BTS Boys in the Band Must Join So. Korean Army
It's shades of Elvis ... the biggest band on the globe will be walking away from the mic for a year and a half to serve in South Korea's army.
South Korea's Ambassador to Great Britain made it clear ... K-Pop band members, BTS, have the same obligation as everyone else ... an obligation to protect their country. There's good reason to worry these days ... North Korea has become super aggressive and Kim Jong-Un has become even more unstable ... recently firing a missile that could carry nuclear warheads once the country develops that technology.
South Korea requires men ages 18 to 28 to serve for at least 18 months. The Ambassador said, "It is very much expected that young Korean men serve the country and those BTS members are role models for many young-generation Koreans." He did not give a time frame on when the group will be called to duty.
It does bring back the story of Elvis Presley, who at the height of his popularity in the 50s joined the military. He was able to restart his career after serving but not at the level it was at before.
Check out the other celebs who served their country.
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Miley Cyrus I Caught COVID On My World Tour ... But It's 'Definitely Worth It'
Miley Cyrus says she's tested positive for the coronavirus after jet-setting around the globe, playing huge festivals and mingling with fans ... but she says it's not a bad thing.
The singer announced her COVID-19 diagnosis Friday on social media, explaining the positive result like this ... "Traveling around the world, playin for a 100,000 people a night & meeting hundreds of fans a day the chances of getting Covid are pretty high."
Miley says she's feeling fine and "it was definitely worth it."
Just in the last month, Miley played shows in Chile, Colombia, Argentina and most recently, Brazil. It's been a whirlwind tour, in advance of her new album, which dropped Friday too.
Miley had an eventful world tour ... in addition to getting COVID, her plane was struck by lightning and forced to make an emergency landing on her way to Asunción, Paraguay.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
She dedicated her Brazil performance to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who Miley says was the first person she talked to after her plane incident.
While Miley doesn't seem too bummed about catching the virus, she says it's "sucks" being forced to miss out on an upcoming Grammys weekend performance benefiting Steven Tyler's Janie's Fund.
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Taylor Hawkins Hometown Drums for Their Hero ... In Beachside Memorial
Taylor Hawkins fans and childhood friends are remembering him in his SoCal hometown with a pretty fitting tribute on the same beach where he loved to surf.
Several dozen people formed a drum circle in the sand Thursday night in Laguna Beach, the scenic town where he grew up, and later bought a beachfront home.
The drummers, with some acoustic guitarists sprinkled in too, all gathered on Aliso Beach Park ... which locals noted was one of Taylor's fave spots to catch waves.
The Foo Fighters drummer had reconnected with some of his high school pals when he moved back into the area. Although he'd gained worldwide fame, and even been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year ... his friends say Taylor never gave off rock star energy when he was there.
As we reported, Taylor was found dead last Friday in his hotel room in Bogota, Colombia ... where Foo was scheduled to play. They'd been headlining festival shows across South America.
Earlier this week, Dave Grohl and his band announced they were canceling all tour dates -- more than 50 -- remaining on their schedule while they mourn Taylor's death and, presumably, figure out how or if to move forward.
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Red Hot Chili Peppers Walk of Fame Star Debut Gets Crazy ... Shuts Down Hollywood Blvd
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are feeling unlimited love from their fans ... folks are flocking to the ceremony for the band's Hollywood Walk of Fame star and the scene looks insane!!!
RHCP is being honored as we speak on Hollywood Blvd ... and it's causing such a ruckus the city decided to shut down the famous street to traffic.
Flea, John Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith are a huge draw ... there's a huge throng of RHCP people crowding around the new star, plus a ton of cameras and a heavy police presence.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce looks like it's busting out all the tricks for this ceremony ... hiring the USC marching band and song girls to provide entertainment to those milling around on the streets.
Celebs in attendance include Woody Harrelson, George Clinton and Bob Forrest.
The Chilli Peppers are still huge in Los Angeles ... the band formed here way back in the 1980s ... and they're still super relevant. Flea is a fixture at Lakers games and other L.A. sporting events, and RHCP is about to release its 12th studio album, "Unlimited Love."
Congrats on the star!!!
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Todrick Hall Sued For $60K in Unpaid Rent ... For Same Home He Claimed He Bought
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Choreographer and former "Celebrity Big Brother" contestant Todrick Hall may not be a homeowner after all ... cause TMZ has learned, the dude's just been hit with a lawsuit for thousands in unpaid rent.
According to docs obtained by TMZ, Hall is being sued by Avi Lavian who claims Todrick failed to pay $60k in back rent, for his Sherman Oaks home. The suit claims, Hall is supposed to pay $30k per month in rent but is now around 60 days behind.
