DAILY DOWNLOAD: New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends

06.10.09 : New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
Guitarist Chad Gilbert calls up The Ralphie Radio Show
On The Song:

On Working w/ Blink 182's Mark Hoppus:

EXCLUSIVE: Taking It Back, Looking Forward w/ Jesse McCartney

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Jesse McCartney chatted in his dressing room about All My Children, touring w/ NKOTB, & Departure: Recharged.

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You know him as pop superstar Jesse McCartney, the platinum-selling, world-touring artist that sings some of your favorite songs like “Leavin’” and “Beautiful Soul.” But my Mom will always identify him as “Adam Chamdler Jr.” from the ABC soap opera All My Children.

“I was nominated in ’99 and 2000,” McCartney recalled, as he received a nod in both years for a Daytime Emmy Award. “I can’t even believe how long ago that was.”

Certainly much changed for McCartney since. While he still acts, his current full-time job is singer/songwriter/performer. McCartney’s latest LP, Departure, sold over a quarter of a million copies. This past April, Hollywood Records re-released the record as Departure: Recharged, featuring four new songs, including the remix of “How Do You Sleep?” featuring Ludacris.

“It’s part two of the album, or just an extended version,” Jesse explained. “One of the songs is actually the next single, its called 'Body Language' and I just got official word today that we’re releasing it in a couple weeks with T-Pain.”

First he collaborated with producer Tricky Stewart, then Ludacris, and now T-Pain. McCartney certainly aimed for and achieved a much more rhythmic sound, similar to what New Kids On The Block went for with The Block. In addition to extending the run of Departure, McCartney extended his summer schedule at the last second, accepting an invitation from NKOTB to join them on tour.

“They called literally two weeks before the tour,” he revealed. “It’s gonna be another month and a half of touring.”

McCartney maintains such a busy schedule that he didn’t even meet the entire headlining act until about 4 dates in to the trek. Jesse’s mad dashing from the stage to prior commitments even prompted tour-mate Danny Wood of NKOTB to wonder what was up. But when I spoke with McCartney last Wednesday, he noted that during the upcoming off day, he looked forward to “kicking it” with the guys.

The former Dream Street singer will finish out the “Full Service” tour, then begin work on The Gonzo Files, which begins filming at the end of this month in Brooklyn. Bryan Goluboff, who wrote The Basketball Diaries, wrote and will direct the movie.

“I’m gonna do a lot more film stuff at the end of the album, at the end of this run,” McCartney noted – although with the release of another single imminent, the end may not arrive until the end of the year.

Regardless of whether he’s on camera or on stage, McCartney will be making money doing what he loves. He might even find sometime to live like the average 22 year old. While chatting in his dress room, McCartney recalled a time he partied at my alma mater, Syracuse University.

“I did go to a frat party in Syracuse at one point, like four years ago,” McCartney admitted. “It was fun.”

Adam Chandler Jr. has come a long way.

EXCLUSIVE: NKOTB's Danny Wood Talks Future Plans, Jesse McCartney, Red Sox/Yankees

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Danny Wood didn’t think it would last this long.

“We thought we’d do like 20, 30 shows at best probably, and be home,” Wood confessed. “But we’re very happy it’s gone this long and we’re happy to now be doing the ‘Full Service’ tour.”

New Kids On The Block released The Block in September 2008. The LP marked the boy band’s first studio release in 14 years. After the CD debuted atop the Billboard Pop Charts, NKOTB embarked on a North American tour – then extended the trek to dates overseas. A “fan cruise” last month took the guys with supporters from Miami to the Bahamas. Now, New Kids find themselves on the “Full Service” tour – playing outdoor amphitheaters throughout the summer with opening act Jesse McCartney.

The Boston-born singers themselves didn’t expect this reunion to last in to the summer… but now some are wondering not when will it end, but if it will cease at all?

“We have some plans for next year. I think a new record will probably come in 2011, if we all agree to do that. But, we’re pretty much all on the same page right now. I don’t see this being the last time to see us.”

Wood joked that someone in the group “acting like an asshole,” could prevent the CD release. But, according to him, everyone in the band agreed on that plan for the time being. Still, Wood noted that family situations could play a factor.

“It’s different this time around, so you never know. I mean, I know I never thought my kids would get to see me back on stage. My daughters are with me so, it’s always perfect when they’re here.”

Also with the group is McCartney, a 22-year old pop star that wasn’t alive when NKOTB released its self-titled debut LP in 1986. But apparently, that doesn’t mean the former All My Children actor is seeking out Donnie Wahlberg or anyone in the group for advice.

“You want me to be honest?” Wood asked. “I haven’t seen the dude once. I don’t know… I don’t know. He does a mad dash or he’s hiding or I don’t know.”

Wood seemed a bit bothered, perhaps even offended, in his tone and body language, but insisted that is far from the case.

“I don’t give a shit. He can do whatever he wants, I don’t care,” Wood insisted. “We’re pretty accessible… if you walked around here you’d probably run in to all five of us.”

