Linda Ronstadt Booed

[Bonnie]

Wow! Now there is someone that knows her audience.I'll bet her agent was shittin kittens when he heard her do that. Don't these people realize that they are selling themselves?

After she dedicated "Desperado" to MM she should have dedicated "Your'e No Good" to herself.

That is exactly what I think, re them selling themselves. What could they be thinking??????????

 

[Merlin1047]

Sent to me in an e-mail, so I don't have the link.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Aladdin expels Ronstadt after political remarks
By Jerry Fink
LAS VEGAS SUN

Aladdin President Bill Timmins ordered security guards to escort pop diva Linda Ronstadt off the property following a concert Saturday night during which she expressed support for controversial documentary filmmaker Michael Moore.

Timmins, who was among the almost 5,000 fans in the audience at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts, had Ronstadt escorted to her tour bus and her belongings from her hotel room sent to her. Timmins also sent word to Ronstadt that she was no longer welcome at the property for future performances, according Aladdin spokeswoman Tyri Squyres.

How much weight that carries is debatable, since the bankrupt Aladdin is in the process of being sold to a group headed by Planet Hollywood International Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Earl.

Near the close of her performance, Ronstadt dedicated the Eagles hit "Desperado" to Moore, producer of "Fahrenheit 9/11," and the room erupted into equal parts boos and cheers.

She said Moore "is someone who cares about this country deeply and is trying to help."

Ronstadt has been making the dedication at each of her engagements since she began a national tour earlier this summer, but it has never sparked such a reaction.

Hundreds of angry fans streamed from the theater as Ronstadt sang. Some of them reportedly defaced posters of her in the lobby, writing comments and tossing drinks on her pictures.

Timmins told Las Vegas Sun gossip columnist Timothy McDarrah: "We live in a city where people come from all over the world to be entertained. We hired Ms. Ronstadt as an entertainer, not as a political activist.

"Whether you are politically on the left or on the right is not the point. She went up in front of the stage and just let it out. This was not the correct forum for that."

Timmins said she was wrong to bring her politics to the stage.

"Our first and only priority is the enjoyment of our customers," he said. "I made the decision to ask Miss Ronstadt to leave the hotel. A situation like that can easily turn ugly and I didn't want anything more to come out of it. There were a lot of angry people there after she started talking.

"If she wants to talk about her views to a newspaper or in a magazine article, she is free to do so. But in a stage in front of four and a half thousand people is not the place for it."

Squyres said half the audience walked out, an estimate that might have been high. But the number was substantial, nevertheless.

"The hotel's policy is that we hired her to entertain guests, not to express her political views," Squyres said.

According to Squyres, the 58-year-old singer did not create a scene as she was escorted out of the hotel and to her tour bus.

"She wasn't happy, but she was cooperative," Squyres said.

Attempts to reach Ronstadt and her manager were unsuccessful Sunday and this morning.

Squyres said a number of ticket holders had asked for their money back after an article appeared in a local newspaper last week quoting her making disparaging remarks about Las Vegas.

"She said Vegas isn't the best place to perform anyway," Squyres said.

Other fans asked for their money back shortly after the Saturday night show got underway, when Ronstadt informed the audience that ads publicizing the concert were incorrect. The advertisements called it her "Greatest Hits Tour."

Ronstadt started the evening with her 1983 hit "What's New?" and then set her fans straight about what they might expect during the concert.

"In case you are wondering what I'm going to do," she said, "Driving into town I saw this big billboard up there with my picture on it saying 'The Greatest Hits Tour.'

"That was news to us. We didn't know it was 'The Greatest Hits Tour.' "

Squyres said Ronstadt was wrong.

"Her management gave us the information and approved the ad," she said.

According to Squyres, Ronstadt lopped off about 20 minutes from the show, walking away from an encore portion of the concert, which I attended as the reviewer for the Sun.

The incident capped a generally lackluster, unenthusiastic performance by one of the top singers of the '70s and '80s.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra opened the concert. The highlight of the 30-minute segment was a rendition of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," featuring pianist Terrance Wilson.

Ronstadt began with several songs from the 1920s, '30s and '40s she and arranger Nelson Riddle recorded, among them "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Straighten Up and Fly Right."

She performed Cole Porter's "Get Out of Town," Frank Loesser's "Never Will I Marry" and jazz great Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life."

And then she gave fans some of what they came for, several of her hits from the '70s and '80s, including "Just One Look" (1979), "Ooh Baby, Baby" (1978) and "Somewhere Out There" (1987).

Although she still has that powerful, distinctive voice, Ronstadt was merely going through the motions.

The only song she had trouble with was "Blue Bayou." She stumbled over the lyrics, seemed to gasp for breath at one point and ended the song in Spanish, screaming the words rather than singing them.

Her performance was uninspired and generally flat. She lacked stage presence, doing little more than sleepwalk from song to song.

The fiasco at the end was the most exciting part of the show.

