Jan 11 2009
Lennon Biopic, Motown and More …
Awwww … isn’t he cute??
Actually, the precocious little tyke you see grew up to be the icon of rock, John Lennon. And he’s gonna be the subject of the new biopic, Nowhere Boy, scheduled to begin filming in Liverpool in March.
It’ll cover John’s life as a young lad up to, as I understand it, his days with the Quarrymen.
Here’s the lineup so far: John will be played by Sam Taylor-Wood; actress (”The English Patient”) Kristin Scott Thomas will carry the role as John’s Aunt Mimi, while the part of his mother, Julia, goes to Anne-Marie Duff.
Although other parts are still being cast (most of them cameos and walk-ons, probably), the film’s expected to bring not only a greater understanding of Lennon (as well as the era directly preceding the rock explosion) but also have a fine mix of humor and tears.
Though it’s almost a given that rock fans are gonna line up in droves to view this flick, it’ll be most interesting to hear what Cynthia, Paul, Ringo and especially Yoko have to say about it!
A quick note before we move on: In yesterday’s ish, I mentioned that Ian McKeown of the Bay City Rollers was beaten (along with his wife). Now, for stateside fans of the mid-70s, lemme ’splain: We knew him over here as Les McKeown. Didn’t wantcha to think this ol’ bird’s lost his brainpower (sheesh … that happened years ago!!)
Now … let’s move on:
Her mate doesn’t have to Catch The Wind anymore: Ione Skye, daughter of UK folk-rocker Donovan and whose film career thus far spans the genre from legit to … ummmm … wellllll …
anyway, she married Australian musician Ben Lee in a traditional Hindu ceremony in India on Christmas Day. She was previously married to Beastie Boy Adam Horowitz. The groom’s guru and spiritual advisor performed the ceremony. Anyway, congrats to the couple!
As everybody knows, Motown’s always been about more than music. And, as the Detroit-based icon turns 50 on Monday, its founders are gonna take a year-long look back at its music and the record company’s role in breaking down racial barriers in America. Now, for those who don’t know, lemme tell both of you about it:
Motown Records was founded in Detroit, Michigan back in 1959. In fact, Berry Gordy used an $800 family loan to get it started. No problem payin’ that loan back, since his roster included The Supremes, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and more!
As I mentioned, Motown plans a year-long celebration with record releases, documentaries and exhibitions. There’s even talk of a possible Broadway musical in 2010!
So, get ready for a 265-day resurgence of real soul music … and Happy Birthday, Motown!
Okay … that’s all I’ve got for this edition. But stay tuned … ’cause there’ll be more in 24 (22.5 in Washington, but they’re rushing everything these days for some reason …) So, until then …
see ya on the flip side!
