN

This sex symbol is still going strong, with active social media and celebrity appearances…read all about this amazing woman by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/07/07/mamie-van-doren-legendary-hollywood-sex-kitten-untamed-sex-symbol/

RIP Yvette Vickers…

Dustin Hoffman Gets Gritty!

You may know Dustin Hoffman for a lot of great movie roles, but I bet you don’t know him as a hardened ex-con trying to do his “Straight Time!

“Straight Time” is a neglected gem – this 1978 crime drama starred Hoffman alongside Harry Dean Stanton and Gary Busey.

Here is the gritty trailer from 1978:

The film begins with Hoffman being paroled after serving several years in prison. He attempts to go straight, get a regular job, and just go by the rules, but due in part to a corrupt Parole Officer, Hoffman ends up going back to his very rough ways.

A young Theresa Russell co-stars as a social worker who gets involved with Hoffman, and sees how his past is catching up to him once again. She is just one of many young faces to show up in the film…

Hello, Kathy Bates!

Yes, you may think of Kathy Bates from films like “Misery” and “Primary Colors”, but a very young Kathy Bates also stars in the film as Gary Busey’s wife, who fears that Hoffman’s return may spell trouble for her husband…

Dustin Hoffman Fires… Dustin Hoffman!

Here’s a great movie legend surrounding “Straight Time”: Dustin Hoffman was going to direct himself in the movie, but after the first day he fired himself!

Yes, Hoffman allegedly “fired” himself after the first day, giving the job to friend Ulu Grosbard so he could focus on acting the complex lead role of Max Denbo!

“Straight Time” is a great crime drama, with an amazingly intense performance by Hoffman, who spent time in prison to research his role. This is one of the last of the great 70’s films. Only a few years later, Hoffman would show his flair for comedy with the brilliant “Tootsie”!

Here’s a look at his performance in that film, along with a look at his co-star Bill Murray’s directorial debut:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/08/27/quick-change-bill-murrays-forgotten-classics-tootsies-and-clowns-welcome/

“Straight Time” was directed by Ulu Grosbard, who years earlier had directed Dustin Hoffman in one of the most obscure films of the 70’s:

“What A Title!”

“Who Is Harry Kellerman And Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?” is one of the wildest movies titles ever – and here are five more!

http://johnrieber.com/2015/11/30/cinemas-strangest-movie-titles-sex-witches-dustin-hoffman-slimeballs-too/

Of course, folks who were there in the early days of E! know that Dustin Hoffman made history when he came to the set of the iconic “Talk Soup!”

Yes, Hoffman appeared with his “Lawyer” Jon Lovitz, an amazing end to a wild stunt the show team pulled…read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/18/dustin-hoffman-directs-quartet-dustins-best-one-liners-is-it-safe-hey-im-walkin-here/

Since it’s Oscar season, Hoffman also is part of the Academy Awards “X-rated Oscar” history:

Only one X-rated film has won Best Picture, and Hoffman was in it! Read all ALL 13 of Oscar’s X-rated nominations by clicking on my story here:

X-Rated Academy Awards! Obscure Oscar Trivia! Oscar’s Thirteen “X-Rated” Nominations!

As I mentioned, films like “Straight Time” and “Midnight Cowboy” were gritty action films, and here’s another 70’s classic of the genre:

Lee Marvin, Gene Hackman and a very naked Sissy Spacek star in this 70’s crime drama – you can read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/23/prime-cut-grindhouse-classic-gene-hackman-vs-lee-marvin/

And the 70’s had some unusual action heroes as well – like Walter Matthau!

Matthau starred in a number of gritty action classics like “The Laughing Policeman”, which you can read all about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/02/07/bank-robbers-and-bus-massacres-charley-varrick-the-laughing-policeman-walter-matthau-action-star/

And finally, Roy Schneider starred in 70’s classics like “Jaws” and “Sorcerer”, but he was also in one of the early 70’s best crime thrillers!