Give the man credit – I did in fact run in to all the guys at one point or another while backstage. Donnie chatted on his phone. Joey McIntyre walked his puppy. Jordan Knight snapped a photo with me before a Boston Herald phone interview. His brother, Jonathan, attempted to chat on his cell, but of course, coverage can be spotty up on the mountain.

And as for McCartney – Jesse told me later that earlier that day he finally met all five of the guys. The singer blamed a hectic schedule – which even forced him to jet back to Los Angeles at one point – as the reason for his notable absence backstage.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Does Age Matter?

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The Wingman advises a "creeper" about dating women that are younger than him, but legal, despite friends ripping on him.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

EXCLUSIVE: Keri Hilson Reveals The Real Story Behind "Knock You Down"

Singer/songwriter Keri Hilson reveals the true story behind her track with kanye West & Ne-Yo, "Knock You Down". She also talks about traveling, making the transition to artist, and working with Britney Spears.

Part 1: Traveling, Story Behind "Knock You Down"

Part 2: Writing for Britney, Soulja Boy Tell 'Em "Collab"

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Keri Hilson’s most uncharacteristic moment may prove to me the most career shaping in her transition from songwriter to singer, yielding the biggest track from In A Perfect World… in the process.

While Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records prepared to press the final album cut in Los Angeles, Hilson found herself in New York – working with Kanye West on a viral commercial to promote the LP. “Miss Keri Baby” wanted ‘Ye on the album, but he didn’t make the version sent to L.A. Then West asked Hilson how the album was coming.

”I’m completely tongue-in-cheek at this point,” admits Hilson. “I said, ‘Well, the only thing missing on this album is you.’”

Hilson didn’t expect the spur-of-the-moment honesty, nor did she expect West’s response.

“He said, ‘Is there anything I can do tonight?’” Hilson recalled. “I was like, ‘Oh, my, God. Let’s book the studio right now before he changes his mind!’”

With Kanye and herself now accounted for, Hilson needed the final piece of the puzzle: Ne-Yo.

“He was about to go film a movie in Prague. We called him, he wanted to do it but he was leaving the country the next day. He had literally an hour break in his schedule.”

Thankfully for Hilson, the R&B crooner can work quick, and on the spot. Keri’s manager flew to Miami, waited with a car service in tow at the studio as Ne-Yo wrote and recorded his verse, and jetted back to L.A. with the audio files on a hard drive.

”We had to push (the release date) back, and it cost us a bit,” revealed Hilson. “But it was worth it, and thank God the album is doing so well that (Interscope) don’t care anymore.”

It’s quite a change in pace for Hilson, prior to this LP worked mostly as a songwriter and back-up vocalist, penning tracks for the likes of Ludacris and Britney Spears – notably Spears’ “Gimme More” and “Break The Ice” off of Breakout.

“I love to see the 180 (degree) turn because when we worked, it was a tumultuous time in her life,” Hilson said. “She was pregnant with her second child, seven months pregnant mind you, so focused, in a booth. It just showed me how dedicated she was to her craft.”

Keri relates – the singer/songwriter is so married to music that she just invites herself on tracks – namely Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s “Turn My Swag On.” There were murmurs that Hilson’s impromptu cameo would be combined with Lil’ Wayne’s official remix for a “megamix” of sorts, but she believes that may not be in the cards.

“It was supposed to be the three of us, and we haven’t shot the video yet, so I guess it’s not going to happen,” Hilson noted, with a bit of disappointment in her tone.

But, it’s almost never to late in this business for anything to happen – and if anyone knows that, it’s Keri herself.

The Ting Tings feature "The Ralphie Radio Show" on official website!

As if I need another reason to love these people... The Ting Tings global site features the 97 BHT video of the group performing an acoustic version of "That's Not My Name."

EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Momsen's Gossip Girl Reign, Rockstar Future

Actress-turned-singer? Not exactly, says Taylor Momsen.

“I’ve been singing longer than I’ve been acting,” Momsen reveals. The Gossip Girl star performed on Saturday with her band, The Pretty Reckless, at 97 BHT’s Summer Jam 2009. “I’ve been writing music my entire life. I know people aren’t going to know that instantly, but yunno, it all takes time.”

And time is on the side of the 15 year-old. Season 3 of Gossip Girl enters production in July. So for the next month, she’ll tour, opening up for The Veronicas. When Momsen returns to New York City and the set, she’ll also return to the studio, to finish production on The Pretty Reckless’ first LP. No timeline or dates are set, but Momsen already wrote the entire record.

Now she’s cutting her chops live, on stage. And it’s a learning process. 97 BHT’s event brought forth yet another lesson.

“Never again with no soundcheck!” said Momsen. “The entire first song, you couldn’t hear vocal at all.” The lead singer didn’t throw a fit nor storm off stage, instead rolling with the punches as sound techs worked out the issues.

The theater tour circuit certainly differs from the network sitcom set. It also seems that the average fan of The Pretty Reckless’ songs could differ from the average Gossip Girl enthusiast. So will fans of Jenny Humphrey buy in to Taylor’s music?

“I think it’s gonna take some getting used to,” she admits. “It might be a little bit of shell shock ‘cause, it’s rock man. It’s not lite, and it’s really real.”

But Gossip Girl viewers will probably see season 3 before they hear any studio material from Momsen. Now that “Little J” is the queen, the actress wouldn’t mind Humphrey become more active.

”It’s gonna be interesting to see what they do with her character as queen with all this power,” said Momsen. “I’d like to see her shake it up a little bit.”

Jordin Sparks - "Battlefield" (Music Video)

Jordin Sparks just dropped her video for "Battlefield," the title track from her new cd, which will be out in July.

EXCLUSIVE: The Ting Tings Talk Touring, Moaning w/ Katy Perry

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After The Ting Tings finished performing for 97 BHT listeners, Katie and Jules spoke with Ralphie inside the 97 BHT on-air studio about touring the states, Katy Perry, moaning with celebrities, and more...

Check out video of The Ting Tings performance here.
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Ever wonder what musicians say to each other when they meet? The Ting Tings’ Katie White shares a little insight:

“All bands like moaning. We love to moan,” said White. “We saw Katy Perry the other day, and she moaned – and we had a good moan together.”

Perry seems to be quite the confidant to her cohorts – the songstress and Rihanna have been known to hang out. White says the two talked about “just girl stuff really,” like their hair and skin.

“She’s funny really, she makes me laugh,” said White. “If she wants to do a cartwheel on stage, she does a cartwheel on stage.”

Of course, any type of acrobatics on a stage with Katie and Jules would be near impossible, let alone dangerous, given the amount of equipment the two uses to duplicate the vast array of sounds in their music.

“No, you’d have a guitar up your ass,” Katie joked – with Jules tongue-in-cheek challenging, “I bet Katy Perry couldn’t do that.”

The Ting Tings just wrapped up an American promo tour – and will run the Europe festival scene before returning to the States in the fall in support of Pink.

“I don’t know how many U.K.’s you can get in just a California,” said the other half of the group, Jules DeMartino. “You can do a two week tour in the U.K. or even a three week tour and that’s it, you’ve covered pretty much every corner.”

White also noted that in addition to the physical aspects, the media landscape is also vastly differently in the U.S., specifically involving radio airplay.

“If you get BBC Radio 1 and 2, you’re done really,” explained White. “It really is a shame in a way as well because if they don’t like your music, it’s really hard because they’re aren’t many other stations to get played on.”

BBC Radio’s reach is vast according to White, “literally every household.” Lucky for the pop-rock duo, BBC Radio loved their music, and the rest is history.

“We’ve got a map that we carry around with us, and we circle every town or city or state we go to,” DeMartino said.

White continued, “We never know where we are but we always know where we’ve been.”

And it won’t be too hard to figure out where The Ting Tings are going. First Europe – then the States with Pink – and then to Berlin – where Katie and Jules will write, record, and throw house parties in search of new tunes for the band’s second LP.

EXCLUSIVE: The Ting Tings Live In Studio

Thanks to Rodano's in Public Square, Wilkes-Barre for providing free food!

Powered by Rodano's, Columbia Records & 97 BHT!

EXCLUSIVE: Bam Margera talks new MTV show, Don Vito

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MTV's Bam Margera invited himself to 97 BHT's Summer Jam 2009. But we didn't mind. I stopped him backstage to catch up and ask him about his new MTV reality show, Don Vito's legal issues, and more.

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Bam Margera showed up to 97 BHT’s Summer Jam 2009 on Saturday. The MTV star dished about his next TV project and Don Vito’s legal issues before hanging out with The Veronicas and the guys of Carney.

Margera drove from his home in Westchester, PA to the F.M. Kirby Center for the event.

“I heard The Veronicas were playing in Wilkes-Barre (he was intrigued by both the “barry” and “bear” pronunciations),” said Margera – who’s birth name is Brandon. After calling up a few people he knew in the concert business, Bam scored six tickets for his wife and entourage.

The Jackass-alum recently wrapped up a music video shoot with his brother’s band, CKY. Another video is on the docket within a few days – and then Margera returns to the network that made his antics famous; or infamous.

“I’m doing an MTV show where I go back to high school, because I quit in the first day of tenth grade,” Bam revealed. “I bet Raab Himself to s*** on a locker and he did, and then he got caught. I felt really bad so I quit.”

The series will be filmed at East High School in West Chester. Margera funds a $5,000 scholarship at the school, awarded to a student who makes the best short film. The former dropout thinks we could see the first episode as early as this fall.

