Entertainment
Van Halen’s Softer Side Proved They Could Write Love Songs Without Losing Their Edge
When the subject of legendary rock bands comes up, arguably one of the most notable that comes to mind is Van Halen. The American rock group, formed in the early 1970s, would later play a leading role in shaping rock music in the 1980s. Although the group effectively disbanded in 2020 following the tragic death of one of its principal members (Eddie Van Halen), its influence is still felt today thanks to their electrifying guitar riffs, captivating performances, and hit singles such as “Panama” and “Unchained”. And although the latter two tracks stayed true to their signature hard rock sound, the band often experimented with other genres, as in “Why Can’t This Be Love,” which proved the talented group could write a love song while still retaining its hard rock image.
Van Halen Proved They Could Release a Classic Love Song
The year was 1986. The hard rock band Van Halen had just released their seventh studio album, 5150, on March 24. The album produced multiple hits, such as “Dreams” and “Love Walks In,” but arguably their lead single, “Why Can’t This Be Love,” was the standout, unique song not only on the album but in their career. The nearly four-minute track debuted and peaked highly on multiple charts worldwide. The song continues to divide critics (such as at Vulture magazine, who declared it the worst Van Halen song of all time) decades after its initial release, the consensus among its hardcore fan base remains mostly positive. As one commentator wrote on the group’s official Reddit fan page about “Why Can’t This Be Love”, “Honestly, underrated song. Yeah, Van Hagar leaned way too hard on the “L” word, but this one was top-notch. The synth line is great on the chorus, but the verses are actually better. Eddie’s chord comping is fire, and even if the scat-singing bridge is a touch corny, it was them exploring things they could do with Sammy’s precision and vocal range.”
The primarily pop rock genre track which consists of the rather sentimental lyrics : “Oh, here it comes / That funny feeling again / Winding me up inside / Every time we touch / Hey, I don’t know / Oh, tell me where to begin / ‘Cause I never ever / Felt so much / Hey / And I can’t recall / Any love at all / Oh, baby, this blows ’em all away” proved that the group could write a catchy love song. During a 1986 interview with the Australian music TV show ‘Countdown”, Van Halen revealed that they had deliberated long and hard about what direction they wanted their album to go in and that they threw away many songs, but in the process, they kept “Why Can’t This Be Love” because it was something different, and they didn’t want to consistently produce the sounds as it would feel monotonous.
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Van Halen Knew They Had a Hit Before They Released “Why Can’t This Be Love”
From the moment Eddie and Alex Van Halen and new member Sammy Hagar (among others) wrote “Why Can’t This Be Love,” they were fully aware that they had a hit on their hands. It was certainly a gamble, considering the departure of David Lee Roth (replaced by Hagar), who played a significant role in their sound. But it paid off, as attested to by the song’s worldwide success.
During an October 2017 interview with Louder Sound Magazine, Hagar explained that the record executives at Warner Bros, who were initially not convinced of the new direction the group’s sound was taking, were put at ease when they heard the song. “We made that whole 5150 record, and then we invited [Warner Bros Records boss] Mo Ostin, one of the greatest record company presidents in history, down. They walk in, it’s me on guitar and Eddie on keyboard, and they’re, like: ‘What the f**k are you guys doing?’ But we played ’Why Can’t This Be Love?’ live, right there for them. And after we’d done, Mo Ostin raised his finger in the air and said, “I smell money!’” Hagar added, “When the album came out, it went straight to number one. We took that rock ’n’ roll highway and did it all. And until it turned bad, it was the greatest thing on the planet.”
The more keyboard-driven sound that featured not only “Why Can’t This Be Love” but also throughout the album would later cement the group in rock n roll history, even if at the time it did alienate some of their original fan base: “So some of the hardcore guitar people rebelled a little bit, but we got a whole new audience with that,” continued Hagar, “And we just satisfied them, and they stayed. And we just went out, and every show sold out in minutes, and we went out and just killed it.”
Entertainment
DNA found on Nancy Guthrie's property doesn't match hers or that of close contacts, police reveal
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Authorities also said they found “several gloves” in their investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother.
Entertainment
Harvey Levin and Mark Geragos Connect Dots in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping
Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping
Harvey and Mark Connect the Dots
Published
Nancy Guthrie‘s kidnapper has eluded authorities for 2 weeks, but the ransom note TMZ received is of intense interest to the FBI, and Harvey Levin and Mark Geragos both agree … it may be the key to cracking the case.