Oddly enough, the 36-year-old singer raved about buying the lush home and gave an elaborate tour on YouTube. He said ... "I have been wanting to buy a home for a very very long time, and this is a dream come true."
Check out the video of Todrick showing off his pad and all the cool amenities ... including an outdoor pool, a movie theater, an enormous walk-in closet and a bedframe decked in Louis Vuitton -- just to name a few.
You might recall Todrick from the reality show, "Celebrity Big Brother." He first gained national attention, after appearing on the 9th season of "American Idol" … he's done quite a few gigs since then, including appearing on "RuPaul's Drag Race" as a choreographer and judge, and working with huge stars like Beyonce and Taylor Swift.
Now, it looks like the homeowner life may not have really been a reality for the reality star.
We reached out to Todrick, so far, no word back.
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Chris Robinson, The Black Crowes Sued By OG Drummer ... Over Unpaid Royalties
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12:41 PM PT -- Gorman tells TMZ, "For more than five years, my attorneys and I have made repeated requests to review the Partnership's books to confirm the accuracy of royalty payments and my share, but Chris and Rich have consistently ignored my rights under the Partnership Agreement."
He continues, "I regret that it has come to this, as I remain incredibly proud of the music we created as a band, but their conduct has left me with no choice but to ask a court to order them to give me this information, which I'm entitled to under our partnership agreement and the law."
Chris Robinson and The Black Crowes are being sued by their drummer, Steve Gorman, over unpaid royalties ... according to legal documents.
The docs, obtained by TMZ, claim the accounting wasn't up to snuff when the band was cranking out albums ... allegedly resulting in Gorman missing out on royalties from their past albums. Gorman says he doesn't know exactly how much he's owed.
Gorman joined the reassembled group in 2005 after a 4-year hiatus, touring periodically with the band. The docs claim they recorded and released 3 albums in the mid-to-late 2000s during their time together and Gorman claims he was shorted for his work in the reunion era, either.
Gorman is suing Robinson and the band for back royalties.
The Black Crowes were signed by Def American Recordings in 1989, and dropped their first album, "Shake Your Money Maker" the next year. They released 5 more records before lead singer Chris Robinson announced his solo career in the summer of 2001.
We've reached out to reps for Chris Robinson and The Black Crowes ... so far, no word back.
Originally Published -- 8:51 AM PT
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Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Swing and a Miss ... In Batting Cage Outing
A-Rod's baseball talents clearly didn't rub off on his ex -- Jennifer Lopez came up to bat, with Ben Affleck and daughter Emme watching, and struck out. Frequently.
The couple took J-Lo's 14-year-old daughter to the cages Tuesday in L.A. ... while Emme stepped in for some swings, Ben and Jen were doing some PDA in the background.
Eventually, it was Mom's turn to step up, but it didn't go smoothly. First of all, Jen tried swinging while still rocking her purse. Not to worry ... Ben held it while she got back in the box.
Made absolutely no difference, though ... still a whole lot of striking out. Gotta admit, though -- no one's ever looked this good, while looking so bad at a sport.
Ben and Jen are in escrow for a massive estate as of a few weeks ago -- putting around $55 million down for the compound! Ben, days after entering escrow, was longingly looking at Jen during her acceptance speech at this year's iHeart Music Awards, likely excited for their future.
Seems like the two are working on a lot of things together lately, but maybe baseball isn't one of them ... time for that 7th inning stretch?
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THE WANTED'S TOM PARKER Dead at 33 After Brain Cancer Fight
Tom Parker from The Wanted is dead after a battle with brain cancer.
Tom, who was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma back in October 2020, died Wednesday with his family by his side ... according to his wife, Kelsey.
Kelsey says Tom fought to the end, sharing, "Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can't imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence. We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom's light continues to shine for his beautiful children."
As we reported ... Tom was recently confined to a wheelchair while undergoing cancer treatments at a clinic in Spain, which specializes in his particular type of brain cancer.
Tom got treatments for 3 weeks and was able to rejoin the band in February for an emotional reunion, also appearing on stage at a U.K. concert and performing from a gold throne.
Born and raised in Bolton, England, Tom learned to play the guitar when he was 16 years old ... eventually dropping out of school to pursue his singing career before joining The Wanted way back in 2009.
Tom is survived by Kelsey and their two children, 2-year-old Aurelia and 1-year-old Bodhi.
He was only 33.
RIP
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Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins Casket Arrives In L.A. ... Days After Drummer's Death
The remains of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins have arrived in L.A. on the bands private plane, and the emotions from the group are palpable.
