Rolling Stone‘s interview series King for a Day features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and singers who had the difficult job of fronting major rock bands after the departure of an iconic vocalist. Some of them stayed in their bands for years, while others lasted just a few months. In the end, however, they all found out that replacement singers can themselves be replaced. This edition features former Fleetwood Mac singer Bekka Bramlett.
In the summer of 1994, Fleetwood Mac hit the road without Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham,...
In the summer of 1994, Fleetwood Mac hit the road without Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham,...
- 3/9/2023
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Jani Lane's estate is screwing Jani Lane's ex-managers out of the dough they earned by selling off his catalog for a shockingly high price ... according to the lawsuit they just filed. The late Warrant frontman's managers -- Just Having Fun Productions -- filed the suit, claiming Jani's estate has yet to pay them some heft commissions. According to the suit, the managers engineered a deal to sell a chunk of Jani's music to a publishing company.
- 12/19/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The Final Girls is one of those films that’s so hard to classify, because it’s got a little something for everyone. First and foremost, horror fans are going to have a blast with M.A. Fortin and Joshua John Miller’s super-self-referential screenplay that captures genre geekdom and pokes fun at Every 80s horror cliche imaginable. Mainstream audience aren’t forgotten either, as a hilarious cast of talented actors put comedy first, while gory kill-sequences are kept at an acceptable minimum.
And of course, we can’t forget about the true cinema fans, as director Todd Strauss-Schulson’s killer attention to ambitious detail somehow comes together like an insanely metaphysical nightmare that transcends so many wild and crazy levels. Trust me, you’ve never seen a slasher film like The Final Girls, and that’s what makes this movie such a riotous take on horror norms gone sexily wrong.
And of course, we can’t forget about the true cinema fans, as director Todd Strauss-Schulson’s killer attention to ambitious detail somehow comes together like an insanely metaphysical nightmare that transcends so many wild and crazy levels. Trust me, you’ve never seen a slasher film like The Final Girls, and that’s what makes this movie such a riotous take on horror norms gone sexily wrong.
- 3/15/2015
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
"Parks and Recreation" just wrapped up its sixth season. I did my annual interview with Mike Schur about what happened, and I have a review of the finale coming up just as soon as I click through a slideshow of "American Music Awards" sideboob fails... The natural inclination with an episode like "Moving Up" is to talk early, often, and perhaps only, about the very last minute, where the show jumped forward three years in time, showing us a well-established National Parks office in Pawnee, Leslie and Ben's triplets as adorable little kids, Garry Gergich now being referred to as Terry, and surprise guest star Jon Hamm as an incompetent National Parks employee being fired after three years of misadventures that we will likely never see. And we'll get to that, sure. But there was so much else to "Moving Up," which essentially played as Schur and company bringing the...
- 4/25/2014
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Before Pamela and Tommy Lee’s steamy, oft-publicized relationship, he was engaged to another buxom blonde — Bobbie. Now the ‘Cherry Pie’ video vixen is finally opening up in a memoir, revealing the emotional roller coaster she was put on by her Motley Crue ex-fiance.
Bobbie Brown and Tommy Lee were the rock star couple of the mid-Nineties, until Pamela Anderson – a Bobbie doppelgänger — swooped in and stole the Motley Crue drummer away. The shocking details of the blonde bombshell love triangle have never truly been revealed — until now.
Bobbie Brown Tells All
Bobbie, who rose to fame after starring in Warrant‘s “Cherry Pie” music video in 1990, is finally spilling all the gory details about her life — the rock ‘n’ roll, the drugs, and yes, her relationship with Tommy Lee — in a memoir entitled Dirty Rocker Boys (out Nov. 26).
Bobbie writes about how she and Tommy first initially hooked up...
Bobbie Brown and Tommy Lee were the rock star couple of the mid-Nineties, until Pamela Anderson – a Bobbie doppelgänger — swooped in and stole the Motley Crue drummer away. The shocking details of the blonde bombshell love triangle have never truly been revealed — until now.
Bobbie Brown Tells All
Bobbie, who rose to fame after starring in Warrant‘s “Cherry Pie” music video in 1990, is finally spilling all the gory details about her life — the rock ‘n’ roll, the drugs, and yes, her relationship with Tommy Lee — in a memoir entitled Dirty Rocker Boys (out Nov. 26).
Bobbie writes about how she and Tommy first initially hooked up...
- 11/16/2013
- by Andrew Gruttadaro
- HollywoodLife
Revisiting the past! Bobbie Brown -- the blonde bombshell best known for her starring turn in Warrant's 1990 music video "Cherry Pie" -- is cleaning out her closest. To top it off, she's also airing out Leonardo DiCaprio's dirty sheets! The former video vixen, now 44, is opening up in a new memoir about an alleged one-night stand with the A-list actor back in the day. "One night [out in Hollywood] I ran into Leonardo DiCaprio, a baby-faced 21-year-old actor who'd just had a hit with The [...]...
