Frank Farian — the founder of groups Boney M. and Milli Vanilli — has died at the age of 82. The German producer’s agency released a statement Tuesday confirming that Farian had died peacefully at his home in Miami.
Although his cause of death was not immediately revealed, Farian said that he had gone through heart valve replacement surgery in 2022. He told the magazine Bild at the time that the surgery saved his life.
Farian founded R&b pop duo Milli Vanilli — comprised of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus — in the late 1980s.
Although his cause of death was not immediately revealed, Farian said that he had gone through heart valve replacement surgery in 2022. He told the magazine Bild at the time that the surgery saved his life.
Farian founded R&b pop duo Milli Vanilli — comprised of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus — in the late 1980s.
- 1/23/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
German record producer and singer/songwriter Frank Farian, who founded Milli Vanilli and the disco-pop group Boney M., has died. He was 82.
His family released a statement confirming he died “peacefully” at his home in Miami, Florida.
Farian was the brains behind the pop duo Milli Vanilli, who was best known for their songs “Blame It On The Rain” and “Girl You Know It’s True.” He later admitted to the lip-syncing scandal that led to the revocation of the duo’s 1990 Grammy for Best New Artist. It also led to multiple lawsuits in the U.S.
The Germany-born producer started his career off as a singer by forming a band called Frankie Boys Schatten. He then branched out as a solo artist before joining vocalists Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, front man Bobby Farrell and dancer Maizie Williams in 1976 to create Boney M. The group was big in Europe with songs like “Daddy Cool,...
His family released a statement confirming he died “peacefully” at his home in Miami, Florida.
Farian was the brains behind the pop duo Milli Vanilli, who was best known for their songs “Blame It On The Rain” and “Girl You Know It’s True.” He later admitted to the lip-syncing scandal that led to the revocation of the duo’s 1990 Grammy for Best New Artist. It also led to multiple lawsuits in the U.S.
The Germany-born producer started his career off as a singer by forming a band called Frankie Boys Schatten. He then branched out as a solo artist before joining vocalists Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, front man Bobby Farrell and dancer Maizie Williams in 1976 to create Boney M. The group was big in Europe with songs like “Daddy Cool,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Strictly Come Dancing's first camera rehearsals have been taking place in London today ahead of the show's Final this weekend.
Abbey Clancy, Susanna Reid, Natalie Gumede and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are the four competitors in the first ever all-female Final, and will battle it out for the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday night (December 21).
The song choices and dance styles - two dances picked by the judges and couples, and a showdance - have since been confirmed by the BBC.
Clancy and partner Aljaz Skorjanec are set to waltz to 'Kissing You' by Des'ree (judges' choice), quickstep to Katrina and the Waves' 'Walking on Sunshine' (couples' favourite) and perform a showdance to 'Sweet Child o' Mine' by Guns N' Roses.
The model and professional ballroom dancer were seen posing behind a painted beach cut-out board and dancing in a passionate embrace in some of the rehearsal snaps.
Meanwhile, TV presenter...
Abbey Clancy, Susanna Reid, Natalie Gumede and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are the four competitors in the first ever all-female Final, and will battle it out for the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday night (December 21).
The song choices and dance styles - two dances picked by the judges and couples, and a showdance - have since been confirmed by the BBC.
Clancy and partner Aljaz Skorjanec are set to waltz to 'Kissing You' by Des'ree (judges' choice), quickstep to Katrina and the Waves' 'Walking on Sunshine' (couples' favourite) and perform a showdance to 'Sweet Child o' Mine' by Guns N' Roses.
The model and professional ballroom dancer were seen posing behind a painted beach cut-out board and dancing in a passionate embrace in some of the rehearsal snaps.
Meanwhile, TV presenter...
- 12/20/2013
- Digital Spy
BBC One has confirmed the song choices and dance styles for this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing grand final.
Abbey Clancy, Susanna Reid, Natalie Gumede and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are the four female finalists battling it out to win the Glitterball Trophy this Saturday (December 21).
In the first ever all-woman lineup, each couple will initially perform two routines in a bid to win the eleventh series of the show - a former dance picked by the judges and then a showdance.
One couple will then be eliminated from the competition, and the remaining three finalists will go on to dance their favourite routine from the series.
The songs and dance styles in full are as follows:
Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec - Waltz to 'Kissing You' by Des'ree (judges' choice); 'Sweet Child o' Mine' by Guns N' Roses (showdance); Quickstep to Katrina and the Waves' 'Walking on Sunshine' (couples' favourite).
Sophie Ellis-Bextor...
Abbey Clancy, Susanna Reid, Natalie Gumede and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are the four female finalists battling it out to win the Glitterball Trophy this Saturday (December 21).
In the first ever all-woman lineup, each couple will initially perform two routines in a bid to win the eleventh series of the show - a former dance picked by the judges and then a showdance.
One couple will then be eliminated from the competition, and the remaining three finalists will go on to dance their favourite routine from the series.
The songs and dance styles in full are as follows:
Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec - Waltz to 'Kissing You' by Des'ree (judges' choice); 'Sweet Child o' Mine' by Guns N' Roses (showdance); Quickstep to Katrina and the Waves' 'Walking on Sunshine' (couples' favourite).
Sophie Ellis-Bextor...
- 12/18/2013
- Digital Spy
5. Ashley Taylor Dawson and Ola Jordan
Ashley suffered marks-wise from going first, was forced to wear a hideous pink shirt and Dave Arch's band did their best to savage the One Direction backing track in what must have been a secret attempt to subconsciously undermine Simon Cowell and The X Factor. But despite all of this, the Hollyoaks star impressed us a lot with this cheeky cha cha cha.
Bonus marks for an Ola Jordan bum wiggle.
4. Dave Myers and Karen Hauer
Have you ever drunkenly danced around a club or a bedroom and thought that you were The Man, The Dude, The Sex? Yeah, that. We love you, Dave Myers.
Bonus marks for the repeated Tommy Cooper 'just like that' hand gestures.
3. Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev
The weird Boney M/Russian vibe thing didn't generate much chemistry between Natalie and Artem, but it was about as technically...
Ashley suffered marks-wise from going first, was forced to wear a hideous pink shirt and Dave Arch's band did their best to savage the One Direction backing track in what must have been a secret attempt to subconsciously undermine Simon Cowell and The X Factor. But despite all of this, the Hollyoaks star impressed us a lot with this cheeky cha cha cha.
Bonus marks for an Ola Jordan bum wiggle.
4. Dave Myers and Karen Hauer
Have you ever drunkenly danced around a club or a bedroom and thought that you were The Man, The Dude, The Sex? Yeah, that. We love you, Dave Myers.
Bonus marks for the repeated Tommy Cooper 'just like that' hand gestures.
3. Natalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev
The weird Boney M/Russian vibe thing didn't generate much chemistry between Natalie and Artem, but it was about as technically...
- 9/30/2013
- Digital Spy
With Doctor Who’s history rapidly approaching the fifty year milestone, it’s obvious that there are some villains who have only had one appearance. Occasionally, some do get a second airing such as giant crabs the Macra appearing in Series 3 Episode 3 and the ultimately aborted plans to include sentient cactus Meglos in Series 5 Episode 11.
With any luck some villains like reptilian pantomime horse the Myrka (Warriors Of The Deep) and Bertie Bassett droid the Kandyman (The Happiness Patrol) will never be seen again but there are others that definitely deserve at least a second appearance. So as part two of my monthly countdown to the fiftieth anniversary, here are 10 One-off Villains Who Should Return…
10. The Movellans – Destiny Of The Daleks (1979)
Okay I know they look unbelievably stupid even by the standards of 70s Who but despite looking like the animatronics from a Disneyland ride about Boney M, the android...
With any luck some villains like reptilian pantomime horse the Myrka (Warriors Of The Deep) and Bertie Bassett droid the Kandyman (The Happiness Patrol) will never be seen again but there are others that definitely deserve at least a second appearance. So as part two of my monthly countdown to the fiftieth anniversary, here are 10 One-off Villains Who Should Return…
10. The Movellans – Destiny Of The Daleks (1979)
Okay I know they look unbelievably stupid even by the standards of 70s Who but despite looking like the animatronics from a Disneyland ride about Boney M, the android...
- 2/23/2013
- by James T. Cornish
- Obsessed with Film
Firstly, I cannot convey my utmost excitement for Sajid Khan’s remake of Himmatwala, whether it was the exciting promos that promised a more energized Ajay Devgn or Tamannah Bhatia making her Bollywood debut. However, I did approach with trepidation when the first promos of the iconic Nainon Mein Sapna, which seemed like a by-the-numbers recreation of the multicolored sets or the lack of dance moves in Devgn and Bhatia. Yet it was the music that hooked us all in from the addictive “Tha Thaiya Ta Thaiya ho” and that Sajid and Wajid hadn’t added any overt flourishes to that iconic melody. This album is tons of fun, yet upon Khan’s insistence that they not stray too far from the source material, Sajid and Wajid play it a little safe. What we can appreciate is the ambition of the songs by using artists from the Laximant Pyarelal, Bappi Lahiri...
