It had to happen sooner or later. Even in the most harmonious of boy bands, someone will chafe at having to submit to the will and creative demands of the group, and he'll strike out on his own. The first of the Backstreet Boys to do so will be Nick Carter, who says he's preparing a solo release for this fall on BSB's Jive label.
''Right now I've been in the studio, and I've got, like, over 30 songs recorded,'' he tells Launch.com. ''And they are thinking about a single in a couple of months, and the album later on this year --maybe late September.'' He says the sound won't be too different from his pop work with BSB, lest he alienate his fans. ''Of course, I can't stray too far away from what I've done, so I'm stuck with that.'' However, he says, some tunes will have more of a rock feel. ''It's going to be interesting to see how the public accepts it.''
The singer has been spending a lot of time on non-Backstreet projects lately, like racing power boats professionally with his father, playing concert dates with brother Aaron Carter. But he insists that his solo work doesn't mean there's trouble in boyland. ''We're not breaking up. I mean, everybody's all, like, worried: 'Nick's doing this and the Backstreet Boys are over,' and all this stuff,'' he says. Rather, it was just time for a change. ''I've been in the group for 10 years, since I was 12, so I mean, I'm 22 now and I really want to try something new. That's basically what I'm doing. Sometimes you can't make everybody happy -- that's the one thing I've learned in life -- but the guys are supporting me, so that's good.''
(Posted:06/05/02)
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 @ 05:38 p.m.
Nine months after 9/11, Fred Durst is standing by his vow not to be a "hater," despite what an interview in the July issue of Playboy might suggest.
In the piece, Durst bashes Christina Aguilera, Kurt Loder and Filter's Richard Patrick, but the interview was conducted long before the singer's post-September 11 pledge to give peace a chance (see "Fred Durst: Give Peace A Chance").
"That interview is one-and-a-half years old that just got published with some extra comments about Wes [Borland]," Durst wrote on the official Limp Bizkit Web site. "I was really feeling negative about a lot of things back then."
One reason readers were duped by the Playboy piece was because quotes about Borland leaving Limp Bizkit were seamlessly interwoven with much older material. MTV News was also fooled and erroneously reported that Fred had gone back on his pledge to stay positive.
Durst wrote on the Bizkit Web site that at the time he did the original interview with Playboy, he was speaking from the heart, but explained, "It's amazing how, over time, a person's perspective can be altered. I've somehow been able to let myself move on from the feelings I had back then."
In response to Durst's comments to Playboy, Patrick posted a scathing rebuttal on the official Filter Web site, but after he read the Bizkit frontman's Web comments concerning the issue, Patrick softened his own stance, and acknowledged his improved relationship with Durst.
"I am definitely willing to put this behind us," Patrick wrote. "When I hugged you at [a recent] Puddle of Mudd [show], I could feel love from the both of us, and I'd rather feel that than feel hurt."
Meanwhile, Durst and his Bizkit bandmates continue to write new material in Los Angeles and have churned out roughly 20 songs so far (see "Fred Durst Taking Guitar Matters Into His Own Hands?").
MTV News apologizes for any confusion caused by our original report on the Playboy article.
—Jon Wiederhorn
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 @ 05:35 p.m.
Wednesday, June 5, 2002
By PAUL CANTIN -- JAM! Showbiz
Slim Shady topped the Canadian album charts this week -- and not by a slim margin.
Eminem's new album, "The Eminem Show", debuted at No. 1, selling 79,700 copies across the country, and easily out-distancing second-place Celine Dion, whose "A New Day Has Come" moved 8,500 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan Canada.
In fact, "The Eminem Show" sold more copies than the rest of the Canadian top 10 combined (62,300).
Meanwhile, the "Spider-Man" soundtrack (8,300) moved up one spot to third, and Shakira's "Laundry Service" (8,100) rose one to fourth. Marc Anthony's "Mended," which last week debuted at number one, fell to fourth on sales of 7,800. Moby's "18," which debuted at No. 2 last week, dropped to sixth on sales of 7,500.