The plain-black casket was loaded onto the chartered 757 jet Tuesday at the El Dorado Airport in Bogota, Colombia ... he arrived at LAX later the same day.
Officials in Colombia released the body Sunday after an autopsy was completed. As we reported, authorities said just a day after Hawkins' death he had 10 substances in his system ... including opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.
Hawkins was found dead in his hotel room in Bogota Friday, the same day the Foo Fighters were supposed to headline Stereo Picnic Festival in Colombia.
The band broke the news to fans, saying, "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever."
The band canceled their tour Tuesday ... they had more than 50 shows scheduled for the rest of the year .... in the U.S., Canada, France, the UK and Australia.
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Foo Fighters Cancel All Shows After Taylor Hawkins' Death
The show will not go on for the Foo Fighters after Taylor Hawkins' death ... not for now, at least.
The band just announced it's pulling the plug on its current tour, saying ... "It is with great sadness that Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates in light of the staggering loss of our brother Taylor Hawkins. We're sorry for and share in the disappointment that we won't be seeing one another as planned."
The band had more than 50 shows scheduled for the rest of 2022 -- with dates through The United States, Canada, France, The UK, Australia and others.
The announcement comes 5 days after Taylor was found dead in his Bogota, Colombia hotel room. Dave Grohl and co. had been touring South America, headlining several Lollapalooza festivals around the continent.
As we reported, they returned to L.A. over the weekend ... when they'd been scheduled to play Lollapalooza Brazil. We didn't know when, or if, they'd feel ready to return to the road, but they're putting an end to any speculation.
The band says this isn't the time to worry about their next concert ... "Instead, let's take this time to grieve, to heal, to pull our loved ones close, and to appreciate all the music and memories we've made together."
As for the band's long-term future ... that remains to be seen.
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Katy Perry Bye Bye Bev Hills .... Listing Estate for $19.5 Mil!!!
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Katy Perry is moving to greener pastures -- if Beverly Hills can be considered a pasture -- because TMZ has learned she just listed her estate for a fortune.
Katy bought the house in 2017. It's just under 6,000 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. It has the obligatory pool, a gym, a sauna and a cold plunge. It also has private hiking trails. And maybe most impressive ... a long-ass driveway -- we're told it's the best one in the neighborhood.
Speaking of neighbors, they include Penelope Cruz, Adele, Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman and Ellen.
She bought the house for $18 million, so she'll make a few bucks.
As for where she and her fam are moving ... that's unclear, but she does have an estate in Montecito -- home of Oprah -- where she spends a lot of time with Orlando and Daisy.
Katy is repped by real estate maestro Brett Lawyer from Hilton & Hyland.
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Phil Collins Last Show Ever with Band Genesis No Solo Songs Though???
Phil Collins appears to have performed live for the final time in his career -- alongside his band Genesis, no less -- but if true ... his solo career wasn't really acknowledged at all.
The legendary rocker/drummer took to the stage Saturday night in London at the O2 Arena, where he and his bandmates did it big for what they say was their last concert together ever ... this after a highly successful worldwide tour, which they dubbed 'The Last Domino?'
The place was packed and people were rocking out as Genesis ran through a 24-song setlist of all their greatest hits and fan favorites ... dating back to when they first formed in the late '60s. Indeed, it was awesome ... and Phil led things on the mic as lead singer.
As you can see, he was seated throughout -- as his health has declined in recent years ... and he gets around with a cane these days. He's also not able to drum anymore, but he still put on a helluva show with Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and his own son, Nic, who filled in on drums for his pops. Even former bandmate and rock god Peter Gabriel was on hand.
Toward the end of the set, Phil let it be known that this marked their final chapter as a live band -- and it made for a very emotional moment ... a funny one too, with some quips from PC about how they'll all have to find jobs going forward.
The announcement was met with sadness at first by the crowd, but eventually, they gave the group a roaring extended applause ... realizing they were watching something special.
And, of course, as you can imagine, when Genesis walked off the stage for the final time ... there, too, people gave it up -- clapping and cheering as Phil and co. departed the stage.
Like we said, it was quite a performance and quite a spectacle for all who witnessed it ... but if this is, in fact, Phil's last time gracing the stage with his talent -- ya gotta wonder, why not let the guy have a few solo songs to himself with the band backing him?
Genesis walking off stage for the last time with Phil Collins, ever, at the London O2. pic.twitter.com/5LbsjwUhmL
— Lord Burley of Cranleigh, if Blair can be a knight (@SteveBurley11) March 26, 2022 @SteveBurley11
All of the songs played on Saturday were Genesis songs, which is fine ... this was their tour together, after all. But, Phil's obviously got quite a prolific career on his own, with iconic songs that we're sure the audience would've absolutely LOVED to have heard -- especially if this is actually his last go-around, and it's assumed at this point that it is.
