Alan Thicke's son, singer Robin Thicke, has been arrested in Manhattan for marijuana possession. According to the Daily News, "Thicke was being processed Friday afternoon and is expected to received a desk appearance ticket." Apparently he was "arrested at 12:25 p.m. by patrol officers who saw him smoking a joint while sitting in a Cadillac Escalade near 3rd Ave. and E. 21st St." A source said, "He wasn’t driving. He was sitting in the car. He was arrested and a small amount of marijuana was recovered on him.”
Alan Thicke's Son Busted For Pot In NYC, Just As Paul McCartney Gives It Up
Videos: Have Yourself A Very Beatles Christmas!
It's understandable that one might start to feel frustrated after they hear John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" for the nine hundredth time in the background of Starbucks—and though it may sometimes feel like the only good Christmas song by one of The Beatles, there were plenty of other ones recorded by the group that have been forgotten over the years. WFMU pointed out a nifty list of all the rare fan club-only Beatles Christmas singles from between '63-'69—you can download MP3s of all the tunes here.
Got To Get Jew Into My Life: Is Paul McCartney Converting For Nancy Shevell?
While no one would confuse "McCartney" as a Hebrew name, Sir Paul does seem to have a thing for nice Jewish girls. His first wife, Linda, was a member of the tribe, and apparently Macca had talked about converting after marrying her, but "never got around to it." After a brief stint with shiksa Heather Mills, McCartney has once again fallen for a Jew, current MTA board member Nancy Shevell, whom he married last month. And this time, he's being a real mensch.
Paul McCartney Rocks the Ocean and Other Fall Dance Highlights
Fall is when New York welcomes back the dance scene after a major summer slowdown. You’ve probably noticed all of the ads in the subway (you know, the ones with the attractively toned dancers in mid leap?). There are plenty of anticipated premieres, and New York is teeming with great dance, so open wide for some culture. Here’s the breakdown and a few highlights.
Macca To Marry This Weekend, Big Party In Manhattan To Follow
Back in May it was confirmed that Sir Paul McCartney would marry his girlfriend (and our then-MTA board member) Nancy Shevell, after he proposed to her in April with a $650,000 engagement ring. And now rumor has it that the big day is happening this weekend, at the former Beatle's farmhouse in Sussex, England.
Video: Paul McCartney Spreads His Wings Across Yankee Stadium
Obscure Wings bassist Sir Paul McCartney played the first of two massive shows at Yankees Stadium last night. McCartney serenaded the crowd with a 35-song set—you can see the full setlist here. The NY Times called the show "a gentle reminder of his survival and vitality." They also noted that he got in a few relevant baseball jokes: “Who is this Derek Jeter guy?” Mr. McCartney joshed. “Somebody said he’s got more hits than me.”
Paul McCartney Changes Teams, Plays Yankee Stadium Next Month
In 2009 Paul McCartney took the stage at Citi Field, and of course, 44 years before that he was playing the now legendary Shea Stadium concert with The Beatles. It's just been announced, however, that McCartney is playing for a different team this year, with a concert at Yankee Stadium on July 15th. This will be his debut at the stadium, and we're told tickets go on sale Monday June 13th at 11 a.m., for those who want to join him. The concert kicks off his new On The Run tour, but check out some vintage Macca at Shea, below:
Macca To Marry MTA Board Member Girlfriend
We've seen this coming since 2009, but it's official: Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell will marry. The couple—spotted at the Met earlier this week—have been together for four years, and just got engaged. The 51-year-old Shevell's term on the MTA Board will end in June, and we're guessing she won't return.
Video: Macca Got Down At Gaga Last Night
Has former Beatle Paul McCartney metamorphosized into a little monster? He and his girlfriend (MTA board member) Nancy Shevell were spotted dancing it up at the Lady Gaga show at MSG last night. This was, of course, caught on tape and posted immediately to the YouTubes... and it looks like a more professional crew caught a close-up of the scene (which you'll likely be seeing on HBO in May). Not bad for 68, Sir:
Video: Of Course Paul Sang "Birthday" To Ringo
Last night, at Ringo Starr's 70th birthday party/concert at Radio City Music Hall, the house nearly came down when Paul McCartney appeared to sing some Beatles tunes. And not just that—Yoko was singing along to "I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends." Here are two videos from attendees—we can't imagine what the shrieking must have been like during the height of Beatlemania:
Was Last Night The Old Timer's Day Encore at Yankee Stadium?
Last night the Yankees kept their winning ways going up in The Bronx behind a couple of Bombers who are practically old timers at this point—Andy Pettite and Jorge Posada. The 37-year-old pitcher climbed to third on the team's all-time wins list with 189 (tied with Lefty Gomez) and his 38-year-old battery mate blasted a three-run homer in the first to provide Pettite with all the help he'd need to get the victory.