Rounding out the top 10: Diana Krall's "The Look Of Love" (7,000), P. Diddy's "We Invented The Remix" (5,500), Nickelback's "Silver Side Up" (5,000), and Sheryl Crow's "C'Mon, C'Mon" (4,600).
In the U.S., Eminem continued his winning ways. Last week, "The Eminem Show" debuted at No. 1, selling 284,500 in only a single day of official sales. With a full additional week to sell Stateside, Eminem managed to pump up his sales substantially.
The disc sold 1,321,800 copies in the U.S., clearing the decks of all competition. P. Diddy's remix album came in second with 117,100, Ashanti's self-titled record (82,500) took third, followed by Cam'Ron's "Come Home With Me" (76,600), and Dion's "A New Day Has Come" (69,900).
Eminem's strong chart performance comes despite the fact that an MP3 version of the highly guarded album managed to leak out through the Internet prior to release. The leak caused Em's label to fast-track the arrival of the album at retail, but indications are that Eminem's fans were still willing to fork over money to own the real thing.
Here are the 10 best-selling albums in Canada, according to Nielsen SoundScan:
1. EMINEM -- "THE EMINEM SHOW" (79,700)
2. CELINE DION -- "A NEW DAY HAS COME" (8,500)
3. "SPIDER-MAN" SOUNDTRACK (8,300)
4. SHAKIRA -- "LAUNDRY SERVICE" (8,100)
5. MARC ANTHONY -- "MENDED" (7,800)
6. MOBY -- "18" (7,500)
7. DIANA KRALL -- "THE LOOK OF LOVE" (7,000)
8. P. DIDDY -- "WE INVENTED THE REMIX" (5,500)
9. NICKELBACK -- "SILVER SIDE UP"(5,000)
10. SHERYL CROW -- "C'MON, C'MON" (4,600)
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 @ 05:32 p.m.
Britney has come under fire from animal rights commentators for her reported use of a zebra and a peacock in her latest video.
The video for Boys - a specially shot accompaniment to the new Austin Powers movie - features both a peacock and a zebra, but protestors insist that during filming, both animals were frightened by the film crew, according to reports in Star Magazine.
Once brought on set, the peacock was confronted by several people trying to get him to display his plumage for the cameras, but according to one source, 'They all were scaring him and he wouldn't do it. The producers were mad and abandoned the scene.'
'Peacocks use their feathers only when they're sexually aroused,' explained American Humane Society spokeswoman Karen Rosa. Rosa also pointed out that movie and video producers normally consult Humane Society monitors for such filming but none were employed or contacted for Spears' video.
Rosa also addressed the use of a four-year-old zebra, which was made to walk up a flight of stairs, and apparently fell during filming.
'Zebras are much more nervous than horses,' pointed out Rosa. A view echoed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals cruelty specialist Amy Rhodes. Rhodes said: 'I can promise you that whatever was done to have this zebra walk up stairs was cruel.
'The animal did this out of the fear of getting yelled at or even hurt. Britney shouldn't exploit animals to ensure that her fans will still like her,' Rhodes added.
Britney came under similar criticism from PETA last year when she performed at the MTV Awards sporting a live boa constrictor and a tiger.
Rhodes has vowed that the 20-year-old singer will be hearing from her organisation.
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 @ 05:30 p.m.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Ten people, including singer Wyclef Jean, were arrested as thousands of teachers and students turned out for a rally to hear hip-hop stars and politicians denounce proposed cuts in New York City school funding.
All those arrested during Tuesday's rally near City Hall were charged with disorderly conduct, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. One person was also charged with assaulting an officer.
It was unclear how the officer was hurt, but police said he suffered only minor injuries.
The rally, which police say attracted some 20,000 school children, was organized by the United Federation of Teachers and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, a group organized by rap impresario Russell Simmons.
Jean, a former member of the Fugees, was arrested for disorderly conduct after he attempted to perform. The event's permit barred performances.
Entertainers including Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Jay-Z and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs told the crowd that Mayor Michael Bloomberg's budget cuts are unfair to students.
"You've got a mayor who's a billionaire who wants to take the opportunity away from you to become the same kind of person," rapper Chuck D. told the crowd.
The protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations opposing proposed cuts to city schools and calling for pay raises for teachers.
Bloomberg has said budget cuts are necessary to bridge the city's $5 billion budget deficit.
Noting the number of students at the rally, Bloomberg spokesman Ed Skyler said he hoped teachers had not allowed students to cut class for the afternoon rally.
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 @ 04:33 p.m.
(CNN) -- Chart-topping R&B star R. Kelly has been indicted on child pornography charges based on a videotape police said shows Kelly having sex with an underage girl, officials announced Wednesday.
An Illinois grand jury charged Kelly with 21 counts of child pornography based on the videotape, which police said was recorded sometime between November 1997 and February. Investigators said the girl depicted in the video was born in September 1984, which would make her 17 now.
Chicago Police Superintendent Terry Hillard said FBI evidence technicians have examined the videotape and consider it authentic.
"It's unfortunate to see Mr. Kelly's talents go to waste, but it becomes a tragedy when behavior damages the community," Hillard said.
Kelly was not in custody Wednesday afternoon, Chicago police said. An attorney for the Grammy-winning singer said his client is currently out of town, and will present himself to police "whenever and wherever" they tell him to.
If convicted, Kelly -- whose first name is Robert -- faces a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $100,000. His lawyer, Ed Genson, said he would disprove the child pornography charges.
"The charge is that there's a young lady under the age of 18 on that tape and there isn't," Genson told The Associated Press. "That's simply the stance that I'm taking. We're going to court and we'll disprove that she was underage."
The girl's family members also have denied that she is featured on the video, Genson said.
The Chicago Sun-Times received the videotape earlier this year. The newspaper passed the tape along to the sex crimes unit of the Chicago Police Department, which investigated. Illinois law prohibits producing or disseminating child pornography or soliciting a minor to participate in sex acts on tape or film.
Hillard warned that anyone who has bought or is selling copies of the tape is in possession of child pornography. "It would be my advice to you to dispose of these tapes," he said.
Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine said the sex acts on the video occurred in Kelly's home in Chicago.
"The indictments hopefully will send a message to sexual predators ... [that] taking advantage of minors will not be tolerated and there are severe penalties," he said.
The Grammy-winning Kelly is known for inspirational hits such as "I Believe I Can Fly," but also raunchy ones like "Feelin' On Yo Booty." He has also worked as a producer with Celine Dion, Michael and Janet Jackson, and the Isley Brothers.
Kelly has said he has not seen the video.
Last month, speaking on the BET cable program "BET Tonight with Ed Gordon," he denied various allegations involving the tape.
"I want America to know that you can't believe everything you hear, and nowadays, you can't believe everything you see," he said.
"I've done a lot of wrong things in my life, but I'm not a criminal, I'm not a monster."
Kelly has previously settled lawsuits brought by two women who accused him of having sex with them when they were minors. Documents have also shown that Kelly married the late singer Aaliyah, his former protege, when she was just 15. The marriage was later annulled.
A third lawsuit was filed recently by a Chicago woman who accused Kelly of impregnating her when she was a teen-ager and forcing her to have an abortion.
Kelly is married to a former dancer from his touring troupe. The couple have a newborn son and two young daughters.
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 @ 04:22 p.m.
Willowbend Pro-Am has Many Activities for Kids Including Watching the Backstreet Boys Source:
Tuesday June 4, 9:06 am Eastern Time
MASHPEE, Mass., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, June 24th, 21 teams of five will take to the links for the 11th annual Willowbend Children's Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament to raise money for children's' programs on Cape Cod. In addition to the outstanding playing field of professional golfers and celebrities that will attend, this year's event sponsored by Credit Suisse First Boston will feature more special events and entertainment than ever before.
Paul Fireman, Founder of Willowbend and Chairman of Reebok International, said, "This event is all about the kids and has always been about the kids. Our goal is to entertain the spectators and raise as much money as possible to benefit the children of Cape Cod."
Kids of all ages will enjoy:
Watching the Golfers and their favorite stars -- Kevin Richardson and A.J. McLean of The Backstreet Boys have joined the list of well-known celebrities playing in the golf event.
