#keith david singing is always a win

[shiveagit]

A&L Week 2024: Day 5 Lyrics Loser, Baby - Hazbin: Keith David & Blake Roman

This song slaps for losers for like Leo and April.

[asherlockstudy]

How to do perfect staging: a lesson from Italy

I mentioned at some point I might actually make a post drooling over Italy's Måneskin performance and staging. I was kinda bored to be honest and decided against it but then all those trashy rumours that try to bring the winners down seemed so disgraceful and embarrassing to me that I decided again to do it. Now, the truth is that their performance was a little better in the semi-final introduction act. Perhaps this was due to the anxiety of the Grand Final. This is why I am going to use photos and gifs from that act and perhaps this will show to some that the perfect package might need a little bit of everything, and not just slap your language on the audience's ears with the expectation that this alone is always enough. *Did I make this too personal?*

Anyway, I digress. And I don’t mean that the Grand Final performance wasn’t still the best of the night, I just mean it wasn’t at the same God Tier level as the semifinal one.

Here's why the Italians took advantage of the Dutch stage until its very last millimeter and way more cleverly than any other country.

This is the only act that starts from the back of the stage, where the singer Damiano David waits for us alone.

Even with the rest of the 25 competing countries, this intro makes you forget that you are watching a contest with 26 countries as guests. Unlike anyone else, Italy looks like the host, like this place belongs to them and the frontman waits for you to show you around and possibly drag you to the world of Måneskin. In fact, you almost forget it’s Eurovision - this now looks like a Måneskin concert or, even better, a more private space of theirs with an ominous industrial feel. One of the most impactful things now is the lighting. Take a look at it. Almost all contestants throw all the lights on themselves or on some important prop they have prepared. The Italians are the only ones who chose to just light the stage itself. The simple white lights on the black stage give the impression of depth and it is the only act which shows emphatically the size of the stage. Why this? Well, we already established that in the first seconds the viewers feel they are in a new space belonging exclusively to Måneskin - the lights make us feel that their area is vast and dark and we are about to be drawn to its depths.

Damiano indeed guides us to the front as he sings, where the rest of the band are on the top of a platform. The other members won’t come down and join Damiano until he sings the appropriate verse “Buona sera, signore e signori” (=Good evening, ladies and gentlemen) and accompany it with a theatrical flamboyant bow (that feels very Italian). That’s when, technically introduced to the audience after the official greeting, bassist Victoria de Angelis and guitarist Thomas Raggi come off the platform and join Damiano.

There’s nothing excessive about the visual effects. Only the use of white lights that give the perception of depth and in the background the big shadows of the group’s silhouettes. They are in the front and they cast their shadows in the back; they create to you a feeling of being trapped by them but do you really want to escape?

When the second verse starts, Victoria and Thomas take the paths left and right of the stage and leave Damiano alone. They take even more advantage of the stage and in a typical classic rock band way. These two play with the side cameras but the focus is more on Damiano, whose verse sounds more like a tongue-twister. Since the cameras are rightfully on Damiano, I must now address the elephant in the room. Damiano is particularly attractive. In fact, the whole band is almost mind-bogglingly attractive and they clearly take a lot of care about how exactly they are going to look but Damiano, as the frontman, does especially so. So let’s talk about the outfit. They all have essentially the same outfit, however it is cut differently for each based on the person’s looks and personality. Isn’t it fantastic?

Damiano, who oozes confidence and sex appeal, has accordingly the most “provocative” outfit of the four. His chest and arms are bare so that his many tattoos can be seen. I’ll talk about the other outfits later as they all have their place in the... uh... white lights.

During the second chorus Victoria and Thomas return at the center and after the chorus it is time for the first solo; Victoria’s. The cameras are now on her but the lighting remains modest to accentuate the dark beat of her bass.

Victoria is the only girl of the group and the most dressed of them all - how refreshing! Her outfit is more similar to Thomas but she is buttoned up in the front. How does she wish to underscore her uniqueness as the woman of the band? But of course, with long flamboyant girly sleeves that come to delicious contrast with her aggressive stomping and her wide strides. Both her hairstyle and her outfit is inspired or basically just outright 70′s classic rock look.

It’s time for the bridge of the song right after her solo and Damiano has his attention on her and also draws the viewer’s attention to her some more. This part of the song is lower and softer - in relative terms - that’s why Damiano “chooses” her to sing it to. The lights now turn red, the intensity rises but there’s light flirtatiousness between them, with many smiles to each other and the camera that turns around them as they launch at each other playfully.

Then the song gets darker, more intense, the guitar stronger than the bass and Damiano’s voice turns to a scream. For this part, he turns to his bro, guitarist Thomas and he now draws the attention to him.

He grabs Thomas by the neck in an intense, intimate way (that doesn’t mean sexual, just intimate. His interaction with Victoria wasn’t sexual either). It is clear that through different ways Måneskin want to stress how good and close their relations are and that their singer, who is apparently a show stealer by birth, wants to ensure that they all get equal amount of attention from their audience. I love this.

True enough, nobody is left behind! The last chorus starts with a drums solo and Damiano goes up to the platform to now meet and introduce to us Ethan Torchio. Ethan stands up and his giant shadow is on the now blue background: this is the moment for the - so I hear - somewhat shy drummer to shine in his own aesthetic. The Italians leave none of their assets to fall down and Ethan’s impressive hair rightfully steals the show.

Just like Victoria and Thomas look alike, so do Ethan and Damiano, that’s why their costumes are the most similar. Ethan has a vest that covers him more than Damiano but leaves his arms bare. Because whose else the arms do you need to see if not the drummer’s?

This song has something peculiar because it was not a song originally written for Eurovision; it slows down in the end and  does not end on some impressive note from the singer as usual but with the last solo we expect, that of the guitarist, because everything is fair in Måneskin! The focus has to leave Damiano, so now it’s the time for the visual effects to finally catch fire, literally,  because nobody is allowed to take their eyes off them! Måneskin use a huge amount of pyro that however feels appropriate for the intense chorus and the ending guitar solo.

Thomas steps up for his solo and I forget we are in 2021. This is the most 70s thing I would ever hope to see.

In a hell of pyro, Thomas looks like he was tranferred right from a 70s rock ‘n roll concert. His outfit would be gladly taken by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. The unbuttoned jacket with this boho tie, such a classic 70s fashion touch. His haircut and even his FACE are the epitome of the 70s - what an ending sequence!

But hey we reached the end and this is Eurovision, the song slows down dangerously. Like I said, the Italians forbid us to get distracted. The attention must return to Damiano ASAP. Damiano says one last line and takes the audience with him to the very end with a death drop.

There you have it. Måneskin had me holding my breath for the full three minutes and I did not want to take my eyes off my TV. There are countless shows that are awesome - in this very Eurovision as well - but I was impressed by how they seemed to have found the perfect balance for everything in every single moment. They found the perfect stage concept for the song, they relied on visual effects only when they needed them and they stressed every twist and turn of their sound with a perfectly fitting move or interaction. They also all effortlessly could hold your attention and they made sure that they all would, with members often helping bring out other members. This performance was beautiful and, above all, clever which is why it was undoubtedly the worthiest of the win.  

[davonne-rogers]

Lemme just say some thank yous after tonight’s historic win.

Thank you, Cassandra. Rest in power, queen.

Thank you, Will Mega. The first to call them out.

Thank you, Autumn. This is justice.

Thank you, Monica. We will always love you! May Tamitha smile on you.

Thank you, Marcellas. Always use the veto.

Thank you to the GOAT, the best to never win. A queen who still to this day is never given the respect she deserves. Danielle motherfuckin’ Reyes!

Thank you, Amanda. Gone too soon and for no reason.

Thank you, Marvin! Marvin! Marvin!

Thank you, Beau. With love from us polyester-haired bitches!

Thank you, Jameka. I know dealing with Evel Dick must’ve been traumatizing. Respect on that.

Thank you, Parker. A victim of a bad twist.

Thank you, Ollie.... We’ll never forget that HOH live feed 😳

Thank you, Libra. Queen of the coven. Made Big Brother 10 one of its most iconic.

Thank you, Natalie. Like Dani, you were so close.

Thank you, Chima. Production finally got that talk! Shame that mic fell. Never stop being iconic.

Thank you, Kevin for sending Jeff packing when no one would have. I don’t remember BB22.

Thank you, Monet. Went home for no reason.

Thank you, Keith. Angels are smiling now!

Thank you, Lawon. That secret power is finally here.

Thank you, Kalia. Putting Jeff in his place since 2011.

Thank you, Jodi. A BB legend, not in the way you wanted but still iconic.

Thank you, Howard. For standing up for Candice.

Thank you, Candice. I’m heartbroken that traumatic Big Brother experience is now a part of your life story, but it only made you stronger. And now you’re finally getting justice in your name.

Thank you, Devin. Never a dull moment with you.

Thank you, Jocasta. We were so used to giving and now we get to receive!

Thank you, Amber. Challenge champion.

Thank you, Da’Vonne. What can be said? You started this movement. No matter what that foul-breathed father-kisser has to say. You will always be iconic. There will never not be a person who doesn’t know your face or your name. You are a legend.

Thank you, Zakiyah. You are gorgeous, queen.

Thank you, Ramses. You are still black.

Thank you, Dominique. Keep calling out those snakes in the grass.

Thank you, Swaggy. One half of a beautiful couple. Happy for your success!

Thank you, Bayleigh. Never stopped standing up for yourself. God works in mysterious ways. You didn’t win the prize money but you found Swaggy and all the wealth you need.

Thank you, David.

Thank you, Kemi. Like Candice, I’m saddened that your BB experience was tainted but now you’ve been given your justice. Thank you for being you and calling those racist haters out with class.

Thank you, Neeley. Those wigs had me snatched.

Thank you, Danielle Lickey. Set a high standard of a very low bar for black competitors.

Thank you, Justin. Sing a crooner for this day!

Thank you, Keshia. My patience for this show had continued to deplete but I stuck it out for this moment.

Thank you, Omarosa. There was never a doubt you would be an excellent BB player.

Thank you, Metta. For wanting to go home. 😜 (Love you king)

Thank you, Kandi. One of the classiest and best social players that season.

Thank you, Lolo. A hot mess all the way through. I’ll always be excited to see you on a competition show.

Thank you, Ricky. For choosing to keep Tamar.

Thank you, Tamar. The first black winner, by a unanimous vote. You are the standard.

And finally -- thank you to all the members of the Cookout for showing how to play this game without isolating or bullying and treating people with respect. Even some of y’all get on our nerves, you will never be as hateful as those other alliances. You kept it classy.

Thank you, Azah. 

Thank you Kyland, Xavier, and Derek F.

Thank you, Hannah.

Thank you, Tiffany.

[oh-theatre]

Sycamore High: An Ending (Almost) (Chapter 39)

A/N: One more chapter bois!!! Honestly, I love Tommy so much holy jeezus, hopefully, I can remember how to do comedy in the sequel again oop! Anyway, leave me some comments. Also, I love Tommy and Ted and my heart legit can't take how much I love them

summary: Its the last day of finals, and the last day of school. What could go wrong?

words: 3158

warnings: Swearing, negative thoughts, kissing, violence

Edited by: @theyreallidiots  (Seriously please go give them some love, they're amazing and I love them with everything I have)

Ao3 Link

Finals Day 3...

“Tommy, right?” Tommy glanced up, his eyes adjusting to the figure standing in front of him. He blinked, realizing how exhausted he was. The library was quiet, huddled in a corner with all his materials and supplies, Tommy was studying.

“Hmm?” He hummed, he didn't really have it in him to speak. The figure chuckled sitting down next to him, Tommy shifted giving him some room. He could see his face better now: his hair was dark and long, it fell to his shoulders in a wavy formation. His face...was boring. Not in a bad way but there wasn't anything special about him. He was cute, sure, but that's about it. Tommy recognizes him from his English class, he sits in the back, he doesn't talk much. He extended his hand towards Tommy. “English class,” Tommy said.

“Yeah” He chuckled again, Tommy hated the way it sounded as if no matter what Tommy said, he would smile and play along. “I’m David,” Tommy nodded shaking his hand, he didn't really have time for this and hoped the conversation would end soon. “I..uh recognized you...from class” He rubbed the nape of his neck, avoiding Tommy’s eyes. His lips curled into a sweet smile or at least an attempt. “You're like...really smart” He complimented. Tommy pressed his lips together swallowing an exasperated sigh.

“Thank you...I’m sorry, I'm really bus-”

“Oh yeah! Totally, sorry...don't let me disturb you” He gestured to Tommy's work. Tommy eyed him but went back to his papers, he tried to work but he could feel Davids intense stare. He put his pencil down looking back up at him. “Sorry, it's just…” David looked him over, his eyes twinkling, his lips in a half-smile. “You’re...really cute” He pushed his hair behind his ears

Oh

Tommy’s heart sunk, he was being flirted with, never had he hated a feeling so much. He shut his eyes, taking a deep breath. He looked back up at David, his smile as fake as he could make it.

“Thanks! My boyfriend sure thinks so” He chirped, and there it was. David's face fell, his smile disappearing becoming confusion. His eyebrows furrowing, he let out a small laugh.

“He's very lucky, and where might he be?” David looked around expectantly. Seriously? Tommy thought you're still going? He didn't really know how to respond, once his free period was over, he had a final and he really didn't have time for...whatever this was. It was almost selfish of him to wish Ted was here.

“I...I don't know” Tommy admitted. He was probably studying with Charlotte and Emma right now, seeing as they had free periods as well but he couldn't be sure. They used to know where the other was because they were usually together. And sure, some might say that's a bad thing but...it worked for them. And they loved it. They loved each other, Tommy loved him. “You know what? I have to go” But this time, he wasn't running away from someone, he was running towards them. He collected his things, not giving David another look and rushed down the hall and out of school. He was really hoping Ted would be at the coffee shop they always went to, and lo and behold.

