GREGG ALLMAN DENIES HOSPICE RUMORS
Despite rumors of him entering hospice care, Gregg Allman took to Facebook to put his fans at ease, posting, “Hey everyone. I just wanted y’all to know that I’m currently home in Savannah resting on my doctor’s orders. I want to thank you for all the love that you are sending. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Keep Rockin.'”
The rumor started yesterday (April 24th) when a radio station in Davenport, Iowa posted that Allman was in hospice, which was then run by Relix magazine’s website — and was soon after pulled down after a bashing by fans on its Facebook page for running an unsubstantiated report. Country star Travis Tritt went public sending well wishes to Allman via Twitter.
Last month, Allman’s health issues once again forced him off the road. A message was posted in the tour section of the GreggAllman.com website stating: “Gregg Cancels Tour Dates — It has been determined that Gregg will not be touring in 2017. For those of you who purchased tickets for shows in June, contact the ticket outlet from where you purchased the tickets for a refund.”
Last February, it was announced Allman was wrapping up work on his new album, Southern Blood, the long-awaited followup to his 2011 Grammy-nominated set, Low Country Blues. Allman posted a note announcing the news and a teaser video showing clips from a session at Muscle Shoals, Alabama’s legendary FAME Recording Studio. The info on the site read: “Gregg Allman is working on the finishing touches for his new album, Southern Blood, produced by Don Was and to be released by Rounder Records.” No release date has been announced.
ELTON JOHN CANCELS SPRING VEGAS RUN DUE TO BACTERIAL INFECTION
Elton John was forced to scrap his spring run of Las Vegas shows due to a “harmful and unusual bacterial infection.” Rolling Stone reported that all of the “Rocket Man’s” April and May “Million Dollar Piano” performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace — along with a Bakersfield, California concert — were canceled after Elton fell violently ill upon returning from Santiago, Chile and spent two nights in an intensive care unit at a UK hospital. Refunds will be given to ticket holders of all the canceled shows. A spokesperson for Elton said: “Thankfully, Elton’s medical team identified this quickly and treated it successfully. He is expected to make a full and complete recovery.”
Elton John said in his own statement: “I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologize for disappointing them. I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well.”
ELTON JOHN THANKS FANS FOR ‘AVALANCHE OF WELL WISHES’: Feel better soon! Musical icon Elton John felt the full force of his fans’ support Monday night after they learned that he had to cancel all of his Las Vegas residency in April and May due to an unusual bacterial infection. While he was released from the hospital on April 22nd, he is still under lock and key until he can recover. John took to Twitter to thank the fans who showered him with love and support upon learning of his sickness. “Woke up to an avalanche of well wishes. Thanks to everyone for reaching out,” he wrote. “I’m resting well and looking forward to getting back on tour.”
LYNYRD SKYNYRD BIOPIC BEGINS FILMING
Filming has begun on the Lynyrd Skynyrd biopic, Street Survivors: The True Story Of The Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash. Variety reported the script is based on former Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle’s recollection of band’s infamous plane crash on October 20th, 1977 in a swamp near Gillsburg, Mississippi, that took the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant; guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister, backup singer Cassie Gaines; Lynyrd Skynyrd manager Dean Kilpatrick, as well as the plane’s two pilots.
In addition to the Skynyrd roles having been cast — actors will also be featured playing Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. According to the report, “One week before Lynyrd Skynyrd boarded the doomed flight, members of Aerosmith were scheduled to board the same Convair CV-300. The band deemed the plane unsafe and decided not to lease the Convair.” Neil Byrnes, who portrays Tyler, fronts the Aerosmith tribute band Draw The Line.
Last summer, when the biopic was announced, Artimus Pyle told Deadline.com: “When that plane crashed, we were at the top of the world man. I mean, we could play with any band — any band, whether it was the Rolling Stones, anyone, and we would hold our own or better. I think of that accident every day and what we might have accomplished if we’d have ten more years. But I’m very proud of the band; I love the music and I love playing it still. I love hearing the stories, every time I play a gig now and meet people. And I know the only reason people know my name is because of Ronnie Van Zant. We want this to be a good movie that tells a very passionate, intimate story about the music and the band and a rise and fall that happened so suddenly.”
MEMBERS OF FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, METALLICA, OTHERS IN NEW ROCK DOCUMENTARY
A rock documentary called Hired Gun: Out Of The Shadows, Into The Spotlight will receive a one-night showing on June 29th at several hundred North American locations through Fathom Events. The film chronicles the story of world-renowned musicians who are not household names, but are instead the session and backup musicians who have performed at concerts and on countless recordings with huge stars yet remain largely unknown to the public.
