The music world is full of news this week. But first, warm up with me by saying 'Wanda and Fonda' five times fast. Trust me, just do it now. Good job.
First, on a terribly sad note, Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She's cancelled her Showgirl tour in Australia. 'I am sorry to have disappointed my fans. Nevertheless, hopefully all will work out fine and I'll be back with you all again soon,' she said. Join me in wishing her the best of health.
And now, some juice. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails feels like he was ripped off by his manager. Of some $3 million in total assets held by NIN in 2003, Trent's cut was somewhere around $400 thousand. His manager, John Malm, is countering that he was managing for pennies and 'the vast majority went into his ( Trent's ) pocket.' Hmm. Last time I checked, $400 thousand was a lotta coin.
Amy Mann has a new album out called 'The Forgotten Arm.' The funny thing is, the album is named after a boxing term. It means 'a surprise punch.' Confused? I was too until I heard Miss Mann is into boxing. I can't imagine that rail thin woman going a few rounds with anyone. That's like Calista Flockheart at a pie eating contest, very non sequitur.
David Chappelle isn't going to be telling Diane Sawyer that crack is whack any time soon. ( Ok, so this isn't music news, but it's my column damn it. ) The stress of the show has gotten to him and he's slowing things down a bit, so The Chappelle show is going to take a much needed breather for a bit. If you've never seen it, you must run out and get the DVDs and a box of Depends. You WILL wet your pants.
Lord have mercy, Jada Pinkett ( shouldn't-I-eat-more? ) Smith has a rock group named Wicked Wisdom. As if that weren't unique enough, they're appearing at Ozzfest. Yes, I said Ozzfest. I can't wait to see not only what she has on, but how well she gets on with the boys from Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath. Visit the Ozzfest website and look through the message boards. It's pretty good entertainment...
Model Heidi Klum and Seal have married. I wonder if he'll pen the songs for the next Victoria's Secret commercial. Or perhaps he'll gig at Vic's runway show next season. Better yet, maybe Heidi can work something catchy into the next slogan 'My Hips are SEALed!'
And finally, Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez opened at the top of the box office with Monster-In-Law. Relatively speaking, it wasn't a supercalifragilistic opening, but I did contribute to those numbers. Wanda Sykes ( yes, she's in it, although you'd never know from the previews ) makes the whole movie fun and laughable. If you go, go for Wanda and Fonda, who make a brilliant act. Say it with me, Wanda and Fonda, Wanda and Fonda...
With you you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik