By Larry Carroll
Now that we've all seen the dazzling first trailer for next year's "Watchmen" flick, it has officially become my most-anticipated movie of 2009. And the news just keeps getting better, as director Zack Snyder has revealed exclusively to MTV News that the only post-1985 song in the film will feature one of today's hottest bands.
"My Chemical Romance is absolutely awesome," the "300" director revealed. "And Gerard [Way] is a huge fan of 'Watchmen.' "
Read more on our new comic-movie blog, Splash Page.
It turns out that report earlier this week about Jakob Dylan turning down a gig tied to September's Republican National Convention at the insistence of his dad, Bob Dylan, was a bit of wishful thinking on the part of a reporter from the Duluth, Minnesota, folk icon's home state. Jakob's publicist told MTV News today that the singer, currently touring in support of his first solo album, was offered the gig but turned it down. "The Wallflowers were asked to perform at AgNite and declined," read a statement from the singer's manager, Rich Egan. "Any other additional information or conjecture that has been reported has been fabricated into a story where otherwise none exists."
· Justin Timberlake may step into the role of fictional rebel-on-the-run William Rast in an upcoming ad campaign for the clothing company of the same name, which he co-owns with pal Trace Ayala. Photos of Timberlake alongside model Erin Wasson, who plays Birdie in the Bonnie-and-Clyde-style campaign, can be seen on the William Rast site.
· Chances are, you'll never make beats as cool as French electronica duo Justice, but if you have the cash, you can at least wear the rocking clothes they designed for the international Surface to Air collective. Heads up, though: The leather jacket will run you almost $1,300.
·The upcoming deluxe editions of U2's first three albums — Boy, October and War — are streaming for free on imeem.com, a week before their July 22 release date.
· Coheed and Cambria will perform the entire Amory Wars saga live during a string of dates titled Neverender. The group will perform the tracks from an entire album of the four-part sci-fi epic each night during four-night stands at New York's Terminal 5 (October 22-25) and Los Angeles' Avalon (November 5-8). Read more...
Chili Pepper Anthony Kiedis is set to curate a new summer fest in...Pittsburgh?
The two-day New American Music Union will give attention to 15 new college bands -- and other little-known acts such as the Raconteurs and Gnarls Barkley. The college acts taking part will also be judged (like "American Idol"!), with the winner given a full day of recording in a top LA studio for free. American Eagle, which is sponsoring the fest, will also promote the band's record in their stores.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow.
The lineup thus far -- including the college acts in competition -- after the jump. Read more...