Entertainment News
The Last Blockbuster in the World Is Persisting Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
The world’s last Blockbuster store has already survived Netflix and the streaming wars, so what’s the worst pandemic in decades? As Vice reports, the Bend, Oregon franchise is still open even in the time of coronavirus, although it hasn’t been easy. Led by general manager Sandi Harding, the store became the last link in the global video rental chain about two years ago. It’s kept going this long through a mix of nostalgia, novelty, and what seems to be genuinely good leadership — but then, that’s true of many local institutions that have permanently closed during the COVID-19 crisis. The last Blockbuster is holding strong. It isn’t just relying on rentals — the store sells made-in-Oregon merch, such as a bumper sticker that reads “I SURVIVED ALONG WITH THE LAST BLOCKBUSTER”. Hard...
Slipknot Cancel North American Knotfest Roadshow Tour Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
One of metal’s most anticipated tours, Slipknot’s North American “Knotfest Roadshow”, has been called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it seemed inevitable, Slipknot officially canceled the trek on Wednesday (May 13th), just a few weeks before the tour was slated to begin. Moreover, the band also postponed its Knotfest at Sea cruise and canceled its Knotfest UK festival, both set for August. The month-long “Knotfest Roadshow” had been scheduled to kick off May 30th in Syracuse, New York, and run through a June 25th show in The Woodlands, Texas. In addition to headliners Slipknot, the outing was to feature A Day to Remember, Underoath, and Code Orange. The Slipknot-headlined Knotfest at Sea cruise, slated to set sail from Barcelona on August 10th, featured a bill that included Behemo...
HBO Max Confirms Second Wave of Programming: Adventure Time, Seth Rogen’s American Pickle, Films Galore
Who’s ready for another streaming service? In two weeks’ time, HBO will launch its new premium subscription platform, HBO Max, promising a number of new original titles alongside 10,000 hours of archival content. But there’s plenty more to come beyond its initial slate of programming. The second wave of HBO Max titles will go live beginning Thursday, June 18th, with additional programming added each Thursday thereafter. Among the highlights: a new Adventure Time special called Distant Lands premiering on June 25th; season 2 of Doom Patrol and season 3 of Search Party, both of which are also coming on the 25th; and the new Seth Rogen feature film, American Pickle, which is set to premiere on August 6th. Additionally, at launch HBO Max will be offering every episode of Robot Chicken and...
ABBA’s Entire Catalog to Be Reissued on Colored Vinyl for the First Time
Mamma Mia, here we go again! This summer, ABBA will reissue their entire classic catalog on colored vinyl for the first time. All of their albums — that’s eight in total — will be neatly collected in a box set featuring replicas of their original artwork. Officially titled ABBA: The Studio Albums includes Swedish group’s 1973 debut album, Ring Ring (red vinyl), along with Waterloo from 1974 (orange vinyl). ABBA’s timeless self-titled LP from 1975, boasting mega singles “SOS” and “Mamma Mia”, will be featured in a silver hue. 1976’s Arrival, anchored by fan favorite “Dancing Queen”, will be pressed on white vinyl, while ABBA — The Album from 1977, 1979’s Voulez-Vous, and 1980’s Super Trouper will be featured on green, blue, and gold, respecitvely. ABBA’s final ...
Alison Mosshart Unboxes Second Solo Single “It Ain’t Water”: Stream
After years of punching in the clock for both The Kills and The Dead Weather, frontwoman Alison Mosshart made her solo debut with last month’s single “Rise”. Assuring fans this isn’t a one-time affair, the frontman has returned with her second solo offering in “It Ain’t Water”. Both minimalistic and atmospheric in tone, the four-minute track sees Mosshart brooding quietly over lonesome guitar and wispy percussion. “I don’t know your name, but I like the way you look at me in that suspicious way,” she sings. According to a statement, the new song was recorded with veteran musician and producer Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Chris Cornell, PJ Harvey). “He’s such a talent and such a kind person. His mind is wide open,” Mosshart said of Johannes. “He understands and sees th...
Cro-Mags Unveil Video for “From the Grave” Featuring Motörhead’s Phil Campbell: Watch
Several months after premiering the track right here at Heavy Consequence, hardcore veterans Cro-Mags have unveiled the music video for “From the Grave”. The song features a guest spot from Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, who also appears in the video. The video stars Cro-Mags founder Harley Flanagan as he makes his way from a cemetery in The Bronx through the streets, subway stations, and alleyways of New York City. “The idea for the video is that I’m rising from the grave and going on a mission… like I came back from the dead to become the Grim Reaper himself,” stated Flanagan in a press release. “I think anybody who knows the history of this band and of my life will get it. It starts off at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, where I will be buried with my family and in-laws. In the open...