Perhaps that's the way he wanted things, but man ... going out without at least a refrain of 'In the Air Tonight' feels a little incomplete, no??? In any case, thanks for the music, guys!
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Dave Grohl Emotional return to L.A. with Foo Fighters ... After Death of Drummer Taylor Hawkins
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Dave Grohl and his band returned to L.A. from Bogota ... after the sudden death of their drummer and beloved friend, Taylor Hawkins.
Dave, along with Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, Samantha Sidley and crew were visibly emotional after touching down. Dave hugged a man who looks like their manager, John Silva.
As we reported, Taylor was found dead in a hotel room Friday ... the group was in San Paulo to play Lollapalooza Sunday. Based on preliminary findings, it appears Taylor may have OD'd on 10 different drugs, including opioids.
Among the drugs in his system .... Tricyclic, antidepressants and benzodiazepines. An official cause of death has not been determined.
Less than a week before he died, Grohl told a massive crowd at Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires how incredible Taylor was ... best drummer in the biz, Dave bragged. He then had Taylor come center stage to both sing and show off his fly outfit.
Taylor was 50.
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Taylor Hawkins Dave Grohl Introduces Drummer in Last Video Before Death
The death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins is a huge loss in the music industry, but it's personal for Dave Grohl and the other band members, and that was more than evident by this video shot less than a week before Taylor died.
The vid was shot March 20, at Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires. The scene is incredible ... thousands of fans -- as far as the eye can see -- packed into the Hipodromo de San Isidro to watch the Foo Fighters' 2-hour performance.
Dave spends some time telling the crowd how awesome Taylor is ... right down to his fancy pants. He then invites his drummer -- whom Dave calls the best in the music biz -- front and center to sing. But, before he does, Taylor clearly shows his affection for Grohl.
As we reported, the Foo Fighters were supposed to wrap up the South American leg of their tour Sunday in Sao Paulo, but on Friday Taylor was found dead in a hotel room.
The early evidence, according to authorities in Colombia, is that Taylor may have OD'd ... they say 10 different substances were found in his system, including opioids, tricyclic, antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
The investigation is ongoing, but it appears drugs were a factor.
Taylor was only 50.
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Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins Investigators Find Drugs in System ... Death Investigation Continues
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Some early clues have surfaced in the death investigation into what killed Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins ... investigators say tests show drugs were in his system.
In a release from the Attorney General's Office in Bogotá, Colombia, officials say a toxicology test taken from Hawkin's urine revealed 10 different substances -- including opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Investigators say they will continue to work on Hawkins' case ... but obviously, the drug test is telling.
As we reported, Hawkins -- who first found fame as the drummer for Alanis Morissette -- before joining Foo and even starting his own band, was found dead Friday in a hotel room.
A post from the Foo Fighters read, "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever."
Hawkins, Dave Grohl and other members of the band were in Colombia for several shows at the time of his death.
Taylor was open about his previous struggles with substance abuse, surviving a heroin OD back in 2001.
He was 50.
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Taylor Hawkins Foo Fighters Drummer Dead at 50
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Taylor Hawkins, the drummer for the Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette and his own band, is dead.
The Foo Fighters announced his death with a post that reads, in part, "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever."
The band is in Bogota, Colombia where they were scheduled to play Friday ... and that is reportedly where Taylor died. So far, there are no further details about where or how he passed away.
Taylor's last performance was at Lalapalooza in Argentina this month. He did not appear to have any health issues while rocking the set.
Taylor had substance abuse issues in the past, and actually survived a 2001 heroin overdose.
Along with Dave Grohl, Taylor was the most recognizable face of the Foo Fighters, which he joined in 1997. Just last year, he and the group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Prior to joining FF, he'd been the touring drummer for Alanis and also for Sass Jordan.
As the band noted, Taylor was such a cool outgoing guy -- with fans, and even the media. The last time we got him out was last September in NYC, where he was having some fun with autograph seekers and his bandmates.
While he's remained with FF, Taylor also started his own side project ... a band called Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders.
Taylor and his wife Alison have 3 children -- son Oliver Shane and daughters Annabelle and Everleigh. The band's statement adds, "Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family."
Taylor and his Foo Fighter bandmates were supposed to headline Lollapalooza Brazil on Sunday night. Obviously, that gig is now up in the air.
Taylor was 50.
RIP
Originally Published -- 3/25/22 8:39 PM PT