Will Don Vito be involved? As of now, no – but that doesn’t mean Bam isn’t hopeful. Authorities convicted Vito, real name Vincent Margera, in December 2007 on two counts of sexual assault on a child. The incident occurred at a mall appearance in Lakewood, Colorado. Vito received a sentence of 10 years probation – to be served in Pennsylvania. The judge also ordered Bam’s uncle to register as a sex offender and relinquish the “Don Vito” character throughout the duration of the probation.

“He has to go back to Colorado for his appeal, and it’s been long enough so I’m sure it’s gonna be fine,” said Margera. “It’d be fabulous if he could be on (the show).”

Meanwhile, Vito and the rest of Bam’s crew will live through MTV re-runs, none of which Margera watches.

“It actually came on last night, and I turned the channel,” confessed Bam. “Lil Wayne was on the next channel, so…”

Margera doesn’t take himself too seriously – evident by his antics on camera and his laid-back personality off. At 97 BHT’s Summer Jam, Bam held interviews, took photos with fans, and even appeared on-stage – little coaxing involved.

Bam and crew didn’t cause a single raucous, backstage or otherwise at Summer Jam – which may seem as out of the ordinary as him showing up in the first place.

JADA w/ Ralphie!

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97 BHT Summer Jam 2009 Artist "Jada" checks in to The Ralphie Radio Show, updating Ralphie on the group's latest whereabouts while creating a to-do list for Saturday's show.

Visit Jada on MySpace & Twitter!

Cobra Starship f. Leighton Meester- Good Girls Go Bad

06.04.09 : Cobra Starship f. Leighton Meester - Good Girls Go Bad
Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta chats w/ Ralphie about the track:

EXCLUSIVE: Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta On Angels & Kings, New CD, Pete Wentz's Birthday

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Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta is glad he called The Ralphie Radio Show. Thankfully for the lead singer, I reminded him that Pete Wentz's birthday was the next day. Sure Gabe may not know what to get Pete, but Saporta did chat about Cobra's new CD and the bar he, Pete, and a few others own in NYC: Angels & Kings.

Check out Gabe talking about Leighton Meester and Cobra's new single, "Good Girls Go Bad" here.
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I suppose you could excuse Cobra Starship’s Gabe Saporta if he did forget Pete Wentz’s birthday… his band is touring the globe and gearing up for the release of a new LP in August.

But, thankfully for Gabe (and possibly a gift-receiving Pete), I reminded the lead singer of June 5’s significance when he called up The Ralphie Radio Show.

“Aw man, thank you for reminding me, you just saved my life!” Saporta acknowledged as an answer to a question about what he’d get Wentz for his 30th life anniversary. “I’m always glad to know when it’s Pete’s birthday because it always reminds me that I’m a little younger than him.”

Cobra Starship’s 29 year-old lead singer discussed Cobra’s new single with Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester – the story behind Hot Mess – and the pending legal issues with a New York City bar co-owned by Wentz, himself, and members of the Gym Class Heroes.

“(Laughing) It was just something we were using to describe all of our favorite kind of girls,” Saporta admitted of Hot Mess, which drops August 11. “Then we’re like, ‘Why don’t we just call the album that?’”

The story behind Cobra’s new LP title doesn’t seem the least far-fetched. Saporta takes pride in the band’s reputation for its fun-first, music-second approach.

“You can’t insult me because, that’s the whole point of our band is yunno, we like to knock each other all the time.”

Matter of fact, the insults can even yield positive results. Saporta notes that one of the songs on the new CD, “Pete Wentz is the Only Reason We’re Famous” stemmed from a live on-line fan chat.

It also makes sense that the front man neither felt insulted nor shied away from questions regarding the bar he part-owns with Wentz, Angels and Kings. The drinking establishment recently experienced a run-in with New York State Liquor Authority. Officials cited the spot for serving minors. Saporta noted that the bar is now open, and that New York in general is offering quite the amount of tickets these days.

“They’re just cracking down left and right, even on crazy stuff – on like parking tickets and garbage fines,” said Saporta. “It’s hard to run a business like that, we’re not there to run it.”

Instead, Saporta and company are making music, playing shows, and filming videos. The band just wrapped up the shoot for “Good Girls Go Bad” – a track produced and written by Kevin Rudolf and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Cobra’s front man noted that both Gossip Girl actresses-turned-singers – Meester and Taylor Momsen, were possibilities for the song.

“They both talked to our management,” revealed Saporta. “I’m like, ‘Yo, they came in here? Why didn’t you tell me about it? I wanna meet them, I love Gossip Girl!’”

Thank You.

This will be quick. I'll be inundating you with posts soon... "The Ting Tings live", "Bam Margera shows up to 97 BHT Summer Jam", "I ignore The Veronicas", "Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen talks new album", "Jada Serenades Me for my Birthday" - and many more stories.

But first, thank you. 24 isn't usually a birthday heavily celebrated, but because of you, and a few national recording acts, this by far has been one of the, if not, the best birthday.

I'm headed to cap off the weekend, Yankees game followed by a meet and greet with Mariano Rivera. Enjoy your Sunday, talk soon.