- 11/15/2013
- Us Weekly
Leonardo DiCaprio has reportedly been with many women through the years. And now, we can add Bobbie Brown to that list. The model and actress, who is most well known for her sexy appearance in Warrant's "Cherry Pie" music video, reveals in a new tell-all book her side of a hookup with the A-list actor. "I unbuttoned his jeans and tugged down on his boxers," Brown, who was 26 at the time, writes about her experience with the then 19-year-old in Dirty Rocker Boys: Love and Lust on the Sunset Strip. "(What) I saw made me gasp," she elaborates. "It made no sense. The kid put Tommy Lee to shame." Some background: the duo met at the VIP lounge of the Grand Ville club...
- 11/15/2013
- E! Online
The ‘Jessie’s Girl’ singer was allegedly taken into custody on March 8 after blowing off a court date for a previous DUI arrest.
Rick Springfield was issued a DUI back in May 2011 after cops pulled him over in his 1963 Corvette Stingray in Malibu — he appeared to be intoxicated. His run-in with the law was less than cordial. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Rick threatened to kill the deputy who had arrested him, and the deputy’s family, if he had Rick’s car towed. The star is now facing consequences after he failed to show up for his court date to resolve the DUI matter.
Rick Springfield Arrested For Missing Court Date
A representative for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told TMZ, “Deputies went to Rick’s L.A. home this morning to execute the warrant … but by the time he was being booked, Rick’s attorney had the warrant recalled.
Rick Springfield was issued a DUI back in May 2011 after cops pulled him over in his 1963 Corvette Stingray in Malibu — he appeared to be intoxicated. His run-in with the law was less than cordial. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Rick threatened to kill the deputy who had arrested him, and the deputy’s family, if he had Rick’s car towed. The star is now facing consequences after he failed to show up for his court date to resolve the DUI matter.
Rick Springfield Arrested For Missing Court Date
A representative for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told TMZ, “Deputies went to Rick’s L.A. home this morning to execute the warrant … but by the time he was being booked, Rick’s attorney had the warrant recalled.
- 3/8/2013
- by HL Intern
- HollywoodLife
A frantic 911 call was placed after Monkees singer Davy Jones suffered a massive heart on Wednesday in Florida.
The distressed woman who dialed the emergency number pleaded for an ambulance to "hurry," before suggesting it might be faster to put Jones in a car and drive to the nearest hospital -- which was 27 miles away.
Jones had complained of breathing trouble early in the morning, and was later taken to a hospital in the town of Stuart,...
The distressed woman who dialed the emergency number pleaded for an ambulance to "hurry," before suggesting it might be faster to put Jones in a car and drive to the nearest hospital -- which was 27 miles away.
Jones had complained of breathing trouble early in the morning, and was later taken to a hospital in the town of Stuart,...
- 3/1/2012
- Extra
The Grammy Awards paid tribute to Etta James at the beginning of Sunday's (Feb. 12) show -- and that was apparently enough, because James was not part of the "In Memoriam" montage in the final hour of the show.
Ditto for "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius and hip-hop pioneer Gil Scott-Heron. Both men were mentioned at other points in the show but not in the video montage, and that seemed to be the M.O. throughout the show -- people who had passed in the previous 12 months and had moments elsewhere in the show weren't in the montage. (One exception was Whitney Houston, who died Saturday and was mentioned throughout the night. She was the final slide in the "In Memoriam" video.)
Other names that didn't make the tribute (that we noticed, anyway) were Mike Starr of Alice in Chains, Warrant singer Jani Lane and frequent Frank Zappa collaborator Jim Sherwood.
Ditto for "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius and hip-hop pioneer Gil Scott-Heron. Both men were mentioned at other points in the show but not in the video montage, and that seemed to be the M.O. throughout the show -- people who had passed in the previous 12 months and had moments elsewhere in the show weren't in the montage. (One exception was Whitney Houston, who died Saturday and was mentioned throughout the night. She was the final slide in the "In Memoriam" video.)
Other names that didn't make the tribute (that we noticed, anyway) were Mike Starr of Alice in Chains, Warrant singer Jani Lane and frequent Frank Zappa collaborator Jim Sherwood.
- 2/13/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
R&B great Etta James, best known for her classic song "At Last," has died from chronic leukemia. She was 73.
James had been struggling with the disease for several years. She died at a hospital in Riverside, Calif. with her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, and her sons by her side.
Etta's longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, said, "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world.
James had been struggling with the disease for several years. She died at a hospital in Riverside, Calif. with her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills, and her sons by her side.