Complimentary Junior Golf Clinics -- Beginning at 11 a.m., and for three hours, Willowbend will offer juniors complimentary golf clinics taught by PGA professionals from Willowbend Golf Management's courses including: Willowbend (Mashpee, MA), The Ranch Golf Club (Southwick, MA), Starr Pass Golf Club (Tucson, AZ) and Rio Mar Golf Club (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico). What's more, as this is all about the children of Cape Cod, PGA professionals from other Cape Cod golf courses have volunteered their time including: Ballymeade Country Club (N. Falmouth, MA), Quashnet Valley Country Club (Mashpee, MA), Falmouth Country Club (E. Falmouth, MA) and Sandwich Hollows (E. Sandwich, MA).
Golf trick-shot artist Chuck "the Hit Man" Hiter -- Known for his miraculous feats and skill, Chuck will bring "the greatest golf show on earth" to Willowbend. One writer said this about him "consider the most amazing and absurd things a person could possibly do with a golf ball and a set of clubs. Multiply your imagination by a million."
Putting Contest -- In association with Charles River Broadcasting (Classic Rock 104.7, The Rocket; Classical 107.5 WFCC, Cape Cod; Classical 102.5 WCRB, Boston; and Classical 95.9 WCRI, Rhode Island), the Willowbend Children's Charity Pro-Am will host a putting contest throughout the day. Prizes will be awarded.
Andrew Taussig, Managing Director of Credit Suisse First Boston said, "We're so proud to be associated with the Willowbend Children's Charity Pro-Am and its efforts to raise money to benefit the kids on Cape Cod."
This year's field includes: the current #1-ranked ladies' golfer in the world and the first female to play the event, Annika Sorenstam; two-time back-to-back U.S. Open Champion (1988 & 1989) and Ryder Cup captain, Curtis Strange; the 1987 Masters Champion, Larry Mize; and, one of the greatest players of all time, Greg Norman. Other PGA TOUR players include: Joe Durant, Mark Brooks, Rory Sabbatini, Billy Mayfair, Tom Byrum, Dave Stockton, Jr., and Bill Glasson.
Notable celebrities scheduled to appear this year include: the 2002 Olympic Pairs Figure Skating Gold Medallists from Canada, Jamie Sale and David Pelletier; the only man to pitch a "no hitter" in Fenway Park since 1965, Boston Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe; two Heisman Trophy winners -- Vinny Testaverde New York Jets' quarterback and Tim Brown Oakland Raiders' wide receiver; former American League Rookie of the Year, Mark "the Bird" Fidrych; nightly anchor of CNN NewsNight, Aaron Brown; currently appearing in CBS's Family Law, Salli Richardson; winner of 10 NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics, Sam Jones; former New England Patriots linebacker, Andre Tippet; and hockey legend, Bobby Orr.
Established in 1992 by Paul Fireman, Chairman of Reebok International, and his wife Phyllis, and sponsored annually by Credit Suisse First Boston, the Willowbend Children's Charity Pro-Am has contributed more than $1 million to programs benefiting the children of Cape Cod. Programs include: Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Children's Museum, the Mashpee and Cotuit School systems.
General Admission tickets are $10 and children 18 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by phone (508.539.5500), at Willowbend's Golf Shop or at the gates the day of the event. Gates open at 7:00 a.m. with Player introductions at 8:15 a.m.; Professional Clinic at 8:45 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9:45 a.m. More information can be found on the event's website http://www.willowbendproam.com or by calling the Willowbend Pro-Am Hotline at 508.539.5030.
Willowbend, a private residential golf community located on Cape Cod, offers upscale custom homes as well as unsurpassed amenities. Its 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Michael Hurdzan, is set in a traditional Cape Cod setting and features long rolling fairways with elevated views, 11 active cranberry bogs and lush island greens. Purchased by Paul & Phyllis Fireman in 1991, Willowbend is privately owned and operated by Willowbend Development Corporation.
Posted by Jen on Wednesday, June 5, 2002 @ 04:18 p.m.
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