Ralphie

Celebrity Twitter TMI

Great find by Jessie, newest addition to The Ralphie Radio Show. This article in Cosmo documents a few "TMI" moments regarding celebrities and their tweets. Here's one gem from our boy Ashton Kutcher:

"Stomach flu, Be gone! Who can say that they've thrown up and had diarrhea at
their rabbi's house? 2 pts for me"

Awesome, thanks for sharing. And no, -2, if anything.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved

05.28.09 : The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
Mike Sheehan of The Script calls The Ralphie Radio Show!
On The Song, Ireland, U2

On St. Patrick's Day

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Kissin' Cousins?

Apparently not even the topic of dating your own cousin is too taboo for The Wingman...

Initial Wingman Story:

Reaction #1:

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Speidi/Island-Gate

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Are Spencer and Heidi staying or quitting NBC's "I'm A Celebrity, Now Get Me Out of Here!"? TMZ's Leslie Harris explains the situation.

Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

ATTY. ROBIN BOND: Jon & Kate + 8 PA Dept. Of Labor Issues

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Attorney Robin Bond is a regular guest on The Ralphie Radio Show, an expert on labor law, and bases her practice in Pennsylvania. So, of course she could speak aptly on the legal situations regarding TLC's "Jon & Kate + 8" - as now The Pennsylvania Department of Labor is investigating whether the show breaks any laws related to child labor.

Visit Robin's Site Here.
Read The Story Here.

ATTY. BRADFORD COHEN: Rihanna/Chris Brown

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Celebrity Attorney Bradford Cohen breaks down the various possibilities regarding Rihanna's pending participation in the Chris Brown preliminary hearing on The Ralphie Radio Show.

Visit Mr. Cohen's website here.

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Rihanna Subpoenaed In Brown Case

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Lawyer says RiRi will comply.

Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

From TMZ:

"Rihanna's lawyer just said the D.A. told him his client will be subpoenaed at the next court hearing.

Donald Etra said Rihanna will be called to the stand to testify at Chris Brown's preliminary hearing on June 22.

Etra says his client will cooperate and take the stand. It's not at all unexpected that the alleged victim would be called to the stand in a prelim.

Also today, the judge rejected a motion made by Chris Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, asking for an order requiring the LAPD to ante up info regarding leaks in the case."

DR. CARA GARDENSWARTZ: Chris Brown's "Monstrous" Act

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Momlogic.com contributor & California-based psychologist Dr. Cara Gardenswartz reacts to comments made by Chris Brown.

Brown made the following comments...

Visit Dr. Gardenswartz's website here.

ATTY. ELIZABETH KELLEY: T.I.'s Early Jail Entrance, "Standard Operarting Procedure"

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TV Commentator and Ohio-based Attorney Elizabeth Kelley breaks down the procedure and legalities of T.I.'s jail sentance.

Read more on T.I. here.

Visit Elizabeth Kelley's website.

What Would You Do to Quit Smoking?

The man pictured second from the left is 56-year-old Geoff Spice. He smokes 30 cigarettes a day and has smoked for over 40 years. He's tried everything to quit smoking, but none of it has worked. So what's next?

From the Daily Mail UK

And to take his mind off the inevitable cravings, Mr Spice, who lives in Montenegro, will also bring his iPod, loaded with 120 books, and a guitar, which he intends to learn how to play. 

Mr Spice, who will have his last cigarette before arriving on the island on August 1, said: 'I don't plan to take any aids like patches with me. I will just be in a position where I cannot get cigarettes no matter how much I want one. 

'I'm hoping my month on the island may lead to many years of extra life that I'll be able to spend with my family.'

The island has no home - except for three derelict bothys - so Mr Spice, 56, will have to camp.

Currently moving from Montenegro back to the UK, he began smoking 43 years ago.

'I first thought about staying on an uninhabited island about 10 years ago when I was living in Australia. It was just a thought which came into my mind from time to time but not something I thought about very seriously. In any case I wouldn't have really fancied staying on an Australian island which might be uninhabited by humans but inhabited by snakes and spiders,' said Mr Spice.

Lady GaGa - Paparazzi (Music Video)

This was actually a find by Jessie (you'll find out more on her later). GaGa shows she's a true artist in this eight minute music video which watches more as a short film. Clearly this girl can do no wrong right now.

BTW, GaGa is currently on the cover of the latest Rolling Stone.

More MTV-Orchestrated Reality...

The most talked about highlight from last night's MTV Movie Awards, but CLEARLY staged. Notice how the camera cuts to Eminem well before Bruno falls on him?

P.S. Really excited to see the movie "Bruno" which debuts July 10.

RALPHIE REPORT: Summer Jam This Saturday!

It’s been quite the 2009 for The Veronicas, and the year is only half complete.