Ted sat behind Charlotte fiddling with her while Emma lay strewn across Charlotte's lap reciting something. Tommy could almost laugh had he not been so nervous. Ted looked up noticing him, his eyes actually grew, the pupil dilates when it sees something it likes. Or at least that's what Tommy remembered from class, his mind was a little preoccupied right now. Ted stood, much to Charlotte's disappointment, well, until she saw who he was standing for. Tommy wasted no time, he took Ted’s face and kissed him. Ted was clearly taken aback but melted into the kiss nonetheless, realizing how desperate he was for this moment. Tommy giggled happily, wrapping his own arms around Ted's neck. Charlotte tried really hard but her heart was so full, she squealed Emma tried to stifle it but she was just as happy. Ted pulled away eyeing his friends, they quickly returned to their work shrugging. Tommy cupped Ted’s face pulling him back towards him.

“Hi” He smiled, his heart, much like Charlotte’s, was full. Ted shook his head trying to swallow a smile, he smothered Tommy in more kisses hugging him right after. “I’m so sorry dearest” Tommy whispered in his ear.  “How do I make it up to you?” He asked pulling away, Ted shook his head once more.

“You don't ha-” he paused, an idea popped into his head. “Sing with me” He marveled, Tommy laughed slightly. Ted stood his ground however, he didn't budge.

“Oh! You're serious?” Tommy’s eyes grew wide, Ted nodded.

“My parents wanted me to sing at the wedding...and I want you to sing with me” Ted admitted, Tommy forced a squeal squeezing his hands. To be honest? He didn't know if he would be here for the wedding. He wanted to, so badly but his parents were pretty adamant about him leaving as soon as he could. Ted bit his lips, still smiling. “What?”  Ted could tell.

“Nothing! I'd love to” he lied, well he would love to but...would he be able to? But no more, he was going to be here for Ted. As long as he could, he just had to convince his parents to let him stay a little bit into summer and it would be fine. “What are we singing?” He asked, his heart still racing from excitement to be back in Ted's arms.

~~~

“Bill Dorris!” The name echoed the auditorium. Ted always felt like this ritual was stupid and would cause low self-esteem for the students but watching Bill, shocked, rushing up to stage to accept the award, Ted felt nothing but pride. He definitely showed it by cheering the loudest. “Congratulations to Mister Dorris for winning the ‘Best Academic Student’ award”. The principal handed the boy the award, Bill was almost crying behind his glasses. He quickly returned to his friends, receiving an abundance of hugs and ruffling of the hair.

“Nicely done, dude” Paul complimented, Bill, smiled up at him. The principal called back attention. They turned to him and shushed.

“Next, as requested by Mr. Hidgens, our drama teacher-” Ted shouted out a single cheer, receiving weird looks but he didn't care. “Thank you, Ted” The principal shook his head at the boy, the school laughed. “As most of you know, the drama finals consist of singing a song, what those students didn't know is that those were auditions” The group stopped smiling and turned to one another, Tommy hid a smile. Those who were interested in the musical but were not apart of the class were asked to audition months ago, just as Tommy had done, his heart sank realizing he would have to pull out. “So, I'm here to formally announce the cast of Starship for next year! The cast is as follows” The list was something so many students had not expected to hear, but they were on the edge of their seats.

“Bug: Ted

Commander Up: Sam

Taz/Bugginton: Emma

Tootsie Noodles/Pincer: Tommy

Mega-Girl: Deb

February: Charlotte

Junior/Veeto Mosquito: Paul

Specs/Neato Mosquito: Alice

Roach/Krayonder: Bill

Overqueen/Sweetheart mosquito:  David

The Caller Bug/mister bug: Paul”

Ted’s jaw dropped hearing his name first, Paul was pretty shocked playing so many roles but excited nonetheless. Emma was delighted to hear her name called and getting a kiss on the cheek from Paul was pretty exciting. Charlotte looked to Ted and they shared a knowing look. Guess their chemistry was undeniable, on stage of course. Jackie hugged her, proud of her achievements. Paul shared a look with his sister, nodding at her for finally gaining enough courage to audition. Tommy bit back his lip, trying not to cry. He smiled and nodded at every single one of his friends, and kissed his boyfriend lovingly, but his stomach churned sadly. Bill nodded appropriately and congratulated his friends. David looked up and winked at Tommy who didn't reciprocate anything. Deb smothered her girlfriend in kisses, Alice returned the action. Sam smirked to himself but ultimately was just excited to perform again. They all were, junior year was going to be fun.

~~~

“Ok, kiss, marry, kill” Ted started pointing his fork at Paul. The teen returned the gesture, mocking his friend. “The try guys” He decided, Paul scrunched his eyebrows. Tommy rolls his eyes, returning to his conversation with Bill. The girls sit in their usual spots discussing other things.

“There are four try guys dumbass” Paul noted, Ted smiled coyly.

“Yeah, so double up loser” Ted replied, Paul, shrugged stuffing more salad into his mouth. “Alright, I'll go first. Mmm...id...kill Ned” Paul mocked a gasp, Bill stifled a laugh “Kiss...Zach and marry Eugene and Keith” Tommy turned to him, a smile placed on his face, but curiosity and confusion riddled his face. Ted turned to him, kissing him on the forehead. “Polyamorous baby” He joked, Tommy playfully pushed him off awaiting Paul's answer.

“Ok lame, I’d kiss Zach and Ned, marry Keith and...kill Eugene” He decided, Ted can't even fathom his response. “What? Don't hate me cause im right” Paul defended, Bill turned now facing them.

“Even I know you don't kill Eugene, Paul” Bill commented. Ted gave him a high five, posing a confident ‘told you so’ face to Paul.

“I’d marry Zach” Tommy joined in, munching carefully on his carrots. Ted smiled at him, the tug at his stomach in delight. “That's all, the rest can do as they please” He finished, Ted chuckled softly nodding.

“Ok moving on” Paul continued, he waited for the rest to turn to him but to no avail. “Ted?” He asked impatiently.

“What?” He focused back on Paul, the teen smirked.

“You've never played tuber simulator?” Paul teased, Ted laughed sensibly. Bill and Tommy shared a quick glance.

“Hey, have you seen Joe?” Ted inquired carefully, playing out his part to perfection. Paul raised a brow.

“Whos Joe?” Paul gave in, no one matching the name.

“Joe mama!” Ted cheered victoriously. Paul turned to Emma instantly.

“Just kill me” He requested. Emme stroked his cheek lovingly, turning back to Charlotte and Jackie.

~~~

“You look wonderful, bubbles” Jackie complimented tying up the back of Charlotte's dress. She let her hair down, turning back to her girlfriend.

“I love you!” Charlotte quipped wrapping her arms around Jackie's neck. Jackie giggled kissing Charlotte, moving to her cheek. Charlotte pulled away “Sorry J, I gotta finish getting ready”. Jackie groaned, falling back onto the bed. She finished her braids and slipped her jean jacket on.

“I look like Rosa Diaz” Jackie smiled, admiring the new jacket she made. Charlotte smiled, wrapping her arms around her. She kissed her cheek from behind. “Hmm, can I do your hair?” Charlotte shook her head, tying her own hair up with a ribbon to match her dress. “Oh pretty, nevermind you've got it” Jackie kissed her cheek.

“I'm so excited for dinner!” Charlotte exclaimed putting her earrings in, Jackie helped her with her necklace. “Everyone back together! Tommy! Ted! Paul! Emma! Bill!” She turned to Jackie “You…”

“I love you, bubbles” Jackie kissed her, wrapping her up in a hug. Charlotte squealed as Jackie spun her around. “Oh! We gotta go” And so they did, saying goodbye to her mother and heading out the door.

~~~

“Ok stop stop stop” Tommy chided, he undid Ted’s tie fixing it neatly. Ted pouted kissing Tommy on the forehead, Tommy pulled him closer meeting his lips.

“Oh my god, I missed you” Ted sighed. Tommy chuckled wrapping his arms around his neck. Ted did the same around Tommy's hips. “Hey, after dinner tonight we should take a walk in the park” Ted proposed. Tommy giggled, his head landing on Ted’s chest. “What? I think it would be nice” Tommy looked back up at him.

“It would be pitch dark, and one of us would get killed,” Tommy said honestly, Ted smiled kissing him on the forehead. “I love you but that's just not plausible,” Tommy told the boy, Ted nodded agreeing. Tommy wished he could stay like this forever, and his face showed it. His eyes avoided Teds, his mouth quivered.

“Gumdrop?” Ted asked, the nickname rolling off his tongue easily. Tommy looked up and shook his head, he stood on his tiptoes kissing Ted softly, connecting their lips. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing, dearest” He patted Ted’s chest, pulling away and going to the mirror. Ted stood behind him wrapping his arms around the smaller boy. “Ted” Tommy giggled “I have to get ready” Ted moaned, kissing his boyfriend on the cheek. Tommy’s heart sank, he didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay like this forever.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt but Jackie just dropped off Tommy’s skirt” Paul poked his head through the door, Ted pulled away beaming. “She said it was done last minute because she wanted to put some more stuff on it” Tommy smiled sadly, he squeezed Ted’s hand nodding a thank you to Paul. He took the skirt looking at it. “Ted, your dads wanna see you” Paul notified before leaving. Ted kissed Tommy on the cheek before leaving. He set the skirt down clutching his chest, he and Jackie had been making this one for a while. It was put on hold for finals and she finished it. But something changed, he didn't want to. He shoved the skirt away putting on an old suit he brought from his house. It fit comfortably, and fine. It was...fine.

“Hey, look at mister fancy pants” Chad declared as Ted emerged from his room. He did a little spin showing off his new suit, he was test running the outfit before the wedding. Tommy emerged after a moment in a suit, Ted furrowed his brows. Paul followed in wearing a suit as well. “Well look at the three of you” Chad took a picture.

“Yes, you all look very dashing” Henry admitted, he handed Chad a drink. Paul smiled, he was really missing home. He talked to his mom every day but he missed his room, his bed, the smell when he got up in the morning. The back and forth with his sister. He loved Ted, and Ted’s house and the professors but it wasn’t home. “I hope you enjoy your night out boys, you two-” Henry pointed to Paul and Ted “Home by eleven, got it?” They nodded, Tommy, intertwined his fingers with Ted.