- 2/17/2013
- by Rumnique Nannar
- Bollyspice
Tony Blackburn and new Radio 1 Chart Show host Jameela Jamil have marked the 60th birthday of the Official Charts at a special event. The pair were joined by musicians Marc Almond, Sandie Shaw and Boney M's Liz Mitchell at a parliamentary reception to celebrate the milestone on Tuesday (November 13). The Official Charts Company hosted the reception in conjunction with the House Of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group On Music and a number of music industry associations. Blackburn hosted BBC Radio 1's Official Chart Show between 1979 and 1982, and is also (more)...
- 11/14/2012
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Talking about icons can take a while, especially when you're tasked with an international musical legend like Bob Marley, whose face and music are synonymous with Jamaica, reggae and college dorms. Kevin Macdonald's new documentary, "Marley," takes over two hours to explore the culture and relationships that the singer forged in Jamaica, his politics and and the little details from this life that help show new sides to the artist that many have not have seen before. The Playlist sat down with Macdonald to talk about the film, how the scope and scale differs from "Senna" (which he produced), his thoughts on the Academy Award nomination process and what he's got coming up next.
One thing I've been wanting to ask you for a few years now.
Yeah, ok.
Including Boney M in "Touching the Void," how does that affect the choice to do a documentary on Bob Marley?...
One thing I've been wanting to ask you for a few years now.
Yeah, ok.
Including Boney M in "Touching the Void," how does that affect the choice to do a documentary on Bob Marley?...
- 4/19/2012
- by John Lichman
- The Playlist
This is the rare case in which I will post a promotional song from an Indian film because I believe it gives us a better look at the film. The film in question is Saif Ali Khan's upcoming big-budget spy film, Agent Vinod, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The original teaser looks okay, but there are a lot of quick cuts that don't give you a very good feel for the flavor of the film. This song gives us a little better look and a lot of new footage.One interesting tidbit about I'll do the Talking is that it is an obvious riff on Boney M's classic Rasputin. The song has recently undergone a popularity resurgence due to its inclusion on the Nintendo Wii game Just...
- 2/10/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Bollywood music director Pritam Chakraborty has acquired the official remake rights to Boney M's 'Rasputin'. The 1978 disco hit will feature on the soundtrack to the Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor starrer Agent Vinod. "The song 'Rasputin' by legendary band Boney M has been an all time favourite. We are delighted that this song will now get a fresh lease of life," Shridhar Subramaniam, the President of India and Middle East, Sony Music, told Mumbai Mirror. "This Indian adaptation will now be a part of the much-awaited Agent Vinod. We are confident that this adaptation will (more)...
- 2/3/2012
- by By Steven Baker
- Digital Spy
We have an exclusive look at the first song coming from the Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor starrer Agent Vinod! With music by Pritam, the track with the title ‘I’ll Do the Talking’ was sung by Neeraj Sridhar. The cool thing is that this is Pritam’s take on ‘Rasputin’ by Boney M. He told Toi, “We have taken the rights of Boney M’s Rasputin. However, our song is based more on the Serbian folk song Ruse Kose Curo Imas. Even Rasputin draws inspiration from this song. A Turkish folk song Uskudar’a Gider Iken also has the same melody. Famous Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s song Shukno Paatar Noopur Paaye is also based on this folk tune.”
Shridhar Subramaniam of Sony Music added, “The song Rasputin by legendary band Boney M has been an all time favourite. We are delighted that this song will now get a fresh lease of life.
Shridhar Subramaniam of Sony Music added, “The song Rasputin by legendary band Boney M has been an all time favourite. We are delighted that this song will now get a fresh lease of life.
- 2/3/2012
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
127 Hours
Stars: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara | Written by Danny Boyle , Simon Beaufoy | Directed by Danny Boyle
Oh no. Oh no. No no no no no. Please no. Holy Moses, No!
If you cannot guess which scene in 127 Hours this transcription of my train of thought refers to and you don’t want the film spoiling, I suggest you stop reading after this paragraph. Suffice to say, Danny Boyle’s new film is a stunning, visceral and cathartic tour de force which you should see at your nearest opportunity. Got that? Okay.
For those who either aren’t bothered about the film’s major plot point being spoiled or are already aware of the circumstances of this actually rather well-known true story, read on. 127 Hours sees Boyle directing James Franco as Aron Ralston, a reckless mountaineer who finds himself in something of a pickle when, after a freak rockslide,...
Stars: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara | Written by Danny Boyle , Simon Beaufoy | Directed by Danny Boyle
Oh no. Oh no. No no no no no. Please no. Holy Moses, No!
If you cannot guess which scene in 127 Hours this transcription of my train of thought refers to and you don’t want the film spoiling, I suggest you stop reading after this paragraph. Suffice to say, Danny Boyle’s new film is a stunning, visceral and cathartic tour de force which you should see at your nearest opportunity. Got that? Okay.
For those who either aren’t bothered about the film’s major plot point being spoiled or are already aware of the circumstances of this actually rather well-known true story, read on. 127 Hours sees Boyle directing James Franco as Aron Ralston, a reckless mountaineer who finds himself in something of a pickle when, after a freak rockslide,...
- 6/4/2011
- by Jack Kirby
- Nerdly
One of the great things about Doctor Who is that it always champions the underdog. The evil tyrants are never allowed to win the day (except on rare occasions) and so it's left to the Cordos, Vishinskys and Jagos to stroll off into the sunset with their heads held high.
Doctor Who even has its very own group of underdog stories – some of these fall into the underrated but brilliant strand like The Ambassadors Of Death, Image Of The Fendahl or Frontios. Then there are the tales that used to be slated but are getting reappraised by fans like The Horns Of Nimon or The Gunfighters. And then there are the tales that are seemingly beyond redemption like The Twin Dilemma, Time And The Rani and Timelash.
Ah, Timelash. Nobody seems to like it. Some clever soul found that if you rearrange the letters, they make up Lame Shit, which...
Doctor Who even has its very own group of underdog stories – some of these fall into the underrated but brilliant strand like The Ambassadors Of Death, Image Of The Fendahl or Frontios. Then there are the tales that used to be slated but are getting reappraised by fans like The Horns Of Nimon or The Gunfighters. And then there are the tales that are seemingly beyond redemption like The Twin Dilemma, Time And The Rani and Timelash.
Ah, Timelash. Nobody seems to like it. Some clever soul found that if you rearrange the letters, they make up Lame Shit, which...
- 2/21/2011
- Shadowlocked
Moscow — Russian investigators say Boney M singer Bobby Farrell died of heart disease.
Farrell, a 61-year-old native of Aruba, was found dead Dec. 30 in his hotel room in St. Petersburg, where the group had come for a performance.
Sergei Kaptionov, a spokesman for the St. Petersburg branch of Russia's Investigative Committee, was quoted by Russian news agencies on Wednesday as saying the death was due to heart disease and was not a criminal matter.
Boney M was popular in the 1970s with hits including "Daddy Cool."...
Farrell, a 61-year-old native of Aruba, was found dead Dec. 30 in his hotel room in St. Petersburg, where the group had come for a performance.
Sergei Kaptionov, a spokesman for the St. Petersburg branch of Russia's Investigative Committee, was quoted by Russian news agencies on Wednesday as saying the death was due to heart disease and was not a criminal matter.
Boney M was popular in the 1970s with hits including "Daddy Cool."...
- 1/5/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
127 Hours
Stars: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara | Written by Danny Boyle , Simon Beaufoy | Directed by Danny Boyle
Oh no. Oh no. No no no no no. Please no. Holy Moses, No!
If you cannot guess which scene in 127 Hours this transcription of my train of thought refers to and you don’t want the film spoiling, I suggest you stop reading after this paragraph. Suffice to say, Danny Boyle’s new film is a stunning, visceral and cathartic tour de force which you should see at your nearest opportunity. Got that? Okay.
For those who either aren’t bothered about the film’s major plot point being spoiled or are already aware of the circumstances of this actually rather well-known true story, read on. 127 Hours sees Boyle directing James Franco as Aron Ralston, a reckless mountaineer who finds himself in something of a pickle when, after a freak rockslide,...
Stars: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara | Written by Danny Boyle , Simon Beaufoy | Directed by Danny Boyle
Oh no. Oh no. No no no no no. Please no. Holy Moses, No!
If you cannot guess which scene in 127 Hours this transcription of my train of thought refers to and you don’t want the film spoiling, I suggest you stop reading after this paragraph. Suffice to say, Danny Boyle’s new film is a stunning, visceral and cathartic tour de force which you should see at your nearest opportunity. Got that? Okay.
For those who either aren’t bothered about the film’s major plot point being spoiled or are already aware of the circumstances of this actually rather well-known true story, read on. 127 Hours sees Boyle directing James Franco as Aron Ralston, a reckless mountaineer who finds himself in something of a pickle when, after a freak rockslide,...
- 1/4/2011
- by Jack Kirby
- Nerdly
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2010...
July
Love was in the air in July as a host of celebrities walked down the aisle - Spanish stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem tied the knot in the Bahamas, while Emily Blunt became Mrs. John Krasinski after marrying The Office star in romantic Como, Italy.
A pregnant Alicia Keys said 'I do' to Swizz Beatz, while Orlando Bloom and Australian model Miranda Kerr became husband and wife in a secret ceremony. Wedding bells also rang in Georgia as country sweetheart Carrie Underwood married her hockey hunk, Mike Fisher.
But there was also plenty of heartache in Hollywood - Kelly Osbourne called off her engagement to model Luke Worrall over allegations he had cheated on her, and Frasier star Kelsey Grammer's wife filed for divorce after almost 13 years of marriage. R&B singer Christina Milian picked July to announce she was splitting from her producer husband The-Dream - less than a year after the couple wed in Las Vegas.
Celebrations were in order for Christina Applegate after she revealed she was pregnant with her first child, while Vince Vaughn, Zac Hanson, Ugly Betty star Becki Newton and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor also announced they were expecting babies with their respective partners.
Director Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson became the proud parents of a baby girl - their first child together - while Australian pop star Dannii Minogue welcomed baby boy Ethan with her partner Kris Smith.
But July was not without scandal - Paris Hilton was questioned by authorities at the World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa over allegations she was smoking pot. Just two weeks later, she was held by police in France after she was allegedly caught carrying cannabis in her handbag.
The heiress' former pal Lindsay Lohan also hit headlines for all the wrong reasons - just days after turning 24, she was ordered to spend 90 days in jail for violating the terms of her probation stemming from a 2007 DUI arrest.
Former Wham! star George Michael also had a run-in with the law - he was arrested after driving his car into a shop in London, and Foxy Brown was also taken into custody after allegedly violating a protective order.
Meanwhile, Rosemary's Baby director Roman Polanski was freed from house arrest after officials in Switzerland threw out a request to extradite him to the U.S. for sentencing on a child-sex charge.
Mel Gibson's marital woes continued into July - Los Angeles police launched an official investigation amid claims the Braveheart star punched his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva during a heated altercation. It came after the leaking of a series of audio recordings in which a man said to be Gibson unleashes a series of foul-mouthed rants at his ex.
There was a health scare for British singer Cheryl Cole as she was diagnosed with malaria after collapsing at a photoshoot, while movie legends Tony Curtis and Zsa Zsa Gabor were also hospitalised. Pink was rushed to the emergency room after a stage stunt went wrong, sending the pop punk flying into a metal barrier during a concert in Germany.
Courtroom battles loomed for bad boy actor David Boreanaz, who was slapped with a sexual harassment lawsuit from a former extra on his hit TV show Bones, and Casey Affleck, who was sued by a producer of his movie I'm Still Here over sexual harassment allegations.
August
There were festival dramas aplenty in August, with The Libertines and Guns N' Roses dominating headlines at Britain's Reading and Leeds weekenders. Pete Doherty's group reunited earlier this year and played sets at the festivals - but their performances were blighted when overeager fans got crushed and trampled during the frenetic gigs, forcing the rockers off the stage to allow the revellers chance to recover. Axl Rose sparked an ongoing war-of-words with event boss Melvin Benn after he decided to shut the sound off when the band overran its curfew.
Further drama occurred in August when Naomi Campbell took to the stand in The Hague, Netherlands to testify at the war crimes trial of ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor, socialite Paris Hilton was arrested for cocaine possession in Las Vegas, and Charlie Sheen pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanour assault relating to a Christmas Day fight with now-estranged wife Brooke Mueller. The Two And A Half Men actor was sentenced to 30 days in jail, but served time in rehab instead.
Another star seeking help for her personal issues was Lindsay Lohan. The Mean Girls actress walked free from prison before the end of her sentence for violating her probation relating to a 2007 DUI arrest, and immediately entered rehab - only to leave the health centre early as well.
Lohan's woes weren't the only ones in Hollywood - Zsa Zsa Gabor was in and out of hospital due to complications stemming from her summer accident which resulted in several bone fractures, while Aretha Franklin broke her ribs in a freak fall, prompting her to cancel a string of shows.
However, the biggest health shock of the month was the revelation that Michael Douglas had been diagnosed with a throat tumour. The Wall Street legend began radiation and chemotherapy shortly before going public with his battle and helped raise awareness of the disease by appearing on America's Stand Up 2 Cancer TV special to urge fans to raise cash for research.
There was happier health news for many in the public eye in August - Miranda Kerr, Penny Lancaster and Alanis Morissette all announced their pregnancies, while British Prime Minister David Cameron became a father again when his wife Samantha gave birth to their fourth child, Florence, while they were holidaying in Cornwall, south-west England.
Wedding bells were also chiming, with Hilary Duff walking down the aisle to marry ice hockey star Mike Comrie, veteran singer Julio Iglesias exchanging vows with his longtime girlfriend, and James Van Der Beek cementing his union with his then-pregnant girlfriend Kimberly Brook - they've since welcomed baby Olivia.
September
Lady Gaga was the big winner and talking point at the MTV Video Music Awards this month - she picked up eight accolades and stunned everyone by taking to the stage in a meat dress. Meanwhile, Penelope Cruz confirmed the news she was pregnant with Javier Bardem's baby, and Angelina Jolie - who visited flood-ravaged Pakistan - was named Best Celebrity Role Model in an online poll.
George Michael began his eight-week prison sentence in London after being found guilty of cannabis possession and driving under the influence of drugs, and Guns N' Roses were booed and bottled offstage in Ireland after making fans wait for their performance.
Smashing Pumpkins star Billy Corgan confirmed reports he was dating Aussie pop star Jessica Origliasso, and the Charlatans axed U.S. shows after Jon Brookes collapsed onstage during a concert in Pennsylvania. He was later diagnosed with a brain tumour..
Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen welcomed their second child, John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman was denied parole for a sixth time, and Sofia Coppola picked up the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival amid a storm of controversy - her ex-boyfriend, Quentin Tarantino, led the jury!
Meanwhile, Take That bandmates Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow performed together for the first time in 15 years at a benefit for injured British soldiers, but Duff McKagan quit Jane's Addiction after five months and just three gigs.
The Troggs star Reg Presley suffered a stroke while holidaying in Spain and country music duo Brooks & Dunn split after an emotional night at a Nashville charity gig.
Elsewhere, T.I. and his wife were arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of drug possession, UB40 star Ali Campbell was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Syndrome, and Leonardo DiCaprio won a three-year restraining order against a woman claiming to be his wife.
Johnny Depp was named the highest paid actor by Forbes magazine, Britney Spears' one-time minder, Fernando Flores, filed suit against the pop star, claiming she had sexually harassed him and exposed herself in front of him, and The xx picked up Britain's prestigious Mercury Music Prize.
Eddie Vedder, Johnny Knoxville and David Essex wed - not to each other - and R&B star Lyfe Jennings was jailed for three and a half years over a violent altercation with his former girlfriend.
Meanwhile, James Gandolfini was caught driving on a suspended licence, Paris Hilton was refused entry to Japan; Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill and hot model Lily Aldridge announced their engagement, and actor Randy Quaid and his wife were arrested and charged with burglary amid allegations they had been illegally squatting in the house they once called home.
Actor Shelley Malil was convicted of attempted murder, Wyclef Jean announced he'd be running for presidential office in Haiti again in 2015 after his 2010 bid was dismissed, and comedian Greg Giraldo died in hospital after suffering an accidental drug overdose. Lindsay Lohan returned to rehab, David Beckham's lawyers served a writ to a hooker who claimed she'd slept with the soccer stud, and Heart rocker Nancy Wilson filed for divorce from moviemaker Cameron Crowe.
There was baby news for Mario Lopez, actresses Jodie Sweetin and Danica McKellar, actor James Van Der Beek, Rascal Flatts star Joe Don Rooney and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
Elo star Mike Edwards was killed in a freak accident, while veteran actors Harold Gould, Gloria Stuart and Kevin McCarthy also passed away along with legendary French director Claude Chabrol and filmmakers Arthur Penn and Clive Donner.
Other deaths included that of former boy band star Rich Cronin, who passed away after a stroke, aged 35, and Hollywood lost true legends in Eddie Fisher and Tony Curtis.
October
Celebrity break-ups were big news in October with a number of high-profile couples calling time on their relationship. Courteney Cox and David Arquette stunned the world by announcing they were taking a break from their 11-year marriage, and just days later singer Christina Aguilera confirmed her split from husband Jordan Bratman. Ben Harper and Laura Dern also filed for divorce after 10 years together.
But October also saw an influx of celebrity weddings - Katy Perry and Russell Brand sealed their love in a lavish Indian ceremony, and both Paul Weller and David Schwimmer hit the news when it emerged they had married their girlfriends in secret earlier in the year.
There was also plenty of baby news - Mariah Carey confirmed she is expecting her first child with husband Nick Cannon after months of speculation, while Celine Dion put the heartache of fertility treatment behind her to become a mum to twin boys. Hip-hop supercouple Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz welcomed a baby boy named Egypt and Neil Patrick Harris became father to twins born via a surrogate.
Britain was in mourning following the loss of comedy legend Norman Wisdom, who passed away at the age of 95, while the world of music was rocked by the death of legendary soul singer Solomon Burke after he collapsed at an airport in Amsterdam, Holland. The death of soprano Joan Sutherland in Switzerland at the age of 83 prompted an outpouring of grief in her native Australia, and The Slits star Ari Up lost her battle with cancer at the age of 48.
The scandal of the month came courtesy of Charlie Sheen, who hit headlines when cops were called to his trashed suite at a New York City hotel during a night with a young model/actress. The star's reps blamed his meltdown on "an adverse reaction to medication". It was also a bad month for Mel Gibson - his personal problems with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva cost him a role in The Hangover sequel, while Taylor Swift was hit with a multi-million dollar lawsuit from a former manager. But the country star made up for it by embarking on a new romance with Hollywood hunk Jake Gyllenhaal.
There were also plenty of stars keeping the prison service busy - rapper T.I. was sent back to jail for breaching his probation while Lindsay Lohan escaped her second potential prison sentence of 2010 when a judge ordered her to spend three months in rehab instead. Careless driver George Michael regained his freedom after completing 27 days of his eight-week jail sentence.
November
The royal news of the year was the talk of the month as Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement and plans to wed in 2011
Teen star Demi Lovato stunned young Hollywood when she quite the Jonas Brothers tour and checked into rehab to address personal and "emotional" issues, and Charlie Sheen and Lil Wayne officially became free men again - the actor's divorce from Brooke Mueller became official, while rapper Wayne was released from prison.
MGM, the studio behind the James Bond film franchise, filed for bankruptcy, actor Justin Long was injured in a car crash, and soul queen Aretha Franklin pulled out of a series of shows to undergo surgery.
Spice Girls star Emma Bunton and Pink announced they were pregnant, Lady Gaga was the big winner at the European Music Awards, and Rachel Weisz and moviemaker Darren Aronofsky split.
The Munsters child star Butch Patrick entered rehab to tackle substance abuse and alcohol issues, Wesley Snipes was ordered to jail after losing his bid for a retrial in his tax case, Audrina Patridge's stalker was jailed for two years when he failed to stay away from the star, and country singer Eddie Montgomery was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds was named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine, Eva Longoria split from her husband Tony Parker amid reports he had been cheating on her, Kate Winslet split from boyfriend Louis Dowler, and Hollywood was stunned when top publicist Ronni Chasen was shot dead while driving through Beverly Hills .
In music news, Take That's Progress became Britain's fastest selling album of the century so far, Radiohead's Thom Yorke helped mastermind a piece of human art that could be seen from space, Miley Cyrus celebrated her 18th birthday party with pals Demi Moore and Rumer Willis, and Justin Bieber stole the show at the American Music Awards, taking home four prizes.
Malin Akerman replaced Lindsay Lohan as Linda Lovelace in the much-hyped Inferno, Leonardo DiCaprio was caught up in a mid-air drama when a plane he was flying to Russia in was forced to make an emergency landing after an engine stalled, and there was drama backstage at hit U.S. TV show Dancing With The Stars as studio staff came across an envelope containing a mysterious white powder intended for contestant Bristol Palin - it turned out to be talc!
Emmy Rossum and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz split, Jennifer Jason Leigh filed for divorce from filmmaker husband Noah Baumbach, and Ugly Betty actor Michael L. Brea was charged with murder after stabbing his mother with a Samurai sword. Willie Nelson was arrested and charged with drug possession, indie movie Winter's Bone became a big Oscars contender after claiming top prizes at the Stockholm and Gotham Film Festivals, and the Spider-Man musical opened on Broadway after a series of delays - the critics largely hated it.
Meanwhile, David Cassidy pleaded not guilty to DUI charges following his arrest in Florida, Uma Thurman's stalker was arrested after violating a restraining order, and AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was convicted of cannabis possession in New Zealand.
The baby news of the month came from the Travoltas as movie star John and his wife Kelly Preston welcomed Benjamin into the world and the proud new parents list for November also featured Stella McCartney, Ne-Yo, Vera Farmiga, Green Day star Mike Dirnt and actress Emilia Fox, while rocker Chris Daughtry became a dad to twins.
The music world mourned the loss of Australian rocker James Freud who died just days after his band Models were inducted into the Aria Hall of Fame.
And it was a sad month for Hollywood as movie mogul Dino De Laurentiis passed away alongside actresses Ingrid Pitt and Jill Clayburgh and Naked Gun star Leslie Nielsen.
The film world also bid farewell to The Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner and revered Italian filmmaker Mario Monicelli.
December
December saw a series of scandals as the stars brought a touch of sex and drugs to the festive season - and wildchild Miley Cyrus led the way. The former Disney star ended 2010 by reminding us all she's a grown up now after she was caught on camera smoking legal hallucinogenic Salvia from a bong, and hit headlines again days later when she was pictured in a girl-on-girl clinch and exposing her bra while surrounded by hunky men.
Her pal Demi Lovato joined the Hannah Montana star in scandal when provocative photos which appeared to show her partly-exposing her breasts leaked on the internet, and Christina Aguilera's reps vowed to hunt down computer hackers who leaked nearly-nude photos of the Beautiful hitmaker.
Pink Floyd rocker David Gilmour told of his shame after his son was arrested for clambering over a war memorial during student riots in London, and Hulk Hogan's wedding to Jennifer McDaniel descended into chaos when cops were called to break up a clash between a bodyguard and a photographer.
Love was in the air for Reese Witherspoon, who got engaged to Hollywood agent Jim Toth, and also making wedding plans this month were Ginnifer Goodwin, Shania Twain, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany, Poison rocker Bret Michaels, and Hugh Hefner. And it was double delight for Natalie Portman – the actress got engaged and announced she's pregnant by choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Meanwhile, Michael Sheen and Rachel McAdams became Hollywood's hottest new couple.
Actor Vince Vaughn became a father for the first time, and there were also new arrivals for Alanis Morissette, Ali Larter, and Elton John, who became a father at 63 after he and boyfriend David Furnish welcomed a son via a surrogate mother.
Nicole Richie had her father Lionel dancing on the ceiling when she wed Joel Madden, but other stars weren't so lucky in love - Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens ended their romance, Elizabeth Hurley confirmed her marriage split from Arun Nayar after she was linked to cricketer Shane Warne, rocker John Mellencamp split from his wife of 18 years, and Ryan Reynolds filed for divorce from Scarlett Johansson.
In the courts, Kc and The Sunshine Band co-founder Richard R. Finch was jailed for seven years for sexually abusing young boys, Rip Torn was given a suspended jail term for his drunken bank break-in, and rapper Dmx was sent to prison for a year for violating his probation by using drugs. In Florida, officials posthumously pardoned Jim Morrison over his infamous arrest for indecent exposure at a 1969 The Doors concert.
Meanwhile, Heather Locklear was hospitalised for a bacterial infection, Eminem was celebrating after landing 10 Grammy nominations, rap mogul Suge Knight was arrested after missing a court hearing, and exiled moviemaker Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer was the big winner at the European Film Awards.
Lady Gaga was named Artist of the Year by Billboard magazine editors, veteran entertainers Dame Julie Andrews and Dolly Parton were announced as recipients of lifetime achievement Grammy awards at a special upcoming ceremony in 2011, and Natalie Portman's hopes of Oscar glory for her movie Black Swan received a major boost by landing a record 12 nominations for the 2011 Critics' Choice Movie Awards.
The showbiz world mourned the loss of jazz musicians Billy Taylor and James Moody, Pink Panther creator Blake Edwards, rocker Captain Beefheart, singer/songwriter Teena Marie, and Boney M star Bobby Farrell.
And it was a miserable end to 2010 for Taylor Momsen - the Gossip Girl star spent Christmas in Amsterdam, Holland - away from her family and friends in the U.S. - after she became stranded in Europe due to flights chaos following snowstorms across the continent.
July
Love was in the air in July as a host of celebrities walked down the aisle - Spanish stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem tied the knot in the Bahamas, while Emily Blunt became Mrs. John Krasinski after marrying The Office star in romantic Como, Italy.
A pregnant Alicia Keys said 'I do' to Swizz Beatz, while Orlando Bloom and Australian model Miranda Kerr became husband and wife in a secret ceremony. Wedding bells also rang in Georgia as country sweetheart Carrie Underwood married her hockey hunk, Mike Fisher.
But there was also plenty of heartache in Hollywood - Kelly Osbourne called off her engagement to model Luke Worrall over allegations he had cheated on her, and Frasier star Kelsey Grammer's wife filed for divorce after almost 13 years of marriage. R&B singer Christina Milian picked July to announce she was splitting from her producer husband The-Dream - less than a year after the couple wed in Las Vegas.
Celebrations were in order for Christina Applegate after she revealed she was pregnant with her first child, while Vince Vaughn, Zac Hanson, Ugly Betty star Becki Newton and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor also announced they were expecting babies with their respective partners.
Director Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson became the proud parents of a baby girl - their first child together - while Australian pop star Dannii Minogue welcomed baby boy Ethan with her partner Kris Smith.
But July was not without scandal - Paris Hilton was questioned by authorities at the World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa over allegations she was smoking pot. Just two weeks later, she was held by police in France after she was allegedly caught carrying cannabis in her handbag.
The heiress' former pal Lindsay Lohan also hit headlines for all the wrong reasons - just days after turning 24, she was ordered to spend 90 days in jail for violating the terms of her probation stemming from a 2007 DUI arrest.
Former Wham! star George Michael also had a run-in with the law - he was arrested after driving his car into a shop in London, and Foxy Brown was also taken into custody after allegedly violating a protective order.
Meanwhile, Rosemary's Baby director Roman Polanski was freed from house arrest after officials in Switzerland threw out a request to extradite him to the U.S. for sentencing on a child-sex charge.
Mel Gibson's marital woes continued into July - Los Angeles police launched an official investigation amid claims the Braveheart star punched his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva during a heated altercation. It came after the leaking of a series of audio recordings in which a man said to be Gibson unleashes a series of foul-mouthed rants at his ex.
There was a health scare for British singer Cheryl Cole as she was diagnosed with malaria after collapsing at a photoshoot, while movie legends Tony Curtis and Zsa Zsa Gabor were also hospitalised. Pink was rushed to the emergency room after a stage stunt went wrong, sending the pop punk flying into a metal barrier during a concert in Germany.
Courtroom battles loomed for bad boy actor David Boreanaz, who was slapped with a sexual harassment lawsuit from a former extra on his hit TV show Bones, and Casey Affleck, who was sued by a producer of his movie I'm Still Here over sexual harassment allegations.
August
There were festival dramas aplenty in August, with The Libertines and Guns N' Roses dominating headlines at Britain's Reading and Leeds weekenders. Pete Doherty's group reunited earlier this year and played sets at the festivals - but their performances were blighted when overeager fans got crushed and trampled during the frenetic gigs, forcing the rockers off the stage to allow the revellers chance to recover. Axl Rose sparked an ongoing war-of-words with event boss Melvin Benn after he decided to shut the sound off when the band overran its curfew.
Further drama occurred in August when Naomi Campbell took to the stand in The Hague, Netherlands to testify at the war crimes trial of ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor, socialite Paris Hilton was arrested for cocaine possession in Las Vegas, and Charlie Sheen pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanour assault relating to a Christmas Day fight with now-estranged wife Brooke Mueller. The Two And A Half Men actor was sentenced to 30 days in jail, but served time in rehab instead.
Another star seeking help for her personal issues was Lindsay Lohan. The Mean Girls actress walked free from prison before the end of her sentence for violating her probation relating to a 2007 DUI arrest, and immediately entered rehab - only to leave the health centre early as well.
Lohan's woes weren't the only ones in Hollywood - Zsa Zsa Gabor was in and out of hospital due to complications stemming from her summer accident which resulted in several bone fractures, while Aretha Franklin broke her ribs in a freak fall, prompting her to cancel a string of shows.
However, the biggest health shock of the month was the revelation that Michael Douglas had been diagnosed with a throat tumour. The Wall Street legend began radiation and chemotherapy shortly before going public with his battle and helped raise awareness of the disease by appearing on America's Stand Up 2 Cancer TV special to urge fans to raise cash for research.
There was happier health news for many in the public eye in August - Miranda Kerr, Penny Lancaster and Alanis Morissette all announced their pregnancies, while British Prime Minister David Cameron became a father again when his wife Samantha gave birth to their fourth child, Florence, while they were holidaying in Cornwall, south-west England.
Wedding bells were also chiming, with Hilary Duff walking down the aisle to marry ice hockey star Mike Comrie, veteran singer Julio Iglesias exchanging vows with his longtime girlfriend, and James Van Der Beek cementing his union with his then-pregnant girlfriend Kimberly Brook - they've since welcomed baby Olivia.
September
Lady Gaga was the big winner and talking point at the MTV Video Music Awards this month - she picked up eight accolades and stunned everyone by taking to the stage in a meat dress. Meanwhile, Penelope Cruz confirmed the news she was pregnant with Javier Bardem's baby, and Angelina Jolie - who visited flood-ravaged Pakistan - was named Best Celebrity Role Model in an online poll.
George Michael began his eight-week prison sentence in London after being found guilty of cannabis possession and driving under the influence of drugs, and Guns N' Roses were booed and bottled offstage in Ireland after making fans wait for their performance.
Smashing Pumpkins star Billy Corgan confirmed reports he was dating Aussie pop star Jessica Origliasso, and the Charlatans axed U.S. shows after Jon Brookes collapsed onstage during a concert in Pennsylvania. He was later diagnosed with a brain tumour..
Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen welcomed their second child, John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman was denied parole for a sixth time, and Sofia Coppola picked up the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival amid a storm of controversy - her ex-boyfriend, Quentin Tarantino, led the jury!
Meanwhile, Take That bandmates Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow performed together for the first time in 15 years at a benefit for injured British soldiers, but Duff McKagan quit Jane's Addiction after five months and just three gigs.
The Troggs star Reg Presley suffered a stroke while holidaying in Spain and country music duo Brooks & Dunn split after an emotional night at a Nashville charity gig.
Elsewhere, T.I. and his wife were arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of drug possession, UB40 star Ali Campbell was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Syndrome, and Leonardo DiCaprio won a three-year restraining order against a woman claiming to be his wife.
Johnny Depp was named the highest paid actor by Forbes magazine, Britney Spears' one-time minder, Fernando Flores, filed suit against the pop star, claiming she had sexually harassed him and exposed herself in front of him, and The xx picked up Britain's prestigious Mercury Music Prize.
Eddie Vedder, Johnny Knoxville and David Essex wed - not to each other - and R&B star Lyfe Jennings was jailed for three and a half years over a violent altercation with his former girlfriend.
Meanwhile, James Gandolfini was caught driving on a suspended licence, Paris Hilton was refused entry to Japan; Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill and hot model Lily Aldridge announced their engagement, and actor Randy Quaid and his wife were arrested and charged with burglary amid allegations they had been illegally squatting in the house they once called home.
Actor Shelley Malil was convicted of attempted murder, Wyclef Jean announced he'd be running for presidential office in Haiti again in 2015 after his 2010 bid was dismissed, and comedian Greg Giraldo died in hospital after suffering an accidental drug overdose. Lindsay Lohan returned to rehab, David Beckham's lawyers served a writ to a hooker who claimed she'd slept with the soccer stud, and Heart rocker Nancy Wilson filed for divorce from moviemaker Cameron Crowe.
There was baby news for Mario Lopez, actresses Jodie Sweetin and Danica McKellar, actor James Van Der Beek, Rascal Flatts star Joe Don Rooney and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
Elo star Mike Edwards was killed in a freak accident, while veteran actors Harold Gould, Gloria Stuart and Kevin McCarthy also passed away along with legendary French director Claude Chabrol and filmmakers Arthur Penn and Clive Donner.
Other deaths included that of former boy band star Rich Cronin, who passed away after a stroke, aged 35, and Hollywood lost true legends in Eddie Fisher and Tony Curtis.
October
Celebrity break-ups were big news in October with a number of high-profile couples calling time on their relationship. Courteney Cox and David Arquette stunned the world by announcing they were taking a break from their 11-year marriage, and just days later singer Christina Aguilera confirmed her split from husband Jordan Bratman. Ben Harper and Laura Dern also filed for divorce after 10 years together.
But October also saw an influx of celebrity weddings - Katy Perry and Russell Brand sealed their love in a lavish Indian ceremony, and both Paul Weller and David Schwimmer hit the news when it emerged they had married their girlfriends in secret earlier in the year.
There was also plenty of baby news - Mariah Carey confirmed she is expecting her first child with husband Nick Cannon after months of speculation, while Celine Dion put the heartache of fertility treatment behind her to become a mum to twin boys. Hip-hop supercouple Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz welcomed a baby boy named Egypt and Neil Patrick Harris became father to twins born via a surrogate.
Britain was in mourning following the loss of comedy legend Norman Wisdom, who passed away at the age of 95, while the world of music was rocked by the death of legendary soul singer Solomon Burke after he collapsed at an airport in Amsterdam, Holland. The death of soprano Joan Sutherland in Switzerland at the age of 83 prompted an outpouring of grief in her native Australia, and The Slits star Ari Up lost her battle with cancer at the age of 48.
The scandal of the month came courtesy of Charlie Sheen, who hit headlines when cops were called to his trashed suite at a New York City hotel during a night with a young model/actress. The star's reps blamed his meltdown on "an adverse reaction to medication". It was also a bad month for Mel Gibson - his personal problems with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva cost him a role in The Hangover sequel, while Taylor Swift was hit with a multi-million dollar lawsuit from a former manager. But the country star made up for it by embarking on a new romance with Hollywood hunk Jake Gyllenhaal.
There were also plenty of stars keeping the prison service busy - rapper T.I. was sent back to jail for breaching his probation while Lindsay Lohan escaped her second potential prison sentence of 2010 when a judge ordered her to spend three months in rehab instead. Careless driver George Michael regained his freedom after completing 27 days of his eight-week jail sentence.
November
The royal news of the year was the talk of the month as Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement and plans to wed in 2011
Teen star Demi Lovato stunned young Hollywood when she quite the Jonas Brothers tour and checked into rehab to address personal and "emotional" issues, and Charlie Sheen and Lil Wayne officially became free men again - the actor's divorce from Brooke Mueller became official, while rapper Wayne was released from prison.
MGM, the studio behind the James Bond film franchise, filed for bankruptcy, actor Justin Long was injured in a car crash, and soul queen Aretha Franklin pulled out of a series of shows to undergo surgery.
Spice Girls star Emma Bunton and Pink announced they were pregnant, Lady Gaga was the big winner at the European Music Awards, and Rachel Weisz and moviemaker Darren Aronofsky split.
The Munsters child star Butch Patrick entered rehab to tackle substance abuse and alcohol issues, Wesley Snipes was ordered to jail after losing his bid for a retrial in his tax case, Audrina Patridge's stalker was jailed for two years when he failed to stay away from the star, and country singer Eddie Montgomery was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds was named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine, Eva Longoria split from her husband Tony Parker amid reports he had been cheating on her, Kate Winslet split from boyfriend Louis Dowler, and Hollywood was stunned when top publicist Ronni Chasen was shot dead while driving through Beverly Hills .
In music news, Take That's Progress became Britain's fastest selling album of the century so far, Radiohead's Thom Yorke helped mastermind a piece of human art that could be seen from space, Miley Cyrus celebrated her 18th birthday party with pals Demi Moore and Rumer Willis, and Justin Bieber stole the show at the American Music Awards, taking home four prizes.
Malin Akerman replaced Lindsay Lohan as Linda Lovelace in the much-hyped Inferno, Leonardo DiCaprio was caught up in a mid-air drama when a plane he was flying to Russia in was forced to make an emergency landing after an engine stalled, and there was drama backstage at hit U.S. TV show Dancing With The Stars as studio staff came across an envelope containing a mysterious white powder intended for contestant Bristol Palin - it turned out to be talc!
Emmy Rossum and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz split, Jennifer Jason Leigh filed for divorce from filmmaker husband Noah Baumbach, and Ugly Betty actor Michael L. Brea was charged with murder after stabbing his mother with a Samurai sword. Willie Nelson was arrested and charged with drug possession, indie movie Winter's Bone became a big Oscars contender after claiming top prizes at the Stockholm and Gotham Film Festivals, and the Spider-Man musical opened on Broadway after a series of delays - the critics largely hated it.
Meanwhile, David Cassidy pleaded not guilty to DUI charges following his arrest in Florida, Uma Thurman's stalker was arrested after violating a restraining order, and AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was convicted of cannabis possession in New Zealand.
The baby news of the month came from the Travoltas as movie star John and his wife Kelly Preston welcomed Benjamin into the world and the proud new parents list for November also featured Stella McCartney, Ne-Yo, Vera Farmiga, Green Day star Mike Dirnt and actress Emilia Fox, while rocker Chris Daughtry became a dad to twins.
The music world mourned the loss of Australian rocker James Freud who died just days after his band Models were inducted into the Aria Hall of Fame.
And it was a sad month for Hollywood as movie mogul Dino De Laurentiis passed away alongside actresses Ingrid Pitt and Jill Clayburgh and Naked Gun star Leslie Nielsen.
The film world also bid farewell to The Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner and revered Italian filmmaker Mario Monicelli.
December
December saw a series of scandals as the stars brought a touch of sex and drugs to the festive season - and wildchild Miley Cyrus led the way. The former Disney star ended 2010 by reminding us all she's a grown up now after she was caught on camera smoking legal hallucinogenic Salvia from a bong, and hit headlines again days later when she was pictured in a girl-on-girl clinch and exposing her bra while surrounded by hunky men.
Her pal Demi Lovato joined the Hannah Montana star in scandal when provocative photos which appeared to show her partly-exposing her breasts leaked on the internet, and Christina Aguilera's reps vowed to hunt down computer hackers who leaked nearly-nude photos of the Beautiful hitmaker.
Pink Floyd rocker David Gilmour told of his shame after his son was arrested for clambering over a war memorial during student riots in London, and Hulk Hogan's wedding to Jennifer McDaniel descended into chaos when cops were called to break up a clash between a bodyguard and a photographer.
Love was in the air for Reese Witherspoon, who got engaged to Hollywood agent Jim Toth, and also making wedding plans this month were Ginnifer Goodwin, Shania Twain, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany, Poison rocker Bret Michaels, and Hugh Hefner. And it was double delight for Natalie Portman – the actress got engaged and announced she's pregnant by choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Meanwhile, Michael Sheen and Rachel McAdams became Hollywood's hottest new couple.
Actor Vince Vaughn became a father for the first time, and there were also new arrivals for Alanis Morissette, Ali Larter, and Elton John, who became a father at 63 after he and boyfriend David Furnish welcomed a son via a surrogate mother.
Nicole Richie had her father Lionel dancing on the ceiling when she wed Joel Madden, but other stars weren't so lucky in love - Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens ended their romance, Elizabeth Hurley confirmed her marriage split from Arun Nayar after she was linked to cricketer Shane Warne, rocker John Mellencamp split from his wife of 18 years, and Ryan Reynolds filed for divorce from Scarlett Johansson.
In the courts, Kc and The Sunshine Band co-founder Richard R. Finch was jailed for seven years for sexually abusing young boys, Rip Torn was given a suspended jail term for his drunken bank break-in, and rapper Dmx was sent to prison for a year for violating his probation by using drugs. In Florida, officials posthumously pardoned Jim Morrison over his infamous arrest for indecent exposure at a 1969 The Doors concert.
Meanwhile, Heather Locklear was hospitalised for a bacterial infection, Eminem was celebrating after landing 10 Grammy nominations, rap mogul Suge Knight was arrested after missing a court hearing, and exiled moviemaker Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer was the big winner at the European Film Awards.
Lady Gaga was named Artist of the Year by Billboard magazine editors, veteran entertainers Dame Julie Andrews and Dolly Parton were announced as recipients of lifetime achievement Grammy awards at a special upcoming ceremony in 2011, and Natalie Portman's hopes of Oscar glory for her movie Black Swan received a major boost by landing a record 12 nominations for the 2011 Critics' Choice Movie Awards.
The showbiz world mourned the loss of jazz musicians Billy Taylor and James Moody, Pink Panther creator Blake Edwards, rocker Captain Beefheart, singer/songwriter Teena Marie, and Boney M star Bobby Farrell.
And it was a miserable end to 2010 for Taylor Momsen - the Gossip Girl star spent Christmas in Amsterdam, Holland - away from her family and friends in the U.S. - after she became stranded in Europe due to flights chaos following snowstorms across the continent.
- 1/1/2011
- WENN
While not quite a household name in the United States, Germany-based 1970s disco group Boney M were chart-toppers in Europe in their prime. And their music was immensely popular in my home while growing up in Nigeria. The original members of the group were Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett from Jamaica, Maizie Williams from Montserrat, and lead singer, Bobby Farrell from Aruba. They disbanded in 1986 after big hits like Daddy Cool, Rasputin, and By the Rivers Of Babylon.
I learned this morning that lead singer Farrell died yesterday, Thursday morning, at age 61 while on tour in Russia. His agent said that he was found dead in his hotel room in St. Petersburg by hotel staff, after he failed to respond to a wake-up call.
Farrell reportedly complained of breathing problems before and after his Wednesday night performance, but the cause of his death is currently unknown. Officials in St. Petersburg...
I learned this morning that lead singer Farrell died yesterday, Thursday morning, at age 61 while on tour in Russia. His agent said that he was found dead in his hotel room in St. Petersburg by hotel staff, after he failed to respond to a wake-up call.
Farrell reportedly complained of breathing problems before and after his Wednesday night performance, but the cause of his death is currently unknown. Officials in St. Petersburg...
- 12/31/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Melbourne, Dec 31 – Boney M singer Bobby Farrell has been found dead in his hotel while on tour in Russia.
The 61-year-old singer performed as scheduled in St Petersburg on Wednesday night, but complained of breathing problems before and after his show, according to agent John Seine.
The cause of his death is not clear, said to Sergei Kapitanov, a representative of.
The 61-year-old singer performed as scheduled in St Petersburg on Wednesday night, but complained of breathing problems before and after his show, according to agent John Seine.
The cause of his death is not clear, said to Sergei Kapitanov, a representative of.
- 12/31/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
Boney M star Bobby Farrell has died at the age of 61. The singer, who was on tour in Russia, was found dead in his hotel room in St. Petersburg on Thursday, December 30 morning. Farrell's body was reportedly discovered by hotel staff after he failed to respond to a wake-up call.
The pop star's agent, John Seine, tells Afp, "(Farrell) was found dead in his bed... The cause of death is not known... He was not feeling well (on Wednesday night)... This morning, he did not wake up." Farrell performed as scheduled in the city on Wednesday night but reportedly complained of breathing difficulties before and after the show.
The vocalist, born Roberto 'Bobby' Alfonso Farrell, rose to fame with Boney M in the 1970s, scoring a number of hits including "Daddy Cool" and "By the Rivers of Babylon". The group disbanded in 1986, but Farrell continued to perform.
The pop star's agent, John Seine, tells Afp, "(Farrell) was found dead in his bed... The cause of death is not known... He was not feeling well (on Wednesday night)... This morning, he did not wake up." Farrell performed as scheduled in the city on Wednesday night but reportedly complained of breathing difficulties before and after the show.
The vocalist, born Roberto 'Bobby' Alfonso Farrell, rose to fame with Boney M in the 1970s, scoring a number of hits including "Daddy Cool" and "By the Rivers of Babylon". The group disbanded in 1986, but Farrell continued to perform.
- 12/31/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Frontman of '70s disco band died at age 61 while on tour in Russia.
By Gil Kaufman
Bobby Farrell
Photo: Gary Merrin/Getty Images
Bobby Farrell, the energetic frontman of 1970s disco band Boney M, died on Thursday (December 30) in his hotel room in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the age of 61.
Reuters reported that Farrell was found dead in his room the day after a show in the city where the band achieved some of its career highlights during the Soviet era.
"He did a show last night as part of Bobby Farrell's Boney M and they found him this morning dead in his hotel room," agent John Seine told Reuters. "He did not feel well last night and was having problems with his breathing, but he did the show anyway." The cause of death was not immediately released.
The group, which formed in West Germany in the late 1970s,...
By Gil Kaufman
Bobby Farrell
Photo: Gary Merrin/Getty Images
Bobby Farrell, the energetic frontman of 1970s disco band Boney M, died on Thursday (December 30) in his hotel room in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the age of 61.
Reuters reported that Farrell was found dead in his room the day after a show in the city where the band achieved some of its career highlights during the Soviet era.
"He did a show last night as part of Bobby Farrell's Boney M and they found him this morning dead in his hotel room," agent John Seine told Reuters. "He did not feel well last night and was having problems with his breathing, but he did the show anyway." The cause of death was not immediately released.
The group, which formed in West Germany in the late 1970s,...
- 12/30/2010
- MTV Music News
Amsterdam — Bobby Farrell, whose group Boney M topped the 1970s European charts with its glittering showmanship and blend of disco and Calypso music, was found dead in his hotel bed Thursday while on tour in Russia, his agent said. He was 61.
The frontman appeared as scheduled in St. Petersburg Wednesday night, but complained of breathing problems before and after his show, said the agent, John Seine.
The group had 38 top 10 hits, including 15 number ones in Germany. They included "Brown Girl in the Ring" and "Mary's Boychild." Their version of "By the Rivers of Babylon" sold nearly 2 million records in Britain alone, keeping it No. 1 for five weeks in 1978.
The same year, Boney M became the first Western music group invited by a Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev, to perform in the Soviet Union. A Soviet military plane flew the performers from London to Moscow, where they sang for an audience of 2,700 Russians in Red Square.
The frontman appeared as scheduled in St. Petersburg Wednesday night, but complained of breathing problems before and after his show, said the agent, John Seine.
The group had 38 top 10 hits, including 15 number ones in Germany. They included "Brown Girl in the Ring" and "Mary's Boychild." Their version of "By the Rivers of Babylon" sold nearly 2 million records in Britain alone, keeping it No. 1 for five weeks in 1978.
The same year, Boney M became the first Western music group invited by a Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev, to perform in the Soviet Union. A Soviet military plane flew the performers from London to Moscow, where they sang for an audience of 2,700 Russians in Red Square.
- 12/30/2010
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Amsterdam - Dutch popstar Bobby Farrell from the band Boney M has died in Russia at the age of 61, his agent said Thursday. The only man in the four-person group was known for his energetic dance moves and dazzling stage presence, although many years later questions were raised about whether he actually sang. He died in a hotel room in St Petersburg, just hours after performing at a concert the previous night, John Seine told the German Press Agency dpa in Amsterdam. He called the death of Farrell a great shock but did not yet know what the possible cause was. 'We don't know anything yet about the cause, except that Bobby was not feeling...
- 12/30/2010
- Monsters and Critics
A particular branch of the music world is in mourning today, as news came out of Russia that Boney M frontman Bobby Farrell was found dead in a hotel room in St. Petersburg on Thursday (December 30). He was 61 years old. The dance pop superstar — who rose to prominence on the back of singles like "Ma Baker," "Rivers of Babylon" and "Hooray! Hooray! It's a Holi-Holiday" that were massive and beloved in Europe — had just performed a concert the night before in the Russian city, where Boney M were still quite popular (mostly due to the success of their single "Rasputin").
Though they were never a big deal in the United States, German dance pop act achieved a level of stardom in Europe that kept them popular long after they first dropped their debut album Take the Heat Off Me in 1976. But if you have ever heard a Boney M song,...
Though they were never a big deal in the United States, German dance pop act achieved a level of stardom in Europe that kept them popular long after they first dropped their debut album Take the Heat Off Me in 1976. But if you have ever heard a Boney M song,...
- 12/30/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
St. Petersburg, Dec 30 (Ians/Ria Novosti) Bobby Farrell, the only male member of the disco group Boney M, died here aged 61, an official said Thursday.
‘A probe (into his death) is underway,’ the source said without elaborating.
The website of City Concert entertainment agency said Farrell and Boney M were to perform two shows in St. Petersburg Dec 28 and 29, but their.
‘A probe (into his death) is underway,’ the source said without elaborating.
The website of City Concert entertainment agency said Farrell and Boney M were to perform two shows in St. Petersburg Dec 28 and 29, but their.
- 12/30/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
Bobby Farrell, the frontman of 1970s pop group Boney M has passed away at the age of 61. The performer died in his hotel room in St. Petersburg, Russia following a show the previous night. His agent John Seine told Reuters: "He did a show last night as part of Bobby Farrell's Boney M and they found him this morning dead in his hotel room. He did not feel well last night, and was (more)...
- 12/30/2010
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Boxing Day telly is best when it just rolls over us, as we lay on the sofa and groan from the excesses of the day before. Most viewers don.t want to be challenged--they just want something familiar, comforting, funny or a combination of the three. But you.d have to be pretty easily pleased to derive any festive enjoyment from Benidorm.s Christmas special (ITV1, 9pm).
The use of Boney M.s ever-familiar Mary.s Boy Child at the start of the episode put us in the festive spirit. But this was crushed by an opening scene where a family lands at the airport, with the father fuming over having to pay £1 to use the loo while flying. This... More >>...
The use of Boney M.s ever-familiar Mary.s Boy Child at the start of the episode put us in the festive spirit. But this was crushed by an opening scene where a family lands at the airport, with the father fuming over having to pay £1 to use the loo while flying. This... More >>...
- 12/24/2010
- by Adam Beresford
- TV.com
I despise Christmas music. So much so that when I came upstairs yesterday and found that my daughters had turned the TV to The Fireplace Channel with it's canned elevator Christmas Carol Muzak I actually told them that, if I ever found that channel on my television again, they would receive a sound thrashing. I wasn't always this way and did enjoy the musical offerings that the holiday season had but only in reasonable doses. Then came the time in my life when I got my first, second and third jobs. As I'm sure anybody who has worked in the hospitality or retail industry will be able to tell you, Christmas is an especially heinous time of year to be a part of either or both of those professions. Many people are anything but kind and understanding as they're racking up debt in an effort to find that perfect gift for someone special.
- 12/13/2010
- by Robert Scott
Diva Fever returned to The X Factor tonight in all their camp glory!
The duo admitted that they have had a hard week as Craig has suffered with laryngitis and made rehearsing difficult.