H&M’s latest “2 Angry Men” podcast makes it clear … the FBI is laser focused on that ransom letter, for reasons we cannot publicly discuss. They are also interested in the man who has sent TMZ 3 demand emails asking for bitcoin in return for giving up the kidnapper’s name. BTW … the man says the kidnapper is the “main individual” — meaning there’s more than one person involved.
CNN
Law enforcement’s dramatic move Friday night apparently did not yield results, but there are a number of clues, including unknown DNA found in Nancy’s house. It’s currently being analyzed.
TMZ has identified the backpack and the jacket the kidnapper was wearing … we believe it to be an Athletic Works Fusion Knit Jacket — law enforcement has not confirmed. Both items are sold at Walmart, so they may help law enforcement track down the kidnapper.
Watch the full “2 Angry Men” podcast by clicking here.
Entertainment
Bianca Censori Heads to Spa Ahead of Valentine’s Day
Bianca Censori
Squeezes In Spa Day … & Purple Tights!!!
Published
Bianca Censori will look picture-perfect for her hubby Kanye West for Valentine’s Day — ’cause she was out getting a spa touch-up the day before!
Check it out — a photog caught her headed out of a Los Angeles medspa Friday looking as radiant as ever … and showing off what her mama gave her in one of her signature curve-hugging outfits.
BACKGRID
The architectural designer dolled up in a pair of lavender tights that left little to the imagination and an off-the-shoulder chocolate brown blouse … finishing the body-contouring look with a pair of white heels.
Her tiny tights also accentuated her voluptuous behind … it’s all in the clip!
Bianca stepped out solo a few weeks back as well when she headed to a facial clinic in West Hollywood … and she opted for another skin-tight look.
It’s unclear where she and Kanye plan to celebrate V-Day … but we do know she will certainly be glowing!
Entertainment
This Gripping Techno-Thriller Series Is the Perfect ‘Black Mirror’ Replacement
As far as dark techno-thrillers go, Black Mirror dominates the genre with its blatant disregard for the viewer’s comfort and its eerily prescient storytelling. But if the anthology show is a tad too dystopian, and you’d prefer something set in the world we are familiar with, then Mr. Robot should be your next watch. But unlike Black Mirror, which always comes with a shiny bit of futuristic technology, replace that with plain old hacking, the “plant a USB and watch code run across the screen” type. It has the gritty, sharp, and psychologically violent atmosphere of Black Mirror, but is rooted in a version of cybersecurity and anti-capitalism that is recognizable to a contemporary audience.
Mr. Robot follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity engineer who moonlights as a hacker vigilante. He is perpetually plagued by anti-capitalist diatribes, especially against the powerful E(vil) Corp, which doesn’t quite help with his social anxiety, dissociative disorder, or drug addiction. But when he meets the titular character, played by Christian Slater, who founded a community of hacker-activists called fsociety, Elliot finds a more decisive way to channel his rage against mega-corporations instead of the lone instances of vigilantism he is used to. But that means he is now on the radar of the huge conglomerate, disrupting his life of solitude and dragging him into a technological war for four seasons.
‘Mr. Robot’ Has the Prescience, Grit, and Discomfort of ‘Black Mirror’
Black Mirror has the knack for telling stories that are startlingly relevant to the modern age, despite the futuristic and almost inconceivable nature of the technology it depicts. Meanwhile, Mr. Robot achieves the same disconcerting sentiment, but on a more grounded scale. It roots itself in cybersecurity, simultaneously depicting the usefulness of hacking through grand schemes of taking down corporate overlords and the dangers of technology, forcing us to think twice about our passwords and digital footprint. Unlike the hackers we see in big-budget films, this show takes a grounded approach, often lingering on computer screens and tangible processes accompanied by explanations. Highly sophisticated firewalls aren’t toppled in mere seconds, instead that fictionalized hacking is replaced by techniques like phishing through USBs or password generator programs. Not as exciting, but terrifyingly authentic.
When Mr. Robot combines hacking with vigilantism, an even more Black Mirror-esque darkness emerges. The show veers strongly away from romanticizing the act of vigilantism, something shows like Dexter do with the instant gratification of watching a criminal finally get his comeuppance. Mr. Robot has a fiercely pragmatic approach that strips away any satisfaction. When Elliot confronts a target, he starkly lays out their crimes, whether that be accessing child pornography or running dark web marketplaces, and never really indulges in the idea of justice. Instead, we are left with the hollow feeling of knowing the crimes took place and that these figures are simply representative of others like them — there is neither respite nor catharsis.