“I'll make sure of it, doctor Hidgens” Tommy assured, Henry, nodded at the boy. He was excited to see him back, Ted had instantly become happier with him around and it had only been a day. “We should go, we need to pick up Bill” Tommy reminded, Ted and Paul, nodded. They said their goodbyes heading out the door.

~~~

“Emma you look… stunning” Paul breathed as his girlfriend walked through the door of the restaurant. He stood greeting her, kissing her cheek and pulling out a chair for her. She sat next to him, her dress flowing beautifully. “I love you” he confessed, the table silenced laughing. He was clearly head over heels for this girl.

“Thanks, babe” Emma stroked his cheek, kissing it softly. “So...we did it! Sophomore year is over!” She declared, the group cheered happily. She grabbed a menu, skimming through the options. The rest of the group did the same, except Tommy and Ted they shared a look. Emma noticed and looked at them “What’s up you two?” She asked the group looked up at her.

“Tommy just wants to say something” Ted admitted, Tommy swat his arm softly. “What? It’s true” He teased, he kissed his boyfriend's cheek encouragingly.

“Um well… I wasn't planning on telling you all right now, but it’s as good as any I suppose” He looked around the table, he didn't want to bring the mood down but he had to tell them. “I'm leaving next year,” The group burst into a chorus of complaints, Tommy squeezed Ted’s hand. “I'll be back for senior year… I think” I hope “I’m going to a boarding school in France… I don't really have a choice” He explained, Bill put a comforting hand on Ted’s shoulder. “Um… my parents are letting me stay for the wedding but then… I’m leaving as soon as possible” Tommy finished.

“I hate this” Charlotte decided, a murmur of agreement was heard “I hate this so much”

“Look I just wanted to tell you, that's all, can we please move on?” Tommy begged, after more arguing and frustration they agreed to move on. “Ok, how about the musical guys?” Tommy proposed excitement buzzed throughout.

“Ted! Congrats on the playing ‘Bug’!” Charlotte announced, Ted blushed hiding it with his menu “Guess we just are the perfect couple” She joked, the group chuckled. Tommy shot her a playful glare. “I’m kidding, I clearly have the better significant other” She kissed Jackie on the cheek.  

“Hey, congrats on Pincer” Bill told Tommy “I know you don't get to play him but it’s still pretty cool” Tommy smiled gratefully. It was pretty cool and he was definitely going to ask Chad about the decision, mostly because he didn't see it himself. Tommy wasn't the type to play a meaningful role, but he supposed that's what acting was. He should take it as a compliment having such a big range. He was excited to return senior year and audition for Falsettos.

The dinner continued, a wonderful way to close off the year. Sharing stories:

“So you and Charlotte kissed?” Tommy almost laughed, Ted nodded shoveling food in his mouth. Charlotte giggled, Jackie, eyed the pair. “I… I have so many questions”

“It was for practice!” Ted defended, Tommy laughed into his shoulder. “I… shut up,” He said burying his face into the food.

Gushing over each other:

“I just love you all so much!” Charlotte announced, Jackie kissed her lovingly on the cheek.

“Oh, ditto that feeling” Paul commented, Emma laughed. They all did that night, down to the last dessert they ate.

Confessions:

“Bud, no matter what, we support you” Ted assured, Bill, smiled at him gratefully. He wiped away his tears, feeling foolish. 

“Thank you guys...seriously” He confessed “I don't know how im supposed to tell my dad” 

“Your dad is the most supportive person. He wouldn't care if you decided to like...become a murderer as long as you were ok.” Ted joked, Bill chuckled followed by the rest of the group “He’ll love you even if you are aro and ace” Ted's voice became more serious, Bill stood going over to his friend. They shared a hug and it was perfect. 

Sadly...the night had to end

Then they went their separate ways. Emma got picked up by her mother, passing out as soon as she stepped into the car. Paul drove Bill home, dropping off Tommy at his house. Paul and Ted headed home sleeping as soon as they got home. Charlotte and Jackie had a sleepover, spending the night watching Barbie movies and playing with Maggie and Token. It was perfect, and the night went perfectly. It wrapped up a weird year that was, in the best way, weirdly perfect. There was a lot they still had to figure out but that's why they still had two years to go. Two years…

[a-most-peculiar-mademoiselle]

For headcanon meme, pidge hunk and/or lance

hello, gentle anon! thank you for dropping the note! I’m feeling ambitious today, so I’m gonna answer all three of ‘em!

Pidge:

2-4 songs that are probably on their iPod: “The Genius Next Door” by Regina Spektor; “Aerodynamic” by Daft Punk; “Right?” by Xenia Rubinos; “Brass Goggles” by Steam Powered Giraffe 

the one place they sometimes end up falling asleep — where they’re not supposed to: the bridge; she gets so caught up in looking at all the stars and constellations that she forgets to head back to her room before zonking out from being tired after a hard day’s work.

the game they’d destroy everyone else at: Cards Against Humanity. although she may appear innocent, Pidge somehow ALWAYS gets the best hands dealt to her when she plays CAH and her answers are SAVAGE. 

the emoticon they’d use most often: •̀.̫•́✧

what they act like when they haven’t had enough sleep: simultaneously slap-happy and grouchy. make sure she gets plenty of water, well-fed, and that she gets enough sleep that night, otherwise it’ll be baaaad news.

their preferred hot beverage on really cold nights. or mornings. or whenever: black coffee. the darker, the better. death before decaf. it doesn’t matter what time of day it is; if she doesn’t get at least 4 cups a day, may Space Jebus have mercy on your soul…

how they like to comfort/care for themselves when they’re in a slump: taking a bubble bath, doing jigsaw puzzles, listening to the sounds of ocean waves, stimming by flapping her hands. 

what they wanted to be when they grew up: computer network programmer

their favorite kind of weather: rainy! perfect weather for reading the hoard of books that’s been accumulating in her room, nesting herself in a pile of blankets, and listening to the sound of rain hitting the roof 

thoughts on their singing voice (decent? terrible? soprano? alto?): she’s not *terrible*, but she’s not necessarily the best, either. it’s somewhere between mezzo-soprano and alto, and it does have a tendency to be a bit creaky. there are moments where she REALLY shines, and that’s when she sings stuff from Janis Joplin and Loretta Lynn

how/what they like to draw or doodle: her beloved Rover (RIP), clouds, swirls, cubes, and pyramids

Hunk:

“Happy” by Pharrell; “Dog Walkers of the New Age” by Breathe Owl Breathe;  “Look For the Silver Lining” by Leslie Odom, Jr.; “All This and Heaven Too” by Florence+The Machine

the Castle library. Hunk gets so absorbed in finding out about Altean history that he often spends hours in the library poring over the hundreds and thousands of books that he ends up getting drowsy and falling asleep face down in a book

Once Upon a Time; Hunk is MAD good at storytelling and using all of the story element cards that are given to him in each round. the stories that he wins are often the funniest ones, but they often keep the other players on the edge of their seats ‘cos of all of the twists and turns he uses throughout.

(๑´ㅂ`๑)

an overly-emotional mess, tbh. who let him stay up all night?! you know he gets weepy when he doesn’t get enough sleep! my god, just let my poor boy sleep for however long he wants! 

yuzu-ginger tea, with a little bit of honey

yoga, baking one of his favorite desserts, face masks, going for a run

pastry chef

sunshine, ‘COS MY BOY IS LITERAL SUNSHINE, OKAY

his singing voice is VERY good. before he joined the garrison, he was the best baritone in his high school choir. one of his favorite styles of music to perform was showtunes, particularly stuff by Stephen Sondheim, such as “Sunday in the Park with George” and “Into the Woods”

he likes doodling pictures of things from nature, like mushrooms, storm clouds, trees, and birds

Lance:

“I Like It” by Enrique Iglesias; “Horseshoe Crab” by Slothrust; “Starman” by David Bowie; “Very Few Dancers” by Sons of an Illustrious Father

if there’s a couch somewhere, don’t let him lay on it and close his eyes for too long. there’s a good chance that he’ll be out like a light in like 5 minutes time…

Cluedo; this boy is the ultimate sleuth! he’s very good at deducing which cards are in the envelope, based on the ones the other players put on the board. each game lasts for only about 10 minutes, much to the confusion of the other paladins

( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

trying to get ANYTHING out of this boy is damned near impossible. if Lance is lacking on sleep, he’s basically nonverbal. also, he tends to get a bit overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. overly bright lights in particular are hell for him. 

hot chocolate with big, fluffy marshmallows and a few chocolate shavings on top

long, hot showers, charcoal face masks, SOFT EVERYTHING (slipper socks, bathrobes, sweaters, you name it!), coloring books, listening to soft jazz

his career goals were all over the place, depending on what his special interest was at the time. first he wanted to be a painter, then he wanted to be an architect, then a fashion model, and then a zookeeper. the list goes on and on, really… 

he likes his weather hot, but NOT humid. if it gets too humid, he gets very cranky and holes himself in a room with air conditioning

 his tenor voice doesn’t turn heads very often, as Lance is surprisingly quite shy about his singing voice. when he does sing, his favorite styles of music are jazz and bachata 

BOY IS A GOSH DARN WEEB. he likes drawing his friends in a decidedly anime-like style, especially Allura and Keith, who are the ultimate bishojo and bishonen in his eyes

[musicgoonmail]

Lovingkindness

In This Edition

In this week’s edition, I share lessons from my life on how God closes and opens doors, what’s new with my book reviews, and what I’ve been enjoying in entertainment. As always, I point you to all of the new free eBooks I’ve found around the web.

Is there something you want me to write about? You can always get in touch by replying to this email. Thanks for spending your weekend with me here!

God Closes and Opens Doors

Sunday Tapes

Giveaway: A Signed Copy of The Wisdom Pyramid

Book Reviews

More Than a Battle

Free eBooks for February

More Free eBooks for February

Extended Play

Lightning Links

Playlists

Coming Soon

Weekly Review

God Closes and Opens Doors

Jess and I have been working on something big, and while I can’t reveal much right now -- I want to share a story of how God seems to work in our life. It seems that with every closed door, we wait for a bit and it appears that God was preparing us as he opens another door. 

One example from our life is how God closed the door for furthering my education, but he later opened a door in providing us a home. And we can see God’s hand in it because the timing, location, and occurrence of events could not have been coincidental. We see God’s providence in every situation and circumstance.

As Christians, I believe we have a Biblical warrant to say that this is true. Joseph’s story is one of suffering and being forgotten, but God later opened doors to save him, his family, and his people. The life of Christ is full of examples of God closing doors for others so that Jesus could open other doors to display his glory. Death was a closed door for Christ until he burst forth to redeem his people. And in the life of Paul we see God closing doors and opening others so the Gospel could be spread in jails, houses, churches, and nations.

To be sure, I’m not saying that you will find open doors immediately when things turn sour. And if you find yourself behind closed doors, I’m not saying that God will always open new ones for you. But what I do believe is that God works all things for the good of those who love him. And I’m here to tell you, when you find yourself in the middle of opened and closed doors, that he is right there with you.

Sunday Tapes

We sang Be Thou My Vision on Sunday, and my friend Angie was awesome leading music with me. Her vocals were soaring, and she displayed her skill and control even with the song at a such a quick tempo. 

I also appreciate how she's open to try my arrangement ideas, like the a cappella first chorus and last verse. I'm always blessed and humbled to sing with her. We were both smiling at the end because my son Linus walked right up to the front next to the camera! You can watch the video on YouTube.

For more, you can find the rest of our set which included Sovereign Grace Music's "Turn Your Eyes," Keith Green's "O Lord You're Beautiful," and our original "God is the Strength of My Heart and My Portion Forever. Watch on YouTube.

Giveaway: A Signed Copy of The Wisdom Pyramid

SOLA Network published my review of Brett McCracken’s The Wisdom Pyramid and you can read it on their website. To celebrate the launch of the book, Brett put together a wisdom diet challenge for Lent. Many digital detox programs are mostly about how to rid yourself of screens for a period of time. His challenge is different in that it’s less about what not to do and more about what to do. Read about the Wisdom 40 Challenge on his website.

SOLA Network has a signed copy of the book by author Brett McCracken for a giveaway. In all honesty, there aren’t that many entries, so you have a good chance of getting this one. I would love for one of my newsletter readers to win. Enter on Instagram.

Book Reviews

This week I reviewed 3 books. In More Than a Battle, Joe Rigney shows us how to experience victory, freedom, and healing from lust. In Worshiping with the Reformers, Karin Maag takes us on a tour of what it was really like to go to church during the Reformation. In The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People, Matthew S. Harmon beautifully traces this biblical theme through the canon.

Book Review: More Than a Battle by Joe Rigney

Book Review: Worshiping with the Reformers by Karin Maag

Book Review: The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People by Matthew S. Harmon

More Than a Battle

With the news of more Christian leaders failing to kill their sexual sins, Joe Rigney’s More Than a Battle proved to be a timely read. Writing pointedly, Rigney says that pornography rewires the brain. He also says that explanations are not excuses, and that God can renew our minds, giving us hope. 

Throughout the book, Rigney shows the devastation of sexual sin, but he is also ready to state the decided victories available to us in Christ. For more, read this longer excerpt from his book: How Porn Weaponizes the Body.

Free eBooks for February

I found two books by Spurgeon and two books by Murray this week for you to download for free on Kindle. Remember, you don’t need a physical Kindle to download and read these books. You can simply start with the free Kindle app. It’s a fantastic way to get focused on reading!

Tim Challies is hosting a giveaway for Cruciform Press. They are giving away four-book packages to five winners. Each winner will receive The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity by Michael J. Kruger, Galatians: Redeeming Grace and the Cross of Christ by Melissa McPhail and Lisa Menchinger, The Joy Project: An Introduction to Calvinism (with Study Guide) by Tony Reinke, and On Purpose: Living Life as It Was Intended by Jonny Ivey. I linked the titles to my reviews, and you can enter on Challies’ website.

Kindle: Lectures to My Students: Practical and Spiritual Guidance for Preachers (Volume 1), by C. H. Spurgeon

Kindle: Come Ye Children (Updated, Annotated): Obtaining Our Lord's Heart for Loving and Teaching Children, by C. H. Spurgeon

Kindle: The Ministry of Intercession (Updated and Annotated): A Plea for More Prayer (Murray Updated Classics Book 1), by Andrew Murray

Kindle: Humility (Updated, Annotated): The Beauty of Holiness (Murray Updated Classics Book 2)

More Free eBooks for February

Passion is the free eBook this month from The Good Book Company. Mike McKinley walks readers through Luke’s Gospel to show how Christ’s final day transforms not only their future but also their present.

I found several free Kindle titles by J. C. Ryle and listed them below. You don’t need a physical Kindle to download and read these books. You can simply start with the free Kindle app. It’s a fantastic way to get focused on reading.

The Good Book Company: Passion by Mike McKinley

Kindle: The Cross, by J. C. Ryle