The first six months have catapulted Jess and Lisa Origliasso, twin sisters from Australia, in to the American public eye. Surely no one in the mainstream media noticed the duo this much since Lisa dated Ryan Cabrera back in 2006. But now, The Veronicas are gaining attention in the States for all the right reasons – a hit single in “Untouched” – a cameo and performance in 90210 – and now a cross-country tour with opening acts Carney and The Pretty Reckless. Gossip Girl’s Taylor Momsen fronts the latter band.

This Saturday, that tour detours to the F.M. Kirby Center for 97 BHT’s Summer Jam 2009. Joining the three aforementioned acts will be Lesley Roy (“I’m Gone I’m Going”, “Unbeautiful”), Safetysuit (“Stay”), Jada, and Lovesick Radio, with Scranton’s own DJ Woogie in the mix all night long.

Jess Origliasso proved she could readily multi-task a few weeks ago, calling up "The Ralphie Radio Show" while shopping at a small boutique in Ohio.

“The audience is always very in to it, like everyone’s dancing along and sings along,” Jess explained of the live set – which will also include The Veronicas’ latest single, “Take Me On The Floor.” “It’s just a really, really good time.”

More than music is working in favor of the Origliasso twins. FHM recently placed the sisters at number two on their “Sexiest Women in the World” list, bested only by actress Megan Fox.

“We were six and seven last year, and we’re number two this year, so maybe we can kick Megan Fox off next year,” Jess hoped. “Although, (Fox is) pretty sexy, so it might be hard.”

Safetysuit missed out on any “sexiest lists”, but the band has cultivated diverse following through music that appeals to multiple radio formats. “Stay” is the break out mainstream song for the Oklahoma-based quartet.

”Nobody can figure it all out, but we can atleast try,” lead singer Doug Brown said of the song’s theme. “’Stay’ was an awesome song to write… it’s an emotion that everyone gets to go through.”

Brown also spoke on the band’s name, which started as, “The Crew.”

”Supposedly there’s some band called Motley Crew out there,” Brown joked, before explaining that Tommy Lee’s band successfully executed a cease and desist on “The Crew.” Another name, “The Safety”, also brought forth copyright issues, so finally the guys used a song called “Precious Suit” by Aqualung to finish out the new, legal name.

Tickets are still on sale for 97 BHT’s Summer Jam 2009, with ticket prices as low as $9.71 – yes, clever we are.
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Listen to The Ralphie Radio Show weekdays from 5-10 pm on 97 BHT.

EXCLUSIVE: Kid Cudi comments on Kanye/South Park parody, changes CD title

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"Day 'N Nite" rapper Kid Cudi calls up The Ralphie Radio Show to chat about his hit single, new CD, and KanYe West.

In an interview on, “The Ralphie Radio Show”, hip-hop artist Kid Cudi announced that the title of his album is now, Man On The Moon: The End of Day – a switch from Man On The Moon: The Guardian.

”The Guardian concept was solely gonna be based around my features,” Cudi, real name Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, explained. “Bein’ that I changed it up so that I was gonna have less features, I wanted to change the story up so that it’d be more focused on me.”

Certainly this makes sense for the Cleveland-born emcee, whose major label debut LP drops August 25. Although, the amount of features might have remained the same, if it were not for both Lily Allen and Outkast’s Andre 3000 declining cameo requests. Cudi cited scheduling conflicts as the reason the artists would not be on the album. But, Kanye West’s protégé is “OK” with that – as the change in direction forces Cudi to center the CD on his own skills.

“It just made me realize that I should focus more on my writing, me putting together records, knowing that I have to show and prove.”

At least as far as writing – Kid’s already done just that – first by co-writing a top 5 hit for the aforementioned West in “Heartless”. Although he’s seen bits and pieces, Cudi did not watch the entire Kanye parody on South Park, complete with the track, “Gay Fish” – a take on “Heartless.”

“Every icon gets made fun of,” said Cudi. “Yunno, it was witty – okay, they thought it was witty, okay… you can’t necessarily beat yourself up about it.”

EXCLUSIVE: Sean Kingston!

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Sean chats about his sophomore CD, new song, Twitter, working with Joel & Benji Madden, and mutual friend DJ Woogie - on The Ralphie Radio Show.

Kingston's new CD, Tomorrow, drops August 25th.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling

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Dope track, producted by David Guetta... mp3 includes audio from will.i.am.

The E.N.D. drops June 9th.

ATTY. ELIZABETH KELLEY: T.I.'s Early Jail Entrance, "Standard Operarting Procedure"

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TV Commentator and Ohio-based Attorney Elizabeth Kelley breaks down the procedure and legalities of T.I.'s jail sentance.

Read more on T.I. here.

Visit Elizabeth Kelley's website.

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Idol Finale

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TMZ's Leslie Harris talks about the American Idol Finale and result, along with reaction from judge Randy Jackson.

Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

From TMZ:

"In the shocking finale last night, Kris Allen beat out Adam Glambert for "American Idol" -- and according to Randy Jackson, 'America gets it right every time, dawg.'"

