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Who’s the coolest person you ever met?
Joel Madden: I think Billie Joe Armstrong is probably one of the coolest musicians I’ve ever met because he’s so down to earth for being in such a big band.
Benji Madden: I bummed a cigarette off of Alec Baldwin, that was pretty cool.
Joel Madden: I met Eric Clapton one time, he was really cool.
What’s on your current playlist?
Joel Madden: My favorite band right now is the Kooks.
Benji Madden: Oh, that Silverchair album would have to be one of them. And I just got a Chimera record, It’s pretty dope, really good riffs.
What was your favorite album when you were fourteen years old?
Joel Madden: Probably Dookie, Green Day.
Benji Madden: Nevermind by Nirvana. That was a big one for me.
What’s the essence of Good Charlotte?
Benji Madden: I think the soul of Good Charlotte is just feeling good. A lot of bands don’t really like each other. I read an Interpol interview the other day, it was a really good interview because it was showing a different aspect of a band. They don’t really like each other — they work together and they kinda exist together and that’s how they like it. They’re like, “we didn’t get into this band looking for friends.” The three of us actually started this band when we were in tenth grade and I think we still have that attitude. I think what defines our band is really that you know we’re just living our dream and making records that we love and having a good time.
What happens when the band gets drunk together?
Joel Madden: [Bassist] Paul [Thomas] is really honest when he’s drunk. When he gets really drunk he will tell me what he thinks of every decision I’ve made in my life. It’s pretty refreshing in a weird way. And very loving. I got all this work done to the front of my house. [Mocking] “All that work you put into the front of your house, you’re probably just wasting your money because I know you you’re probably gonna move in a year and all that money you dumped into it isn’t really bringing the value up.” I was like, thanks man, I was really proud of it, thanks a lot.
The letter went on to explain that the Jolie-Pitt family had agreed to “stagger” the arrival and pickup times of young Maddox, in order to disrupt as few students and parents as possible.
Then it addressed some troublemakers.
“Regretfully, I have seen some parents taking pictures, asking for autographs, talking to the media and even shouting at Ms. Jolie and Mr. Pitt for recognition,” the source quoted with some glee. “Therefore, in the best interests of the school and safety of your child(ren) I must ask for everyone to please respect the family’s privacy and discontinue these practices.”"
However surprisingly enough, I had never attended a Broadway production. There was one close call – my mother and sister tried to drag me into what would have been my second viewing of Beauty and the Beast (my first – Toronto). But I convinced Mom that it wasn’t worth $45 to snag me a ticket. I enjoyed the performance in T-Dot, and my mother and sister raved about the Broadway version of the musical. However, in the end I concluded that my time and money was better spent drinking Coors Lights (albeit 20 years-old at the time) and taking in some of the finer comedy venues in the city.
And yes, Chuck Nice is just as hilarious in person as he is as a guest panelist on one of my favorite shows, VH1’s Best Week Ever. What can I say, I am a pop-culture junky.
But in my opinion, that revelation makes the fact that I haven’t experienced a Broadway performance even more outlandish. Simply put, while in New York, I enjoyed the nightlife, the Yankees, and my ever-growing population of friends and acquaintances in the area. Consequently, it would take my girlfriend, who currently resides in Stamford, CT, to propose a night filled with spirits, gourmet food, and a trip to Broadway for something other than a picture with the Naked Cowboy or a gawk-session at the massive MTV studios on 1515 Broadway.
As early as last year I heard about a musical that was turning heads, raising ears, and garnering a fair amount of praise from regular theatergoers and critics alike. Spring Awakening is set in 1890-Germany, with adolescent men and women coming into their own sexual beings – and experiencing the same feelings, pleasures, and anguishes as we do in the modern world.
Of course, it certainly goes without saying that 1890 Germany is a bit distinguishable from 2007 America.
And so these young adults awaken into new sexual ventures – the frustration of the “wet dream,” the semi-constant fantasying of a sexual partner – in this instance, the options ranged from two male friends to one student and his mother. The awkwardness did not end there – as adolescent sex experiences would not be completely and accurately depicted without representing both the sometimes awkward “talk” a parent must have with their child, and the facts that may or may not be left out. Finally, the unfathomable: having a parent walk in during a masturbation session.
All of the shenanigans, as well as more serious parts of the production that included domestic abuse, abortion, and suicide; took place amongst a foray of clever set maneuvering, which included cast members and ensemble singers mixed within patrons on special “side stage” seats, as well as a live band, and catchy, yet not over-the-top choreography.
As my girlfriend so eloquently stated, “The musical included all of the necessary emotions.” Although I refrained from tissues, I’ll admit I did come close to choking back tears during one scene in the second half. Comedy, tragedy, loss, and unity were all depicted through the amazing vocal talents of the cast as well as lyrics and melodies that seemed fit for the late 90’s of the 20th century than the 19th.
This observation makes perfect sense when its taken into account that the Grammy-nominated group Duncan Sheik claims responsibility for the score of the musical. Duncan’s hit Barely Breathing gained the duo mainstream notoriety in the 90s.
A young, spunky group of Broadway performers, an edgy storyline with in-your-face guitar riffs, drum beats, and lyrics, and a touch of historical perspective – came together Saturday night to make Spring Awakening one of the finest performances I have ever witnessed – period.
And look no further than the consumption of tissues and the purchase of the musical’s compact disc midway through the night to obtain my girlfriend’s concurrence.
Maybe I’ll do this Broadway thing more often.
Spring Awakening recently won eight Tony awards, including Musical of the Year.
click here to listen to the fallout of britney's vma performance.
On Kanye….
Kid: And then obviously with Kanye West not winning the award, we know Bush doesn’t like black people, apparently MTV doesn’t either. I was walking through the press line you know and he came storming through like Norman, like hey you know, like it was D-Day or something. I’m like calm down man, it’s just a kind of corny award show.
he also spoke about his fight with tommy lee - but really who cares?
she had hillary clinton and usher as guests.