Kindle: Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Matthew, by J. C. Ryle

Kindle: Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Mark, by J. C. Ryle

Kindle: Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Luke, by J. C. Ryle

Kindle: Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of John, by J. C. Ryle

Faithlife: Deep Church, by Jim Belcher

GLH Publishing: A. W. Tozer Daily Devotional

GLH Publishing: John Calvin’s Commentary on Hebrews

FTC Preaching Guide: Philippians

ERLC Light Magazine: Hidden in Plain Sight

DesiringGod: Designed for Joy: How the Gospel Impacts Men and Women, Identity and Practice

Kindle: Does God Control Everything? (Crucial Questions Series) by R. C. Sproul

D. A. Carson: For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word, Vol. 1.

DesiringGod: Habits of Grace by David Mathis

9Marks Journal: Heaven: Rejoicing in Future Glory

Crossway: Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper

Kindle: Crucial Questions by R. C. Sproul (39 eBooks)

The Gospel Coalition: 9 Free eBooks by D. A. Carson

Extended Play

I’ve been thinking about WandaVision all week, and I can’t wait to watch the new episode this weekend. For Valentine’s Day, we plan to watch Robin Hood,  Lady and the Tramp, and more episodes of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.

Two years ago, before we adopted our son, I wrote a poem about waiting for adoption. I wrote it for my wife, Jess, who shows me what it means to love and trust Christ. Read it again on my website.

Throwback: In Our Waiting: A Poem for My Wife on Valentine’s Day

Article: Meaningful Lives in a Purposeful World: How Providence Changes Everything, by Jon Bloom.

Podcast: Ask Pastor John: Has Porn Already Broken My Future Marriage?

TV: WandaVision

Book: Being the Bad Guys, by Stephen McAlpine

Song: Lovingkindness, by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa, Matt Redman, and Matt Boswell

Lightning Links

These quick hits are exclusive to my newsletter readers. Some struck immediately before writing this newsletter. I don’t necessarily endorse the positions or lives of these authors. Some may contain sensitive language. I find them all extremely interesting.

The New York Times Magazine: “The Many Lives of Steven Yeun: What’s a typical immigrant story? In his new film, “Minari,” the “Walking Dead” star has his own to tell.”

Marvel: “WandaVision: Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez Break Down the TV Theme Songs.”

/Film: “20 Years of Disney California Adventure: Exploring How Disney’s Theme Park Misfire Came Back from the Dead.”

Playlists

MUSICGOON: 7 songs I enjoyed this week.

SVRGNLA: Jess and I love these songs.

ETJ: Music that inspires my band.

DIDD: A crowd-sourced worship playlist.

TGIF: SOLA Network friends and faves.

This is FCBC Walnut: The songs we sing at church.

Coming Soon

Next week I plan to publish reviews for at least 3 books. In Gospelbound, Collin Hansen and Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra share stories that teach us how to live with resolute hope in shaky times. In Being the Bad Guys, Stephen McAlpine shows you how to live for Jesus in a world that says you shouldn’t. And as a part of Lexham Press’ Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series, Joe M. Sprinkle’s commentary on Daniel is an excellent and epic entry.

My sermon to our Youth Group went well last week -- thank you for your prayers! If you recall, I also spoke with author Brett McCracken about his new book, The Wisdom Pyramid. SOLA Network plans to release a video of our conversation next week.

We’ll be celebrating Lunar New Year this weekend! In case you missed it, here are some previous editions of this newsletter that you can find in the archive:

All My Favorite Songs: I share what’s new with my book reviews, and what I’ve been enjoying in entertainment. I also share preaching and music ministry prayer requests for this weekend.

Rewrite the Stars: I discuss my recent IG LIVE interview with Russell Moore, share about overcoming the barriers to creating, what’s new with my book reviews, and what I’ve been enjoying in entertainment.

Concerning Hobbits: I reveal my special guest for an upcoming IG LIVE interview, what’s new with my book reviews, and what I’ve been enjoying in entertainment.

Weekly Review

Hobbit History: Let us first do what we must do. – J. R. R. Tolken

SOLA: God Among the Crowds / The Seductive Sin We Never Talk About / The Proverbs 31 Man

TGIF: DesiringGod: Has Porn Already Broken My Future Marriage? / 9Marks: The Church Should Sing for Heaven’s Sake (with Matthew Westerholm)

Book Review: More Than a Battle by Joe Rigney

Book Review: Worshiping with the Reformers by Karin Maag

Book Review: The Servant of the Lord and His Servant People by Matthew S. Harmon

Recommended Reading: ‘Whoever Is Ashamed of Me’: A Call to the Quietly Christian / Four Things Pastors Wish Their Churches Knew About Them Right Now / Your Spouse Should Complete You: What It Means to Become One / How Do I Talk to My Children About Sex?

[be-themessenger]

split enz, the cars & the who :D

🌟split enz🌟1. song I like the most: firedrill, by tim - ring ring ring that jaunty, lively b-side - and our day by neil, an ode to a life that’s to come and bless a family’s.2. album cover I like the most: time and tide and conflicting emotions have such precious artworks ad i initially can’t choose - though i have a thing for blues and gold tones, time and tide wins the fight because noel designed a logo for the album too (clock and moon), later to be seen on the hamilton gig intro. but god, remembering that Phil painted their dear faces on conflicting emotion is really blessing - he accepted ad created that lovely surreal thingo we frenz remember. but the sunset on time and tide is unbeatable.3. song that makes me wanna dance: plenty a frickton, from no bother to me to working up an appetite - they have developed such a pretty, danceable sound…4. song that made me cry: …a sound that goes wild. in fact no enz song did really make me cry but i did feel a soothing spiritual link to the songs talking about nature, as never ceases, or remember when?.5. member I feel the closest connection with: phil. though years have dug great differences in betweens us, me and the younger phil, we both had flowy hair, are artsy and have trust issues as big as mansions.6. hottest/most beautiful member: i guess it’s their naturally sun-blessed kiwi look but i love the finns to bits7. most entertaining member: noel he wrote comments on things for the enz fanclub or music press or nigel, who was a master of random action photo shooting - but honestly all of them were so particularly fun to watch onstage8. merchandise I own: waiata, time and tide and conflicting emotions on vinyl9. if I have seen them live and where: noooo and i wish i could’ve gone to Hamilton one, it was  fab to see on youtube10. memories involving the band:  when i spun my beautiful copy of time and tide for the first time - at nighttime on the best location ever: on the balcony of my seaside house. and all of a sudden during haul away i catch phil’s voice clearly singing ‘tell me more about split enz’ as seen in their demo ‘split ends’. whoosh. slashy feelings call.🌟the cars🌟1. song I like the most: fine line for heavenly moments of peace and running to you for when channeling energy is needed. love their keyboard lines, greg always slays the fuck outta all albums with dem skills *bostonian accent*2. album cover I like the most: pa no ra m. will forever be in love with that handpainted checkered flag flowin’ against that rich navy background - and let’s not forget the band pictures.and the b/w. and the colourblock on the inner sleeve3. song that makes me wanna dance: cruiser - that song is one hot summer ride to the beach on your shiny red Cadillac - condensed in the cars’ catchiest ever tune.4. song that made me cry: go away because it gives me shimmering hope. th voice of ben proposing ‘why don’t we go?’ is possibly one of the most ominous things i weirdly find comforting5. member I feel the closest connection with: david, the son of glam. i’ve been told i’m good ad picking the right items that match our aesthetics -david’s a champion at this i tell you. we’re artsy, sultry and we love to create shiny things6. hottest/most beautiful member: great gods - i feel all of them own a specifical kind of rare beauty that so ties up with their personalities and right now i can’t chooseeee7. most entertaining member: this is greg’s throne. he absolutely looks like the funniest person in the bunch and to me it’s enough to give him an ukulele and he’ll show you the way8. merchandise I own: door to door and panorama on vinyl. not much, huh?9. If I have seen them live and where: another act tha i’d kill to see live with virgo boy ben10. memories involving the band: sitting on the damn sofa writing some slashy romantic narrative last winter. it was centered on the theme of snow because we got caught in a terrible snowstorm nd i needed to convey the beauty of that into the cars, which i was soooo into during that time. one day i’ll ake a throwback post on the insta…🌟the who🌟1. song I like the most: the best of all who songs i heard so far, a song i feel truly fucking bound to - love reign o’er me. never fails to catch my senses, with those rippling guitars and grrrrr vocals2. album cover I like the most: has to be my generation. gotta love that bunch o’ britons showing off some mod britishness3. song that makes me wanna dance: has to be my generation - it‘s such a timeless fun tune i love to these day for its mod hymn nature.4. Song that made me cry: not really cry but hell, drowning has such heavy dragging lyrics - each time i try listening to it my mind forgets the rhythm and all and focuses on the lyrics5. member I feel the closest connection with: pete - among all i can easily say he has sympathy for waters. oh and we have the same everlasting bugger-off pout. 6. hottest/most beautiful member: pete again - he has this beautiful pair of crystal blue eyes and b/w photos make ‘em look super shiny. plus he’s a resting bitchface - big bonus point. 7. most entertaining member: i originally reserved this space for the cutest creature that is into keith but i got to say the most entertaining are all of them around keith. 8. merchandise I own: quadrophenia double cd, pete’s autobio and a model of one of his gits. does a badly handpainted hot wheels model car count? 9. if I have seen them live and where. god that would’ve been e x p l o s i v e 10. memories involving the band: happily shaking to my generation at my seaside house when i was little! i used to mix this and good vibrations into one song as they came together on this double cd my parents had. we still play that every now and then…thank you so much!

[bylillian]

NEW YORK (AP) — David Cassidy, the teen and pre-teen idol who starred in the 1970s sitcom "The Partridge Family" and sold millions of records as the musical group's lead singer, died Tuesday at age 67.

Cassidy, who announced earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with dementia, died surrounded by his family, a family statement released by publicist JoAnn Geffen said. No further details were immediately available, but Geffen said on Saturday that Cassidy was in a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hospital suffering from organ failure.

"David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long," the statement said. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years."

"The Partridge Family" aired from 1970-74 and was a fictional variation of the '60s performers the Cowsills, intended at first as a vehicle for Shirley Jones, the Oscar winning actress and Cassidy's stepmother. Jones played Shirley Partridge, a widow with five children with whom she forms a popular act that travels on a psychedelic bus. The cast also featured Cassidy as eldest son and family heartthrob Keith Partridge; Susan Dey, later of "L.A. Law" fame, as sibling Laurie Partridge and Danny Bonaduce as sibling Danny Partridge.

It was an era for singing families — the Osmonds, the Jacksons. "The Partridge Family" never cracked the top 10 in TV ratings, but the recordings under their name, mostly featuring Cassidy, Jones and session players, produced real-life musical hits and made Cassidy a real-life musical superstar. The Partridges' best known song, "I Think I Love You," spent three weeks on top of the Billboard chart at a time when other hit singles included James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "The Tears of a Clown." The group also reached the top 10 with "I'll Meet You Halfway" and "Doesn't Somebody Want to be Wanted" and Cassidy had a solo hit with "Cherish."

"In two years, David Cassidy has swept hurricane-like into the pre-pubescent lives of millions of American girls," Rolling Stone magazine noted in 1972. "Leaving: six and a half million long-playing albums and singles; 44 television programs; David Cassidy lunch boxes; David Cassidy bubble gum; David Cassidy coloring books and David Cassidy pens; not to mention several millions of teen magazines, wall stickers, love beads, posters and photo albums."

Cassidy's appeal faded after the show went off the air, although he continued to tour, record and act over the next 40 years, his albums including "Romance" and the awkwardly titled "Didn't You Used To Be?" He had a hit with "I Write the Songs" before Barry Manilow's chart-topping version and success overseas with "The Last Kiss," featuring backing vocals from Cassidy admirer George Michael. He made occasional stage and television appearances, including an Emmy-nominated performance on "Police Story."

Meanwhile, "The Partridge Family" remained popular in re-runs and Cassidy, who kept his dark bangs and boyish appearance well into middle age, frequently turned up for reunions and spoke often about his early success.

"So many people come up to me and talk to me about the impact it (the show) had," he told Arsenio Hall in 1990.

Even while "The Partridge Family" was still in primetime, Cassidy worried that he was mistaken for the wholesome character he played. He posed naked for Rolling Stone in 1972, when he confided that he had dropped acid as a teenager and smoked pot in front of the magazine's reporter as he watched an episode of "The Partridge Family" and mocked his own acting. Cassidy maintained an exhausting schedule during the show's run, filming during the week and performing live shows over the weekend, but had plenty of time to indulge himself. In the memoir "Could It Be Forever," he wrote of his prolific sex life and of rejecting Dey's advances because she lacked the "slutty aspect of a female that I always found so attractive."

Cassidy would endure personal and financial troubles. He was married and divorced three times, battled alcoholism, was arrested for drunk driving and in 2015 filed for bankruptcy. Cassidy had two children, musician Beau Cassidy and actress Katie Cassidy, with whom he acknowledged having a distant relationship.

"I wasn't her father. I was her biological father but I didn't raise her," he told People magazine in 2017. "She has a completely different life."

Cassidy himself was estranged from his father. Born in New York City in 1950, he was the son of actors Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward and half-brother of entertainer Shaun Cassidy. David Cassidy's parents split up when he was 5 and he would long express regret about Jack Cassidy, who soon married Shirley Jones, being mostly absent from his life. David Cassidy stayed with his mother and by the early 1960s had moved to Los Angeles.

Kicked out of high school for truancy, David Cassidy dreamed of becoming an actor and had made appearances on "Bonanza," ''Ironside" and other programs before producers at ABC television asked him to audition for "The Partridge Family," unaware that he could sing and intending at first to have him mime songs to someone else's voice. Cassidy, who only learned during tryouts that Jones would play his mother, worried that Keith Partridge would be a "real comedown" from his previous roles.

"I mean, how much could an actor do with a line like, 'Hi, Mom, I'm home from school,' or 'Please pass the milk?'" he wrote in his memoir. "I didn't see how it could do much for me. After all, I wasn't the star of it. Shirley had top billing; I was just one of the kids."

Another childhood icon gone. (Personally, I liked Danny. David and my brother looked a lot alike, so crushing on him was Right Out.)

[davedimartino]

NEW THIS WEEK 08.10.09

A batch of welcome, unexpected reissues makes this week one of the year's best release weeks ever!

True, someone might take a look at some of the recordings below and note, My, how odd, a significant number of the spotlighted releases appear to be by well-established, sometimes legendary and sometimes dead artists rather than current label signings!  