The film goes behind the scenes and explores the personalities and creativity of the best session players and backup musicians in the world. Among the artists interviewed are Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook, John Mellencamp drummer Kenny Aronoff, former Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rudy Sarzo, ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted, Kiss drummer Eric Singer, guitarist John 5 from Rob Zombie’s band, Toto axeman Steve Lukather and many more.
https://youtu.be/kYLHKpAl1vs
AUTOPSY REVEALS ERIN MORAN DIED OF CANCER
Erin Moran, the former Happy Days child star, likely died of cancer, according to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and the county coroner.
A statement released on Monday confirmed that an autopsy found she “likely succumbed to complications of stage 4 cancer.” A toxicology report is pending but no illegal narcotics were found at her home, according to the statement.
Moran, beloved for her role on Happy Days as Joanie Cunningham, was found dead by police at her home in New Salisbury, Indiana, on Saturday. She was 56.
Moran’s former costars took to social media to memorialize her. Scott Baio wrote on Facebook: “May people remember Erin for her contagious smile, warm heart, and animal loving soul. I always hoped she could find peace in her life. God has you now, Erin.”
Henry Winkler told People: “I will always remember Erin with her sweet smile that greeted me on the very first day I walked onto the set of Happy Days in 1974. She was only nine years old. For the next ten years that smile never faded. Unfortunately yesterday it did. My condolences go out to her family. She will always be locked in my heart.”
In recent years, Moran appeared to be struggling, with reports of her living in a trailer park and drinking heavily surfacing in the tabloids. Other former child stars reportedly tried to get her the help she needed, to no avail.
Former child star turned advocate Paul Peterson addressed the situation on Facebook writing: “I am proud of our efforts over the years to help Erin Moran whose troubles were many and complex. Don’t doubt for a moment that we tried…sincerely tried through time and treasure…to give comfort to one of our own.
The former Donna Reed Show star continued: “At least a half-dozen [former child stars] were actively reaching out to Erin in the last week of her life… From Paris to London, from New York to LA, our members were in there pitching, doing what they could to help. Do not doubt that for a minute.”
TV WRITERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE: Nine years ago, a writers’ strike shut down production of dozens of TV shows for 100 days and now, another, similar protest looms. After weeks of negotiations and polls, members of the Writers Guild of America voted overwhelmingly to strike should a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers not be signed before May 1st. If the strike moves forward, it would cause an immediate late-night blackout, starting May 2nd. It may affect projects well into the future as well, depending on how long it lasts. (HuffPo)
GUY ARRESTED FOR ‘SAVING’ BEER FROM BURNING HOME: Some people run back into burning houses to save their pets, and others go back for their beer. A South Dakota man was arrested Sunday (April 23rd) after he ran back into his burning home yo “save” his beer. As firefighters were working to put out the fire, the man ran past them and cops to go grab his beer. The Sioux Falls Police Department tweeted, “1 in custody after obstructing fire and police. It is not advisable to push past PD and Fire in an attempt to “save your beer”#besmart.”(NY Post)
ROBOT BROTHEL COULD SOON OPEN IN THE U.K.: How would you like to live out your darkest sexual fantasies with a robot? In February, Europe’s first sex doll brothel opened in Barcelona, Spain allowing visitors to pay to get intimate with animatronic models. Now the company Lumidolls, behind the brothel, has announced it is looking to set up a second location in the U.K. At the Barcelona location, people can spend a half hour with one of four hyper-realistic dolls for $86, or they can pay $106 for a full hour. The dolls themselves are made from thermoplastic elastomer, and come with their own personality and attributes. A spokesperson adds, “With LumiDolls, customers can perform any of their sexual fantasies they do not dare to do with a woman.” (Daily Mail)
EATING CHEESE MIGHT HELP PREVENT LIVER CANCER: What type of cheese is your favorite? Texas A&M University researchers have found that a compound in certain cheeses increased the lifespan of rodents by 25 percent. The special compound is called spermidine and can be found in aged cheeses, including cheddar, brie, and parmesan. If the compound works in humans, it could push people to reach age 100, rather than the current life expectancy of age 81. The research also found eating mushrooms, soya, legumes, corn, and whole grains also have the same life-extending effects. Further research is required to determine if spermidine can be made into a supplement. (Daily Mail)
STUDY: DRINKING FOUR CUPS OF COFFEE PER DAY IS NOT BAD FOR YOU: Love coffee? Drink up! Scientists from the International Life Sciences Institute reviewed more than 740 studies on the effects of caffeine on humans. They found consuming 400mg – the equivalent of four cups of coffee – was safe for adults, an amount that has long been deemed the limit. Researchers say as long as you don’t go over 400mg’s regularly there’s no reason to be concerned about your consumption. Other studies have linked regular caffeine consumption to reduced inflammation and boosted brain function, but also to heart disease and dementia. (Daily Mail)