Etta's longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, said, "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world.
- 1/20/2012
- Extra
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 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
"Extra" takes a look back at Hollywood's beloved stars who passed away this year.
In Memoriam 2011Harry Morgan
"M*A*S*H" star Harry Morgan died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/12/mash_star_harry_morgan_dead_at_96.php] at the age of 96 on December 7, after suffering from pneumonia.
Patrice O'Neal
Comedian Patrice O'Neal died at the age of 41 [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/charlie_sheen_others_pay_tribute_to_comedian_patrice_oneal.php] on November 29, from complications of a previous stroke.
Ken Russell
British director Ken Russell died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/director_ken_russell_dead_at_84.php] at the age of 84 on November 27, from a stroke.
Theodore Forstmann
"Top Chef" host...
In Memoriam 2011Harry Morgan
"M*A*S*H" star Harry Morgan died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/12/mash_star_harry_morgan_dead_at_96.php] at the age of 96 on December 7, after suffering from pneumonia.
Patrice O'Neal
Comedian Patrice O'Neal died at the age of 41 [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/charlie_sheen_others_pay_tribute_to_comedian_patrice_oneal.php] on November 29, from complications of a previous stroke.
Ken Russell
British director Ken Russell died [http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/11/director_ken_russell_dead_at_84.php] at the age of 84 on November 27, from a stroke.
Theodore Forstmann
"Top Chef" host...
- 12/26/2011
- Extra
Jani Lane, worth a reported $600,000 at the time of his death, failed to leave behind a will. Now, his daughter is requesting an estate administrator to sort out his assets. Photos: Dollars After Death 12 Albums That Got Big Posthumous Sales Boosts This according to court documents obtained by TMZ, though it remains unclear what the late singer’s estate consists of. The ex-Warrant frontman is survived by his wife and two daughters. TMZ also notes that the mother of his second daughter could be in contention for a portion of his trust. Photos: Hollywood's Notable Deaths
read more...
read more...
- 12/9/2011
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former Warrant singer Jani Lane died without divvying up his financial empire -- which could be a big problem .... considering he was worth about $600,000 at the time of his death.According to court docs filed in connection with Jani's estate, the singer left behind no will when he died of alcohol poisoning in August -- and now, his oldest daughter has asked the court to approve an estate administrator to start figuring things out.According to the docs,...
- 12/9/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Warrant singer Jani Lane's cause of death has been revealed. The heavy metal rocker was found dead in a Woodland Hills, CA hotel room in August, but police were unsure what had killed him at the time. An initial autopsy proved inconclusive, leading coroners to run a full toxicology report on the late musician. The newly-released report determined that Lane died from alcohol Poisoning, according to City News Service. Lane had been arrested twice on DUI charges in the last several years of his life and was sentenced to 120 days in jail in July 2010. Several heavy metal stars paid tribute to Lane following his death, including Poison frontman Bret Michaels. Michaels (more)...
- 10/6/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Los Angeles coroner's office determined Lane's death last month was a result of 'acute ethanol poisoning.'
By Gil Kaufman
Warrant's Jani Lane in 1991
Photo: MTV News
Nearly two months after he died in a Los Angeles motel room, county officials announced on Wednesday that former Warrant singer Jani Lane's death was a result of acute alcohol poisoning.
Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald), died at age 47 on August 11 in a room at the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, California. Though no cause of death was announced at the time, officials said they found a half bottle of alcohol and prescription drugs at the scene. Lane had struggled with substance abuse for a number of years.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the L.A. coroner's office determined that Lane died as a result of "acute ethanol poisoning," which translates into drinking alcohol until it poisons the system.
The singer,...
By Gil Kaufman
Warrant's Jani Lane in 1991
Photo: MTV News
Nearly two months after he died in a Los Angeles motel room, county officials announced on Wednesday that former Warrant singer Jani Lane's death was a result of acute alcohol poisoning.
Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald), died at age 47 on August 11 in a room at the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, California. Though no cause of death was announced at the time, officials said they found a half bottle of alcohol and prescription drugs at the scene. Lane had struggled with substance abuse for a number of years.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the L.A. coroner's office determined that Lane died as a result of "acute ethanol poisoning," which translates into drinking alcohol until it poisons the system.
The singer,...
- 10/6/2011
- MTV Music News
Los Angeles -- The Los Angeles County coroner's office has determined that Jani Lane, the former lead vocalist and songwriter for the 1980s glam metal band Warrant, died of alcohol poisoning.
Lane, 47, was found dead in August in a motel in Woodland Hills, on the outskirts of Los Angeles.
City News Service reported Wednesday that coroner's Lt. Larry Dietz said the cause of death was acute ethanol intoxication.