Macca Fan Gets Refund For Citi Field Show
One man took to NY1 after being duped by AEG Live when he bought tickets to one of Paul McCartney's Citi Field concerts this summer. They report that Roger Scholl bought two tickets (at $190 a pop) in the field's B6 section, but that section was moved to a less desirable area after the transaction went through. Scholl explains, "What they did was they took where B6 was supposed to be, where the seats were that we had bought, and on the new seating chart there was a section called B5-1 that had physically taken the location where B6 had originally been." After complaints to both the Mets and AEG, he still ended up in the new B6 area when the show started. The Mets have now told NY1: "The seating plans for the Paul McCartney shows underwent some late adjustments due to changes in the staging and production that affected a small number of seats. The Mets worked diligently with concert promoters and Paul McCartney's management to relocate customers whose views in their estimation were compromised." Though they say the sightlines remained consistent with the price, AEG has given disgruntled customer a refund.
Sir Paul Proves Himself King of Queens Once Again
Last night may have been the first time since it opened this spring that Citi Field was home to fans cheering loudly for over two consecutive hours. That's because fresh off his return to (the top of) The Ed Sullivan Theater, Paul McCartney once again played on the home field of the Mets where the Beatles had their legendary Shea Stadium shows. And by all accounts, Macca brought it.
McCartney Takes Manhattan
So last night David Letterman and Paul McCartney were finally face to face, as Sir Paul returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater and made his first appearance on the Late Night show. He talked to Dave about his attachment to the space, where the Beatles made their first U.S. appearance in the '60s—you can watch their chat below, and the performance after the jump.
McCartney Returns to Ed Sullivan Theater
Tonight is Paul McCartney's first ever performance on Letterman. Believe it or not, he hasn't performed in the Ed Sullivan Theater since 1965 when the Beatles made their final appearance on the stage (here's video from their first appearance). A tipster informs us that currently the outdoor awning is being set up for the performance, meaning he'll also be channeling the famous Beatles rooftop concert in the late '60s (video). He's not the first to take the show outside of the theater, Phish and TV on the Radio have done the same in the past. The performance will be around 5 p.m. today, will the crowd reach Beatle-mania proportions? After this, McCartney will launch what he's called his "final tour" at Citi Field on the 17th. If you happen to be in the area, send us your pictures or tag them with "Gothamist" on flickr!
McCartney Confirms Citi Field Concert
The rumor is true, Paul McCartney will be the first musician to grace the stage at Citi Field, as he was all those years ago at Shea. The Daily News confirms the shows will take place on July 17th and 18th, rain or shine. A press release was sent out earlier today in which he declared, "I am really excited about playing Citi Field—The Beatles were the first to play at Shea Stadium and along with Billy Joel, I was the last to sing at the old Shea. So to be the first to play this stadium is incredible. I am really looking forward to a buzzing show." Fans of Macca better stand by on Monday June 15th, tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. that day, exclusively at www.507TIXX.com and by phone at 718-507-TIXX. Meanwhile, if you think you have what it takes to be the 5th Beatle, get psyched for The Beatles: Rock Band—the trailer even includes the Beatles' Shea concert!
Will McCartney Play First Citi Field Concert?
Must be tough to be a Yankees and a Macca fan. Looks like Paul McCartney is going to relive the glory days by playing the very first concert at Citi Field, 44 years after he played the very first concert at Shea Stadium with the Beatles, and not even one year after helping bid farewell (with Billy Joel) to that same stadium. The rumor is that he'll be sonically christening the new stadium with shows on July 17th and 18th, and a third performance may be added on the 21st. The Mets have some downtime in their schedule from July 12th and 27th. Stay tuned, and in the meantime, here's some video from his first appearance on a ball field.
Being A Beatle's Girlfriend Leaves Little Time For MTA Work
Taking an earlier cue from the NY Post, now the Associated Press delves into the work habits of Nancy Shevell, transportation executive, MTA Board member and girlfriend of one Paul McCartney.
Two Beatles Reunited at Radio City
Saturday night Radio City Music Hall housed a lot of big names for a benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation (which "provides funds to teach students how to meditate so they can change their world from within"). Lynch hosted the show, and although the evening was billed as Paul McCartney & Friends, USA Today reports that the Beatle didn't show up until three hours into the affair. Once he did, however, he played a lengthy set (watch "Can't Buy Me Love" below).
Shevell and Macca Get Examined from Waist Down
Just last week MTA board member Nancy Shevell was under a microscope for skipping a crucial fare-hike vote in order to fulfill her new full-time job duties of being Paul McCartney's girlfriend. A socialite at heart, the 48-year-old Shevell is still gallivanting around town with Macca this week, most recently for the Natural Resources Defense Council gala. The organization focuses on climate change issues and was honoring Stella for her environmentally-friendly design. A UK rag takes a look at the unfortunate glittery sheer leggings Ms. Shevell wore to the event, and the even more unfortunate zipper issues the 66-year-old McCartney had with his pants. A wardrobe malfunction that would have been way hotter about 45 years ago.
