Django Unchained red carpet movie premiere: Sydney, Australia

Django Unchained red carpet movie premiere: Sydney, Australia - 21st January 2013...

No appearance by American director Quentin Tarantino, but the show must go on.

DJ enjoyed its Sydney, Australia premiere today at the State Theatre, and Mr T was not needed to generate media buzz or extra ticket sales. As recently as three weeks ago it was believed that Tarantino would attend the down under premiere. Perhaps strong overseas box office numbers changed his mind - that's only speculation. Tarantino released a statement last week that he was "disappointed" he would not attend Australia this time around.

Don't be surprised if Django Unchained breaks some box office numbers in Australia, even without the "evil" Mr T not stepping soil on the former convict land of Australia this time around.

Better luck next time... he won't need luck... but it's a nice gesture none the less.

The Hollywood Report tells us on the films success:

"Django opened No. 1 in at least 23 markets including the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Belgium and Poland “even with much of Europe buried under snow this weekend,” said Sony.

Starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Leonardo Di Caprio, Django registered a mighty $9.6 million at 620 sites in Germany, a full two-and-a-half times the market opening for Basterds (Waltz, who also starred in Inglourious is Austrian).

In France, the take was $7.3 million at 612 spots and $5.4 million from 936 Russia situations, $4.8 million at 580 sites in the U.K., $4.3 million at 517 locales in Italy and $3.3 million at 470 situations in Spain".

The film's US premiere was cancelled a few weeks ago in the wake of the school shooting in Connecticut.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the tragedy in Newtown, CT and in this time of national mourning we have decided to forgo our scheduled event. However, we will be holding a private screening for the cast and crew and their friends and families," a spokesperson for The Weinstein Company said in a statement.

Plot etc:

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, DJANGO UNCHAINED stars Academy Award®-winner Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Academy Award®-winner Christoph Waltz). Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles – dead or alive. 

Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men choose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South’s most wanted criminals with Django by his side. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago. 

Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (Academy Award®-nominee Leonardo DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation. Exploring the compound under false pretences, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Academy Award®-nominee Samuel L. Jackson), Candie’s trusted house slave. Their moves are marked, and a treacherous organization closes in on them. If Django and Schultz are to escape with Broomhilda, they must choose between independence and solidarity, between sacrifice and survival… 

Written and directed by Academy Award®-winner Quentin Tarantino, DJANGO UNCHAINED is produced by Stacey Sher, Reginald Hudlin and Pilar Savone. The executive producers are Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Michael Shamberg, Shannon McIntosh, and James Skotchdopole. DJANGO UNCHAINED will be released in the U.S. by The Weinstein Company on December 25, 2012, and internationally by Sony Pictures. 

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

Written By: Quentin Tarantino

Produced By: Stacey Sher, Reginald Hudlin, Pilar Savone. Executive Producers: Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein, Michael Shamberg, Shannon Mcintosh, James Skotchdopole.

Websites

Django Unchained official website (Australia)

www.djangounchained.com.au

Django Unchained official website

www.unchainedmovie.com

Sony Pictures Australia

www.sonypictures.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

GUNS N’ ROSES CONFIRMED TO TOUR AUSTRALIA IN MARCH 2013 WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ZZ TOP AND ROSE TATTOO

McManus Entertainment is thrilled to announce the return to Australia of one of the world’s greatest rock bands, Guns N’ Roses in March 2013. Joining Guns N’ Roses will be special guests ZZ Top and Aussie rockers Rose Tattoo.

Guns N’ Roses will play shows in Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane. Tickets go on sale through various outlets on Friday 25 January at 9am.

Promoter Andrew McManus says, “I can’t wait for these shows next March. Axl Rose is a legend and I can’t wait to see Guns N’ Roses play to their legion of Aussie fans again. I’m so proud to be bringing them back to Australia and am looking forward to a great tour with fellow rockers ZZ Top and Rose Tattoo.”

Hard rockers Guns N’ Roses were last in Australia in 2010 but haven’t played to Melbourne audiences since 2007. Guns N’ Roses are Axl Rose, DJ Ashba (guitar), Dizzy Reed (keyboards), Tommy Stinson (bass), Richard Fortus (guitar), Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitar), Chris Pitman (keyboards) and Frank Ferrrer (drums).

Since bursting out of the LA rock scene in the mid ‘80s, Guns N’ Roses went on to become one of the world’s most legendary rock bands and one of the biggest in music history. Their debut album, Appetite For Destruction, reached number one on the US Billboard chart in 1987 and has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.  The ground-breaking debut album featured classics hits, Welcome To The Jungle, Paradise City and the chart-topping hit Sweet Child o’ Mine. In Australia Guns N’ Roses reached the top of the ARIA album charts in 1991 with Use Your Illusion II and in 1993 with The Spaghetti Incident, a collection of punk and new-wave covers. 1991’s Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II remained on the US charts for more than 108 weeks and saw the band break new ground with their videos for November Rain, Don’t Cry and Estranged.  The band’s most recent release, Chinese Democracy, was released in 2008 and debuted at number one in 13 countries.

Guns N’ Roses continue to tour the globe and have played to millions of fans worldwide. In April 2012, Guns N’ Roses were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have sold more than 100 million records worldwide since forming in 1985.

Guns N’ Roses’ special guests on their Australian tour are the legendary Texan trio, ZZ Top. ZZ Top’s image has been as unchanging and memorable as their music. ZZ Top have been together for more than 40 years and were inducted by Keith Richards into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. The band’s iconography – beards, cars, girls and that magic keychain – transcend all bounds of geography and language. They’ve been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms and are true rock icons. Billy F Gibbons is one of America’s finest blues guitarists while Dusty Hill on bass and Frank Beard on drums (ironically the only member without a beard) provide the ultimate rhythm section support.

Most famous for their hits Legs, Gimme All Your Lovin’ and Sharp Dressed Man, ZZ Top are sure to thrill their Australian fans with their sturdy American blues and rock style. ZZ Top have sold more than 20 million records worldwide and achieved incredible chart success. Their 1983 album Eliminator was a multi-platinum smash in Australia and is “one of the greatest albums of the ‘80s” according to Rolling Stone magazine. The band’s latest album La Futura, (produced by Rick Rubin and Billy Gibbons) is out now through Universal Music Australia.

Rose Tattoo join Guns N’ Roses and ZZ Top on the Tour. The lineup features lead vocalist Angry Anderson, Dai Pritchard, Paul DeMarco, Geordie Leach and Randall Waller. Rose Tattoo is touted as the best bar-room-blues based rock band in the world and one of the most revered bands of all time. Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006, their hits include Bad Boy for Love, Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw, Nice Boys, We Can’t Be Beaten and Scarred for Life. 

Aussie rock fans can expect a hard-rocking performance from a hard-rocking lineup!  

                                               

Proudly presented by Empire Touring, MAX, Triple M, Rockcity and FasterLouder

Tickets on sale Friday 25^th January at 9am from various outlets. 

Rolling Stone Awards: Beach Road Hotel, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

The Rolling Stone Awards: Beach Road Hotel, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia...

The Rolling Stone Awards, celebrating the best in Australian entertainment in 2012, will be hosted by legendary Cruel Sea/Beasts of Bourbon/the Dark Horses frontman Tex Perkins. The evening will feature performances by Melbourne's Owl Eyes and DJs MINX and Leah Mencel (winners of the She Can DJ comp 2011 and 2012).

Having enjoyed one of the most successful years of their career in 2012, Hilltop Hoods look set to continue their good form into 2013 and lead the nominations for the fourth annual Rolling Stone Awards. The Hilltop Hoods are up for three gongs: Album of the Year (Drinking From The Sun), Video of the Year (I Love It) and Best Live Act.

Sharing two nominations each are Melbourne up-and-comer Chet Faker, Sydney quartet The Jezabels, Perth rockers Tame Impala, Sydney MC Urthboy, Byron Bay metalcore kings Parkway Drive, Menangle outfit The Rubens and instrumental heroes the Dirty Three. 

Some of the nominees include:

* Album of the Year: Sarah Blasko (I Awake), Hilltop Hoods (Drinking From The Sun); Dirty Three (Toward the Low Sun); Paul Kelly (Spring and Fall); Tame Impala (Lonerism); and Urthboy (Smokey's Haunt).

* International Act of the Year: Frank Ocean, Bruce Springsteen, The Black Keys, Jack White and Neil Young.

* Live Act of the Year: 360, Dirty Three, Hilltop Hoods, Parkway Drive, Tame Impala, The Jezabels and The Living End.

* Best New Talent: Alpine, Chet Faker, Flume, San Cisco, The Medics and The Rubens

News...

Tame Impala win at Rolling Stone Awards...