Rami Malek Leads ‘Mr. Robot’ as a True Anti-Hero and Morally Ambiguous Hacker
Much of the show’s shifting grim tones also comes from Elliot’s characterization and Malek’s performance. Mr. Robot delivers a true anti-hero, not just a character who kills people for a good cause. Elliot is genuinely difficult to root for in the beginning, as he is socially awkward, openly finds refuge in drugs, and is utterly invasive — he hacks into the accounts of every single person he meets, good or bad. He is reminiscent of Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) from You in his lack of respect for privacy and the long mental monologues during conversations (though Elliot is hilariously called out for not speaking many times), but is also Joe’s antithesis. While Joe is a mix of charm and thinly-veiled misogyny, Elliot is the creepy, unblinking guy you would cross the street to avoid but his anarchistic actions actually match his beliefs.
Malek plays into the character’s awkwardness at the beginning of Mr. Robot, refusing to glamorize the vigilante at all. But as Elliot’s mental health is explored, including through scenes with a therapist, Malek deepens Elliot’s emotional texture and intensity. It’s as if we are witnessing a robot come to life, delving into the internal wiring that drives his addictions to drugs and thankless justice alike. His story unfolds evocatively, pairing effectively with the major storyline of taking down E Corp and making us more invested. Mr. Robot envelops us in darkness on all fronts, forming a thoughtful and disconcerting viewing experience that is gripping in its own right. As such, if you’ve finished up Black Mirror and need something just as uncomfortable and prescient, then this techno-thriller needs to be on your radar.
Entertainment
Cynthia Erivo addresses fans' 'strange fascination' with her and Ariana Grande, speculation they 'were lovers'
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“I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends — close — and not lovers,” the actress said.
Entertainment
Why Did Simon Rex Leave What I Like About You After Season 1?
After joining What I Like About You with Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth, Simon Rex was nowhere to be found after the first season of the hit WB sitcom.
What I Like About You followed the lives of two sisters living together in New York City — teenager Holly (Bynes) and her responsible older sister, Val (Garth). Rex was introduced as Val’s boyfriend, Jeff, when the show premiered in 2002.
Jeff and Val’s relationship was going well until a miscommunication on Valentine’s Day made Val think she was going to get proposed to. Instead, Jeff revealed he never wanted to get married and they subsequently called it quits. They briefly reconciled, but ultimately didn’t get back together — and Jeff was MIA when What I Like About You returned for season 2.
Rex, 51, never specifically addressed his departure from What I Like About You, but many fans think his story line just ran its course. Years later, he spoke about how his acting career suffered as he tried to navigate life in the spotlight.
“In America, we love watching someone rise — then fail. And then we love watching them come back. Americans love the cycle. It’s just more interesting,” he told news outlet Y Net in 2021 while promoting Red Rocket. “In the past, I was distracted by women and parties, always chasing pleasure. But for the first time in my life, I’m focused on creating meaningful work — and on humility. It took me a long time to become a good Jewish man but I’m finally there.”
Rex rose to fame as an MTV VJ before starring in the Scary Movie franchise and making the transition into music with his rap persona: Dirt Nasty. The actor, who was previously involved in sex work, released several albums and had other onscreen roles but he had a significant gap between projects before his critically acclaimed performance in Sean Baker‘s 2021 drama film Red Rocket.
Rex recalled not feeling in “control” at the time, adding in the 2021 interview, “I lived in Hollywood, surrounded by beautiful women and endless parties. I’d show up to auditions hungover — I wasn’t taking my work seriously.”
He continued: “As I got older, my body and mind just couldn’t keep up with that lifestyle anymore. So I told myself, ‘OK, it’s time to grow up.’ I’m lucky to be a working actor, and now all my energy is focused on my craft.”
Despite the challenges, Rex made it clear he had no regrets.
“If I had done things differently, I wouldn’t be here now, so I guess the answer is no. Of course, I’ve hurt people, and I’ve been hurt too,” he shared. “I’ve made plenty of mistakes — but I’ve learned from them. In the end, everything led me to this moment, so I’m at peace with my regrets.”
What I Like About You aired for three more seasons after Rex’s disappearance. In addition to Bynes, 39, and Garth, 53, the series starred Wesley Jonathan, Leslie Grossman, Michael McMillian, Nick Zano, Allison Munn, Dan Cortese, Edward Kerr and David de Lautour.