On the other hand, others might say, Wow, that newly signed Jessie James looks like she's gonna sound great!

But, as always, there's enough to go around for everyone!  

So there's no point in thinking absolutely nothing of any interest is being released anymore! Because now that Soundscan is going to start considering T-shirts albums…everything has changed!

 Various Artists: Woodstock --40 Years On: Back To Yasgur's Farm (Rhino) Speaking of clothes, hats off to Rhino Records for one of the finest reissues in memory! On the heels of the 40th anniversary of the original Woodstock Festival--that historic moment when everything peaked and then nothing was any good anymore!--this superbly packaged 6-CD set aims to replicate the entire 3-day affair by providing in chronological sequence most of the great music by most of the artists, lots of the lovably dopey stage announcements about brown acid and women giving birth, and heretofore unheard music by such incredibly fab artists as Tim Hardin, the Incredible String Band, and Bert Sommer, among others, who weren't previously showcased on past Woodstock retrospectives! That the producers would allow the massively long version of Canned Heat's "Woodstock Boogie" to finally be heard, for example, shows that their hearts were completely in the right place; likewise, so much more of Country Joe McDonald's set was more fascinating than the well known "Give me an F" of his "Fish Cheer," its airing here is a musical public service of the highest order! The excellent liner notes, the fascinating complete festival setlist--definitely an eye-opener--and the love that was put into this project 40 years after the fact is fairly remarkable! Though the anal-retentive record collector completists among us may have hoped for a clip from the historically under-represented Keef Hartley Band--who apparently opted out--the inclusion of tracks by Quill and the suprisingly good, previously-unheard Creedence Clearwater Revival material, means that the all is right with the world! Combine that with the bonus LSD sprayed on the album's barcode, and you've got the package of the year!    

  George Strait: Twang (MCA Nashville)  While it's long been known in Nashville that George Strait was an industry giant, it's hard to believe it's taken this long for the country legend to  reveal that fact to the entire world! Yet here he is at last--pictured inside his colossal pick-up truck, playing a friend's guitar, delicately trying to not crush it with his giant fingers, attempting to look "just like one of the guys" despite being over 900 feet tall and trying to ignore that heart-rending fact just long enough to sings songs for us that will make us forget our own misery! Coming off his previous award-winning album Troubadour,  Twang will touch all of us who know deep in our hearts that it isn't how big or small a man is, it's how on earth this man found a company capable of manufacturing a hat that big!

 Slaughterhouse: Slaughterhouse (E1 Music)  When it comes to rap supergroups--and, truly, it always does--we could do much worse than Slaughterhouse, an admirably hatted quartet including Joe Budden, Royce Da 5'9", Crooked I and Joell Ortiz! Word is they may have had their ups and downs individually, but together they represent the best and brightest hope of contemporary hip-hop and graphic logo design!  With production by the likes of The Alchemist and DJ Khalil, this fabulous set makes Ortiz's proclamation--"We did an entire album in 6 days!"--fascinating and entirely believable! Vegans beware!

 Jessie James: Jessie James (Mercury) Like many of us, I often watch music videos while listening to other albums to save time! So it came as something of a surprise to me to finally hear Jessie James! You know how it is! What does she sound like? Well, she's written with and sung songs by the likes of Kara DioGuiardi, Katy Perry, and new country star Jamey Johnson, she's been previewed on Perez Hilton's website, she apparently sings "dance-rock scorchers" and "soulful blues" and counts among her biggest influences LeAnn Rimes, Christina Aguilera, Janis Joplin and Bobbie Gentry! Got that? In short, she appears capable of doing virtually anything--and as an added bonus photographs remarkable well! Whew! We're lucky artists' looks are only an afterthought these days!

 Willie Nelson: Lost Highway (Lost Highway) Despite the similar cover images, there's little chance fans of Jessie James will pick up this new Willie Nelson album and vice versa! It's the earrings! This fabulous 17-track compilation features country legend Nelson with a variety of guest singers--including Merle Haggard, Lee Ann Womack, Rob Thomas, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall--and track-for-track, in terms of raw sequencing, whether old material or new, this sounds like Nelson's strongest album in years! Closing tracks "Cowboys Are Secretly Fond Of Each Other" and "Ain't Goin' Down On Brokeback Mountain" certainly offer food for thought, but hey--who's hungry?

 John Martyn: Solid Air (Deluxe Edition)  (101 Distribution)  One of the all-time great guitarist/vocalists to emerge from the UK--who sadly passed away earlier this year--John Martyn recorded many, many albums. Most of them--especially the early ones--were very, very good. Solid Air, originally released in 1973, was probably his best and certainly his most accessible. This welcome deluxe edition includes a second disc featuring alternate takes of album tracks, the odd single version and some live takes, and--even for those who cherish the original disc, which is remastered here--is absolutely worth your purchasing. The growing audience out there who've come to love Nick Drake--Martyn's friend and in fact the subject of this album's title track-- will find much here they'll love as well. Buy it now!

 Robert Cray: This Time (Vanguard)  If the mood is right, a new album by Robert Cray sometimes really hits the spot! Especially if you listen to it! His bazillionth---the man's been recording for years--sounds just as good as his first, but filled with the sort of subtlety you'd expect nearly 20 years of record-making to bring! As always playing a mixture of blues, R&B, and stuff that will never get played on the radio in a million years so what's the point but that's OK, Cray and band tear through tracks like "Chicken In The Kitchen," "Trouble & Pain" and "That's What Keeps Me Rockin'," then leave the studio, drive through town, and eventually stop at a restaurant. Once there, they order dinner! Outside, dark clouds gather!

 The Nice: Fillmore East 1969 (EMD International import) I must say that in all my years as a rock critic--at least since 1998!--I have always parted company with my well-respected elders who have disrespectfully tossed the works of Keith Emerson's pre-Emerson, Lake & Palmer band the Nice into the same rubbish bin and declared them canonical inferiors to John David Souther, R.E.M. and, I dunno, Jay-Z! Dopes! Anyway, for two albums or so the Nice were one of the best bands ever--and this live package captures the fab flag-burners ripping through most of their best material in fine form! Perhaps its time we re-evaluate all pop music history and decide whether or not we've all of us--as a people--been fed lies, gross distortions of…(fades)....Hey look! A train!

 Anna Terheim: Leaving On A Mayday (Verve Forecast)  A great new album by Swedish songbird Terheim, who's a big deal in her homeland--she won the Best New Artist  Swedish Grammy for her 2004 album Something Outside--and will hopefully be a big deal here someday as well! It's a fair world! Great arrangements, interesting songs, cooly detached vocals, and just the sort of thing you'd hope for from a woman quoted as saying "If there's no pain, I have a hard time connecting to it"! Hopefully she wasn't talking about the Internet!

 Cobra Starship: Hot Mess (Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic) Devoting an entire album to the best track on the new Ashley Tisdale record is a fantastic idea! She's quite attractive!

[netunleashed-blog]

Celebrity deaths in 2018: Famous faces lost this year from Zombie Boy to Ellie Soutter and Dale Winton

http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=29621 Celebrity deaths in 2018: Famous faces lost this year from Zombie Boy to Ellie Soutter and Dale Winton - http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=29621 2017 was a tough year, as we said goodbye to some of our best known and well-loved figures - from Sir Bruce Forsyth and Keith Chegwin to John Hurt and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. And the losses have continued into 2018 with famous names from Verne Troyer to Ken Dodd, Avicii to Dale Winton, and Jim Bowen to Leslie Grantham sadly passing away. Fans have shared their memories and fellow stars paid tribute as they remembered those we have lost. Here's a look at all of the celebrities we've lost in 2018 so far who have inspired generations. AUGUST Zombie Boy Rick Genest, aka Zombie Boy (Image: REUTERS) Rick Genest, the heavily tattooed model known as Zombie Boy, died aged just 32 on August 1. He was known for his head-to-toe tattoos and starred alongside Lady Gaga in her Born This Way music video in 2011. His body was found in his apartment in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood in Montreal, Canada, on Wednesday. Gaga said the death is "beyond devastating" and revealed he had taken his own life. Read More JULY Ellie Soutter Ellie Soutter has died at the age of 18 Team GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter took her own life on July 25, her 18th birthday, the British Olympic Association confirmed. Soutter killed herself in a remote wooded area near her home in Les Gets, France, her heartbroken family has confirmed. Soutter claimed Team GB’s only medal at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Erzurum, Turkeyin 2017. Her father, Tony Soutter, said "This cruel world took my Soul mate and "Bessie" from me yesterday on her 18th birthday. "I was so proud of the beautiful young woman she had turned into. Ellie I will miss you more than you could have ever imagined. Rest in peace you little Champion!" Read More Clive King David Clive King was born in Richmond, Surrey in 1924. In 1926 he moved with his parents to a farm in Kent, alongside which was an abandoned chalk-pit, which later became the setting for Stig of the Dump. Author Clive King, best known for his children's book Stig Of The Dump, died aged 94 on July 10, publisher Puffin books said. A statement said: "It is with sorrow that the family of Clive King, author of several popular children's books, including the much-loved classic Stig Of The Dump, announce that he passed away in the county of Norfolk where he had made his home on 10 July 2018, aged 94. "He is survived by his widow Penny and three children. The family have requested privacy at this time and our heartfelt condolences are with them." Read More Richard Swift Richard Swift died aged 41 on July 3. The producer, solo musician and multi-instrumentalist was best known for being a member of the Shins and the Arcs. A post on Swift's Facebook page read: "All the angels sing 'Que Sera Sera.'" Swift's Black Keys bandmate Dan Auerbach shared on Instagram: "I will miss you my friend." In June this year it was reported that Swift had been to a hospital with a 'life threatening condition.' Read More Alan Longmuir Alan Longmuir (Image: Daily Record) Alan Longmuir, the founder member of the Bay City Rollers died on July 2 following a short illness. The Edinburgh-born musician died in hospital at the age of 70 surrounded by loved ones after being flown home from Mexico two weeks ago where he had contracted an illness. Known as the "tartan teen sensations from Edinburgh", the Bay City Rollers started back in the 1960s. In 1976 Alan was replaced by rhythm guitarist Ian Mitchell, a man ten years his junior. He returned to the group in 1978. At the height of their fame, of course, the Scottish pop rockers could barely move without being mobbed by a tartan-clad army of teenage girls – screaming for their favourite Roller, begging for autographs and singing along to their smash hit Shang-A-Lang. Read More Dame Gillian Lynne Dame Gillian Lynne (Image: PA) Dame Gillian Lynne, whose credits included the hugely successful Cats and Phantom Of The Opera musicals, died on July 1, aged 92. Her husband, the actor Peter Land, said the renowned choreographer passed away at the Princess Grace Hospital in Marylebone, London. A major influence on dance and musical theatre, Lynne was best known for her work with Andrew Lloyd Webber. She also directed more than 50 productions on the West End and Broadway and received two Olivier Awards. In June, Lord Lloyd Webber renamed his New London Theatre as The Gillian Lynne Theatre - the first West End theatre to be named after a woman. Read More Peter Firmin Peter Firmin, creator of the kid's television series The Clangers, in 1999 (Image: Toby Melville/PA) Clangers co-creator Peter Firmin died on July 1 at the age of 89. The show's production company Coolabi said in a statement: "We are sad to announce that the artist Peter Firmin has passed away at his home in Kent after a short illness. He was eighty-nine. "During a career spanning over six decades Peter worked with great skill in a remarkably wide variety of creative disciplines as a fine artist, craftsman and author. "Of all his work he will probably be most fondly remembered for the characters he co-created and made. "With Ivan Owen he created the cheeky fox Basil Brush, and with his long-time business partner, Oliver Postgate, working as Smallfilms, he devised, created, painted, drew and built the marvellous and diverse worlds of Bagpuss, Clangers, Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog and Pogles Wood." Read More JUNE Steve Ditko The legendary comic book artist and co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee, died on June 29 at the age of 90. “Steve Ditko was one of the most amazing creators in the history of comics, and showed us there is a hero in all of us. Our hearts go out to his loved ones, and everyone who knew him,” DC Comics said on Friday. While working at Marvel in 1962, Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Lee approached Ditko with an idea for Spider-Man and it was Ditko who gave the superhero his iconic suit, red-and-blue colors and web shooters. Read More Matt Cappotelli Matt Cappotelli has passed away aged 38 Former WWE star Matt Cappotelli died on June 29 aged 38. Cappotelli, who won WWE reality show Tough Enough, passed away after battling brain cancer. He had first been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2005 before getting the all clear two years later. However, last year he had to undergo emergency surgery after the cancer returned. Read More Joe Jackson The patriarch of the Jackson family, and manager of the Jackson 5, died on June 27 at the age of 89 of cancer. He was the brains behind the Jackson 5 and in 2002 was awarded a proclamation in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the Best Entertainment Manager of All Time. Read More Carlos Lopez Jr Carlos Lopez Jr Carlos Lopez Jr died on June 25 at the age of 35. Carlos starred in Operation Repo, from 2012 to 2014 , and had several other small roles in TV shows like iCarly and CSI: Cyber. Operation Repo is an American TV show that dramatises supposed real-life stories of car repossession. Most recently, he portrayed a CIA station chief in Tom Cruise film American Made. Carlos also served in the army, reportedly completing a 27 month tour of combat with the 82nd Airborne. Read More Richard Harrison Richard Harrison (Image: Channel 5) Richard Harrison, the star of TV show Pawn Stars, died on June 25 at the age of 77. Better known as 'Old Man' on the show, Richard died surrounded by his family, his heartbroken son and co-star Rick confirmed with an Instagram post. "He passed away this morning surrounded by those he loved," wrote Rick. "He will be tremendously missed by our family, the team at Gold & Silver Pawn and his many fans the world over. He was my hero and I was fortunate to get a very cool ‘Old Man’ as my dad. Read More Vinnie Paul (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul passed away on June 22 aged 54. "Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah," a statement said on the Pantera Twitter account. "No further details are available at this time. The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time." The cause of death is currently unknown. Texas-born Vinnie co-founded the heavy metal band in the 1980s along with his late brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbot. Read More Sophie Gradon Sophie Gradon (Image: ITV/PA) The 