 

[musicman]

Joz and I saw her last summer, and she was terrific. What a shame that she's lately decided to wear a toilet seat over her head for her closing song.

Of course, with some of these entertainers, a seemingly stupid-shit move like this might be a calculated risk. If (or when) the political mood of the country shifts back to the left, they can claim martyr status.

Of course, if that ever happens, I'll be leaving the country. :teeth:

Please - somebody, somewhere - pretend you give a shit!

 

[007]

I used to like her.

I'm totally puzzled as to what happens to these people's brains. What is it hollywierd does to entertainers that turns them from "people", into this radical, liberal, immoral, dung heap? I can't even say it's shame. It's just as though they've stopped thinking for whatever reason unknown, like they've been brain washed.

 

[insein]

I will never leave this country. Even if it was overun by pinko liberal commies and i was the last Conservative voice standing, I'd fight to my last breathe to uphold what this country stands for. I'd never move away because i thought someones viewpoint was wrong. I'd work to show how our view is right for this country.

thats the difference between Conservatives and Liberals. Conservatives will never pussy out and leave if we're confronted with an opposing Admin. Liberals threaten to leave all the time at the thought of Bush staying Pres for 4 more years. Stop teasing us. Just do it already.

 

[Jimmyeatworld]

That's rediculous.

Why is it ridiculous? She spouted off, made customers leave, and the hotel was overrun with people wanting refunds. No matter what the subject matter was, any so called entertainer that does that should get the boot. She not only cost them money for that show but probably for the entire weekend, not to mention the probably loss of repeat customers.

 

[Comrade]

That is exactly what I think, re them selling themselves. What could they be thinking??????????

I think there is a consistent pattern among those performers speaking out against Bush which makes pragmatic financial sense.

Note that all of the entertainers speaking out in this manner, are in the end run of their own careers.

Elton John, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Whoopie Goldberg, Paul Newman, etc... all have ammassed the bulk of their fortunes, which is incidently free of any future taxation the liberal cause promotes. So in the first respect none of them personally stand to lose by supporting a future increase in income tax, which is what the Democrats seek to do.

Secondly, none have enjoyed the limelight for quite some time, and any news is good news, financially and for their own ego.

So I doubt they scare away any remaining business more than they would make up for new business from liberal venues. On a monetary level they might actually come out ahead by performing to a now loyal liberal venue, when all seem to otherwise have little mainstream popularity left. But on a more personal level, the fanatic following now expected from the left is certainly a feed to their own egos.

Ego is probably the most important thing to these veteran performers, since money is no longer a real issue.

Each enjoys a spurt of renewed popularity (or noteriety) due their remarks. Fullfulment of ego on a personal level is obviously what most of this is about. The best thing to do is ignore them totally, that would be the worst thing to ever happen to them.

 

[Comrade]

I used to like her.

I'm totally puzzled as to what happens to these people's brains. What is it hollywierd does to entertainers that turns them from "people", into this radical, liberal, immoral, dung heap? I can't even say it's shame. It's just as though they've stopped thinking for whatever reason unknown, like they've been brain washed.

Aside from my last post which I think explains most of this behavior, I will concede two seperate cases which follow a different pattern.

The first is that whack rapper Jaydakiss or whatever his name is. Totally within his market to bash Bush, that being among ghetto blacks. Now his notoriety serves to promote him and seemed to have led to his recent contract with Microsoft, who understand clearly how popular such comments make him with the uneducated youth of black America.

The second is just plain and simple stupidity. The Chixie Dicks could not have been more truly stupid about their comments and violate every rational motive behind their otherwise intelligent colleagues. Every up and coming country singer who has supported the politics of their market audience, that is, by backing Bush and the war on terror, has cleaned up in concerts and records sales. But simply put, while they are obviously true to their convictions they are one example of true stupidity in voicing them publically. Everyone else has an excuse and a real motive, but they are just plain dumb.

 

[Comrade]

Aside from my last post which I think explains most of this behavior, I will concede two seperate cases which follow a different pattern.

The first is that whack rapper Jaydakiss or whatever his name is. Totally within his market to bash Bush, that being among ghetto blacks. Now his notoriety serves to promote him and seemed to have led to his recent contract with Microsoft, who understand clearly how popular such comments make him with the uneducated youth of black America.

The second is just plain and simple stupidity. The Chixie Dicks could not have been more truly stupid about their comments and violate every rational motive behind their otherwise intelligent colleagues. Every up and coming country singer who has supported the politics of their market audience, that is, by backing Bush and the war on terror, has cleaned up in concerts and records sales. But simply put, while they are obviously true to their convictions they are one example of true stupidity in voicing them publically. Everyone else has an excuse and a real motive, but they are just plain dumb.

A quick followup on the Dixie Chicks, just to see what has become of their career:

Since mid-2003, there have been no concerts, tours, promotions, or new releases of their work.

There is currently nothing at all planned, no tours and no new music.

Album sales, once at #1 or in the top ten, post only one remaining album taking #169 out of Billboard top 200.

