Organizers of New York City’s Tribeca Festival have announced the film event’s 2022 lineup, which includes a number of noteworthy music-related documentaries. Among the music docs that will get their world premiere at the festival are Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex, and Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song.
Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex focuses on the life and music of late glam-rock pioneer Marc Bolan and his famous band, as well as on the making of a 2020 tribute album of the same name. The album was the brainchild of lauded producer Hal Willner, who sadly died of COVID-19 at age 64 a few months before the record’s release. The movie, which mixes recent and archival footage, includes appearances by Bolan, Marc’s romantic partner and backing singer Gloria Jones, his son Rolan, Ringo Starr, Willner, Joan Jett and David Bowie.
The documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song looks at the career of late Canadian poet and singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, with a focus on his classic ballad, “Hallelujah.” The film features interviews with Cohen as well as with some of his friends, lovers and fellow musicians. A post-screening event will feature performances by Judy Collins, Cohen collaborator Sharon Robinson, and others.
Other music docs that will be screened at the Tribeca Festival include The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, which features May Pang recalling the 18-month period during the 1970s that she spent as John Lennon‘s friend, lover and confidante; and Nothing Compares, a profile of Irish singer/songwriter Sinead O’Connor and her eventful and turbulent life.
Visit TribecaFilm.com for more information about the 2022 festival’s lineup.
(LONDON) — Schoolchildren were among those killed and injured in another series of deadly blasts in Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, Tuesday morning.
At least six people were killed and over ten injured, Khalid Zadran, acting spokesman of the Taliban Kabul police wrote on Twitter, adding that security forces were on the scene and an investigation was launched into the attack. Unofficial reports indicate a higher number of casualties.
No one has immediately claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the “heinous” attack in a tweet saying, “those responsible for the crime targeting schools and children must be brought to justice.”
United Nations envoy Deborah Lyons extended deepest sympathies to victims’ families and wished for a speedy recovery for the wounded, in the same tweet.
The blasts happened at the entrance of Abdul Rahim Shahid high school located in a Shia Hazara neighborhood of the city. Hazaras are an ethnic/religious group that has been the target of attacks in the past. Most of the previous attacks in the same neighborhood were claimed by ISIS affiliates. Tuesday’s blast was the first attack in this neighborhood after the Taliban takeover in August.
Shi’a Hazaras are historically the most discriminated ethnic minority group in Afghanistan and have long faced violence and discrimination, according to Minority Rights International. according to Minority Rights International.
Save the Children’s country director in Afghanistan, Chris Nyamandi, issued a statement condemning the attack.
“Save the Children calls for safe access to education at all times for children in Afghanistan and for perpetrators of grave violations against children to be held to account,” the statement reads.
Today’s blasts follow Pakistani military airstrikes in the eastern Afghanistan provinces of Khost and Kunar which killed 47 civilians, mainly women and children, and left many wounded.
ABC News’ Aleem Agha and Guy Davis contributed to this report.
(NEW YORK) — After a federal judge struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel mask mandate Monday, several airlines and companies moved to act.
All major airlines, including American, United, Southwest and Delta, said face coverings will now be optional for travelers.
Ride-share companies, such as Uber and Lyft, also said they will not require riders to wear masks as did Amtrak, the passenger railroad service.
Several airports across the company have also dropped their mandates and the Transportation Security Administration said it will not enforce a mask mandate on planes and other public transportation.
Here are some of the companies that have dropped mask mandates so far:
United Airlines
United was among the first airlines to announce it would be dropping its mask mandate following the ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Mizelle.
In a Twitter post, the company shared two photos of the model of the 72-foot-long Brachiosaurus skeleton at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, where United is headquartered — one with and one without a mask.
“More comfortable keeping yours on? Go right ahead … the choice is yours (you look dino-mite either way)!” the statement read.
American Airlines
Similarly on Monday night, American dropped its mask mandate for customers and team members.
The airline said customers may still choose to wear masks and thanked its staff for enforcing the mask mandate since it went into effect in January 2021.
“American Airlines has prioritized the health and safety of its team members and customers throughout the pandemic and has supported the federal government’s measures to slow the spread of COVID-19,” the statement read. “We are deeply grateful to our team members for their enforcement of the mandate, and will share more information about this transition in the coming days.”