32-year-old model and former Love Island contestant passed away on June 21. The former reality star, who hailed from Newcastle, was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2009 and was also a former Miss Newcastle. Sophie's boyfriend Aaron Armstrong wrote "I will never forget that smile I love you so so much baby your my world forever ever and always". She made history on Love Island as one half of the show's first same-sex couple after she coupled up with Katie Salmon. Read More Peter Thomson Peter Thomson (Image: REUTERS) Five-time Open champion Peter Thomson died on June 20 at the age of 88. The legendary Australian had been suffering from Parkinson's disease and died at his home in Melbourne, Golf Australia said. Thomson won his first Open Championship title in 1954 - becoming the only player in the 20th or 21st century to win the tournament three years in succession. He also enjoyed impressive victories in 1958 and 1965 and was later inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Read More Big Van Vader (Image: Handout) WWE legend Big Van Vader died on June 18 at the age of 63, according to his Twitter account. Real name Leon White, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2016 with doctors giving him two years to live. His Twitter account tweeted: "It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm." A second post, added: "Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time." Read More Leslie Grantham Leslie Grantham starred in EastEnders for many years (Image: Daily Mirror) EastEnders star Leslie Grantham died on June 15 aged 71 following a battle with cancer. The actor was most famous for portraying iconic character 'Dirty' Den Watts on the long-running BBC soap. Leslie also hosted game show Fort Boyard on Channel 5 and penned children's book called Jack Bates And The Wizard's Spell. Read More Errol Pickford Errol Pickford (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Former Royal Ballet principal dancer Errol Pickford died on Wednesday June 13, aged 51. Born in Perth, Australia in 1966 he originally trained as a gymnast before moving to the UK and practicing ballet at the Hammond School and The Royal Ballet School. He joined The Royal Ballet in 1984 and quickly excelled, becoming a soloist in 1986, first soloist in 1989 and principle in 1991. He had a version of Romeo and Juliet created especially for him by celebrated dancer and choreographer Kenneth MacMillan, and made history by becoming the first ever Western dancer to partner Bolshoi ballerina Nina Ananiahvii at the Armenia Gala in London's Covent Garden. The performance was even broadcast on TV. Read More Jackson Odell Jackson Odell had a role in TV comedy Arrested Development (Image: Getty Images North America) Jackson Odell, star of The Goldbergs, died on June 8 aged 20 Jackson starred in several hit TV shows including iCarly, Arrested Development and Modern Family. He was also a talented songwriter, penning a number of tracks for the movie 'Forever My Girl' including the the song 'Wings of an Angel', performed by Lauren Alaina. Read More Eunice Gayson Eunice Gayson was the very first Bond girl (Image: Hulton Archive) Eunice Gayson, the first ever Bond girl, died on June 8 aged 90. She was originally offered the part of Miss Moneypenny in Dr No, but the role eventually went to Lois Maxwell while Eunice became the super spy's love interest for the first two James Bond films. She later starred in a number of Hammer Horror films, and appeared on TV shows including The Saint and The Avengers. Read More Anthony Bourdain Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain died on June 8, aged 61. CNN, who he worked for, confirmed the news in a statement and revealed the cause of death as suicide. Bourdain had been in France working on an episode of his award-winning series Parts Unknown. His close friend, French chef Eric Ripert is reported to have found Bourdain unresponsive in his Strasbourg hotel room. Bourdain first shot to fame with the release of his book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures In The Culinary Underbelly, which became a New York Times bestseller. Read More Alan O'Neill Alan O'Neill (Image: WireImage) Sons of Anarchy star Alan O'Neill has died at the age of 47. The Irish-born actor is most famous for his role as Hugh in Sons of Anarchy, but his career dates back to the 1990s. He also played Keith McGrath in Fair City and starred in UK crime drama Inspector George Gently in 2009. Alan had also been cast in an upcoming movie called Charlie Lives. Read More Peter Stringfellow Peter Stringfellow (Image: PA) Peter Stringfellow died on June 7, aged 77, after a battle with cancer. The nightclub mogul, who had wanted to keep his illness private, died after spending time in hospital, a spokesman said. "It's very sad news. He passed away in the early hours of this morning. It was kept very private, he didn't want to tell. He wanted to keep it a secret," his publicist said. The iconic nightclub owner's name was put on the map after the Beatles played at his venue in April 1963. Read More Peter Stringfellow dies after secret cancer battle Kate Spade (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Iconic handbag designer Kate Spade died on June 5 at the age of 55 in a suspected suicide, say police. Sources said the mother-of-one left a note but the contents are unclear. Kate was mum to daughter Frances Beatrix, 13 and was married to Andy Spade. Her tragic death has shaken the fashion world to the core, as professionally Spade seemed to be going from strength to strength. She was a firm favourite with royals and the Hollywood elite. Read More MAY Jerry Maren Mandatory Credit: Photo by Unimedia Images/REX/Shutterstock (1051508bp) Jerry Maren, one of the last surviving munchkins from the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz' Hollywood Christmas Parade, Los Angeles, America - 29 Nov 2009 The Wizard Of Oz's 'oldest Munchkin' Jerry Maren died on May 24 at the age of 98. The American actor, who starred opposite Judy Garland in the 1939 classic, died after years of suffering from dementia. His major appearance in the film comes when he hands Judy Garland's Dorothy an oversized lollipop, and producers picked him to stand in the middle of the Munchkin trio. He had caught their attention with his singing and dancing talent, and fame soon followed. Read More Glynn Edwards Glynn Edwards (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Minder actor Glynn Edwards died on May 23, aged 87. The actor - who also starred in Zulu alongside Michael Caine - was best known for his role as Dave 'the barman' Harris who owned the Winchester Club in ITV's Minder. Read More Philip Roth (Image: REUTERS) Pulitzer-prize winning writer Philip Roth passed away on May 22 aged 85. The writer died from congestive heart failure, his close friend Judith Thurman told The New York Times. Roth was both hailed and derided for laying bare the neuroses and obsessions that haunted the modern Jewish-American experience. Read More Hugh Dane (Image: NBCUniversal) Hugh Dane, star of The Office, Bridesmaids and The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, died on May 16 at the age of 75. Paying tribute to him with a clip of Hank and Dwight in The Office, co-star Rainn Wilson tweeted: "RIP Hugh Dane, aka Hank the security guard. He was one of the greats. So kind, funny, talented. We will all miss him. Donations can be made in his name to innercityculturalcenter.org." Hugh had been acting for nearly 30 years of his life, starting out in 1990 with a small role in the TV series Hunter. Read More Ray Wilson Ray Wilson walks out on to the pitch at Wembley Stadium in May 1963 (Image: mirrorpix Daily Mirror) England World Cup winner Ray Wilson died on May 15 aged 83. The outstanding left back, who spent most of his career with Huddersfield Town and Everton, is most famous for being part of the successful 1966 national side under Sir Alf Ramsey. Read More Jlloyd Samuel Jlloyd Samuel (Image: AFP/Getty Images) Former Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel died in a car crash on May 15, aged 37. Samuel's Range Rover was involved in a crash with a van in High Legh, Cheshire, after he had dropped his children off at school. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association confirmed the devastating news on their official Facebook page. Read More Tom Wolfe Tom Wolfe (Image: Redferns) Author and journalist Tom Wolfe died on Monday May 14 at the age of 87. Agent Lynn Nesbit confirmed the pioneer of journalism died from an infection in a Manhattan hospital. Famous for his psychedelic novel Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, the author will be remembered for his literary flair. Read More Margot Kidder Margot Kidder as Lois Lane (Image: Rex) Superman actress Margot Kidder died on Sunday May 13, aged 69. The actress who played Lois Lane in the 1978 hit film Superman passed away in her home, TMZ reported. Margot starred opposite Christopher Reeve in 1978's Superman and also in the 3 sequels. The star was still working up to her death, starring in "The Vagina Monologues" on Broadway. She was married three times and leaves a daughter. Read More Joe Tilley Joe Tilley The UK reality TV star who shot to fame on Jungletown was found dead at the foot of the Fin del Mundo's waterfall, End of the World, in Colombia. The search team have suggested he fell to his death. He starred in a Viceland television documentary called Jungletown – which featured American entrepreneur Ondi Timoner and hundreds of young people trying to build the world's "most sustainable modern town" deep in the Panamanian jungle. Read More Dame Tessa Jowell Dame Tessa Jowell MP Labour veteran Dame Tessa Jowell died after a year-long cancer battle aged 70. The former Blair minister succumbed to a gliobastoma multiforme brain tumour that was diagnosed last May. Dame Tessa's frontbench career lasted almost 20 years and she has been hailed as an "inspiration" with "unflinching tenacity." Former prime minister Tony Blair led emotional tributes saying: "There was no-one like Tessa and no-one better. I will miss her more than I can say." Read More Cathy Godbold Cathy Godbold has died at the age of 43 (Image: Facebook) Cathy Godbold, the Australian actress who starred in hit soap Home and Away, lost her battle with brain cancer on May 4 at the age of 43 - more than ten years after she was first diagnosed. Cathy played Meg in the soap during the 1990s and nobody can forget the iconic scene that saw her lose her battle with Leukaemia while she watched the sun rise for the last time in her boyfriend Blake Dean's arms. Despite her real-life terminal diagnosis, Cathy was upbeat in her final weeks, according to a close friend. Read More APRIL Michael Martin Michael Martin (Image: BBC) Former House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin died on April 29 after a short illness, aged 72. Michael Martin - latterly Lord Martin of Springburn after the Glasgow constituency he represented from 1979 to 2005 - was Speaker from 2000 to 2009. In October that year, the former Labour MP joined his predecessor as speaker, Baroness Boothroyd, on the crossbenches. Read More Michael Anderson Michael Anderson, Mike Todd and Frank Sinatra on the set of Around the World in 80 Days. (Image: MGM) Film director Michael Anderson died on April 25 aged 98. The British star was best known for his work on World War Two epic The Dam Busters and classic sci-fi movie Logan's Run. Before his death, Anderson was the oldest living person to have received a best director nomination at the Oscars for Around the World in 80 days. Read More Verne Troyer (Image: Getty Images Europe) Actor Verne Troyer, star of Austin Powers, died aged 49 on April 21. There was a statement on his Instagram page making reference to "depression and suicide." "Depression and Suicide are very serious issues," the statement read. "You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. "Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help." Read More Avicii Tim Bergling was just 28 (Image: WireImage) Swedish DJ Avicii has died in Muscat, Oman on April 20 at the age of 28. A representative for Avicii announced the news in a statement: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii. He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. "The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given." Avicii was behind best-selling EDM hits including Levels, Hey Brother and Wake Me Up with Aloe Blacc. Read More Dale Winton Dale Winton TV presented Dale Winton died aged 62 on April 18 2018. His long-term agent Jan Kennedy said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today. "While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief." Read More Bruno Sammartino (Image: Focus on Sport) Legendary WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Bruno Sammartino died, aged 82, on April 18 2018. Sammartino, who held the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship title for more than 11 years, passed away at his home in Pittsburgh. WWE wrote on their website: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino passed away at age 82. "WWE extends its condolences to Sammartino’s family, friends and fans." Bruno Sammartino dead: WWE Hall of Fame legend passes away, aged 82 Barbara Bush Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now Former US first lady Barbara Bush died on April 17, aged 92. Mrs Bush had reportedly been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, and had been in and out of hospital. The wife of former president George HW Bush, 93, and mother of ex-president George W Bush, 71, was being cared for at her home in Houston, Texas. She died surrounded by her family after deciding not to return to hospital following a series of recent hospitalisations. Read More Harry Anderson Actor Harry Anderson died on April 16, at the age of 65. The sad news of his death was announced by his son, Dashiell Anderson, who told TMZ that he had died of natural causes. Harry starred in TV horror movie It as the adult Richie Tozer - but will perhaps be best remembered for his recurring role as con man Harry 'The Hat' Gittes in sitcom Cheers. Read More Pamela Gidley The Twin Peaks actress died peacefully at her home in New Hampshire on April 16. Former child model Gidley first starred in a skateboarding movie Thrashin before finding fame with Twin Peaks. R. Lee Ermey The actor R. Lee Ermey, best known for his starring role in the film 'Full Metal Jacket', died on April 15 aged 74. His manager Bill Rogin confirmed the death on Sunday night in a tweet saying: "It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny") passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. "He will be greatly missed by all of us. "Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed." Read More Alex Beckett Alex Beckett starred in play The Way of the World (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Alex Beckett died aged 36 . The Welsh actor was best known for his role as Barney Lumsden in the BBC's award-winning Twenty Twelve and W1A. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London, before graduating in 2003. He starred in one episode of Emmerdale as PC Tony Read in 2006 and also appeared in The Bill in 2008. Alex was also a star of the stage - appearing in multiple productions over his career. Read More Timmy Matley Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now Irish singer Timmy Matley passed away on April 11 aged 36, following a two year battle with skin cancer. Matley found fame as a member of the five piece singing group, The Overtones in 2010. Read More Eric Bristow (Image: Manchester Evening News) Darts legend Eric Bristow died at the age of 60 on 5 April . Known as the Crafty Cockney, Bristow was a five-time BDO world champion. PDC Chairman Barry Hearn led the tributes to Bristow, saying: “Eric will always be a legend in the world of darts and British sport. "He was a tremendous player and a huge character and even after his retirement fans would travel for miles to meet him and see him play." Read More Ray Wilkins England International Ray Wilkins with wife Jackie and son Ross in 1984 (Image: Bob Thomas/Getty Images) Chelsea and Manchester United legend Ray Wilkins died on April 4 aged 61 . Midfielder Wilkins helped United lift the FA Cup in 1982 during a 160 game spell at Old Trafford and earned 84 England caps. He also had a standout career at Stamford Bridge where he won the Player of the Year award in 1976 and 1977 before becoming assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea for their 2009/10 Premier League winning campaign. Read More MARCH Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Nelson Mandela with wife Winnie in 1963 just before he was sentenced to life imprisonment. (Image: Camera Press Digital) Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela died at the age of 81. The news came less than three months after Winnie was rushed to hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a kidney infection. She was married to former South African President Nelson for 38 years, including the 27 years he served in jail. During his lengthy incarceration, Winnie campaigned tirelessly for his release and for the rights of black South Africans, suffering years of detention, banishment and arrest by the white authorities. Blamed for the killing of activist Stompie Seipei, who was found near her Soweto home with his throat cut, she was convicted in 1991 of kidnapping and assaulting the 14-year-old because he was suspected of being an informer. Winnie and Mandela separated in 1992 and he sacked her from his cabinet in 1995 due to allegations of corruption. Despite their divorce in 1993 and Nelson's second marriage in 1998, they remained close until his death. Bill Maynard Bill Maynard (Image: PA) Heartbeat actor Bill Maynard died at the age of 89, shortly after breaking his hip in a fall off his mobility scooter, his family confirmed. Bill, real name Walter Williams, was best known for playing Greengrass in Heartbeat. Jacqueline Reddin, who is also an actress, told the Press Association: "He was larger than life and he just loved showbiz." Bill Maynard dead: Heartbeat's Greengrass' family pay tribute to 'larger than life' star who died in hospital after falling off mobility scooter DuShon Monique Brown DuShon Monique Brown (Image: Getty Images North America) Actress DuShon Monique Brown, who starred in American dramas including Prison Break and Chicago Fire, died at the age of 49. Just a few days previously, the actress had checked herself in to hospital after suffering chest pains. She was given tests and later released. It's thought she died of a suspected heart attack. Jim Bowen Jim Bowen Broadcaster and comedian Jim Bowen died on March 14, aged 80, his wife Phyllis confirmed. She announced the sad news to BBC Radio Lancashire. Jim was best known as the host of darts show Bullseye, joining as presenter in 1981 and working there until the programme ended in 1995. Read More Professor Stephen Hawking Professor Stephen Hawking (Image: PA) Acclaimed scientist and author Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14 aged 76 . Heralded as one of the smartest minds to grace the world, his book a Brief History Of Time became one of the best selling books in the field of astrophysics. Suffering from ALS, Hawking was confined to a wheelchair and had to use a voice simulator to talk. He made appearances in many TV shows including The Big Bang Theory and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Read More Craig Mack Craig Mack signed to Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Entertainment record label in the 1990s (Image: WireImage) Hip hop star Craig Mack died on March 12 aged 41 . The rapper was best known for his hit 1994 track Flava In Your Ear, the remix of which featured a young Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes early on in their careers. Read More Hubert de Givenchy Hubert de Givenchy at his Paris design house in 1955 (Image: Picture Post) French fashion phenomenon Hubert de Givenchy died on March 10 aged 91 The legendary clothing designer founded the House of Givenchy in 1952 and created outfits for the likes of US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn - including Hepburn's iconic dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Read More Sir Ken Dodd Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now Sir Ken Dodd died at the age of 90 on March 11. The comedy legend had recently been forced to cancel all dates on an upcoming tour as he recovered from a serious infection. Doddy, famous for his long stand-up shows, as well as his Diddy Men and tickling stick, died just days after leaving hospital. He married Anne Jones, his partner of 40 years, on Friday at their house, which was also the one he was born in. He died two days later on Mother's Day Read More Trevor Baylis Trevor Baylis' invention of a wind-up radio won him acclaim (Image: TMS) Trevor Baylis died on March 5 at the age of 80 Baylis was known for inventing a radio that could be powered by winding a crank for several seconds, instead of using batteries or mains electricity. In 2015 Baylis was appointed CBE for services to intellectual property, and was previously awarded the OBE for his radio design. Read More Sir Roger Bannister Sir Roger Bannister with his old running shoes (Image: PA) Sir Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a sub-four minute mile, died on March 3. A statement released on behalf of Sir Roger's family said: "Sir Roger Bannister, died peacefully in Oxford on 3rd March 2018, aged 88, surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them. "He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends." Bannister, aided by Sir Christopher Chataway and Chris Brasher as pacemakers, achieved the feat by running three minutes 59.4 seconds at the Iffley Road track on May 6, 1954. Bannister, who also won a Commonwealth and European Championship gold medal that year, went on to become a leading neurologist. Read More Davide Astori Davide Astori (Image: Getty Images Europe) Fiorentina announced on March 3 that their captain, Davide Astori , had died at the age of 31. The Italian international, with 14 caps to his name, was found dead at the La di Moret hotel in Udine, ahead of the Viola's meeting with Udinese on Sunday. Astori, who started his career at AC Milan, enjoyed a 12-year career in Serie A. He spent six years with Cagliari, making 174 appearances for the Sardinians during a six-year spell. Read More Patrick Doyle Patrick Doyle was a member of band Veronica Falls (Image: Redferns) Talented drummer Patrick Doyle died on March 3, according to his record label. Indie star Patrick, who had been a member of bands Veronica Falls, Boys Forever, The Royal We and Sexy Kids, most recently released music under his band Boys Forever with record label Amour Foo, who confirmed the news online. Taking to Twitter, the label's official account stated: "I'll remember you. Goodbye Patrick X," along with a photo of the musician. Read More David Ogden Stiers David Ogden Stiers (Image: B3972) M*A*S*H actor David Ogden Stiers passed away on March 3, aged 75, after a battle with bladder cancer. The actor, best known for his role as Major Charles Winchester on the classic TV show, joined in season six and went on to receive two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981 and 1982. In 1984 he earned another Emmy nomination for his supporting role as William Milligan Sloane in the NBC miniseries The First Olympics: Athens 1896. After finishing on M*A*S*H in 1983, he went on to appear in a number of other TV shows including Murder, She wrote, Frasier, Matlock, Touched by an Angel, Star Trek: The Next Generation and North and South. Read More FEBRUARY Emma Chambers Emma Chambers Comedy actress Emma Chambers passed away on February 24 from natural causes. Best known for her role as lovable but dim Alice in The Vicar Of Dibley, she played the part across the show's five series and special mini episodes for Comic Relief. Chambers also starred on the big screen in romantic comedy Notting Hill. Read More Eddy Amoo Eddy Amoo with brother Chris and bandmate Dave Smith (Image: Publicity pic) Singer Eddy Amoo died on February 23 aged 74 . Amoo was a member of the pioneering 70s UK soul band The Real Thing alongside his brother Chris Amoo and friends Dave Smith and Ray Lake. The group were famous for hits like You To Me Are Everything, Feel the Force and Can’t Get By Without You. Read More Billy Graham Graham preached to an estimated two billion people during his lifetime (Image: REUTERS) Reverend Billy Graham, the American evangelist who became one of the world's most influential preachers, died on February 21 aged 99. The Southern Baptist minister counselled every US president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama, and had a close relationship with the Queen. Read More Reg E Cathey Reg E Cathey appeared in many iconic TV shows (Image: REX/Shutterstock) Actor Reg E Cathey died on February 9 aged 59 following a battle with lung cancer. With a distinctively deep voice, Cathey appeared in a variety of critically acclaimed TV shows. His most notable roles include BBQ restaurateur Freddy Hayes in Netflix's House of Cards , political advisor Norman Wilson in HBO's The Wire and prison boss Martin Querns in jail drama Oz. Reg also starred in a number of Hollywood movies, including Se7en and The Mask early on in his career, and portrayed Franklin Richards in 2015 superhero film Fantastic Four Read More John Gavin Actor John Gavin, known for his work in "Psycho", passed away on February 9, 2018 in Beverly Hills (Image: Moviepix) Flim actor John Gavin died on February 9 aged 86 following a long battle with leukaemia. In 1960 Gavin starred as Julius Caesar in the Stanley Kubrick classic Spartacus, and later went on to be cast in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho as Sam Loomis, lover of Janet Leigh's character Marion Crane. John also came close to playing James Bond , signing up to star as the super spy in Diamonds Are Forever after George Lazenby left the role. However, studio executives then replaced him with Sean Connery . Read More John Mahoney (Image: Los Angeles Times) Frasier star John Mahoney passed away on February 4 at the age of 77. The Blackpool-born star played the beloved dad Martin Crane in the hit US sitcom for its full 11-year run. He also worked as a voice actor and performed on Broadway. He passed away in hospice care in Chicago. Read More Dennis Edwards Dennis performs with The Temptations during NMAAM 2016 Black Music Honors in 2016 (Image: Getty Images North America) Dennis Edwards , former lead singer of legendary soul music group The Temptations, died on February 2 aged 74. The Grammy winner passed away in hospital just one day before his 75th birthday following complications from meningitis. Edwards lent his vocals to the band's biggest hits, including Papa Was a Rollin' Stone and I Can't Get Next To You. Read More JANUARY Mark E. Smith Mark E Smith of The Fall performing on stage in 2013 (Image: Redferns) Mark E. Smith , frontman of avant-garde band The Fall, died on January 24 aged 60. Smith founded the iconic post-punk group in 1976 after he attended a concert by the Sex Pistols. The musician had been the only constant member of the band, with a line-up that has changed numerous times over its 40-year history. Read More Jack Ketchum Horror writer Jack Ketchum was the recipient of four coveted Bram Stoker Awards American actor and horror writer Jack Ketchum died on January 24 at the age of 71 from cancer. Born Dallas Mayr but working under a pseudonym, Ketchum's novels won him a slew of awards, with many of his books being adapted into films. As well as a writing career spanning decades, Jack appeared in a handful of films based on his work. He played Teddy Panik in 2006's The Lost, Carnival in 2007's The Girl Next Door and twice as Dallas Mayr in Red and Offspring. Read More Connie Sawyer (Image: NBCUniversal) The American star dubbed Hollywood's hardest working actress, passed away in her retirement home at the age of 105 on January 23. A glittering career that spanned six decades, she appeared in fan favourites such as ER, Seinfeld and Will & Grace, as well as many more. She starred alongside the likes of Frank Sinatra, Meg Ryan and Sophie Tucker and got her first film role at the age of 49. Read More Jimmy Armfield England football star Jimmy Armfield died on January 22 after a long battle against cancer. The former Blackpool great - who played 43 times for his country - was 82. He played 627 games overall between 1954 and 1971, and later managed Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers after retiring from playing. Read More Howard Lew Lewis (Image: BBC) The comedian Howard Lew Lewis died aged 76 on January 20 in Edinburgh, displaying early signs of dementia. Lewis starred in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men, Brush Strokes and Blackadder. Actors Tony Robinson and Chris Rankin both took to social media to share their sadness at his passing. Fredo Santana Fredo Santana died aged 27 (Image: Instagram/Fredo Santana) American rapper Fredo Santana, real name Derrick Coleman, died on January 20 at the age of 27. The star was a cousin of rapper Chief Keef. His debut album Trappin Ain't Dead was released in 2013 and featured a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. Fredo also appeared in Drake's video for Hold On, We're Going Home, playing a man who kidnapped Drake's girlfriend. Read More Simon Shelton Barnes The actor who played Tinky Winky, the handbag-carrying Teletubbie in the BBC children’s series, died on January 17, just four days after his 52nd birthday. The uncle of Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack once said that being in the Teletubbies was “a bit like the Beatles or Take That of television”. As well as his work on Teletubbies, Simon played the terrifying Dark Knight in the 1990s CBB C show Incredible Games. Read More Jessica Falkholt (Image: piamiller/Instagram) Home and Away star Jessica Falkholt died on January 17 aged 29. Her death came three weeks after the devastating Boxing Day crash which killed her family. The Home and Away actress died six days after her life support was withdrawn. The close-knit Falkholt family were thought to be driving home to Sydney along the Princes Highway after a short festive break when their car was involved in the devastating head-on collsion. Jessica appeared as Hope Morrison in the Aussie soap Home and Away in 2016. The up and coming actress also starred in the upcoming supernatural thriller Harmony, set to be released in 2018. Read More Moya O'Sullivan (Image: Network 10) Neighbours star Moya O'Sullivan died aged 91 on January 16. Best known for playing Marlene Kratz, she was dubbed 'Australia's favourite mum and grandmother'. A popular figure, a tribute in The Sydney Morning Herald read: "Much loved by all, especially by her brother Peter, sister-in-law Kaaren, aunt to Mark, Cait and Bridget, great aunt to Phoebe and Ursela, grandmother to Harriet and James. "Also Andrew and Sarah. Bless her eternal soul." Ed Doolan Ed had previously spoken about his battle with dementia on a BBC One Inside Out West Midlands documentary (Image: Publicity picture) Legendary BBC radio presenter Ed Doolan died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of January 16. The star had been battling vascular dementia since 2013. Ed started his career in radio at BRMB (now Free Radio Birmingham) in 1974 before moving to BBC West Midlands in 1982. He was awarded the MBE for services to broadcasting and charity and was also the recipient of a Sony Gold Award. Read More Peter Wyngarde Peter Wyngarde on the set of TV show Jason King in 1971 (Image: Daily Mirror) Actor Peter Wyngarde died on January 15 at the age of 90 The star was best known for his role as sleuth Jason King in Department S and its spin-off Jason King. He also starred in the 1980 Flash Gordon movie as metal-masked villain General Klytus. Peter also starred in the very first British gay drama, South, which aired on ITV in 1959 and was met with a backlash of furious homophobic abuse from the public and media at the time. Read More Dolores O'Riordan Dolores O'Riordan was the lead singer of The Cranberries Cranberries star Dolores O'Riordan died on January 15 aged 46. As the lead singer of Irish rock band The Cranberries, she rose to international fame in the 1990s with their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? She also released two solo albums, and appeared as a judge on the Irish version of reality singing competition show The Voice. Read More Cyrille Regis Cyrille Regis playing for West Bromwich Albion (Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography) West Brom and Coventry legend Cyrille Regis died on January 14 aged 59 after suffering a heart attack. The former striker was a pioneer for black footballers in the late 1970s. Regis won five caps for England and was awarded an MBE in 2008. Cyrille Regis in his own words: Late football star on racism, his England debut and life as the underdog Hugh Wilson Hugh Wilson worked on Police Academy (Image: Copyright (c) 2014 Shutterstock. No use without permission.) Hugh Wilson died on January 14 at the age of 74. The director was well known for making films such as Police Academy and The First Wives Club. He also created the acclaimed sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati and won awards for his work, including an Emmy in 1988 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series. Read More Keith Jackson