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Bruce Springsteen Posts Clarence Clemons Eulogy On His Website

Posted 6/30/11 9:00 am EST by in Bruce Springsteen, RIP


At the June 21 memorial service for legendary E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons, Bruce Springsteen delivered a moving tribute to his longtime friend and bandmate. Springsteen has posted the eulogy in its (slightly revised) entirety on his website, and his words are marked with great esteem but also honesty, revealing Clemons to be a great if imperfect man. “As you boys [Clemons’ sons] know your pop was a not a day at the beach. ‘C’ lived a life where he did what he wanted to do and he let the chips, human and otherwise, fall where they may,” Springsteen said during the eulogy. “Like a lot of us your pop was capable of great magic and also of making quite an amazing mess.”

That said, The Boss also spoke to the familial relationship he and Clemons shared. “From the first time I saw my pal striding out of the shadows of a half empty bar in Asbury Park, a path opening up before him; here comes my brother, here comes my sax man, my inspiration, my partner, my lifelong friend,” he said. “Standing next to Clarence was like standing next to the baddest ass on the planet. You were proud, you were strong, you were excited and laughing with what might happen, with what together, you might be able to do.”

Read Springsteen’s eulogy in full for Clemons below. Read More...

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Lady Gaga Earned A Baby Grand With Bruce Springsteen's Help

Posted 5/19/11 2:34 pm EST by in Music


Lady Gaga may sing funky dance tunes about love and equality, but it seems her roots are firmly planted in rock and roll. In the new MTV special, "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside," Gaga opens up about her musical influences during the hour-long intimate chat, set to air Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

"My dad was really into rock and roll. Bruce Springsteen had such an influence on our home. My dad saw me singing along to his records, and he would pick me up and throw me around the room and laugh and cry with me while I would sing Pink Floyd and Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel records with him. My father gave me — I believe it was for Christmas — it was a Bruce Springsteen songbook for the piano, and on it was 'Thunder Road,' which is my favorite Bruce Springsteen song. And my dad said, 'If you learn how to play this song, we will take out a loan for a grand piano, a baby grand.' I didn't know the difference. There was the big one and a small one."

The lead track off Springsteen's 1975 breakthrough album, Born to Run, is a swirling ode to the melancholy of love, a theme that Gaga often explores in her own songs like "Dance in the Dark" and "Speechless."

"So I remember it was the hardest thing for me. I was playing these huge pieces, like 15 pages long. ... I opened up the book and there was, like, chords, guitar chords. I was so confused, I didn't understand it, so I just started to read it," she recalls. "Eventually, I got it down."

For her album Born This Way, which comes out on Monday, Gaga says she took her love and fandom for Springsteen to the next level, getting E Street Band member Clarence Clemons to play sax on two tracks, "Hair" and "The Edge of Glory."

Catch an exclusive teaser trailer for "Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside" on Thursday (May 19) at 10:58 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, after a new episode of "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew." And then tune in for the full show next Thursday, May 26, at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

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'American Idol' Celebrates Songs Of The 21st Century With Bruce Springsteen?

Posted 4/19/11 11:16 am EST by in American Idol


Given that the theme of this week's "American Idol" is "Songs from the 21st Century," it's only natural that the Top 7 are being mentored by Bruce Springsteen, a guy who's about as 21st century as Spanish Influenza.

Then again, we'd expect nothing less from "Idol," which, in its tenth season, has tossed common sense by the wayside. The judges seem hell-bent on praising even the most underwhelming of talent (shout-out to Haley Reinhart!), or preserving their chances with ill-advised saves (shout-out to Casey Abrams!), even if that strategy eventually comes back to bite them — and the show — in the butt (shout-out to Pia Toscano!) There's been the bats--t "mentoring" of Will.I.Am, who seems incapable of making sense, host Ryan Seacrest's constantly evolving hairstyles, and, of course, terrifying performances from folks like Constantine Maroulis and Iggy Pop.