James Blake Covers Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You” on Corden from Quarantine: Watch
James Blake has been spending his time in quarantine perfecting the art of the cover song. In March, the UK crooner took to Instagram Live to perform countless originals by Radiohead, Billie Eilish, and Frank Ocean. He also tackled the Joni Mitchell track “A Case of You”, which he released on his own Enough Thunder EP from 2011. For his remote appearance on the Late Late Show with James Corden on Tuesday, Blake again dusted off that Mitchell cover. Cozied up to a piano in his own sunlit living space, the Grammy winner delicately, softly sang his way through the 1971 single. Elsewhere in last night’s episode, Blake spoke to Corden about his upcoming projects. He said his newest single, “Too Precious”, would likely end up on his next album, though “the rest of the stuff is quite di...
Joy Division’s Closer to Receive 40th Anniversary Vinyl Reissue
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Joy Division’s Closer is receiving a fresh vinyl reissue. What’s more, a trio of non-album singles — “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, “Transmission”, and “Atmosphere” — will also be re-released as newly remastered 12-inches. Pressed to clear vinyl and available on streaming services, the reissue of the band’s second and final album is due out on July 17th. The 12-inch singles will drop the same day, marking the first time the three tracks have been repressed since Joy Division’s label, Factory Records, shuttered in 1992. Each will be backed by its original B-side: “Transmission” b/w “Novelty”, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” b/w “These Days”, and “Atmosphere” b/w “She’s Lost Control”. Editors’ Picks All the reissues are available for pre-order as a bundle ...
Almost Famous Cast and Crew Reunite for Origins Podcast
It’s all happening: For its 20th anniversary, the cast and crew of Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous are reuniting for James Andrew Miller’s Origins podcast. Ever the golden god himself, the award-winning author and host got everyone back on the bus. That includes Crowe, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Patrick Fugit, Zooey Deschanel, Jimmy Fallon, Peter Frampton, Nancy Wilson, and the list goes on. Below, Miller’s dropped a three-minute trailer chock full of quotes to get you pumped. The show begins soon, so subscribe to the series now and go get some BBQ, man. In the past, Miller’s Origins series has offered oral histories on Curb Your Enthusiasm, ESPN, and Sex & the City. He’s also published definitive tomes on Saturday Night Live and CAA.
Henry Jamison Shares the Origins of New Song with Lady Lamb “Orchardist”: Stream
Our new music feature Origins finds artists revealing some of the inspirations behind their latest track. Today, Henry Jamison discusses his collaborative with Lady Lamb, “Orchardist”. Musicians are often inspired by life on the road, whether it’s the fugacious sense of time, the yearning for familiar territory, or the distance from friends. For his own mini “road record,” Vermont folk artists Henry Jamison has taken a novel, two-pronged approach with his new EP, Tourism. Due out May 15th via Color Study, the five-track effort focuses lyrically on the “dissolution of self” that led to Jamison’s recent breakup. The strain was brought on by his life as a touring musician, a common story for those whose home is lined with pavement. But while being on the road can bring certain relationships t...
Iggy Pop Streams 2016 Concert with Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age Members: Watch
Arctic Monkeys (David Brendan Hall), Iggy Pop (Thaib A. Wahab), and Queens of the Stone Age (Philip Cosores) Iggy Pop has announced he will livestream his iconic 2016 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in support of Post Pop Depression, the album he released that same year. While all Iggy Pop shows are highly entertaining in their own right, this one was pretty dang special as he was backed by Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and Queens of the Stone Age members Josh Homme and Dean Fertita. The gig will stream live at 3:00 p.m. ET today on YouTube. The recent Lifetime Achievement Grammy-winner teased the event with a simple tweet, writing, “Ready to re-live it?” For most viewers, it will be a chance to witness that show in all of its glory for the first time. Post Pop Depression is a ...
Tony Shalhoub Recovers From Coronavirus
Tony Shalhoub reprised his famed Monk character during the premiere of Peacock’s At-Home Variety Show on Monday. While the return of Adrian Monk was certainly a welcome sight, Shalhoub also used the segment to share some harrowing news: He’s spent the last few weeks in quarantine battling COVID-19. The revelation came later in the Variety Show episode, following Shalhoub’s brief turn as the obsessive-compulsive Detective Monk, who unsurprisingly has been passing his pandemic time religiously cleaning every inch of his house. Out of character and speaking candidly to the camera, the 66-year-old actor confirmed that he and his wife had tested positive for coronavirus, but were now in recovery. “I hope you’re all being careful and following the protocol. We really are all ...