Lane, born John Kennedy Oswald in Akron, Ohio, left Warrant in 2008. He was later arrested twice for driving under the influence and served time in jail.
Lane, 47, was found dead in August in a motel in Woodland Hills, on the outskirts of Los Angeles.
City News Service reported Wednesday that coroner's Lt. Larry Dietz said the cause of death was acute ethanol intoxication.
Lane, born John Kennedy Oswald in Akron, Ohio, left Warrant in 2008. He was later arrested twice for driving under the influence and served time in jail.
- 10/6/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Jani Lane's demons ultimately proved his undoing. The former Warrant singer died of alcohol poisoning, or, officially speaking, acute ethanol poisoning, Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter confirmed Wednesday to E! News. Lane was found unresponsive and pronounced dead Aug. 11 in a San Fernando Valley hotel room. Authorities previously said that a half-empty bottle of vodka and prescription medication were near the body. Investigators did not suspect foul play and an autopsy performed the following day proved inconclusive, but several friends of the rocker suspected that Lane's drinking problem had directly caused his death. "It's no secret that Jani's...
- 10/5/2011
- E! Online
Officials have determined Warrant singer Jani Lane died from alcohol poisoning ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ. We're told the L.A. Coroner's Office has finished its investigation -- and concluded Lane had suffered from "acute ethanol poisoning" when he died in an L.A. motel room on August 11. As TMZ previously reported, investigators found a half-empty bottle of vodka and prescription medication in the motel room where Lane died. The singer had battled substance abuse issues for years.
- 10/5/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Ex- Warrant singer Jani Lane was carrying a note in his pocket on the day he died which read, "I am Jani Lane" ... but TMZ has learned Jani wasn't the person who wrote the note. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Jani had no official ID on him when his body was discovered at a Los Angeles motel on August 11 -- and we're told he hadn't been in possession of an ID for a while. We're...
- 8/23/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Some of the biggest hair bands you haven't heard from in 20 years are Reuniting in Los Angeles next weekend ... all to pay tribute to their fallen comrade Jani Lane ... and they're doing it for free. Great White, Quiet Riot, La Guns, Enuff Z'nuff and Slammin' Gladys are all set to perform at the Key Club in Hollywood -- and we're told Lane's family will be there. 300 Free tickets will be given out at the Key...
- 8/19/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Warrant singer Jani Lane's cause of death remains unknown after an autopsy performed on Friday was found to be inconclusive. The 'Cherry Pie' singer was found dead in his Woodland Hills hotel room on Thursday, but police said it was unclear how he had passed away. An autopsy report released over the weekend also failed to determine what killed Lane, but toxicology tests have begun. The singer's toxicology results are expected to be released within two months. Lane struggled with alcohol addiction in the last several years of his life, with the musician being sentenced to jail time in July 2010 following a DUI conviction. The Warrant frontman's sudden passing has drawn many tributes from the rock community. Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath (more)...
- 8/15/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Former Warrant frontman Jani Lane was given no official cause of death following a Friday autopsy. The excitable pop metal artist was found dead in a hotel room at a Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday night. He was 47. Toxicology tests are underway, with results expected in the next two months. Also read: Warrant Singer Jani Lane Dead at 47 Lane, whose last residence was miles away in Redondo Beach, Calif., had struggled with addiction for years. According to TMZ, vodka and prescription pills were found at the death scene, but...
- 8/14/2011
- by Jake Weinraub
- The Wrap
Jani Lane had been frequenting L.A. area hotels in the weeks before he died -- and trashed one of his rooms so badly, that he was Banned from the hotel ... TMZ has learned. Sources tell us Lane had been kicked out of the Hilton Woodland Hills sometime in the last month -- after hotel employees noticed that he had torn his room apart. We're told Jani was "not rude" about the situation -- and...
- 8/14/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The autopsy performed on Warrant singer Jani Lane on August 12 has proved inconclusive, pending the results of toxicology tests, E!Online is reporting. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter and the rest of the Los Angeles County coroner’s office confirmed it may take seven or eight weeks to conclusively determine the cause of death. Those close to Lane have formed their own opinions over his death, however. His manager and longtime friend, Obi Steinman, has stated he feels the singer “lost his battle over alcohol.” He pointed to the fact that Lane struggled with alcoholism for years, and was arrested for DUI at least two times. While they waited for the...
- 8/13/2011
- by karen
- ShockYa
Former Warrant frontman Jani Lane was given no official cause of death following a Friday autopsy. The excitable pop metal artist was found dead in a hotel room at a Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday night. He was 47. Toxicology tests are underway, with results expected in the next two months. Also read: Warrant Singer Jani Lane Dead at 47 Lane, whose last residence was miles away in Redondo Beach, Calif., had struggled with addiction for years. According to TMZ, vodka and prescription pills were found at the death scene, but...