RALPHIE REPORT: Daughtry Talks Idol, New CD

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Chris Daughtry calls up The Ralphie Radio Show to chat about his new single/CD, a possible tour, and this season of American Idol - and he isn't pleased with the favortism shown to Idol finalist Adam Lambert.

Read Ralphie's exclusive report on Chris's Idol criticism here.
Leave This Town drops July 14.
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You might be able to count Chris Daughtry among those surprised that Kris Allen won American Idol last week. In a pre-taped interview on "The Ralphie Radio Show", Daughtry seemed baffled at the amount of media attention and bias directed toward Idol contestant Adam Lambert.

"I thought it was pretty incredible that all of the sudden, Adam is on the cover of a magazine. That people are wearing his name... it seems a little weird to me, because I know how strict it was when I was on the show," said Daughtry. He publicly supported Allen, although refrained from using the Idol performance stage as a venue to voice his opinion. "(Favortism) was definitely frowned upon, and now, I don't know."

A question regarding Katy Perry's outright support of Lambert, with Adam's name embroidered on her cape, elicited the comment. TMZ reported Idol producers edited out this detail when the performance posted to iTunes and the Internet.

The American Idol Season 5 alum concurred with my assessment that the media already anointed Lambert this year's winner, albeit prematurely. Although I admitted to Chris that my coverage of "Idol" is limited, I feel as if the media covered Lambert as if it assumed he already won.

"It's kind of like Adam has already been crowned the winner, and everybody's just kind of going along with that," I commented to Chris.

"That's exactly the way it feels to me too," Daughtry responded. "But yunno, it is what it is, and good luck to both of them."

The North Carolina rocker’s band just released a song to radio, “No Surprise”, with a new LP, “Leave This Town”, out on July 14.

Daughtry, who performed the new track on Idol, noted that all the finalists seemed like great people, but he could relate to Allen on a number of different levels.

“I guess he reminds me a little bit of myself where, he’s on the show – this is all new to him – he’s married… When I hear his voice, I kind of see where that goes, on the radio.”

Allen didn’t ask Daughtry for any advice, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t receive any.

“I basically told him what to be prepared for, for the next two years of his life. Be strong, and stay with your wife.”

Words of wisdom from an Idol contestant who didn’t have the luxury of on stage endorsements or an Idol crown – yet went on to drop a debut LP that sold over six million copies. Daughtry assures fans that the band didn’t deviate from its trademark sound, but did test some new sounds on the one CD – likening one track to something that would draw out glow sticks if Timbaland got a hold of it.

“We tried to branch out a little bit on this record and experiment on some different things, without totally going far left field.”

Daughtry’s band is in the planning stages of a tour that would kick off this fall, in support of the new album.
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Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

THE TING TINGS IN STUDIO!!!

So excited about this!!!

Join The Ting Tings live in the 97 BHT studios with Ralphie on Friday, June 5 for food, fun, and a special acoustic performance!

Keep it locked right here for the 411 on how to win your way in!

Powered by Columbia Records & 97 BHT!

SUMMER JAM 2009!

97 BHT & SLP Concerts Present Summer Jam 2009 - Saturday June 6, 2009 - F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre - Starring The Veronicas - With Ticket Prices As Low As $9.71!

Also featuring: Lesley Roy, Safetysuit, Jada, Lovesick Radio, Carney, and The Pretty Reckless (featuring Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen) - with DJ Woogie in the mix all night long!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR
97 BHT'S "SUMMER JAM 2009"

Tickets are also on-sale at The F.M. Kirby Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000

EXCLUSIVE: Doug Brown of SafetySuit

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The lead singer of SafetySuit called up to chat about the band's song, "Stay" and the group's set at 97 BHT's Summer Jam 2009!

Click here for Summer Jam details...

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Tina Parol - Who's Got Your Money?

05.19.09 : Tina Parol - Who's Got Your Money?

Ralphie & Tina speak... in the back of a rental car...


About the BMI Award she won (GaGa won it the year before), plus working with Britney Spears

Check out the video here.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Ida Maria - I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked

05.14.09 : Ida Maria - I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked
Ida calls in to The Ralphie Radio Show from Norway!
On the song:

Career goals, her LP, touring & traveling in the States:

By now, you might have read about or seen Ida Maria (pronounced EEE-DA). The 24 year-old grew up in a town of about 2,000 in Norway. Now, she’s signed to a major record label, touring the globe, and playing every festival and late night show under the sun.

Maria called up The Ralphie Radio Show last Thursday to chat about her success, her CD, and her new song that is catching everyone’s attention, “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked.”

“I think there’s too few songs that really talk about the male body and how beautiful it is, so I took the responsibility on my shoulders,” touted Maria, half in jest… I think.

The singer/songwriter did joke that she lost count of the number of men she’s seen naked “a long time ago.” Maria says her CD, “Fortress Round My Heart,” is filled with fun, simple songs. Another track on the LP, “Oh My God,” is featured on this season’s Gossip Girl promos. But even with the network cameos and festival performance, the Norwegian artist only admits to one career goal.