Sports broadcaster Keith Jackson was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1999 (Image: Getty Images North America) Keith Jackson, the voice of American college football, died on January 12 aged 89. The legendary broadcaster spent 56 years covering the sport before his final game in 2006. Jackson served on American channel ABC Sports, and became synonymous with his trademark line "Whoa, Nellie." Read More Bella Emberg Bella Emberg (Image: Mirrorpix) Blunderwoman comedy star Bella Emberg died on January 12 at the age of 80. She found fame in the 1980s, most notably alongside Russ Abbot, with whom she shared a comedy partnership. Emberg also starred in TV shows as diverse as The Lily Savage Show and Doctor Who. Last summer she spoke exclusively to the Daily Mirror about her career in a fascinating interview. Read More Doreen Tracey Doreen joined The Mickey Mouse Club as one of the Mouseketeers in 1955 (Image: Getty) Doreen Tracey, one of the original Disney Mouseketeers, died on January 10 at the age of 74. The performer had battled cancer for two years, but sadly developed pneumonia as a complication. At the age of 12, Doreen became one of the child stars of The Mickey Mouse Club, the popular TV show which aired between 1955 and 1959. Read More Eddie Clarke Eddie Clarke (left) with drummer Phil Taylor and Lemmy Kilmister, the original members of Motorhead (Image: Redferns) Heavy metal star 'Fast' Eddie Clarke died on January 10 aged 67 following a battle with pneumonia. Guitarist Clarke was one of the founding members of Motorhead and the last surviving member of the band's original line-up. Read More Tommy Lawrence Tommy Lawrence showing off his new suit ahead of Liverpool's tour of the US in 1964 (Image: Daily Mirror) Former Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence died on January 9 aged 77. Known as "The Flying Pig" by Reds fans, the Scot made 390 appearances for the Reds over 14 years in the first team. Lawrence hit the headlines in 2015 when he was stopped by a reporter in the street and asked for his memories of the 1967 derby match between Liverpool and Everton, with the interviewer unaware that he had played in that very match. Read More Jerry Van Dyke Jerry Van Dyke was the younger brother of Dick Van Dyke (Image: Getty) Comedian Jerry Van Dyke died on January 5 at the age of 86. Jerry made his television debut on The Dick Van Dyke show, later appearing on The Judy Garland Show and Coach, with his final TV role being for The Middle in 2015. He is survived by his wife Shirley, three children, and older brother Dick Van Dyke. Read More John Young Young was the Command Module pilot on the Apollo 10 lunar orbital mission in May 1969 (Image: SSPL via Getty Images) Astronaut John Young, the ninth man to walk on the Moon, died on January 5 aged 87. The former U.S Navy Test pilot became one of only 12 people ever to set foot on the surface of the Moon on a mission in 1972. Young is one of the most accomplished astronauts in the history of the US space program. He flew into space twice as part of the mid-1960s Gemini program, twice on the Apollo lunar missions and twice on space shuttles in the 1980s. Read More Jon Paul Steuer Steuer appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation when he was younger (Image: trekonlinegame/Twitter) Star Trek actor Jon Paul Steuer died on January 1 aged 33. With an acting career that began at the age of 3, Steur eventually landed the role of Alexander Rozhenko, son of Lieutenant Worf, on Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1990. Later on, he starred in TV series Grace Under Fire as Quentin Kelly Steur went on to become a musician and restaurateur under the name Jonny P Jewels. Read More id Source link

[houstonlocalus-blog]

Depth Charge: The Best of The Week

DJ Shadow, Photo: Magnum PR

  The summer sun has definitely risen over Houston, and it certainly doesn’t feel like it will set any time soon. Fortunately, this week you have more than enough options of cool events to choose from where the atmosphere is light and the air conditioning is on overdrive. Sets from DJ Shadow, Reckless Kelly, and Matthew Sweet will all be on hand while locals like Ruiners, Talking Forever, and Days N’ Daze will all fill the spaces in-between. Houston, here’s how to spend your paycheck this week.

  Wednesday you can get started at Toyota Center for the Korean hip hop of G-Dragon. Probably because I don’t listen to pop radio, I wasn’t really aware of this guy’s existence until now. However, he’s a pretty big deal based on his collabs alone with the likes of Diplo and Missy Elliot. His last release was 2013’s COUP D’ETAT, and he’s known for a crazy live show. The all-ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $65.50 and $219.

  Over at Walter’s, Chicago’s High Spirits will bring their charged-straight-ahead rock sounds to life. Playing about as traditional metal-toned rock as it gets, these guys are known for a high energy live show. Their latest, Motivator, is pretty solid, and it should remind you of the band Scorpions. The metal of Chicago’s Bible Of The Devil will be on as direct support, while Houston’s The Satanic Overlords of Rock N’ Roll will bring their high energy on as openers.  The all-ages show has doors at 8 pm and a $10 cover.

  On Thursday you can get started over at The Secret Group for the video premiere party of Pecos Hank’s new video for the track “Drive Under The Moon.” There will be other videos leading up to it as well. It should be pretty cool as he is a storm chaser, so who knows what the video is like. The Free show is all ages and has doors at 6:30 pm.

  Behold The Brave, Photo: Big Hassle

  The gritty indie pop of Nashville’s Behold the Brave will bring their infectious sound upstairs to White Oak Music Hall. Sounding like a more youthful version of Kings of Leon, this four-piece dropped a pretty catchy record this year called Behold The Brave that you should definitely give a listen to. Colorado-based alt rock two-piece In The Whale will bring their high energy, garage-infused sound on as direct support as openers for the all-ages show, with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $10 and $13.

  Out at Joke Joint Comedy Showcase, the always funny Joe List will bring his Boston-based comedy to town.  List is a total riot. He’s been on Last Comic Standing, Conan, and The Late Show with David Letterman, and his latest album, Are You Mad At Me?, is a laugh from start to finish. As per all of these shows, two of Houston’s better comics will serve as feature act and host. The 18 & up show has doors at 7 pm and shows throughout the weekend as well, with tickets between $11 and $16.

  Only Beast, Photo: Overholser Photography

  Over at Satellite Bar, Austin five-piece Darkbird will bring their catchy sound to all who attend. This band defines themselves as a traditional rock band, but with the synths on their latest release, I Remember Feeling My Fingers Slip, they’re nothing if not a rock band with a catchy sound. Their singer, who has mesmerizing vocals, is alone worth making it out for. The electrifying energy of Houston’s Only Beast should captivate all as direct support, while Slow Future will go on prior. The Dream pop of Houston’s Quel Night will open the all-ages show that’s free for adults or $5 for the kids, with doors at 8 pm.

  Continental Club will host the blues-heavy sounds of Danielle Nicole. You wouldn’t know it by looking at her, but she’s an award-winning blues musician that can really bring it, and her album, Wolf Den, definitely backs that honor up. The 21 & up show has doors at 9 and tickets for $10.

  Reckless Kelly, Photo: New Frontier Touring

  On Friday you could begin at The Redneck Country Club for the alt-country of Austin’s Reckless Kelly. Around for right at twenty years, these guys have become well known for their energetic shows and deep tracks. Their latest album, last year’s Sunset Motel, was their most focused to date. There’s no word of support or openers, but that could change on the show with doors at 6 pm and tickets between $35 and $45.

  Over at Revention Center, you can catch the massively popular hip hop of Logic. Geez, what happened? It seems like a couple of years ago this guy was playing small nightclubs and now he’s getting bigger and bigger by the day.  His latest, Everybody, does hold some strong rhymes, and his live show is pretty legit. Brooklyn’s Joey Bada$$ will be on as direct support, while Big Lenbo will open up the all-ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $105 and $129.

  The Cave Singers, Photo: Big Hassle

  Rockefeller’s will have a barn burner when Buxton returns for a show at the iconic venue. The five-piece has never really disappointed in a live setting, and while they’re starting work on a new album sooner than later, their last release, Half A Native, was one of the best albums to come off the New West roster in years. The beautiful, melodic harmonies of Seattle’s The Cave Singers will be on as direct support and openers for the all-ages show, with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $12 and $15.

  In the ballroom at Warehouse Live, Nigerian-born Afro-Pop rapper Mr Eazi will bring his sound all the way from Ghana. Here in support of this year’s Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1-Accra To Lagos, this guy drops true jams that should get the whole room dancing. There’s no word of support or openers, but that could change on the all-ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $30 and $40.

  At Dan Electro’s you could get all psych heavy when VaudeVillain swings by to perform. The Houston four-piece mixes bluesy undertones into their traditional psych sound, and they’re definitely worth checking out. Houston’s Bernie Pink will be on as direct support and opener for the 21 & up show with an $8 cover and with doors at 9 pm.

  Sherita Perez, Photo: Overholser Photography

  In the Foundation Room at House of Blues, you can have some fun times with the Gulf Coast indie folk of Sherita Perez and The Cosmic Cats. Possibly one of the hardest working artists in town right now, Perez will sing songs from her latest release, H-Town Love, alongside favorites old and new. The 21 & up show has a closing set from DJ Simyu. The doors are at 9 pm and it’s free.

  At Continental Club the long running get down series of Fistful of Soul will take place. Dropping some of your favorite soul jams, the show has DJ sets full of feet-moving jams that are hard not to adore. The show is free, it’s 21 & up, and it gets going around 10 pm.

  On Saturday you could start off at Cactus when Buenos Diaz swings by to perform songs from his new album, Buenos Diaz. Currently switching between guitarist for Alejandro Escovedo and solo artist, this guy makes music that’s catchy, almost like if Elvis Costello was born on the Gulf Coast. And with jams like “San Fransymphony,” and “Move On,” he might be your favorite Houstonian turned Austinite. The all-ages event gets going around 3 pm, there’s gratis beer for the adults, and it’s free.

  Ruiners, Photo: Keith Hatch

  Later on at The Secret Group, the Berkeley pop punk of Mom Jeans will swing by to play.  The popular four piece who has two new things to plug like this year’s Split with Graduating Life and last year’s best buds, has become known for a fun and energy heavy live show. Fresno’s Graduating Life will be on as direct support while the lo-fi sounds of Houston’s Cancer Kittens will go on prior. The highly energetic punk of Houston’s Ruiners will also be on hand while the emo of Houston’s Talking Forever will blow the roof off the venue by opening things up.  The all ages show has doors at 6 pm with tickets between $8 and $10.

  At Walter’s the acoustic crust punk of Days N Daze will be on hand to kick off yet another tour. This band tours more than pretty much everyone else in Houston, and since they’ve travelled across Europe to high praise, you should at least check out their latest release Crustfall.  The punk of Giant Kitty will be on hand as direct support while the power violence of D.D.A. will go on beforehand.  The hardcore of Houston’s Crawler will open the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $7.

  If you’d rather chill, then you could head to 3708 Main above Tacos a Go Go to shop for vintage wares at the Milk+Honey Vintage Grand Opening party.  Alongside carefully curated items, Rowdy Leather, Space City Mod Vintage, Lee Lewis Designs and many more will have items for sale.  There’s also gratis Topo Chico and Oasis Brewery beer on hand (more information here), with things starting around 7 pm for the Free event.

  Warlung, Photo: Kevin Adoor

  Satellite Bar will host the controversially named throwback desert psych metal of Portland’s Black Pussy. Here in support of this year’s Power, I’d be lying if I said that these guys weren’t impressive live. One of the strongest new bands in town, Warlung will bring their stoner metal on as direct support, and they’re a band you need to see for yourself. The doom metal of Houston’s Doomstress will get things started for the all-ages show with doors at 9 pm and a free cover for the adults, or $10 for the kids.  

  Over at Numbers you can catch the dark industrial electronica of Pig. A mainstay of the Wax Trax label due to the work with KMFDM, Pig never really got that big, but instead had a devoted fanbase that never waned. Their latest release, last year’s The Gospel, is their best to date, and it should be interesting to catch in person. California’s Julien-K will be on as direct support, while the electro pop of Florida’s Ghostfeeder will open the all-ages show with doors at 9 pm and tickets between $16.50 and $20.

  On Sunday you could head to House of Blues to catch the one and only DJ Shadow. Possibly one of the best — if not the best — modern era DJs to scratch a record, this guy drops the hammer when he performs. His latest release, The Mountain Will Fall, is his best in a good while, and it’s definitely worth making it out for. Mophono will bring his San Francisco hip hop on as opener for the all-ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $25.

  Cymbals Eat Guitars, Photo: Eric White

  Upstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the indie rock of New York’s Cymbals Eat Guitars will swing by. Since their critically acclaimed debut in 2009, these guys have remained pretty solid in their albums, and their latest, Pretty Years (2016), is as solid as it gets. Not to mention, their live shows are always worth making it out for. The indie pop of Austin’s Palo Duro will open the all-ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $10 and $13.

  At The Heights Theater nineties alt rock favorite Matthew Sweet will swing by for the first time in a very long time. I’ve long maintained that Sweet is one of the most underscored artists of the nineties, with hits like “Girlfriend,” and “Sick of Myself.” In fact, his albums 100% Fun and Altered Beast are two of the best albums you’ve probably never heard. He’s back with a new album, this year’s Tomorrow Forever, that’s pretty amazing.  Maryland’s Tommy Keene will open things up for the all-ages show with doors at 7:30 pm and tickets between $22 and $34.

  Astragal, Photo: Astragal

  Satellite Bar will have the indie rock of Brooklyn’s Oshwa. Full of gritty guitar and some of the strongest vocals you’ll hear in a good while, there’s no wonder that critics are in love with what she does, especially on last year’s almost symphonic release I We You Me. Houston’s Two Star Symphony will bring their lushly crafted sounds on as direct support, while the energy-heavy indie rock of Astragal will get the all-ages show started. The doors are at 8 pm and the show is free for adults or $8 for minors.

  At Rudyard’s the San Antonio-based garage rock of The Rich Hands will be on hand to perform. These guys make music that’s a bit like fifties doo wop mixed with garage, and their album Take Care from this year is hard not to love. San Diego’s Bad Kids will bring their surf punk on as direct support, while California’s Fake Tides will open the all-ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $8 and $10.

  Sleeptalk, Photo: The Artery Foundation

  On Monday the indie pop rock of LA’s Sleeptalk will bring their latest singles to life at Walter’s. Those singles, tracks like “Bright Eyes” and “Young,” to name a few, are super catchy to say the least. The alt rock pop of Houston’s Moth Wings will be on as direct support, while Dallas’ Quiet Please will open things up. The all-ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $10 and $12.

  That’s about it for this week. No matter what you decide to do, remember to stay hydrated, stay dry, and that drinking like an adult is what’s best for everyone.

  Depth Charge: The Best of The Week this is a repost