- 8/13/2011
- by Jake Weinraub
- The Wrap
Jani Lane, the former lead singer of the 1980s metal rock band Warrant, was found dead in a Comfort Inn hotel in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles, the Huffington Post is reporting. The 47-year-old singer’s body was found on August 11, 2011, La police officer Sara Faden has confirmed. However, she didn’t comment on the cause or circumstances of his death. The Lapd received a call early in the evening for a death investigation. The police will be conducting a search into the cause of death of the singer, who was born John Kennedy Oswald. Lane was known for his long blond hair and leather outfits after joining...
- 8/13/2011
- by karen
- ShockYa
The autopsy on hair metal legend and Warrant lead singer Jani Lane, who passed away in a hotel room in L.A. yesterday, has revealed no conclusive cause of death, the L.A. County coroner's official said Friday. Much like the Amy Winehouse case, friends and family will await the results of a toxicology report to get the definitive word on what happened, though in this case, the culprit appears pretty clear cut....Read more...
- 8/13/2011
- by Yidio
- Yidio
Like Amy Winehouse's, Jani Lane's death will remain a mystery for several weeks ahead. The autopsy performed on Friday, August 12 proved inconclusive, meaning the cause of death would only be revealed after toxicology tests which can take up to two months or more.
Lane's body was discovered on Thursday night at Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. His long-time manager Obi Steinman believes the singer never recovered from his alcoholism. "He lost his battle over alcohol," Steinman said. "He was one of the great rock-and-roll frontmen and singers of all time. His music helped shape the '80s."
According to some sources, a half-empty vodka bottle was found near Lane's body along with prescribed medicine. Investigators temporarily treated the death as "an accidental overdose or a possible death from natural causes."
According to Steinman, a private memorial service for the "Cherry Pie" singer would be held on Sunday,...
Lane's body was discovered on Thursday night at Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. His long-time manager Obi Steinman believes the singer never recovered from his alcoholism. "He lost his battle over alcohol," Steinman said. "He was one of the great rock-and-roll frontmen and singers of all time. His music helped shape the '80s."
According to some sources, a half-empty vodka bottle was found near Lane's body along with prescribed medicine. Investigators temporarily treated the death as "an accidental overdose or a possible death from natural causes."
According to Steinman, a private memorial service for the "Cherry Pie" singer would be held on Sunday,...
- 8/13/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Singer and reality television star Jani Lane was found dead in a Californa hotel room Thursday evening.
Lane was the former lead singer of the late 80s and early 90s hard rock band Warrant.
An autopsy failed to reveal a determined cause of death.
Blood tests are being performed but toxicology results could take several weeks to months before they are complete.
Lane was found unresponsive in his Woodland Hills hotel room. Although a partially consumed bottle of alcohol was found in his room, as well as prescription drugs, authorities have no indication or reason to believe that Lane may have taken his own life.
Lane’s time with Warrant was tumultuous, due primarily to his heavy drug and alcohol abuse. Lane appeared on VH1′s ‘Celebrity Fit Club’ in 2005, as an attempt to regain some control of his health and physique. Lane penned most of the band’s smash...
Lane was the former lead singer of the late 80s and early 90s hard rock band Warrant.
An autopsy failed to reveal a determined cause of death.
Blood tests are being performed but toxicology results could take several weeks to months before they are complete.
Lane was found unresponsive in his Woodland Hills hotel room. Although a partially consumed bottle of alcohol was found in his room, as well as prescription drugs, authorities have no indication or reason to believe that Lane may have taken his own life.
Lane’s time with Warrant was tumultuous, due primarily to his heavy drug and alcohol abuse. Lane appeared on VH1′s ‘Celebrity Fit Club’ in 2005, as an attempt to regain some control of his health and physique. Lane penned most of the band’s smash...
- 8/13/2011
- by admin
- Movie News Guide
Down boys, there are no answers yet. An autopsy performed Friday on late Warrant singer Jani Lane proved inconclusive pending the results of toxicology tests, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter says it may take seven or eight weeks to finalize the cause of death. But some of those close to Lane have already drawn their own conclusions. "He lost his battle over alcohol," said longtime friend and manager Obi Steinman, who noted that Lane had struggled with alcoholism for years and had racked up at least two DUI arrests. "He was one of the great rock-and-roll frontmen and singers of all time," Steinman said. "His...
- 8/12/2011
- E! Online
Jani Lane was the brains behind the feel-good 90′s song ‘Cherry Pie,’ and was found dead yesterday, Aug. 11.
The lead singer and song writer for the glam metal band Warrant, Jani Lang died yesterday. He was only 47.
His band mates released a joint statement on their website: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jani’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
“Jani was a very important part of our lives for a long time. We will always be incredibly proud of the music we created together.”