“The Seven Ups” has one of the best car chases in movie history, all up the west side of Manhattan! Read all about this classic crime drama here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/07/new-yorks-gritty-movie-streets-taxi-drivers-subway-hijackings-cop-chases/

Leave a note and let me know which of these classic 70’s crime dramas you’ve seen!

“Rebel Yell” Indeed! “The Wedding Planner”! Why Billy Idol Matters!

It’s more than just the music – it’s the sneer, the swagger, the “Billy Idol-ness” of him – it’s time to remind you why Billy Idol matters!

Billy Idol. Photo by Walter P. Calahan, USA TODAY

Billy Idol has been a music icons for decades, with such smash hits as “Rebel Yell”, “White Wedding” and “Dancing With Myself” – but he is also so much more!

First, let’s get to this amazing piece of film trivia:

Billy Idol Starred As T-1000 in “Terminator 2!”

Well, he was supposed to! James Cameron hired Billy to play the legendary bad robot T-1000 in “Terminator 2”, but shortly before filming was to begin in 1990, Idol was in a motorcycle accident in Hollywood! His injuries were so bad he was unable to perform in the film. The role then went to Robert Patrick – who did an amazing job!

Cue The Bio!

Here’s some biographical information about Billy Idol, who was born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore, Middlesex, England. The name Billy Idol was inspired by a school teacher’s description of Broad as “idle”. In an interview in 1983, Idol said the name:

“was a bit of a goof, but also part of the old English school of rock. Billy Fury and all that. It was a ‘double thing’ not just a poke at the superstar-like people … It was fun, you know?”

Idol was a member of the 70’s punk rock band Generation X before launching his own solo career in the 80’s, hitting it big with hits like this:

Rebel Yell!

“Rebel Yell” showcased Idol’s swagger, arrogance and ability to command a stage.

Here is the “unbelievably a part of the 80’s” music video!

White Wedding!

Idol had a lot of great songs, from the ballad “Eyes Without A Face” to “Dancing With Myself” and this classic rocker.

Here is the hilariously entertaining 80’s video for “White Wedding”:

Billy Idol Rocks “The Wedding Singer!”

One of the best cameo appearances ever is when Billy Idol shows up at the end of the Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore comedy “The Wedding Singer.”

First, here is the trailer:

This is Adam Sandler’s best film: a sweet, romantic and very funny comedy starring Sandler as a Wedding singer who is helps bride-to-be Drew Barrymore plan her wedding.

Of course, Drew’s husband-to-be in the film is a total dick, and at the end of the movie, Sandler enlists the help of Billy Idol in a hilarious way:

Idol steals his scenes, with just the right touch of “Billy Idol”, while also coming across as charming and sweet. And he writes well too!

“Dancing With Myself” Autobiography!

Idol did what many big stars do: as this terrific photo shows, he sat himself down at a typewriter and typed out the fiery story of his life!

The memoir was a smash hit, and the book reminded people about Billy Idol and his impact on pop culture. EVERYONE remembers those classic MTV music videos. So time has been good to Billy: he shows up on TV and in film, has a bestselling book, and still tours worldwide as well!

Billy Idol. Photo by Walter P. Calahan, USA TODAY

Billy Loves Siouxie!

Time for more great Billy Idol trivia!

Idol was briefly a member of “Siouxsie and the Banshees” in 1976!

Yes, Billy was briefly a member before co-founding the punk band “Generation X” with Tony James!

Thanks to Shea Magazine for these fun facts – click on the link to their site for 6 more!

http://sheamagazine.com/billy-idol-who-knew-8-fun-facts/

Billy Idol wasn’t the only British rocker shaking up MTV in the 80’s – there was this guy too:

Band: A Flock of Seagulls (Mike Score in the centre).
Bad eighties hair hairstyle

Yes, the hairstyles were SO 80’s at times weren’t they? Still, I loved “A Flock Of Seagulls” and other bands of the 80’s…read all about the “Animal music” of the 80’s here:

Classic 80’s Brit Pop “Animal-Style”! Flock Of Seagulls! Adam Ant! Bow Wow Wow!

And let me know your favorite Billy Idol song!