Tame Impala have taken out the Rolling Stone Award for Album of the Year thanks to their second album Lonerism.

The Perth psych-rockers collected the award for a second time in their short career, having won in 2011 with debut album Innerspeaker.

The latest accolade, presented at a star-packed music industry bash in Sydney, adds to the international clamour around the band and its frontman Kevin Parker.

Lonerism made history as the first Australian album to be hailed an album of the year by music bible NME and topped several end of year lists, while at home it was worthy of Triple J's coveted J Award.

Australian music promoter and The Mushroom Group founder Michael Gudinski received the other major honour in the annual Rolling Stone Award, which recognises an outstanding contribution to popular culture. Past recipients have included Cold Chisel and Paul Kelly.

Other winners on Wednesday night included Melbourne singer/producer Chet Faker who claimed best independent release for his acclaimed Thinking In Textures EP.

In a good year for rock music, Byron Bay metalcore band Parkway Drive were named best live act, while Cairns four-piece The Medics got the nod for best new talent.

The Presets scooped best single for their inventive electro-shanty Ghosts, while Gotye's single Easy Way Out was awarded the music video of the year thanks to the direction of Darcy Prendergast.

Held at Bondi's Beach Road Hotel, the fourth annual Rolling Stone Awards were hosted by Beasts of Bourbon and Dark Horses frontman Tex Perkins and featured a performance by rising starlet Owl Eyes.

The guest list included bands visiting for the Big Day Out festival tour, such as Vampire Weekend, Band Of Horses, Alabama Shakes and Crystal Castles.

Websites

Rolling Stone

www.rollingstone.com

Rolling Stone Australia Facebook

www.facebook.com/rollingstoneaustralia

Beach Road Hotel

www.beachroadbondi.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

KillRockStar Big Dog Entertainment, FasterLouder, inthemix & Street Press Australia present: Happy Mondays

KillRockStar Big Dog Entertainment,

FasterLouder, inthemix & Street Press Australia present:

HAPPY MONDAYS

Bez | Gary Whelan | Mark Day | Paul Ryder | Rowetta | Shaun Ryder

For the first time in Australia- the definitive original line-up!

KillRockStar Big Dog Entertainment are thrilled to present Happy Mondays for the first time in Australia- the definitive original line-up!

Fusing the euphoric elements of acid house and rave with joyous indie guitar pop, Manchester's Happy Mondays became one of the most influential UK bands of the later 20^th century. Instigating a cosmic psychedelic shift that is still being felt in music today, the Mondays delivered a salvo of classic tracks and club anthems that were not only highly danceable, but contained enough visceral emotion and raw chemical energy to continually excite and engage a generation. Tracks like Step On, 24 Hour Party People, Wrote For Luck, Loose Fit and Kinky Afro showcased the band's unique ability to unify the divide between dance music and rock 'n' roll.

With an original line-up that included Shaun Ryder on lead vocals, his brother Paul Ryder on bass, lead guitarist Mark Day, drummer Gary Whelan and the legendary Mark "Bez" Berry on dance and vibes, the Mondays released their classic debut Squirrel And G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out) in 1987 to widespread critical acclaim. The albums that followed, 1988's Bummed and then Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches in 1990 were received as instant classics and cemented the Mondays at the forefront of the UK scene the press had dubbed as 'Madchester'.

The band's 4^th album Yes Please! was released in 1992 after which various incarnations of the band followed as did the 2007 release of Unkle Dysfunktional which saw continuing to tour the globe to much acclaim. In 2012 Shaun Ryder announced that the original Happy Mondays line-up would be reuniting and a sold out UK tour quickly followed. 2012 saw the release of Double Double Good and more sold out shows around the planet. The band recently reconvened in the studio for the first new album with the original line-up in 20 years which is due for release in 2013.

KillRockStar Big Dog Entertainment,

FasterLouder, inthemix & Street Press Australia present:

HAPPY MONDAYS

Bez | Gary Whelan | Mark Day | Paul Ryder | Rowetta | Shaun Ryder

For the first time in Australia- the definitive Original line-up!

Tickets On Sale Wednesday 23^rd of January

Friday 3 May Brisbane. The Tivoli

www.ticketek.com.au

Saturday 4 May Sydney. UNSW Roundhouse

www.ticketek.com.au

Sunday 5 May Melbourne. Palace Theatre

www.ticketek.com.au / www.oztix.com.au

Wednesday 8 May Perth. Capitol

www.oztix.com.au / www.heatseeker.com.au

www.krbde.com | www.happymondaysonline.com

Twining's Australia tea endorsed by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; Picnic and afternoon tea at Sydney University

Twining's tea endorsed by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; Picnic and afternoon tea at Sydney University

The secret is out - Kevin Rudd really enjoys Twinings tea, and is a big supporter of the RSCPA.

