Taylor Swift Superfans Turned Away from Concert A Day Late and a Dollar Short!!!
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A couple of big Taylor Swift fans are out lots of loot and a great show ... showing up at the venue a day after the concert went down!!!
Bear Silber tells TMZ ... he snagged a pair of tickets for him and his wife months ago for what he thought was Taylor's show this past Saturday in Santa Clara, CA.
He paid $500 for the tickets, and coughed up $60 for parking. They arrived at Levi's Stadium with unbridled excitement, got through a security checkpoint and presented their tickets.
Taylor Swift Gave Out Over $50 Million in Bonuses to 'Eras' Tour Crew
Imagine their shock when the tickets were scanned and they were told their tickets were for Friday night, not Saturday.
To say they were crestfallen is an understatement. As for who screwed up, well, Bear says he slept on the sofa Saturday night.
There is a happy ending to this story. Bear somehow snagged a second set of tickets for Taylor's show in Inglewood this coming Saturday. He has to work so he's not going, but his wife and her friend will be there. Those 2 tickets set him back $2,600. Oh, they live in Oakland so the flight will put him back another $600.
BTW, he says he triple-checked the dates for the new tickets ... a 4th time wouldn't hurt, Bear!
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Lizzo Accusers Dancers Fear Retaliation ... Do What She Wants, Or Else
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Lizzo makes it clear her backup dancers will face repercussions if they don't do what she asks, even if that means getting freaky at a live sex show ... at least, that's what 2 of the women suing her are claiming.
The singer's former backup dancers, Arianna Davis, and Crystal Williams, joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" and told us about their experiences working under Lizzo.
Arianna and Crystal accused Lizzo of coercing backup dancers to participate in nude cabaret shows ... and they say there's an unspoken feeling among the group of having to bend to Lizzo's demands or be fired if they don't play ball.
As they allege in the lawsuit, sometimes that means eating bananas out of sex performers' vaginas in Amsterdam -- and they told us dancers who went along with Lizzo's idea of fun were rewarded with lavish private jet trips to tropical locations.
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On the flip side, they claim dancers who didn't feel comfortable doing everything Lizzo wanted would be threatened with termination.
As for why they're no longer working with Lizzo -- Crystal says she was accused of drinking before performances, and Arianna claims Lizzo body-shamed her for gaining weight ... and she claims Lizzo used an admission of an eating disorder to justify firing her.
Lizzo has yet to comment publicly, or respond to the lawsuit in court ... but her accusers have a lot to say here.
We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
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Lizzo Showed Interest In Banana Sex Show ... Now Being Sued Over It!!!
Lizzo kept an eye on the famed banana sex show in Amsterdam for years ... sharing her desires way before being sued for allegedly pressuring backup dancers to get in on the act.
Here's the deal ... Lizzo talked about wanting to go to a specific live sex show in the city's infamous Red Light District during a 2019 interview with an Amsterdam radio station ... the same show she's now being sued over.
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In her interview with 3FM DJ Frank van der Lende, Lizzo reveals her love for live sex shows in Amsterdam ... and she asks the hosts about the banana sex show, where patrons eat bananas out of sex performers' vaginas.
Lizzo excitedly talks about her desire to find out where the banana show happens ... explaining, "That's what I want to do, I need my potassium if you know what I'm saying. My puss-tassium."
The radio hosts tell Lizzo the place she's looking for is Bananenbar ... a venue that's mentioned several times in the lawsuit she's now facing.
As we reported ... Lizzo is being sued by 3 of her former backup dancers, who say they were sexually denigrated by Lizzo while on the job.
In the suit, the dancers claim during a February 2023 tour stop in Amsterdam, Lizzo took them to Bananenbar and pressured them to interact with the sex performers.
The dancers claim "Lizzo began inviting cast members to take turns touching the nude performers, catching dildos launched from the performers' vaginas, and eating bananas protruding from the performers' vaginas."
It's unclear if the alleged incident was Lizzo's first time at Bananenbar ... but she's clearly had the banana sex show on her mind since 2019 at least.
We covered the story on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.
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Taylor Swift Gave Over $50 Million in Bonuses To Entire 'Eras' Tour Crew
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Taylor Swift gave away way more money in bonuses than previously known -- in fact, it was more like tens of millions ... TMZ has confirmed.
Sources tell us Taylor did, in fact, shell out north of $50 million for every member of the 'Eras' tour crew -- that includes the $100k per trucker we previously reported, which itself came out to about $5 million, seeing how there's around 50 guys hauling her tour equipment from city to city.
There was a lot more dough to go around as it turns out. We're hearing that the additional $45 million-plus was divvied up among everyone working on her tour ... including sound techs, caterers, stagehands, backing musicians, etc. Of course, her backup dancers got paid too. People reported it was about $55 million total given out.
Now, it's unclear what amount each department received -- but our sources say the dancers and others did get more than, say, the truckers did ... which was already a hell of a lot.
Point is ... TayTay opened up her wallet and took care of her people in a big way, something that's unheard of in this day and age of big act tours. Considering how much dough the 'Eras' tour has generated -- upwards of a billion dollars -- it's safe to say ... she can afford it.
As you know, the U.S. leg of the 'Eras' tour is winding down -- she's doing her final 6 shows here in L.A. starting Thursday at SoFi Stadium, and wrapping up next Wednesday.
It's been a long journey for her and the team -- and Taylor has proven to be a generous boss and then some at the finish line. Taylor Claus came early this year!
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'Euphoria' Star Dominic Fike Remembers Angus Cloud at Concert
Angus Cloud's death was top of mind during his costar and friend Dominic Fike's concert -- and he delivered a moving moment, reminiscing with the audience about Angus.
The singer and 'Euphoria' star -- who acted alongside Angus during Season 2 -- addressed his costar's sudden passing during his show Tuesday night in Houston ... and shared some very personal feelings with the crowd.
Check it out ... Dominic says he just lost a friend, and then goes on to muse about the larger implications of that -- and how getting the news instantly made everything else so trivial.
You can tell he's getting pretty introspective here, openly wondering whether performing the concert was appropriate considering the tragedy -- but then he answers his own question, saying Angus would've wanted him to go on and do what he loves.
Dominic also had this to say about AC ... the guy operated on a certain wavelength and his energy was palpable, making him standout among a star-studded cast, including Zendaya.
TMZ broke the story ... Angus was found dead in Oakland Monday, and his mother called 911 to report her son didn't have a pulse. Cops discussed it as a possible overdose, and Angus' family has indicated he may have taken his own life in the wake of his father's death.
Several stars from 'Euphoria' have paid tribute to Angus ... and all have been heartfelt.
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Cardi B Mic She Tossed In Vegas Up For Sale ... Proceeds Going To Charity
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Cardi B's microphone-turned-weapon during her recent Las Vegas show is now getting tossed onto an auction block ... and it's all for a good cause.
Cardi B Thrown Microphone eBay Auction Closes at $99,900
The mic Cardi hurled into the crowd at Drai's Nightclub actually belongs to an audio production company called The Wave in Sin City, and the owner tells us he decided to auction it off to benefit a couple of charities.
Scott Fisher tells TMZ … it was pretty easy to track down the mic after the show, because the white tape across the bottom of it says "MAIN," and it still works despite Cardi chucking it into the crowd. Scott says his company provides audio support for most of the major nightclubs in Vegas, including Drai's.
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Videos of Cardi B throwing the mic have gone viral ... and as we first reported, she's now listed as a suspect for battery because a woman who says she was struck by the mic went to police and reported the incident.
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As you probably know by now ... Cardi B was performing during a scorching hot day, and had asked the crowd to douse her with water to cool her off, but later she lost her cool when someone threw a cup full of liquid and ice at her, retaliating with the mic toss.
