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‘Andor’ executive producer Tony Gilroy on how his cast stepped up his writing, finally feeling like a ‘Star Wars’ fan

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Writer and director Tony Gilroy didn’t consider himself a Star Wars fan when he was tasked with “saving” 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which underwent extensive reworking before it hit theaters. In fact, he said in 2018 on The Moment With Brian Koppelman podcast, “I’ve never been interested in Star Wars, ever.”

Under his guidance, however, the finished product went on to rank as one of the entire franchise’s best entries in the eyes of fans who have always been interested in Star Wars.

But the writer and executive producer of Disney+’s well-received Andor has apparently changed his tune about that galaxy far, far away. “I don’t think I’m an outsider anymore,” he tells ABC Audio. “I think the helpfulness on Rogue was to be sort of outside … I’m part of the community at this point.”

The series follows Diego Luna‘s Rogue One hero, Cassian Andor, in the years before he sacrificed himself to steal the Death Star plans. The show shares the gritty DNA of the big-screen hit and of the spy craft of the Bourne movies Gilroy wrote.

“It was just a willingness to … try something really, really, really different,” Gilroy says, touting the “bravery” of both Disney and Lucasfilm to trust him to do so.

Gilroy now says of George Lucas‘ Star Wars universe, “It is such a great template. It’s such a great base for all kinds of shows … And hopefully this will be the first of many different things that go in many different directions.”

He adds of his cast, which includes another Rogue veteran, Genevieve O’Reilly, and recurring Marvel movie star Stellan Skarsgård, “When you get these actors … my God. You not only want to, you have to up your game.”

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Blink-182 song featured in annual British Christmas ad

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Blink-182 is featured in the 2022 edition of British department store chain John Lewis’ annual Christmas ad.

The commercial is a tradition in the United Kingdom and marks the official kickoff of the British holiday season. It usually features a cover of a beloved pop hit, and this year’s ad features a slowed-down version of Blink’s “All the Small Things” performed by musician Michael Geier.

The heartwarming ad, titled “The Beginner,” features a man trying to learn to skateboard as a way to bond with his skateboard-loving foster daughter.

Christina Aguilera to tell her life story in new documentary

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Christina Aguilera is partnering with TIME Studios and Roc Nation for an intimate documentary about her life.

Announced Thursday, the as-yet-unnamed film has found a director in Ting Poo, whose team has been quietly documenting the pop singer’s life over the past 18 months, enjoying a front row seat for her various life events, performances and places she’s traveled during that time.

A press release states the film will give fans “unprecedented access to Christina’s life story.” It continues, “The documentary will open up her personal archive for a wildly creative look into the past and present, from her early days as a pre-teen Disney star to her current recognition as an international icon with one of music’s most celebrated voices.”

The film will feature “never-before-seen footage and exclusive behind-closed-door moments” that will “dive deep into the personal and professional life of Christina, offering a portrait of the artist, mother, and entertainer as she reflects on her multi-decade career fighting for creative freedom and gender equality.”

A title and release date are forthcoming.

This is TIME Studios’ sophomore collaboration with Roc Nation. They previously teamed up for a docuseries on rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

Hello, It’s Weed: Todd Rundgren releasing limited-edition cannabis strains

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The jokes just write themselves, folks: Todd Rundgren has partnered with the Michigan-based company Cheef Cannabis for a collection of two limited-edition strains called, yes, Hello, It’s Weed.

One strain, Michigan Cookies, has a “super-high level of potency,” as well as a “sweet mocha coffee aroma.” It’ll make you feel “happy and creative” and “socially inspired,” according to Cheef.

The other strain, Dosi Mintz, has a “spicy-nutty herbal flavor and a sharp kick of mint” and will make you feel a “light tingle throughout your entire body,” leaving you “pain-free and happy.”

To mark the partnership, Todd will make in-store appearances at two branches of House of Dank, a Michigan dispensary, while he’s in the state later this month for his tour with Daryl Hall. On November 21 at 12 p.m., he’ll drop by the one in Ypsilanti; he’ll be at the one in Grand Rapids on November 23 at noon. The product will then be made available everywhere Cheef is sold.

In a statement, Todd says, “So if I were to say that I was getting into the branded cannabis market, I think the response would be ‘Duh’. I’ve never made it a secret that I’ve sought inspiration from altered states. And while there’s no guarantee that you’ll create a masterpiece, you may at least find a little peace. Worth a shot.”

Netflix drops teaser to prequel series ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Netflix is giving The Witcher fans a peek at their Christmas present: A teaser to the four-part prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin, which debuts on December 25.

Everything Everywhere All At Once star Michelle Yeoh takes center stage in the trailer, which opens with the martial artist showcasing some of her sword-handling skills as seen in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Netflix teases, “Set in an elven world 1200 years before the time of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, The Witcher: Blood Origin will tell a tale lost to history: the creation of the first prototype Witcher, and the events that led to the pivotal Conjunction of the Spheres, when the worlds of monsters, men, and elves merged to become one.”

Set to a spooky medieval song, the lyrics of which speak of love and a coming war, the snippet teases all the magic, bloodshed and epic vistas The Witcher fans have come to expect.