In short, this season has been a mess, to the point where making Springsteen the mentor during "Songs from the 21st Century" week almost makes sense. Still, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that there are a whole lot of other artists the "Idol" folks could've booked this week ... most of whom were not born during the Truman administration. Don't get us wrong, none of them could carry the Boss's Jersey Jock, but they're at least, you know, 21st Century. Who'd we pick? Read on to find out!

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'Philadelphia' Opens, Tackling AIDS Head-On: Wake-Up Video

Posted 12/23/10 8:30 am EST by in Wake-Up Video


The final week of December is always a busy time for the film industry, as it not sees the release of broad populist films (to take advantage of the fact that most people have a bit of down time during the holidays) but also the last of the year's awards bait (so as to get the Oscar buzz rolling right). On this day in 1993, a film opened that seemed to bring together those two universes, as "Philadelphia" hit theaters.

Directed by Jonathan Demme, "Philadelphia" starred Tom Hanks (who was in the midst of ascending to his status as one of the biggest and greatest American actors ever) as a gay lawyer who is fired from his firm because he has AIDS. The film featured a number of excellent performances, including turns from Denzel Washington (as Hanks' homophobic defense lawyer in the wrongful termination suit against the firm), Antonio Banderas (as Hanks' boyfriend) and Jason Robards (as Hanks' boss). Not only was "Philadelphia" a compelling piece of cinema, but it also aggressively tackled the fears and misconceptions that many people still had about AIDS. As the first major Hollywood movie to address the disease head-on, "Philadelphia" acted as a useful tool to burying some of the stigma that the disease carried.

"Philadelphia" was nominated for five Academy Awards (though shockingly not for Best Picture; "Schindler's List" took home the top prize that year), and Hanks won his first of two consecutive Best Actor awards for his role in the movie (he would also collect one for "Forrest Gump" a year later). The only other Oscar "Philadelphia" picked up was for Best Original Song, which went to Bruce Springsteen for his moody tune "Streets of Philadelphia."


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Jimmy Fallon Teams With Bruce Springsteen As Neil Young For 'Whip My Hair'

Posted 11/17/10 10:31 am EST by in Music


While Conan O'Brien has stolen most of the headlines regarding late night television of late, Jimmy Fallon continues to evolve into one of the more brilliant minds operating in the late night hours (much in the same way O'Brien did during his original run at 12:35). On Tuesday night's (November 16) episode of "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," the host combined his love for music with his appreciation for meta-comedy and his ability to craft viral videos into one stunning sequence that saw him assume his Neil Young character (a stunning re-creation) and perform a Young-ified version of Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair."

The sketch got an extra kick in the pants when Bruce Springsteen (who was the show's only guest, in celebration of his recently-released anniversary edition of Darkness on the Edge of Town and the unearthed demos compilation The Promise) came out dressed as the '70s version of himself to provide backing vocals. It was funny on several different levels, but it was also a stunning performance (a testament to Fallon's abilities as both a comedian and a musician).

Springsteen's appearance was especially inspired, as the glue holding on his fake beard was clearly visible and he played up the inflated version of his '70s persona perfectly. The rest of Fallon's show was just as great for Springsteen fans, as it featured a prolonged conversation with Springsteen (as well as longtime sideman Steven Van Zandt) as well as Bruce's performances of "Because the Night" and "Save My Love" (backed, of course, by the Roots). It's the latest in a long line of late night musical stunts for Fallon, who also recently lit the Internet on fire with a collaboration between actor Jeff Goldblum and rapper Biz Markie on the classic "Just a Friend."

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'American Idol,' Lady Gaga And Katy Perry's Muppet Fiasco: This Week's Deep Cuts

Posted 9/24/10 5:30 pm EST by in Deep Cuts


It has been quite a week here in the MTV Newsroom. We watched Lindsay and Paris in court, sat down with Tony Yayo for a heart-to-heart, argued about the new judges on "American Idol," watched a ton of television and watched a classic indie rock band in the middle of a crazy-ass lightning storm. All that activity has left us sort of run down, which is why it's time to hop into the hot tub and enjoy a little leisure time. You should do the same, but not before you take a stroll through the links below to catch up with anything you might have missed this week.