“My goal is to see Iggy Pop in his underpants,” revealed Maria – striking a dead serious tone. “If I do, I’m gonna retire after that.”

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: DMX Free, For Now

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DMX is a free man, for the time being. TMZ's Leslie Harris talks about his latest incarceration on The Ralphie Radio Show.

Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.


From TMZ:

"DMX was released from the Maricopa County Jail in Arizona this morning -- and, surprisingly enough, he hasn't been arrested for anything yet. Emphasis on "yet."

X was sprung from his home away from home at around 4 AM after serving 90 days in jail -- the minimum sentence for pleading guilty to the following: cruelty to animals, possession of narcotic drugs, theft and possession of marijuana."

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Hierarchy of Bar Help

The Wingman breaks helps Dustin attempt to pick up a worker at a bar... plus, a special guest checks in...

Initial Wingman Story:

Reaction #1:

Louis Vanaria from "A Bronx Tale" calls up:

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

EXCLUSIVE: Jess from The Veronicas...

Jess of The Veronicas calls up The Ralphie Radio Show to chat about 90210, the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in The World list, "Take Me On The Floor", and headlining 97 BHT's "Summer Jam 2009".

Part 1: "90210", Summer Jam, Drunk Dialing/Texting

Part 2: "Take Me On The Floor", FHM 100 Sexiest Women

More about Summer Jam here.

FHM calls her one of the most sexiest women in the world. In her home country of Australia, the singer's personal life creates as many headlines as the music she makes with her twin sister, Lisa. And you don't have to travel any further than the duo's latest single to pick up on the bisexual tendacies. 

Jess Origliasso comprises one half of the power-pop group The Veronicas. The Australian-imports will headline 97 BHT's Summer Jam 2009 on June 6 - coincidentally enough, my 24th birthday.

"You're a younger man than me!" Jess exclaimed after I informed her how old I'd be turning. Of course, Origliasso isn't that much my elder - her birthday is on December 25, 1984. I immediately rebuffed that our age difference is not notable.

"You can prove me wrong when we see you babe," the singer responded - as I immediately began to wonder if Jess flirted with all radio DJs like this.

Anyways, what is notable is The Veronicas current run in America - they haven't gained this much attention in the states since Lisa dated Ryan Cabrera. "Untouched", the first single from Hook Me Up, gained a solid amount of radio airplay across the nation, and suddenly the group became relevant again, sans the rumored relationships.

Now the sisters are touring the country and popping up on television, with a recent cameo on The CW's 90210.

"We were doing a show in Ohio, and they had the TV's on while we were on stage," Jess said. "(The cameo) came on as we were on stage." 

Speaking of female-friendly TV shows, The Veronicas currently have The Pretty Reckless opening up for them. TPR, also on the Summer Jam bill, is fronted by Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen.

"She's a really cool chick," Jess commented on Momsen. "We're always giving support and power to women in music."

But the ladies tour and support the fellas too - most recently The White Tie Affair. When I spoke with lead singer Chris Wallace a few weeks ago, the Chicago-native insisted I bring up his name during the interview.

"We drunk text each other all the time," revealed Origliasso. "We have lovely drunk text conversations."

Jess didn't elaborate, although if you listened or read about my interview with TWTA, I could only imagine what those messages entailed. 

I suppose all of the aforementioned comes with the territory when you and your sister are named the second most beautiful women in the world by FHM. If you're wondering, the ladies lost out on the top spot to actress Megan Fox.

"She's pretty sexy," said Origliasso of The Transformers star. I immediately responded that it sounded as if she had a crush on Fox. "She's gorgeous, who wouldn't?"

Yup, let the rumors begin.

EXCLUSIVE: Daughtry Criticizes Idol Favortism Toward Adam Lambert

In a pre-taped interview that will air tonight on "The Ralphie Radio Show", Chris Daughtry seemed baffled at the amount of media attention and bias directed toward American Idol contestant Adam Lambert.

"I thought it was pretty incredible that all of the sudden, Adam is on the cover of a magazine. That people are wearing his name... it seems a little weird to me, because I know how strict it was when I was on the show," Daughtry, who is a fan of Idol finalist Kris Allen, said. "(Favortism) was definitely frowned upon, and now, I don't know."

A question regarding Katy Perry's outright support of Lambert, with Adam's name embroidered on her cape, elicited the comment. TMZ reported Idol producers edited out this detail when the performance posted to iTunes and the Internet.

The American Idol Season 5 alum concurred with my assessment that the media already anointed Lambert this year's winner. Although I admitted to Chris that my coverage of "Idol" is limited, I feel as if the media is covering Lambert as if it is assumed that he already won.

"It's kind of like Adam has already been crowned the winner, and everybody's just kind of going along with that," I commented to Chris.

"That's exactly the way it feels to me too," Daughtry responded. "But yunno, it is what it is, and good luck to both of them."

Listen to the audio here.

The interview, in its entirety, will be posted later tonight.