Blood Origin also stars Queen & Slim‘s Jodie Turner-Smith, The Rings of Power‘s Lenny Henry and Shaun of the Dead‘s Dylan Moran.

Alice in Chains’ Cantrell and Kinney look back on ‘Dirt’: “It was never a drug concept album”

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

When Alice in Chains released a 30th anniversary edition of their landmark 1992 album, Dirt, it surprised the band by reentering the top 10 of the Billboard chart. While the album is legendary for its dark, sometimes brutal lyrics about drug addiction, war, death and depression, the band feels that it’s wrong to think of Dirt — and by association, late frontman Layne Staley — as being completely miserable.

Speaking to Variety, guitarist Jerry Cantrell says Staley, who died in April 2002, was “truly a hilarious guy,” and that Dirt “dealt with a wide range of emotions and subject matter, beautiful and dark and everything in between.”

Drummer Sean Kinney adds, “Dirt was never a drug concept album and Layne wasn’t a d**k. He wasn’t tormented, but instead witty, funny and generous.”

Most importantly, Cantrell and Kinney are still incredibly proud of Dirt, which has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. Released during the time that they, along with other Seattle bands like Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, were leading the grunge movement and changing the music industry, Cantrell notes that era was “one of the few times in my lifetime where it felt like the good guys were winning.”

“Dirt was a hell of a record,” Cantrell tells Variety. “It stands the test of time, and it’s a powerful piece of work without an ounce of fluff.”

expand Alice in Chains’ Cantrell and Kinney look back on ‘Dirt’: “It was never a drug concept album”

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Drummer Sean Kinney adds, “Dirt was never a drug concept album and Layne wasn’t a d**k. He wasn’t tormented, but instead witty, funny and generous.”

“Dirt was a hell of a record,” Cantrell tells Variety. “It stands the test of time, and it’s a powerful piece of work without an ounce of fluff.”

Who’s singing Christmas carols? Daltrey & Townshend to headline charity event at London church

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The closest The Who ever came to doing a holiday song was “Christmas,” a track from their album Tommy, and it’s not very festive or merry. Still, that’s not stopping Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend from headlining a charity Carol Service at St. Luke’s Church in London next month.

The event will benefit Nordoff-Robbins, a charity that promotes music therapy for those affected by life-limiting illness, isolation or disability. Daltrey and Townshend will perform acoustically at the event, which will also feature “Christmas carols, celebrity readings and performances from musical superstars,” as well as mulled wine and mince pies for everyone.

“For while I must admit I didn’t really understand what Roger and I might be expected to do at a Carol Concert,” Townshend says in a statement. “But I now understand that our presence and support is more valuable than whether I can still manage a [harmony vocal] on ‘Angels We Have Heard On High.'”

The Who have actually been longtime supporters of Nordoff-Robbins. Daltrey says in a statement, “Music therapy can reconnect people who may otherwise feel isolated or disconnected from the world — whether a young person with autism, a person living with dementia, or somebody rebuilding their lives after an accident.”

And bringing it back to Tommy, Townshend adds, “I had done research on the early work of music therapy when writing [the album] back in 1967, and continued to research and learn about how it works, when it works, and accepting that it does in fact sometimes — often — work miracles. Very glad to help out.”

Tickets for the event are on sale now.

New Iggy Pop album, ‘Every Loser,’ dropping January 6

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Iggy Pop is set to release his new album, Every Loser, on January 6.

His 19th solo album will feature 11 tracks, including the first single, “Frenzy.” The collection is being described as a throwback to Iggy’s “primordial roots” combined with “an undeniably modern lyrical point viewpoint and sonic palette.”

The cover features an original piece of art created by world renowned artist Raymond Pettibon, who’s designed iconic albums for artists such as Sonic Youth and Black Flag.

In addition to streaming services, Every Loser will be available as limited-edition vinyl, cassettes and CDs. And as a tie-in, Iggy will also be releasing an exclusive issue of the legendary fanzine PUNK Magazine.

Here is the Every Loser track list:

“Frenzy”
“Strung Out Johnny”
“New Atlantis”
“Modern Day Rip Off”
“Morning Show”
“The News For Andy”
“Neo Punk”
“All The Way Down”
“Comments”
“My Animus Interlude”
“The Regency”

Tierra Whack arrested for bringing loaded gun to Philly airport

November 10, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Tierra Whack is facing charges for bringing a loaded gun into the Philadelphia International Airport.

According to ABC Philadelphia affiliate WPTI, Whack, a licensed gun owner, was taken into custody on Tuesday. XXL adds she was attempting to go through a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint when her purse was flagged. Screeners discovered “a semi-automatic firearm, loaded with (6) live rounds in the magazine and none in the chamber,” a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement, according to the publication. Authorities were then called to the scene.

Whack was charged with disorderly conduct, and her gun was confiscated. Complex reports she has a preliminary hearing on December 8, according to court records.

Whack’s debut album, Whack World, dropped in 2018; she released a trio of EPs — Rap?, R&B? and Pop? — in 2021.

Whack also appears on The Roots‘ recently released “Misunderstood” alongside Erykah Badu.

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