Southwest Airlines
Southwest announced Monday it would be mask-optional going forward and welcomed those who decide to keep wearing masks.
“We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling,” a statement read.
The airline also said its planes have “additional layers of protection” to keep passengers and employees safe, including HEPA filters that remove 99.7% of airborne particles.
Delta Air Lines
Delta announced in a statement Monday night that masks would be optional for passengers and employees “effectively immediately.”
The airline said customers should expect “inconsistent enforcement” for the next day until the news reaches all employees.
“Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees — such as TSA — may be receiving this information at different times,” the airline said.
Alaska Airlines
In a statement Monday, Alaska Airlines said it would be implementing a mask-optional policy.
“Face masks have been like boarding passes for nearly two years — you couldn’t fly without one,” a blog post on the company website read. “But, as of today, masks are optional in airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately.”
Alaska also encouraged customers to show kindness to those who decide they still want to wear face coverings onboard planes.
“Safety is always our highest priority, so while we love to see your smiling faces in the airport and on board, we respect your decision to keep using this added layer of protection,” the blog post continued. “Above all, we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout the travel journey and beyond.”
JetBlue Airways
On Monday night, JetBlue Airways announced it was updating its policy to make mask-wearing optional.
“While no longer required, customers and crewmembers are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft,” a statement read.
The airline recommended that passengers and staff traveling internationally carry masks with them in case they are required at their destination.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian, the largest operator of flights to and from Hawaii, announced Monday it is dropping its mask mandate for passengers and staff.
“Effective immediately, face masks are optional for our guests and employees onboard Hawaiian Airlines flights,” a statement read. “We ask for our guests’ patience and understanding as we update all our communications and announcements to reflect this change.”
Spirit Airlines
Spirit was among the last airlines to reveal it would be dropping its mask mandate, announcing the news on Twitter shortly after midnight Tuesday.
“Face coverings are now optional for Spirit Team Members and Guests onboarded our flights following the federal court ruling and TSA guidance,” the statement read. “We understand some Guests may want to continue to wear face coverings on flights, and that’s perfectly fine under our optional policy.”
Frontier Airlines
Frontier also announced similar news early Tuesday morning, attributing a statement to Crockett the Racoon, an animal that appears on the tail of one of the company’s aircraft.
“To mask or not to mask, the choice is yours,” the statement on Twitter read. “Masks are now optional on domestic flights, however, certain airports or countries may still require masks, so check the policy at your destination prior to departure and we’ll see you in the sky.”
Allegiant Air
Ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant shared the news Tuesday afternoon on Twitter, posting a photo of one of its aircraft at Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York.
To mask or not to mask, that is your choice,” the tweet read. “Consistent with TSA guidance, all Allegiant customers and team members may wear a mask if they choose to, but are no longer required while traveling with us.”
Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country shared a statement Monday night that it would no longer require masking on planes, and thanked passengers for wearing masks in the past.
The airline also encouraged guests to be respectful of those who continue to wear face coverings.
“We look forward to seeing your smiles on board & encourage kindness & respect for those who continue to mask,” the statement read.
Uber
Uber was the first ride-share service to announce that riders and drivers would not be required to wear masks.
However, the company echoed CDC guidance to wear masks if people are at high risk of severe disease or if they live in an area with high transmission, and to be respectful of people who choose to wear masks.
“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences,” the statement said. “And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.”
Uber also said it would no longer require people to sit in the back seat, but asked riders to only do so due to the size of their group.
Lyft
Riders and drivers are also no longer required to wear masks while using Lyft but warned masks may still be required by law in some areas.
Additionally, rides will not be allowed to be canceled on account of someone not wearing a mask.
“While riders and drivers can always cancel any ride they don’t wish to take, health safety reasons — like not wearing a mask — will no longer appear as cancellation options in the app,” a statement read.
The company urged people not to use the service if they have COVID-19 or are experiencing any similar symptoms.”
Amtrak
Amtrak announced on Twitter that it would no longer require passengers and employees and passengers to wear masks while aboard trains or in stations.
However, the company said it would “encourage” anyone who needs or feels that they need to wear a mask.
“Masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19,” the Twitter statement read. “Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.”