According to TMZ, Warrant will pay tribute to Jani at their concert tonight (Aug. 12) in North Dakota.
TMZ is also reporting that vodka and prescription meds were found in the Comfort Inn hotel room in California where he died.
The lead singer and song writer for the glam metal band Warrant, Jani Lang died yesterday. He was only 47.
His band mates released a joint statement on their website: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jani’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
“Jani was a very important part of our lives for a long time. We will always be incredibly proud of the music we created together.”
According to TMZ, Warrant will pay tribute to Jani at their concert tonight (Aug. 12) in North Dakota.
TMZ is also reporting that vodka and prescription meds were found in the Comfort Inn hotel room in California where he died.
- 8/12/2011
- by Brooke Peoples
- HollywoodLife
Ever since word of former Warrant singer Jani Lane's death hit the news Thursday (Aug. 11) night, we've been unable to get "Cherry Pie" out of our heads. Well, except for a couple times when we found that we were singing along to Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me" instead.
The title track of Warrant's 1990 album, "Cherry Pie" was originally a throwaway written on a pizza box in under a half hour at the request of the record label.
In an interview with VH1, Lane once said, "I could shoot myself in the f***ing head for writing that song," although he later retracted that statement, blaming it on a bad day.
Fact: Bobbie Brown, the model who appears in the video, later became Lane's first wife. The couple were married for two years and had a daughter, Taylar.
The title track of Warrant's 1990 album, "Cherry Pie" was originally a throwaway written on a pizza box in under a half hour at the request of the record label.
In an interview with VH1, Lane once said, "I could shoot myself in the f***ing head for writing that song," although he later retracted that statement, blaming it on a bad day.
Fact: Bobbie Brown, the model who appears in the video, later became Lane's first wife. The couple were married for two years and had a daughter, Taylar.
- 8/12/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Details surrounding the death of former Warrant singer, Jani Lane, have emerged. Sources said that investigators who searched Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, CA on Thursday, August 11 found a half-empty vodka and prescription medication in the hotel room where the rocker stayed.
Lane, who was pronounced dead on the scene, has a history of alcohol abuse. TMZ said that his death is treated as "an accidental overdose or a possible death from natural causes." Autopsy is to be held on Friday, August 12.
On another news, his former bandmates in Warrant have released a joint statement to express their regret. "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jani's passing," Warrant said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Jani was a very important part of our lives for a long time. We will always be incredibly proud of the music we created together. He was a true...
Lane, who was pronounced dead on the scene, has a history of alcohol abuse. TMZ said that his death is treated as "an accidental overdose or a possible death from natural causes." Autopsy is to be held on Friday, August 12.
On another news, his former bandmates in Warrant have released a joint statement to express their regret. "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jani's passing," Warrant said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Jani was a very important part of our lives for a long time. We will always be incredibly proud of the music we created together. He was a true...
- 8/12/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
On this, opinion is not divided: Within his genre, Jani Lane was an icon. And like any icon, the former Warrant frontman and '80s metal king's death—the cause of which has been deferred pending the results of toxicology tests—is being mourned accordingly. Chief among those feeling the sudden loss of the 47-year-old, who was found dead in a Los Angeles-area hotel room Thursday evening, are his former bandmates. "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jani's passing," Warrant said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Jani was a very important part of our lives for a long time. We will always be incredibly proud of the music we...
- 8/12/2011
- E! Online
Former Warrant lead singer Jani Lane was found dead Thursday night in a Los Angeles hotel room. No official cause of death has yet been released. Jani Lane, 47, fronted Warrant on and off from 1986 to 2004 and reunited with the band for a short time in 2008.
Jani Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald), best known for his stint as the lead singer of Warrant, was found dead in a Woodland Hills Comfort Inn motel on Thursday. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, no official cause of death has been released yet. An investigation is currently ongoing.
Warrant was one of the most well known 80′s ‘hair metal’ bands and enjoyed such hits as “Cherry Pie,” “Heaven” and “Down Boys.” Jani Lane had a tumultuous relationship with the band, leaving the group multiple times before finally quitting it for good in 2008.
After leaving Warrant, Jani Lane had a lukewarm solo career and...
Jani Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald), best known for his stint as the lead singer of Warrant, was found dead in a Woodland Hills Comfort Inn motel on Thursday. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, no official cause of death has been released yet. An investigation is currently ongoing.
Warrant was one of the most well known 80′s ‘hair metal’ bands and enjoyed such hits as “Cherry Pie,” “Heaven” and “Down Boys.” Jani Lane had a tumultuous relationship with the band, leaving the group multiple times before finally quitting it for good in 2008.
After leaving Warrant, Jani Lane had a lukewarm solo career and...