The starting bid on the eBay listing is $500 and Scott says the mic originally cost $1,000 ... so it will be interesting to see where the winning bid lands.
Scott says the sale proceeds will be split between 2 charities ... the Wounded Warrior Project and a local Vegas charity called Friendship Circle Las Vegas, which benefits teens and young adults with special needs.
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Taylor Swift $100K Bonuses For Eras Tour Truckers
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Taylor Swift is sharing the wealth from her wildly successful Eras Tour ... in the form of six-figure bonuses for the truckers hauling her equipment all around the country!
Our Taylor sources tell us she gifted each trucker working her tour $100,000 ... handing out the bonus checks before her Saturday show in Santa Clara, CA.
We're told the folks getting the money are production truck drivers who have been hauling Taylor's equipment for The Eras Tour ... there are around 50 truckers for her U.S. tour, which means Taylor just shelled out about $5 million.
Our sources say the checks were an "end of the tour" bonus ... remember, the United States leg is coming to a close next week when Taylor plays a series of gigs at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood before moving down to Mexico.
Taylor's nationwide tour has raked in $1 billion in sales ... and when the dust settles, she could end up having the highest-grossing tour of all time!!!
Truck drivers aren't the only ones getting a slice of the pie in the form of bonuses.
Our production sources tell us Taylor also bonused band members, dancers, lighting and sound technicians, caterers, and others. It's unclear how much the non-truckers received, but we're told it was a "very generous amount."
Bottom line ... it pays to work for Taylor.
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Jennifer Lopez Dancin' On Table ... Gets Up OFF the Floor!!!
Jennifer Lopez isn't gonna shy away from flashing her moves, not even at 54 -- 'cause she hopped up on a table and did exactly that as a group of her closest peeps celebrated her big day.
J Lo rang in another year with a bash that went down last week at her new $60 million Bev Hills pad, which she and hubby Ben Affleck scooped up in May. Jen says Ben hosted the shindig, inviting their closest family and friends over.
Clearly, she was feelin' fantastic -- getting low on top of the table to Lizzo's "About Damn Time" ... all while her pals cheered her on.
Ya don't see Ben in the clip, but he was definitely there ... maybe cheering his boo on from somewhere off-camera. Dancing isn't his role in this relationship. Or hey, maybe the host was keeping busy behind the scenes!
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ICYMI, Jennifer shared a bunch of looks -- she did a few fit changes -- from her party, and added, it's "always a good day when Lola comes to play" ... a shout-out to her self-proclaimed alter ego. According to her, Lola's a lot more playful and carefree than regular ol' J Lo.
It looks like Jennifer and "Lola" are enjoying their time in the new home.
TMZ broke the story, the happy couple sealed the deal on the massive mansion after 2 years of house hunting, and it comes with sweet stuff like a spa, whiskey lounge, massage room, and even a boxing ring.
Plus, one big table fit for dancing on birthdays!
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Tori Kelly Released From Hospital ... After Blood Clot Treatment
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Singer Tori Kelly is on the road to recovery after being hospitalized with serious blood clots around her vital organs ... TMZ has learned she's now back at home.
Sources close to the Grammy-winning singer tell us, Tori was discharged Monday from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. and she's going home to rest.
We're told doctors still don't know what caused the blood clots in Tori's legs and lungs ... but, for now, she's feeling better.
Our sources say Tori will continue to be monitored with regular checkups, but leaving the hospital and the intensive care unit is a big step.
TMZ broke the story ... Tori was rushed to Cedars -- one of the country's premier hospitals -- last Sunday night after passing out while at dinner with friends in downtown L.A., and she was in and out of consciousness while in the hospital.
Tori previously wrote a letter to her fans while she was hospitalized, saying she was initially scared and heartbroken, but was getting better and feeling a lot stronger and hopeful.
Tori's husband, retired basketball player André Murillo, has said they were waiting on a few more answers ... but it sounds like doctors don't have any yet.