Paul and Ringo Sell Out in Seconds, Scalpers Profit
Is this even surprising? The Daily News reports that the April 4th reunion of surviving Beatles Paul and Ringo sold out in record time, and now organizers are apologizing to angry fans who can only find tickets through scalpers for inflated prices (up to $9,000!). The performance is part of a benefit for the David Lynch Foundation, and the director of the organization told fans, "We were alarmed [to see] that tickets were listed on the scalping sites days before they went on sale." The 1200 remaining tickets (after a fan club pre-sale) were available through Ticketmaster starting Monday at 11 a.m., and allegedly sold out in nine seconds (the Vegas show sold out in 7). Tickets can now be found on eBay and Craigslist, as well as the aforementioned scalper sites.
Paul and Ringo Reunite at Radio City
The remaining Beatles will be regrouping for one night only this spring to headline a benefit concert in NYC. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will take their two-man act to Radio City Music Hall on April 4th in the name of the David Lynch (yes, that one) Foundation, which "provides funds to teach students how to meditate so they can change their world from within." Rolling Stone points out this is right up their alley, or at least it would have been decades ago when the Fab Four traveled to India to visit with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Discussing the benefit, McCartney touched on his meditation practices, saying “In moments of madness, it has helped me find moments of serenity." Joining them in the transcendentalfest are Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, Moby and many more (including appearances by Russell Simmons and Laura Dern). Tickets on sale starting March 9th.
MTA's Shevell to Marry Macca
Former Beatle Paul McCartney may not be bailing out the MTA anytime soon, but it's rumored he may finally be able to marry one of the organization's board members. A few papers around town are reporting that McCartney will be marrying Nancy Shevell, heiress to a freight-moving fortune and MTA board member (at least through 2011) which helps oversee projects like the 2nd Avenue subway. British papers were abuzz when Shevell's divorce became final in December, allowing her to officially move over to Macca, and allegedly his children are in full support of the marriage (his third). CityRoom states the obvious, noting the union "is unlikely to be of much direct help to the M.T.A., whose budget deficit stands in the billions of dollars," but the least Shevell could do is stay in town with the troubled MTA. The site reports that she is "reportedly spending much of her time now in Britain, at Mr. McCartney’s homes in East Sussex and in London."
Will The Boss Book The Boss for Yankee Stadium Farewell?
Following Billy Joel's two-night performance bidding farewell to Shea Stadium, rumors are whirling around who the Yankees might book for their goodbye in November. The Daily News reports that George Steinbrenner is looking to the other The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, for the closing ceremony extravaganza--but another rumor is pointing at former Beatle Paul McCartney. If it's true, wouldn't he be turning his back on Shea, where he first played the U.S. 43 years ago (and played again last month with Joel)? The News also notes that "sources close to both rockers weren't aware of any discussions." Can't wait for the Madonna/Lenny Kravitz double-bill rumor! Now that would awkward.
McCartney and Shevell Get Their Kicks on Route 66
Reports from the road are that Paul McCartney and his girlfriend/MTA board member Nancy Shevell have been vacationing on Route 66. They're driving in the 1989 green Ford Bronco the two allegedly shared their first kiss in (aw), and eating at fine dining establishments such as T.G.I.Fridays! The two have nearly come to the end of their month-long journey, recently at a stop in Texas the Beatle played "Hey Jude" on harmonica for a 4-month-old boy named after the song. The couple are also subject to a rumor that they'll be marrying sometime soon in the Hamptons. Shevell is legally separated from Port Authority commissioner Bruce Blakeman, and Macca just divorced his 2nd wife, Heather Mills, to the tune of around $50 million.
Billy Joel Bids Farewell to Shea
Last night Billy Joel helped bid farewell to Shea Stadium, with the last concert at the field (the first being The Beatles historic show 43 years ago); Joel also performed there on Wednesday night, and the entire experience has been filmed for a future documentary.
Heather Mills May Buy Perry Street Condo
West Village residents may need to get ready for an onslaught of British paparazzi: Rumor has it that Heather Mills, ex-wife of Beatle Paul McCartney, is buying an apartment at 173 Perry Street.
Beatle Babe Parks as Her MTA Placard Permits
She may have just spent a vacation in Antigua with Paul McCartney, but MTA board member Nancy Shevell does need to make sure she looks good. Perhaps that's why she parked her SUV in a commercial loading zone while visiting a salon.
Macca Macking on an MTA Board Member
Two divorcees, one more high-profile than the other, are macking it up in Amagansett. Paul McCartney, who's still divorcing wife #2 - Heather Mills - and Nancy Shevell a 47-year-old MTA board member who is legally separated from Bruce Blakeman (a commissioner for the Port Authority), have been spotted all over the Hamptons lately. Even The Times is talking up the two-some, and according to amNewYork the former-Beatle has been seen doing the following with...
NYC Opera Tenor Jerry Hadley Attempted Suicide
As of last night Jerry Hadley, known as a top tenor at opera houses worldwide, was on life support after shooting himself. This morning it's being reported that he isn't expected to survive. Last year the 55-year old was arrested on Riverside Drive in Manhattan for driving while intoxicated, and even though the case was dropped - he had other problems to deal with. More recently, despite his success, Hadley had been filing for bankruptcy, was concerned about his career and was being treated for depression.

