On September 16th, the BBC will start a new season of their hit tv music show “Later…with Jools Holland”.  Set to appear on the late-night jam fest show will be Metallica, who haven’t appeared on that show in 12 years, and my hero Paul McCartney, who will share the stage with “singer” (and I use the term losely) Carla Bruni.  For those of you that live in a cave, Ms. Bruni is now married to French Prez Nicolas Sarkozy, which makes Carla the first lady of France.

A strange night of tv viewing, to say the least.  I think there’s going to be alot of cringing going on across living rooms on the night of September 16.

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I’m very excited to report that Kate Winslet has been chosen to play Julia Lennon in the upcoming film ‘Nowhere Boy’, based on the early life of the late Beatles legend John Lennon.  The movie focuses on John’s teen years, beginning around the time of the formation of The Quarrymen.  Oscar-nominated actress Emily Watson has been mentioned as a possibility to play John’s Aunt Mimi, Julia’s step-sister, who raised John.  No names have been considered yet to play Paul McCartney, George Harrison, or Ringo Starr.  I’m keeping tabs on news of this movie and sincerely hope that it will show the world the genius of John Lennon.

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It has been confirmed that a movie adaptation of the early years of John Lennon is set to go. The film, expected to be entitled “Nowhere Boy”, will focus on John’s troubled adolescence while being raised by his aunt in Liverpool. Artist Sam Taylor-Wood will direct the film, and explained what areas of John’s life will get the most emphasis:

“The women in John’s early life truly shaped who he became and the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships are central to this film”.

Casting for the project is now underway. It should be interesting to see which actor lands the role of John. I’m looking forward to this.

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Sir Paul McCartney, who is amongst the strictest of vegetarians, was recently given a serving of meat at a New York restaurant which he frequents. While dining with girlfriend Nancy Shevell, Macca was served a meat-based amuse bouche, which was supposedly ordered to be brought to “his vegetarian guests” by a chef. According to the New York Post newspaper, Paul said:

“You can tell the chef to stick it? but don’t tell him I said that.”

I’m surprised that Paul didn’t have stronger words for that chef. Why on earth would he serve meat to Paul, knowing that he is a vegetarian? Shame, shame.

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David Gilmour is much too modest as he claims that Pink Floyd developed their “spacey, atmospheric” music in the 1960s because they weren’t talented enough to play the blues. Gilmour tries to explain:

“We were never the most proficient musicians. When the band started, Pink Floyd were unique in that they weren’t great blues players. In fact, we never did become that musically accomplished. And that’s what pushes you to try other things.”

No one’s buying that they weren’t great musicians - they were just more creative and experimental than many others.

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This is right out of the Ouchie! category.  Everyone’s favorite celebrity chef, the outspoken Gordon Ramsey, has ticked off Paul McCartney by saying not very kind things about vegetarians.  Here’s what Gord had to say about vegetarians…

“If one of my daughters’ boyfriends turns out to be vegetarian I swear to God I’d never forgive them.’

Adding insult to injury, here’s more from the good chef…

“My biggest nightmare would be if the kids ever came up to me and said “Dad, I’m a vegetarian”. Then I would sit them on the fence and electrocute them.’

Is he crazy saying that shit?  Anyway, Paul, always being his gracious, classy self retorted with this…

“I will talk to people about the advantages of vegetarianism, and it will upset me if we’ve had a good conversation and they turn around and say something stupid.

‘I just read a quote from Gordon Ramsay… “If my daughter ever grew up and married a vegetarian, I’d never forgive her.  But even that I would forgive because it’s not my affair, it’s not up to me if he talks stupid or not.’

Right on, Paul!

Paul goes on to say that his youngest daughter, 4 year old Beatrice, is already a vegan.  In closing the interview, he ended it with …

‘If you do see Gordon… tell him he’s a lovely boy.’

All’s well that ends well!

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As reported before, thenewno2 will be having 5 shows at the Key Club in Los Angeles. Click on the video above to watch a promotional video and if you live in the LA area, don’t miss those shows!!

Pink Floyd members Roger Waters and Nick Mason have been awarded the 2008 Swedish Polar Music Prize.  The musicians, along with American opera singer Renee Fleming, received their prizes from Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf at a ceremony in Stockholm on Tuesday.  Pink Floyd won for their ‘contribution to the development of popular culture’.  The Polar Music Prize is annually split between pop and classical artists and is Sweden’s most prestigious music award.

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Apparently, Sir Elton John is ready to forget his accusation of Madonna’s lip-synching at her live performances. Elton showed up at Madonna’s ‘Sticky and Sweet’ tour concert in Paris on Tuesday with his partner David Furnish.  The pair were reportedly photographed cheering on Madonna from the stands.  Sounds like Elton is over his hissy fit from four years ago.  At a music awards show back then, Elton made unflattering remarks about Madonna being nominated for Best Live Act, questioning the authenticity of her live singing.  I wonder if the Rocket Man went backstage to say hello to Madge.

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The former press officer for Jimi Hendrix recently spoke about the time the legendary guitarist first decided to set his guitar on fire. Tony Garland was present when Hendrix set his guitar on fire. The stunt was reportedly hatched by Hendrix’s manager at the time, and it was Garland’s job to see that the plan was followed through. Garland said:

“They said they were going to burn it – so I nipped round the corner to buy some Ronson lighter fuel. It sounds ludicrous – but they were fairly ludicrous days. Things were done on the spur of the moment. We did lots of crazy things back then.”

The restored guitar will be auctioned on September 4th in London. It is expected to rake in more than a million dollars.

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