» "American Idol" has two new judges in Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, who join Randy Jackson as the show's new adjudication trio.

» While people do seem enthusiastic about the new judges, it appears nobody will ever top the show's original three-way of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Jackson.

» Justin Bieber isn't joining the cast of "American Idol," but he was on TV this week. He made his television acting debut in the season premiere of "CSI."

» You know where else Bieber was this week? Hooters!

» "Dancing With the Stars" kicked off this week, though "Jersey Shore" star the Situation stumbled a bit with his cha cha.
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Happy Birthday, Bruce Springsteen (And The River)!

Posted 9/23/10 12:30 pm EST by in Music


Can you believe that Bruce Springsteen turns 61 years old today? Of course, Springsteen has been a part of the music world since he first broke out with his unique mix of Americana on his debut album Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. in 1973. But the truly impressive thing is that, even as he wades into his seventh decade, he seems as energetic and vital to the rock landscape as he ever has. In fact, this year marks the 30th anniversary of Springsteen's landmark 1980 album The River, which resonates as much today as it ever has.

Though Born to Run was a bigger breakthrough, Born in the U.S.A. a bigger hit and Nebraska a much darker experiment, The River is in many ways the quintessential Springsteen release (despite the absence of the E Street Band). Written during a recession (sound familiar?) and grappling with his transition from youthful jubilation to a more evolved approach to relationships and lifestyle choices. As a result, listening to The River can be jarring, as it sees Springsteen torn between his past and what he is considering for his future.

Musically, The River is also complicated. It's a double album, split between solemn, folk-influenced compositions and more pop-friendly rockers. It ties Springsteen's aesthetic together nicely, as it touches on all of his influences ('50s garage rock, Motown, American folk music, Stones-ian blues) while also touching all the themes that are always on his mind (working class survival, marriage, nostalgia and dreams).

Though he would make a larger pop splash a few years later, The River netted Springsteen his first Top 10 pop hit with "Hungry Heart." But the songs from The River that really live on are the sparser, more intense, more personal compositions like the title track. Check out the live performance below and remember to give Springsteen the thumbs-up on his big day.


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Celebrate The First Day Of Summer With Will Smith, Bruce Springsteen And ... Danzig?

Posted 6/21/10 1:00 pm EST by in Music


If you feel just a little bit more sunshiney and free today, it's because it's the first official day of summer. Though the heat has been up for quite a while, summer blockbusters have been on screens since March and baseball is nearly at its halfway point, the true start of the season (at least as far as the calendar is concerned) is today. And though the readers of MTV News have decided that the official song of this summer is Lady Gaga's "Alejandro," there are a whole bunch of summer tunes that need to be broken out in honor of the fresh season.

That's why we've crafted the video playlist below. The theme is simple: It is officially the first day of summer, and we're only talking about songs that have the word "summer" in the title. Amazingly, not all of those songs are completely about trips to the beach, barbecues and general seasonal hedonism. In fact, some of them are downright dark. Danzig's "Dirty Black Summer" is one such tune, a track that presents the season as one of dread and decay. Death Cab for Cutie's "Summer Skin" turns the summer months into a period of longing and melancholy, while Patti Smith's "Summer Cannibals" creates an air of desperation and danger. And of course "Cruel Summer," one of the most iconic summer songs ever, is about the harshness of the season (especially if you're a foxy lady).

But of course, there are plenty of fun-in-the-sun tunes, including Kid Rock's "All Summer Long," Animal Collective's "Summertime Clothes" and Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69." No summertime mix is complete without the definitive summer jam: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's "Summertime," the only tune in history to ever truly capture what it feels like to be on the make and care free.

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If Max Weinberg Splits, Who Should Be Conan O'Brien's Band Leader?