They took to the stage dressed all in white and started on an original version of what we think was Boney M’s Gotta Go Home. It was a fabulous and energetic performance and what the boys lacked in vocal prowess, they more than made up for in fun and entertainment value.
Judges Comments:
Louis Walsh: You always put a smile on everybody’s face. It was like a big big disco in Blackpool and everybody was having a good time. Did Simon pick the song? Simon, heroes Boney M?
Dannii Minogue: Guys that song is on my Christmas party playlist. I’m normally getting really serious about the singing and critiquing on this show,...
The duo admitted that they have had a hard week as Craig has suffered with laryngitis and made rehearsing difficult.
They took to the stage dressed all in white and started on an original version of what we think was Boney M’s Gotta Go Home. It was a fabulous and energetic performance and what the boys lacked in vocal prowess, they more than made up for in fun and entertainment value.
Judges Comments:
Louis Walsh: You always put a smile on everybody’s face. It was like a big big disco in Blackpool and everybody was having a good time. Did Simon pick the song? Simon, heroes Boney M?
Dannii Minogue: Guys that song is on my Christmas party playlist. I’m normally getting really serious about the singing and critiquing on this show,...
- 10/16/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Diva Fever had a lot to prove on tonight’s X Factor show. The camp duo were dropped at judges houses and later brought back by Simon Cowell as his wildcard act.
Tonight, for their first live performance on the show they sang ‘Sunny; by Boney M. It seemed like an obscure song choice to us, as we only barely recognised the tune. The dark haired singer (sorry we don’t know their names off the top of our heads) is a good vocalist but the other one’s harmonies were a bit painful. It was like Boney M channelled through Wham, it was entertaining and fun but it didn’t blow our minds. We did like the luminous lycra trousers though.
Judges Comments:
Louis: Diva Fever bring the fun to the X Factor. You remind me of Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan at a party
Dannii: It’s like...
Tonight, for their first live performance on the show they sang ‘Sunny; by Boney M. It seemed like an obscure song choice to us, as we only barely recognised the tune. The dark haired singer (sorry we don’t know their names off the top of our heads) is a good vocalist but the other one’s harmonies were a bit painful. It was like Boney M channelled through Wham, it was entertaining and fun but it didn’t blow our minds. We did like the luminous lycra trousers though.
Judges Comments:
Louis: Diva Fever bring the fun to the X Factor. You remind me of Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan at a party
Dannii: It’s like...
- 10/9/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
International superstar and all-rounder, Akshay Kumar, is turning his talents to the decks as he steps into the role of DJ for a very special night. The actor is putting together a comprehensive playlist from the 1970s for a special event to mark the imminent release of his upcoming film Action Replayy, based in that era.
In order to get ready for this occasion, Akshay has asked his mother-in-law, Dimple Kapadia, to add her creative input to the song selection. The veteran actress is enjoying every bit of the selection process due to her passion for the era. Akshay, who has a very tight schedule combining both work and fitness, has been staying up late to practice his DJ-ing skills. The superstar’s intention is to entertain the crowds for the event and to get everybody “boogie-ing” on the dance floor.
Akshay’s playlist includes some of the most well-known tracks,...
In order to get ready for this occasion, Akshay has asked his mother-in-law, Dimple Kapadia, to add her creative input to the song selection. The veteran actress is enjoying every bit of the selection process due to her passion for the era. Akshay, who has a very tight schedule combining both work and fitness, has been staying up late to practice his DJ-ing skills. The superstar’s intention is to entertain the crowds for the event and to get everybody “boogie-ing” on the dance floor.
Akshay’s playlist includes some of the most well-known tracks,...
- 9/23/2010
- Bollyspice
Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai are turning DJ for a night for Vipul Shah.s Action Replayy, which is set in the heady 1970s.Akshay and Ash will be appearing at a nightclub in the same avatar-Akshay in long hair, printed shirts and high-waisted bell-bottoms with big buckle belts and Ash in tied tops, low-waisted polka dot skirts, big hoop earrings and platform shoes; both will be DJ-ing live and playing their favourite retro music at the promotional event.After turning into a cook for the reality show Master Chef India, the desi version of Top Chef, Akshay Kumar is now learning DJ-ing. .Akshay, who is a big fan of retro music and has a CD of Boney M hits from the late 1970s in his car, will play retro music at the event.He is also training with a local DJ and learning to scratch on turntables,. reveals the source close to Akshay.
- 9/15/2010
- Filmicafe
In 1922, Robert J. Flaherty gave us Nanook of the North, one of my favourite silent films and an early example of a snow movie--that is, a movie that wouldn't be what it is without its wintry landscape. In some films, snow is incidental--a pretty backdrop or a minor metaphor (like the snowfall that blankets the Bride's duel with O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill Vol. I). In others, a snowy climate is central to the story or sometimes even a character in its own right. Here are 10 movies that each use ice, snow, and cold in a specific way; together, they collectively demonstrate the range one symbol can have.
As with a typical Pajiba Guide, many genres are represented (don't worry Nanook fans -- silent film, documentary, and Inuit culture are all covered below in some form). And as with a typical Guide, apologies must be made for omitting many more...
As with a typical Pajiba Guide, many genres are represented (don't worry Nanook fans -- silent film, documentary, and Inuit culture are all covered below in some form). And as with a typical Guide, apologies must be made for omitting many more...
- 2/18/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
Album and video of performances are available for pre-order now.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with Jem Aswad, Hillary Crosley, Maura Johnston, Gil Kaufman and Amy Wilkinson
<i>Hope For Haiti Now</i> album
Photo: Hope For Haiti Now
While earthquake relief in Haiti was the reason for and inspiration behind "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," there's no question that it featured some amazing, one-of-a-kind musical performances.
The songs chosen by most of the artists had a thematic connection to the occasion, and the soaring lyrics delivered by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige and Justin Timberlake underlined the hope for the country that's coming from around the world. The songs' unplugged, often gentle renditions underscored the seriousness of the situation.
George Clooney helped organize the event, and his hope is that the songs carry the event beyond the evening and into the following weeks, months and years.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with Jem Aswad, Hillary Crosley, Maura Johnston, Gil Kaufman and Amy Wilkinson
<i>Hope For Haiti Now</i> album
Photo: Hope For Haiti Now
While earthquake relief in Haiti was the reason for and inspiration behind "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," there's no question that it featured some amazing, one-of-a-kind musical performances.
The songs chosen by most of the artists had a thematic connection to the occasion, and the soaring lyrics delivered by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige and Justin Timberlake underlined the hope for the country that's coming from around the world. The songs' unplugged, often gentle renditions underscored the seriousness of the situation.
George Clooney helped organize the event, and his hope is that the songs carry the event beyond the evening and into the following weeks, months and years.
- 1/22/2010
- MTV Music News
'Clef covered the reggae classic at the 'Help for Haiti Now' telethon.
By Maura K. Johnston
Wyclef Jean performs at "Hope for Haiti Now"
Photo: PictureGroup
After a night of stirring performances, it was only right that Wyclef Jean closed out "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief."
With the Haitian flag twisted around his neck, Wyclef — who immediately traveled to his homeland in the aftermath of last week's earthquake and subsequently raised millions of dollars for relief efforts — opened the evening's final live performance with a snippet of the reggae classic "Rivers of Babylon." Wyclef's performance also included a Creole version of his song "Yele," and a raucous track, written in the style of the Haitian folkloric music called racine, that had lyrics about the aftermath of the quake.
The biblically inspired "Rivers" was written and performed by Brent Dowe and Trevor McNaughton of the Jamaican...
By Maura K. Johnston
Wyclef Jean performs at "Hope for Haiti Now"
Photo: PictureGroup
After a night of stirring performances, it was only right that Wyclef Jean closed out "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief."
With the Haitian flag twisted around his neck, Wyclef — who immediately traveled to his homeland in the aftermath of last week's earthquake and subsequently raised millions of dollars for relief efforts — opened the evening's final live performance with a snippet of the reggae classic "Rivers of Babylon." Wyclef's performance also included a Creole version of his song "Yele," and a raucous track, written in the style of the Haitian folkloric music called racine, that had lyrics about the aftermath of the quake.
The biblically inspired "Rivers" was written and performed by Brent Dowe and Trevor McNaughton of the Jamaican...
- 1/22/2010
- MTV Music News
Here at Boxwish HQ, we like to have music playing in the background, providing a melodic counterpoint to all the keyboard tapping and the sound of our industrious brains working overtime. Sure, it’s not foolproof, listen to the radio all day and prepare for inane DJ banter, the same news updates every two minutes and a repetitive play list, or share our individual music collections and expect hoots of laughter as Boney M makes a surprise appearance. However this musical malarkey did prompt a bit of office debate when Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” classic made its way to us across the airwaves. So famous for its inclusion in Danny Boyle’s 1996 hit, Trainspotting, it got us thinking: what other songs instantly remind us of movies?...
- 1/21/2010
- Boxwish.com
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