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
The Metropolitan Airport Commission originally announced Monday night masks would continue to be required after the federal ruling.
But following the TSA saying it would no longer enforce mask-wearing, the policy was changed for Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
Travelers will not be required to mask in terminal or other airport facilities or at any of the six general aviation airports.
Portland International Airport
The Oregon airport released a brief statement Monday that masks would no longer be required or enforced .
“Local TSA just advised us they will no longer be enforcing the directive that requires masking in the airport,” the statement read. “Tat means that face coverings are no longer required at PDX.
Tampa International Airport
A statement on the airport’s Twitter account announced mask mandates would be dropped for travelers and staff.
“Per TSA’s removal of its federal mask mandate, masks are now optional at Tampa International Airport, effective immediately,” the tweet read. “Passengers, employees and guests are no longer required [to] wear masks or face coverings in any of the facilities or terminals at TPA.”
ABC’s family sitcom The Goldbergs will return, according to the show’s Twitter account.
The series, which weathered the death of cast member George Segal last March, and the December exit of series patriarch Jeff Garlin, following bullying allegations on set, has been renewed by ABC for a tenth season.
The Hollywood Reporter also adds that its producers Sony Pictures Television has left an option open for the ’80s-set show to return for an 11th season.
The hit romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding was released 20 years ago today.
In honor of the anniversary, Nia Vardalos, who played Toula Portokalos in the film, reflected on writing the script for the film and detailed what she learned from the initial pushback she received.
Sharing a thread on Twitter centered on the 20-year anniversary, Vardalos wrote, “When agents/managers said my script wasn’t good and actors shouldn’t write, I recall wondering why they were angry. They fired me.”
“So, I changed the material into a solo stage show,” she continued. “@RitaWilson saw the play and said, ‘this should be a movie.’ I handed her my screenplay, this creator & producer got the film made with me as the lead. We premiered in 106 theaters, expanded to more, ran for over a year.”
Vardalos, who received an Oscar nomination for best screenplay and a Golden Globe nomination for best actress for the film, also commented on the mixed reactions it received.
“People full of love loved it, and again some were snide, hateful,” Vardalos said.
The film, produced by Rita Wilson, her husband Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, ended up grossing $368 million worldwide.
Andy Grammer will serve as the keynote speaker and share his honest thoughts about mental health at Mental Health America’s annual conference this summer.
The “Honey I’m Good” singer shared his excitement about the upcoming venture on Tuesday, telling fans, “Mental health is an extremely important topic to me and it is an honor to speak at such an important event.”
The event, titled “Forward Together: Recovery, Healing, Hope,” will take place in Washington, D.C. starting on June 9. Andy is set to speak the day after, taking stage on Friday, June 10, at 9:30 a.m. ET.
The organization shared more information about what to expect at their summertime event, adding in their own announcement, “After being forced by COVID-19 to slow down his busy and high-energy schedule, Andy had to come to terms with his mental health in a way that he hadn’t before. The mental health struggles that Andy faced have inspired his new music and added a new layer to the deep connection he has with his fans.”
There are several ways to watch Andy’s speech, which will be live-streamed. Those interested in attending can register on MHA’s official website and can opt to attend in-person or virtually.
Andy’s music has long embraced the themes of mental wellness, including his hits “Keep Your Head Up,” “The Best of Me,” “Don’t Give Up On Me,” and “Fresh Eyes.”
Monday’s sixth-season premiere ofBetter Call Saulled to a record number of sign-ups for AMC’s streaming service, the network has announced.
“Whether streaming on AMC+, watching on our linear ad-supported network or engaging on social media, the fans showed up and last night was just the beginning of what will be an unforgettable final season of what has become a landmark series for our company and all of television,” said AMC Studios head Dan McDermott in a statement Tuesday. “[F]ans of the show met the moment of its return with a response befitting everything this remarkable creative team has delivered.”
The prequel series serves as an origin story for Bob Odenkirk‘s lovably crooked Breaking Bad attorney James Morgan “Jimmy” McGill, AKA Saul Goodman. The first episode of its sixth season, “Wine and Roses,” attracted 1.4 million total viewers, making it the #1 cable drama premiere of 2022 to date.