Posted 4/29/10 10:30 am EST by in Music


Conan O'Brien's Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television tour continues to deliver big laughs and tons of surprises as it makes its way across the country. The gang is all there, from O'Brien sideman Andy Richter and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog to trombonist Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg and the Masturbating Bear (though he had to change his name to "Self-Pleasuring Panda," just in case the lawyers were watching).

But there is one notable name absent from the festivities: Longtime bandleader Max Weinberg, who lead the Max Weinberg Seven (and later the Tonight Show Band) for 17 years. While it made sense that Weinberg would sit out the tour (it's a big commitment), it looks like the relationship between O'Brien and the only band leader he has ever known is coming to a close. Rumor has it that Weinberg will not be joining O'Brien when the host's new show premieres on TBS in November. It would be a great blow to the show, as Weinberg is not only a stellar, versatile musician but also acted as an incredible foil for O'Brien, often playing the deadpan straight man to Conan's manic jokester.

While it's not certain that O'Brien's new show will even have a band, it's reasonable to suggest that it probably will. Conan has a profound commitment to music, which has come out on his song-heavy tour. (And remember that his final night on "The Tonight Show" featured an all-star jam on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird.") So who should take Weinberg's place as the czar of music on O'Brien's new show?

Travis Barker
Since it's not certain when this Blink-182 album will ever be finished, perhaps their skinsman would do well to hop on board the O'Brien laugh train. Barker is a versatile drummer who has teamed-up with all types of musicians, from DJs to punk rockers to rappers. Plus, he already lives in Los Angeles (making it an easy commute) and has a lively personality that would allow him to goof around with O'Brien when the show called for that.

Janet Weiss
If he really wants to put his show on the map, O'Brien should hire the first female bandleader on a late night show, and the former Sleater-Kinney drummer fits the bill. She's a versatile musician and would bring some much-needed estrogen to the after-hours comedy scene. And hey, maybe it would lead to a Sleater-Kinney reunion.

Wale
He did such an excellent job leading the band at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards that the Washington, D.C. MC should relocate to Los Angeles for O'Brien's nightly party. Read More...

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Happy Birthday, Max Weinberg: Wake-Up Video

Posted 4/13/10 8:30 am EST by in Wake-Up Video


Everybody in New Jersey can raise a glass to E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg today, as he was born on this day in 1951 (for those of you bad at math, that makes him 59 years old). The guy has had an absolutely amazing career, as not only as he served as the skinsman for one of the best rock band to ever walk the planet, but he also had a second career as a late night comedy icon.

Weinberg got his first break in music in 1974 when he auditioned to be Bruce Springsteen's drummer (Weinberg answered an ad placed by Springsteen in the Village Voice). He played on Springsteen's 1975 breakthrough album Born to Run and remained a cornerstone member of the E Street Band until Springsteen dissolved the group in 1989. Along the way, Weinberg laid down his big, steady beats on hits like "Hungry Heart," "Glory Days," "Born in the U.S.A." and "Dancing in the Dark." During that era, he also served as a session musician for a number of artists, most notably songwriter Jim Steinman, who put Weinberg's skills to good use on hits like Meat Loaf's "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" and Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart."

When the E Street Band broke up, Weinberg contemplated going back to school for his law degree before landing the gig as the band leader on "The Late Show with Conan O'Brien." Not only did he provide awesome music, but he also morphed into an incredible character who offered delightfully deadpan reactions to O'Brien's manic energy. He stuck with Conan for 17 years, right up to his exit from "The Tonight Show" in January. (Speculation has already begun about whether or not Weinberg will be back at O'Brien's side when Conan's new show premieres on TBS in November.)

Springsteen eventually got the E Street Band back together, and they barely missed a beat. The albums Springsteen has cut with them in the last decade have been some of the finest of his career (and in rock music on the whole). 2007's Magic was one such entry, a tight collection of anthems that featured "Girls in Their Summer Clothes," an underrated single in the Springsteen back catalog. It encapsulates everything great about Weinberg, too — it's sharp, steady and just dynamic enough to let you know who is running the show.

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