- 8/12/2011
- by Laura Vess
- SnarkFood.com
Past and present members of Warrant are mourning the loss of their old frontman Jani Lane -- claiming, "He was a true talent and will be missed by all of us." The band released a collective statement on their website moments ago, on behalf of all former and current members -- adding, "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jani's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family." "Jani was a...
- 8/12/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Los Angeles (AP) — Jani Lane, the former lead singer of the metal rock band Warrant, has died in Los Angeles. He was 47. Officer Sara Faden says Lane's body was found Thursday in a Woodland Hills hotel. She had no immediate information on the cause or circumstances of his death. With his long blond hair and tight leather outfits, Lane embodied the excess of 1980s "hair metal" rock bands. He joined Warrant in 1984 and wrote such hits as "Heaven," ''Down Boys" and "Cherry Pie." He had an on-and-off relationship with the band, leaving it in 1992 before returning and...
- 8/12/2011
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
Jani Lane, the former lead singer of the metal rock band Warrant, has died in Los Angeles. He was 47.
The police said Lane's body was found Thursday in a Woodland Hills hotel, but there is no immediate information on the cause or circumstances of his death.
Lane was part of the 1980s "hair metal" rock bands phenomenon, joining Warrant in 1984 and writing such hits as "Heaven," "Down Boys" and "Cherry Pie." He had a turbulent relationship with the band,...
The police said Lane's body was found Thursday in a Woodland Hills hotel, but there is no immediate information on the cause or circumstances of his death.
Lane was part of the 1980s "hair metal" rock bands phenomenon, joining Warrant in 1984 and writing such hits as "Heaven," "Down Boys" and "Cherry Pie." He had a turbulent relationship with the band,...
- 8/12/2011
- Extra
Warrant singer Jani Lane has died at the age of 47. Lane was found dead in a Comfort Inn hotel room in Woodland Hills, CA on Thursday, an Lapd officer confirmed to The AP. The police spokesperson said that a cause of death has not yet been determined. Lane is survived by two daughters from two prior marriages. Fellow heavy metal singer Bret Michaels reacted to Lane's death by tweeting: "We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss. Respectfully, Bret and all at Megi." Guns N' Roses guitarist (more)...
- 8/12/2011
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Jani Lane -- former lead singer of the rock band Warrant -- was found dead at a hotel in L.A. Thursday evening ... TMZ has learned. Lane's body was discovered at the Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, CA. So far, no official cause of death has been released. Lane famously penned the band's biggest hit " Cherry Pie " back in 1989 ... before eventually leaving the band to pursue a solo career. Lane had a history of...
- 8/12/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Former hair-metal frontman was best known for hit 'Cherry Pie.'
By Gil Kaufman
Jani Lane
Photo: Getty Images
Jani Lane, the golden-haired former lead singer of 1980s hair-metal band Warrant, was found dead on Thursday in a hotel room in Woodland Hills, California.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, police found the body of Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald), 47, at a Comfort Inn, with no cause of death available at press time. Lane was best known for the Warrant hit "Cherry Pie," which he wrote and which featured a guitar solo by Poison's C.C. DeVille. The double entendre-filled video for the song — packed, of course, with a bevy of video vixens — was a staple of MTV programming when it was released in 1990.
The singer was born in Akron, Ohio, on February 1, 1964. He began his career as a teenage drummer before moving to Florida and playing in a series of metal bands.
By Gil Kaufman
Jani Lane
Photo: Getty Images
Jani Lane, the golden-haired former lead singer of 1980s hair-metal band Warrant, was found dead on Thursday in a hotel room in Woodland Hills, California.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, police found the body of Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald), 47, at a Comfort Inn, with no cause of death available at press time. Lane was best known for the Warrant hit "Cherry Pie," which he wrote and which featured a guitar solo by Poison's C.C. DeVille. The double entendre-filled video for the song — packed, of course, with a bevy of video vixens — was a staple of MTV programming when it was released in 1990.
The singer was born in Akron, Ohio, on February 1, 1964. He began his career as a teenage drummer before moving to Florida and playing in a series of metal bands.
- 8/12/2011
- MTV Music News
Jani Lane, the excitable lead singer of the pop metal band Warrant, was found dead in a hotel room at a Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday night. He was 47. The cause of death is still unknown, according to the AP. Warrant formed in 1984 and came to prominence four years later with the hits "Heaven" and "Down Boys" from the band's debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich," which was written by Lane. Their 1990 track "Cherry Pie" from the glam metal group's second album of the same name...
- 8/12/2011
- by John Sellers
- The Wrap
The entire metal community is mourning the death of Warrant singer Jani Lane ... including Slash who posted a message saying, "Just heard about Jani Lane. What a shame. Rip man." Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crue also weighed in ... saying, "I just heard the sad news about Jani Lane. So hard to swallow when people have kids. Rip." Alice Cooper posted a message calling Lane a "fallen brother." And Bret Michaels from Poison added, "We'd like...