What I Like About You is currently streaming on Netflix.
Entertainment
Wiz Khalifa’s Father Dead at 63
Wiz Khalifa
Dad Suddenly Dies at 63 Years Old
Published
Wiz Khalifa‘s father, Laurence W. Thomaz, has died.
The rapper shared the sad news on social media Friday, noting … “I will always love him, miss him and be [grateful] for the things he taught me.”
He did not reveal a cause of death, but said it “was sudden.” He added … “Seeing how many people love and respected him” made him happy … noting, “I know he’s proud that he left a positive impact on this earth. Literally all he ever wanted.”
Wiz — whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz — also posted a handful of throwback pics to commemorate his father, including one that shows them at the playground.
The “Young, Wild & Free” hitmaker was close to Laurence, a former military man. Wiz previously told NME his dad opened up a recording studio in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when he was a kid, which laid the foundation of his future. He recalled … “I lived in that studio. And that’s what turned me into who I am today.”
He was 63 years old.
RIP
Entertainment
Blueface Goes Viral After Flirty Moment With Celeb Wax Figures
Blueface visited a wax museum, and now he has the internet in tears over his latest antics.
Related: New Circus Addition? Internet Users Weigh In After Blueface Reacts To Pinkydoll Asking Him To Be Her Valentine (WATCH)
Blueface Visits Kylie Jenner And Zendaya Figures At Wax Museum
On Thursday, the rapper took to his social media to share clips from a visit to a wax museum, where he playfully interacted with lifelike figures of Kylie Jenner and Zendaya.
In the first video, Blueface stood behind Kylie’s wax figure and appeared to flirt with it before turning to the cameraman and jokingly telling him to “chill” because he was “with his lady.”
Moments later, the rapper shifted his attention to Zendaya’s figure, which was seated at a table. He shook the statue, sat across from it, and, jokingly, reached out to choke it, leaving viewers both shocked and amused.
The interactions quickly spread across social media, with fans cracking up over what many call Blueface’s classic behavior.
Social Media Reacts
As the clips spread, social media users wasted no time sharing their reactions over in The Shade Room Teens comment section.
Instagram user @Asia.fym wrote, “It looked so real I was like wait now Kylie wyd girl 😂”
Another Instagram user @kalontayyy wrote, “Man why tf I thought that was really her 😭😭”
While Instagram user @the0fficialmir wrote, “😂😂😂😂😂😂 aye cuh I’m happy bro home he take ova internet everytime”
Instagram user @vickienosecret wrote, “I’d call the police honestly”
Another Instagram user @kittymillianni wrote, “and that’s the closest he’ll ever get to those ladies”
While Instagram user @iamsoxxttas wrote, “Nurse he’s out again 😂”
Instagram user @shantelledominica93 wrote, “Boy bye she nor the wax don’t want u”
Another Instagram user @mstwoface wrote, “he need more jail time 😂”
While Instagram user that_person_t wrote, “why he in there playing with these folks sh** 😂😂”
Blueface Calls Out Jake Paul For A Boxing Match
Outside of his viral moments and livestream antics, Blueface has also been focused on boxing. In recent months, he has shared clips documenting his training as he prepares for upcoming fights. Most recently, the rapper went face-to-face with former NBA player Nick Young, also known as Swaggy P, as the two gear up to step into the ring.
@chrisvenegasmedia Blueface Punches Swaggy P in the Face During INTENSE Face-Off! #fyp #fypシ #boxing #blueface #bluefacebaby
During the face-off event, Blueface also talked about a possible matchup with Jake Paul.vAfter a reporter mentioned that Adam22 said he would like to see the fight, Blueface responded confidently, saying, “That’s the fight we want.” His longtime manager, Wack 100, backed him up, adding that Blueface isn’t “turning down no fight.”
@chrisvenegasmedia Blueface Calls Out Jake Paul To Fight in a Boxing Match! #fyp #fypシ #boxing #blueface #bluefacebaby
Related: NLE Choppa Stuns Fans After Seemingly Sharing Disheartening Words About Chrisean Jr. In Response To Blueface Telling Him To “Squabble Up” (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Ego Nwodim draws gasps from“ Jimmy Kimmel Live” audience after admitting she's never seen this classic film
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“I’ve seen ‘Scarface,’ does that count?”
Entertainment
All the biggest changes between Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights and Emily Brontë’s novel
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Fennell’s adaptation makes several key alterations to the classic novel, eliminating some characters, expanding others, and changing its ending.
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