Last year, KISS singer/bassist Gene Simmons and the Gibson company announced that they had partnered to launch a new line of electric guitars and basses called G2, pronounced G-squared. Now the first offering from the brand has been released: the G2 Thunderbird Bass.
The instrument features a classic Reverse Thunderbird body and headstock design, a mahogany body with a glossy ebony finish, an ebony fingerboard, a pair of T-Bird pickups, a G2 logo on the back of the headstock, and a pickguard boasting a laser-engraved custom Gene Simmons logo.
The G2 Thunderbird Bass is priced at $2,799, and is available around the world at authorized Gibson dealers and via Gibson.com.
“Gibson is an outstanding company and has earned its place as a leading guitar brand with fans around the world,” says Simmons in a statement. “The new G2 Thunderbird basses are all handmade in the USA, with a sound that is off the charts. The design is so beautiful and collectible, they are simply works of art.”
Adds Gibson Brands executive Cesar Gueikian [GOY-kee-en], “The Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass guitar has been more than a year in the making. It looks and sounds EPIC, and it is unmistakably Gene. Working with him is such a privilege for all of us at Gibson; he is deeply involved in every aspect of developing the guitars and planning our launch.”
To promote the new bass, a hilarious video has premiered on the Gibson TV YouTube channel starring Simmons and featuring a voiceover by John Stamos. The clip mimics an ’80s infomercial that features a skinny nerd who is picked on by his high school classmates, until he buys a G2 Thunderbird Bass and is transformed into a cool and popular rocker.
Johnny Depp took the stand for the first time in a Virginia courtroom Tuesday, as part of his defamation case against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Depp said, “today is the first opportunity to speak about this case,” and noted having the case air out the ugly details of his life with Heard wasn’t comfortable in the least.
“I was always a very private person, so for me to…sit before you all and spill the truth, is quite exposing, and it’s quite unfortunate,” the former Pirates of the Caribbean series star said.
“It’s unfortunate it’s not only exposing not only for me, it’s exposing to my family, it’s exposing for Ms. Heard,” he testified.
“It never had to go in this direction,” Depp said, adding, “I can’t say that I’m embarrassed, because I know that I’m doing the right thing.”
Depp also commented, “Truth is the only thing I’m interested in. Lies will get you nowhere, but lies build upon lies and build upon lies. I’m obsessed with the truth.”
Attorneys for both stars leveled accusations of abuse against each other in the case, as they did during a libel trial in the U.K. Depp is suing Heard for defamation for her 2019 Washington Post op-ed in which she said she was a victim of domestic abuse. Although he wasn’t specifically named in the article, the actor insists the article amounted to defamation by inference, which is punishable according to Virginia law.
L-R: Kanye West, Mr. Hudson, Kid Cudi and Pusha-T perform in 2011; Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for VEVO
Ahead of its long-awaited release on Friday, Pusha T finally let fans in on details about his highly anticipated upcoming album, It’s Almost Dry.
On social media Tuesday, the New York rapper shared the album’s cover art and 12-song track list, which boasts features from fellow artists Jay-Z, Pharrell, Ye and Kid Cudi. But, in tandem with the release of the song list, Cudi revealed some news of his own — his collaboration with Ye, aka Kanye West, on “Rock N Roll,” will be the last of its kind.
In a Twitter post, Cudi alerted fans never to expect music from the two rappers again saying, “Hey! So I know some of you heard about the song I got w Pusha. I did this song a year ago when I was still cool w Kanye. I am not cool w that man. He’s not my friend and I only cleared the song for Pusha cuz thats my guy. This is the last song u will hear me on w Kanye -Scott”
The decision allegedly stems from Ye’s decision not to include Kid Cudi on Donda 2, due his friendship with “you know who.” In the now-deleted Instagram post, fans speculated Ye was referring to Cudi’s relationship with SNL star Pete Davidson, who has been dating his estranged wife, Kim Kardashian.
Ye and Cudi have a history of an on-and-off-again friendship, dating back to their 2013-14 social media argument which led to the first of a few public reunions.
Whether or not Cudi and Ye will mend things this time around is unknown. What is certain is Pusha’s promise to deliver his fourth studio album, It’s Almost Dry, on Friday, April 22.