- 8/12/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Jani Lane, the former lead singer of the band Warrant, was found dead in Los Angeles Thursday night. The '80s metal rock icon was just 47. Lane was found and pronounced dead by the fire department, who were responding to a call at the Woodland Hills Comfort Inn hotel just before 5:30 p.m. No cause of death has been released yet, and the case was handed over to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. Sadly, the rock star's later years had been plagued with alcohol-related problems, including his second DUI in as many years last spring. However, he leaves quite a musical legacy in his wake, as his first two seminal metal albums, including 1990's Cherry Pie, sold over 2 million copies each,...
- 8/12/2011
- E! Online
Jani Lane, the front man of Warrant, has died at the age of forty-seven. Lane was found in a Los Angeles hotel room, and his cause of death has yet to be announced. Lane joined the band in 1986 and was responsible for hair metal classics including "Heaven," "Down Boys," and most notably "Cherry Pie." Over the years Lane fought a very public battle with alcohol, and later appeared as a cast member on Celebrity Fit Club. Check out the "Cherry Pie" video below for some of Lane's best work and one of hair metal's most iconic moments. [...]...
- 8/12/2011
- Nerve
Jani Lane, former lead singer of the '80s glam metal group Warrant, was found dead in a Southern California motel Thursday night, according to reports. He was 47. No cause of death has been announced. Lane's body was found at the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, reports TMZ.com. "We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss," longtime friend Bret Michaels Tweeted Thursday night. "Respectfully, Bret and all at Megi." Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx added: "I just heard the sad news about Janie Lane. So hard to swallow when people have kids.
- 8/12/2011
- by Stephen M. Silverman
- PEOPLE.com
As soon as news of Jani Lane's death broke out, fellow musicians and celebrities alike made use of Twitter to express their grief. Poison lead singer Bret Michaels, Motley Crue co-founder Nikki Sixx and former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Chris Jericho were a few of them.
48-year-old Bret tweeted, "We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss. Respectfully, Bret and all at Megi." Meanwhile, 52-year-old Nikki posted, "I just heard the sad news about Janie Lane. So hard to swallow when people have kids. Rip." Sixx: Am lead singer James Michael also wrote, "R.I.P. Jani Lane."
Sharing similar sentiment was Chris. In his posting, the professional wrestler said, "Sad to hear about the passing of Jani Lane." He went on to remember the former lead singer of glam rock band Warrant by writing, "Jani was a good guy...
48-year-old Bret tweeted, "We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss. Respectfully, Bret and all at Megi." Meanwhile, 52-year-old Nikki posted, "I just heard the sad news about Janie Lane. So hard to swallow when people have kids. Rip." Sixx: Am lead singer James Michael also wrote, "R.I.P. Jani Lane."
Sharing similar sentiment was Chris. In his posting, the professional wrestler said, "Sad to hear about the passing of Jani Lane." He went on to remember the former lead singer of glam rock band Warrant by writing, "Jani was a good guy...
- 8/12/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
'We thought it was a pop-art video,' singer said of sexy clip featuring model Bobbie Brown.
By Jocelyn Vena
Warrant's Jani Lane in 1991
Photo: MTV News
In 2011, Warrant's video for "Cherry Pie" hardly seems very controversial. But when it was released in 1990, the kitschy clip, featuring model Bobbie Brown dancing around in super-short cutoffs and a red halter as the bandmembers drool after her, earned them a bit of flak.
Following the death of frontman Jani Lane on Thursday, as fans remember Warrant's biggest hit, MTV News looked back into the archives to find Lane's defense of the clip and song, whose lyrics aren't exactly talking about baked goods.
"We put out the 'Cherry Pie video [and] we had a girl in it, she wasn't completely [naked but] she didn't have a parka on, so right away we got labeled as a sexist bunch of kids," he said in...
By Jocelyn Vena
Warrant's Jani Lane in 1991
Photo: MTV News
In 2011, Warrant's video for "Cherry Pie" hardly seems very controversial. But when it was released in 1990, the kitschy clip, featuring model Bobbie Brown dancing around in super-short cutoffs and a red halter as the bandmembers drool after her, earned them a bit of flak.
Following the death of frontman Jani Lane on Thursday, as fans remember Warrant's biggest hit, MTV News looked back into the archives to find Lane's defense of the clip and song, whose lyrics aren't exactly talking about baked goods.
"We put out the 'Cherry Pie video [and] we had a girl in it, she wasn't completely [naked but] she didn't have a parka on, so right away we got labeled as a sexist bunch of kids," he said in...
- 8/12/2011
- MTV Music News
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