Natalie has had a baby born this July.

They will NOT be attending the DNC, although they were invited.

They grossed over $100 million last year, although most of that was before the comments made overseas about Bush.


I'd say they are effectively through as a band, although they will always be held up as a martyr to people like Michael Moore, who clamed:

"the boycott was not a product of large numbers of fans angry at their comments but an organized plot by Bush-supporting radio chain executives and the Republican party leadership."

And perhaps I was wrong about how stupid they are, given that 100's of millions earned qualifies them as "elite" entertainers, and not necessarily up and coming stars who have yet to make it big. They are rich enough to say stupid things and not care.

 

[Merlin1047]

Entertainers, like everyone else, have a right to voice their opinions. Those opinions are not required to be palatable to the rest of us.

That having been said, entertainers cross the line when they take advantage of their celebrity status or use performance venues as a medium for their advocacy of political opinion. When they do that, they have no right to whine when there is a backlash which results in a boycott of their product and cancellation of their engagements.

To put it into an analogy, entertainers are much like tinsel on a Christmas tree. It makes the tree look pretty, but the tree can get along just fine without it.

 

[007]

To put it into an analogy, entertainers are much like tinsel on a Christmas tree. It makes the tree look pretty, but the tree can get along just fine without it.

Good analogy Merlin. And, they have to remember, "who put the tinsel on the tree"...

 

[OCA]

This surprises everybody? This broad dated Governor Jerry Brown also known as "Governor Moonbeam" of California. She's a fruitcake from way back.

 

[freeandfun1]

This surprises everybody? This broad dated Governor Jerry Brown also known as "Governor Moonbeam" of California. She's a fruitcake from way back.

lol - i was gonna point that out too, but I figured most had forgotten or are too young to remember.

 

[tim_duncan2000]

Entertainers, like everyone else, have a right to voice their opinions. Those opinions are not required to be palatable to the rest of us.

That having been said, entertainers cross the line when they take advantage of their celebrity status or use performance venues as a medium for their advocacy of political opinion. When they do that, they have no right to whine when there is a backlash which results in a boycott of their product and cancellation of their engagements.

I agree. I hate when I hear cries of censorship and about how no one has freedom of speech anymore just because people don't like what they have to say.

 

[Bonnie]

I agree. I hate when I hear cries of censorship and about how no one has freedom of speech anymore just because people don't like what they have to say.

Tim I just wanted to say that I laugh out loud everytime I see the picture/avatar you posted...........

 

[freeandfun1]

Tim I just wanted to say that I laugh out loud everytime I see the picture/avatar you posted...........

I was just thinking the same thing!

 

[Psychoblues]

Aladdin is in bankrupcy. Their motives are only financial. They hired LR and now they don't want to pay her. It's common in the musical entertainment industry.

The people that were there disagree heartily with published reports of "throngs of dissatisfied customers storming out and demanding refunds". The ones that were actually there, a few of them news reporters, state that a few drunks booed and proceeded to trash the place. This is fairly common in the casino world. LR has made her fortunes and will not be relegated to the striving for $50 nights on Beale Street. Her song "Desperado" was meant to embrace the lone voice, the one that isn't heard and an admonition for controversial viewpoint, especially in places like Vegas. But, only a shallow mind would confuse that and it appears only a few did.

God Bless America

Psychoblues

 

[freeandfun1]

Aladdin is in bankrupcy. Their motives are only financial. They hired LR and now they don't want to pay her. It's common in the musical entertainment industry.

The people that were there disagree heartily with published reports of "throngs of dissatisfied customers storming out and demanding refunds". The ones that were actually there, a few of them news reporters, state that a few drunks booed and proceeded to trash the place. This is fairly common in the casino world. LR has made her fortunes and will not be relegated to the striving for $50 nights on Beale Street. Her song "Desperado" was meant to embrace the lone voice, the one that isn't heard and an admonition for controversial viewpoint, especially in places like Vegas. But, only a shallow mind would confuse that and it appears only a few did.

God Bless America

Psychoblues

What do you know about Vegas? I had a friend there (he is in his 60's and does not drink) and he verifies that the reports are true. A matter-of-fact, I heard of the story from him B4 it was even in the papers.

Shoots your theory all to hell don't it?

I live here and the shit you say (about it being common in the Casino world) is pure BUNK!

BK has nothing to do with this and you are just making shit up now.

 

[MtnBiker]

Aladdin is in bankrupcy. Their motives are only financial. They hired LR and now they don't want to pay her. It's common in the musical entertainment industry.

Where was it said that she was not paid?

 

[freeandfun1]

Where was it said that she was not paid?

It does not. A matter-of-fact, since they are in BK, the courts would be responsible for making sure all bills are paid. The BK administrator would have to decide if she is paid or not - not the hotel. Furthermore, the hotel has been profitable this year and a sale is set to be finalized soon.

More BULLSHIT outta psycho!

ALLADDIN NEWS