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Kyle Richards Producing Documentary on Morgan Wade's Life
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Now we know why Kyle Richards has been in Aspen at the same time as her good friend country star Morgan Wade ... Kyle's spreading her wings and producing a documentary on Morgan's life.
Morgan performed Sunday night at Belly Up in Aspen ... and everyone in the audience signed releases allowing the footage shot to be used in a production.
We've learned the production puts the spotlight on Morgan's life ... the highs and lows -- from her rise to stardom to overcoming substance abuse. It also focuses on the 28-year-old cancer issues -- she has a gene that makes her at high risk for ovarian and breast cancer. She'll be getting a double mastectomy in November -- presumably the doc will chronicle that journey.
Kyle is not only the executive producer of the doc, she appears on camera as well. And, Kyle was actually shooting footage of the concert during Sunday's show.
54-year-old Kyle is venturing into new territory, producing and whatnot. Congrats!
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Lady Gaga Pays Tribute to Tony Bennett ... I'll Miss My Friend Forever
Lady Gaga has finally broken her silence on the passing of Tony Bennett, with whom she was incredibly close ... and that's reflected in her moving tribute to the legend himself.
The singer posted a photo of herself and Tony, writing ... I will miss my friend forever. I will miss singing with him, recording with him, talking with him, being on stage together. With Tony, I got to live my life in a time warp. Tony & I had this magical power."
Tony Bennett Memorials Pop Up Around Country Following Singer's Death
Gaga goes on to say that she felt like she was in another era while performing with Tony -- and goes on to describe valuable life lessons he imparted to her in a variety of ways.
She also adds this ... "I've been grieving the loss of Tony for a long time. We had a very long and powerful goodbye. Though there were 5 decades between us, he was my friend. My real true friend. Our age difference didn’t matter -- in fact, it gave us each something neither of us had with most people. We were from two different stages in life entirely--inspired."
LG says TB's Alzheimer's disease was both a blessing and a curse in her view -- because it taught her about vulnerability, and the value of cherishing people you love in the present.
She finishes ... "If I could say anything to the world about this I would say don’t discount your elders, don’t leave them behind when things change. Don’t flinch when you feel sad, just keep going straight ahead, sadness is part of it. Take care of your elders and I promise you will learn something special. Maybe even magical. And pay attention to silence -- some of my musical partner and I’s most meaningful exchanges were with no melody at all."
Gaga had a long history of collaborating with Tony ... they did 2 studio albums together and co-headlined tours as well over the years. She also famously performed with him for his last show at Radio City Music Hall in 2021 -- which ended up being part of a TV special.
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Madonna 'I'm Lucky to Be Alive' ... After Major Health Scare
Madonna is counting her lucky stars, thanking the people closest to her for pulling her through what appears to have been a critical illness that threatened her life.
The legendary pop star posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, reflecting on a severe bacterial infection that landed her in ICU. She posted photos of her with two of her six children: David and Lourdes. (Her 4 other kids are Rocco, Mercy, Estere and Stella.)
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Madonna wrote, "Love from family and friends is the best Medicine" ... "As a Mother you can really get caught up In the needs Of your children and the seemingly endless giving."
She went on ... "But when the chips were down my children really showed up for me. I saw a side to them I had never seen before. It made all the difference."
The singer also expressed gratitude for her manager, Guy Oseary, who gave her a touching gift after her medical emergency -- a Polaroid of Keith Haring sporting a jacket emblazoned with the face of Michael Jackson.
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The picture, Madonna says, was snapped by Andy Warhol and it made her realize how "lucky I am to be alive" and "how fortunate I am to have known these people and so many others who are also gone."
About two weeks ago, Madonna broke her silence about the frightening incident after being released from a New York City hospital. In her IG message, Madonna recalled her first thought was about her children when she woke up in the intensive care unit. She said her second thought was about her fans while announcing she was postponing her "Celebration" tour until October as she recovers.
