Sun, Feb 18, 2001
Traveling in this documentary about a California band, Journey. Formed in 1973 and, released LP's from 1975-1977 were commercial failures. To release a fifth LP, CBS Records issued the band an ultimatum "if you don't come up with hits, or we'll drop you." Manager Herbie Herbert, listened to a demo of a band called "Alien Project" and, hears a voice that would take the band to a brand new direction. The singer was Steve Perry and, he was hired to be Journey's lead singer. Journey released "Infinity" in 1978 and, the album was a hit. The album spawned hits; "Wheels in the Sky", "Lights", "Feeling That Way" and, "Anytime". Journey, became a household name. In 1981, Journey's career boosted when they released their best selling album to date "Escape" with singles, "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms". More hit albums and singles followed, personal matters were affecting Steve Perry while on the road. His mother was dying from a rare disease and, the split with his girlfriend Sherry Swafford. In 1985, problems within the band begun to fester. Steve Smith and Ross Vallory were dismissed and, the band was streamlined as a trio. One year later, Journey released "Raised on Radio" and, the album unleashed hits; "Girl Can't Help It", "I'll Be All Right Without You", "Be Good To Yourself" and, "Suzanne". In 1987, Journey had disappeared from view. In 1996, the classic lineup recorded "Trial By Fire" and, the band wanted to tour to support the album. Unfortunately, it became impossible to tour because, Steve Perry suffered a degenerative bone disease while hiking in Hawaii. Neil Schon and Johnathan Cain, re-formed the band and hired Steve Augieri as their frontman in 1998.
Sun, Apr 1, 2001
Recounting the 1977 box office disco mega-hit "Saturday Night Fever", which was in jeopardy that it wouldn't be welcomed into theaters. Top billing star John Travolta, shined on TV screens on ABC's "Welcome Back, Kotter". Prior to "Fever", he starred in the TV-Movie "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble" where he met actress Diana Hyland. Travolta's relationship, was derailed that Hyland was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. During that time, he starred in the Stephen King adaptation horror flick "Carrie". While Diana, was nearing the end, she encouraged Travolta to take the role of Tony Manero for "Fever". While he was working on the movie, he got news that Diana's health was deteriorating and, he flew to LA to be at her side. On March 27, 1977 Diana Hyland, died in Travolta's arms she was 41. Travolta, had a little time to grieve and, he pulled himself together and, make his role the best as possible. The soundtrack, was released a couple of months before the films release and, it sold a staggering 20+ million copies. Stars of the movie discusses about their experience of making the film and, how it became a phenomenon.
Mon, Oct 22, 2001
Sinead O'Connor, had a musical career by releasing hits "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Prince Cover), from her second album "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" which hit #1 on the Billboard charts. While promoting her third album "Am I Not Your Girl?", she appeared on Saturday Night Live and, while performing one of the songs, O'Connor ripped a picture of John Pope II. That incident sent shockwaves across the country and, nearly 5,000 phone calls flooded NBC and, the network wasn't fined. To this day, NBC refused to air the scene. At the Bob Dylan Tribute concert, she was greeted with cheers and boos. While she was performing, the audience was getting louder and louder and, after she finished country performer Kris Kristofferson escorted a sobbing O'Connor off the stage. That performance, was two weeks after the photo tearing incident. A clip was shown when her albums, cassettes, CD's and, singles were being steamrolled.