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Selena Gomez Thirst Traps At Sea!!!
Selena Gomez is surrounded by water, but it hasn't quenched her thirst, because she posted some smokin' hot pics on vacay!!!
S.G. was rocking a 2-piece on a boat with a couple of her close friends.
Selena's pink bathing suit came with a blend of rural -- as in overalls! It's a look. We're told she was in the Hamptons last week, and the pics were taken over the weekend so she may still be there.
As far as we know, she's still single. You'll recall she let a bunch of soccer players know her relationship status in a somewhat desperate/hysterical attempt to pull an athlete!
BTW, the "Only Murders in the Building" star turned 31 a little over a week ago. One thing marking the occasion ... her net worth was estimated to be around $800 mil ... not bad at any age.
So if you're a soccer player searching for a drop-dead gorgeous near-billionaire, look no further!
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Jason Aldean 'Try That in a Small Town' Connects with Beantown ... Because of Marathon Bombings
Jason Aldean says the folks at his Boston concert are kindred spirits ... they understand the lyrics of "Try That in a Small Town," because they've experienced the violence to which he is referring.
Aldean performed Saturday night at the Mansfield Xfinity Center and told concertgoers how their experience with the Boston Marathon bombings aligned with his song. He says Boston stood up to defend their City with the mantra, "Boston Strong."
Jason made his case again ... that the song is not about race but, as he put it, common sense. He said the song is about violence ... burning down buildings, etc.
As you know, the song has become a lightning rod, with lots of folks claiming it's a dog whistle against the BLM movement and is racially charged. The controversy propelled the song to the top of the charts and has become an anthem at his concerts.
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Mark Zuckerberg Takes Daughters to Taylor Swift Tour ... Girl Dadding 101
Another unlikely drop-in for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour -- this time it's Mark Zuckerberg who paid a visit to her big show, and it looks like he's on dad duty in the process ... x3.
The Facebook founder hit up Taylor's concert Friday in Santa Clara at Levi's Stadium -- where he, his wife and his three daughters (plus a pal, it seems) had their own private box overlooking the stage below. Indeed, they're fantastic seats ... and he can afford it.
Anyway, as excited as the kids surely were ... it seems Mark himself was stoked too, evidenced in the fact that he kinda bedazzled himself for the occasion, literally.
Take a look ... the guy had sparkles and rhinestone-like jewelry plastered on his face, and yes -- he was also rocking one of those multi-bead friendship bracelets that Swifties wear.
It seems Mark was having a little meme-ish fun as well. He posted a filtered shot of himself decked out in the T-Swift-inspired gear and checking his phone -- with the caption, "Checking 13 emails on the way to the concert." Yeah, he was in the spirit of things.
MZ's far from the only celeb who's crashed a Taylor show over these past few months -- several others (who you normally wouldn't consider Swifites) have done it time and again.
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Randy Meisner Cofounding Eagles Member Dead at 77
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Randy Meisner, one of the original members of the Eagles, is dead.
The legendary band's former bassist and singer died Wednesday in Los Angeles as a result of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a statement issued Thursday by the Eagles.
Randy was the OG bass player for the Eagles, and he's famous for co-writing and singing their famous ballad, "Take It To The Limit."
Along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon ... Randy contributed to the band's biggest albums, including "Hotel California" and "Desperado," as well as "Eagles," "On The Border" and "One of These Night."
Randy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame way back in 1998 with the rest of the Eagles.
The band is remembering him as "an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band" ... and they say his vocal range was "astonishing."
Randy was born in Nebraska but spent a lot of time in L.A., where he got started in music.
The last time we got Randy on camera was back in April 2015, when he set the record straight on allegations his wife was keeping him in a constant drunken state ... and he also recounted the infamous 1977 backstage brawl with Frey, which lead to Randy quitting the group.
Before forming the Eagles in 1971, Randy played bass for the band Poco ... and was also the bassist for Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band.
He was 77.
RIP