This was the political message at Sydney University's Quadrangle Building's Lawn.

Mr Rudd's award-winning campaign has gone down the commercial path and the big sell is on.

After emerging as "master blender" at a Twinings nationwide competition to create the perfect cup of Australian tea, Mr Rudd - a self-confessed tea lover - won the right to have his own special flavour sipped by the nation on Australia Day. Mr Rudd had the tea tasted to perfection by members of his department and Abby and Jasper (Mr Rudd's household pets) in an online viral video.

As the winner of the challenge, Mr Rudd chose the RSPCA as the charity to receive 10c for each Australian Afternoon Tea packet sold.

"It was a cocktail of Irish Breakfast, Russian Caravan and Orange Pekoe. The guinea pigs were my staff," said Mr Rudd. "The win is a win for Australian animals.

"It's good to know you've had a cup of tea, when you've had a cup of tea," said Mr Rudd, who wanted the tea to be strong and drinkable with milk.

"I entered the competition because I thought it was a great opportunity to raise some extra cash for the RSPCA.

"I hope people like it.

"I certainly do."

Mr Rudd was part of 65 Australian celebrities who participated in the challenge. Broadcaster Alan Jones, TV host Kerri-Anne Kennerley and her husband John, former world surfing champion Layne Beachley and singer John Williamson were among the finalists.

Websites

Twining's (Australia)

www.twinings.com.au

Kevin Rudd MP (ALP website)

www.alp.org.au/federal-government/labor-people/kevin-rudd/

Sydney University

www.sydney.edu.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

ROSE BYRNE walks the pink carpet at the Australian Premiere of I GIVE IT A YEAR

Rose Byrne returns home in Sydney to attend the Australian Premiere of her new film I GIVE IT A YEAR at Event Cinemas George Street.

The film also stars Simon Baker, Rafe Spall, Anna Faris, Minnie Driver and Stephen Merchant and comes from Working Title Films, the producers of Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love Actually and Notting Hill.

Starting where other romantic comedies finish, I GIVE IT A YEAR charts the trials and tribulations of a young, mismatched couple during their first year of marriage. Josh (Rafe Spall) and Nat’s (Rose Byrne) wedding is a dream come true, but family and friends think it won’t last. When Josh’s ex-girlfriend Chloe (Anna Faris) and Nat’s handsome new client Guy (Simon Baker) come into the picture, the situation gets a little more complicated. Neither wants to be the first to give up, but will they make it?

Featuring a brilliant ensemble cast, the London-set I GIVE IT A YEAR is a modern and thoroughly funny ride through love, chemistry and compatibility.

I GIVE IT A YEAR will be released Nationally on 28 February 2013.

Click here to watch the trailer

MIRANDA KERR TEST DRIVES NEW CHAUFFEUR SERVICE

Qantas ambassador Miranda Kerr has stepped out in Los Angeles to help promote the airline’s upcoming Chauffeur Drive service.

Chauffeur Drive will be offered to Qantas travellers as part of its global airline partnership with
Emirates from April 2013, and to other Qantas long-haul destinations from mid-2013.
Passengers will be collected in a luxury vehicle and driven to the airport to meet their flight. On arrival
at their destination, they will be met by another chauffeur service and driven to their hotel, office or
home.

Miranda said she was looking forward to using the new service.
“I’m sure many regular travellers like myself will appreciate not having to worry about organising
transport to and from the airport,” said Miranda.
“This is a fantastic new benefit, providing an extra level of convenience at the beginning and end of
your journey.”

Chauffeur Drive will be offered to Qantas passengers travelling in First and Business on flights
between Australia to Dubai and London from April 2013.
Elsewhere on the Qantas network, Chauffeur Drive will be available on flights greater than 12 hours
long from July 2013 – namely, flights between Australian and Los Angeles, Dallas, New York,
Santiago and Johannesburg.

Subject to regulatory approval, Qantas and Emirates will form a global partnership and provide
customers in Australia access to more than 70 one-stop destinations in Europe, the Middle East and
Africa. The partnership will give customers a seamless Australian and international network, exclusive
frequent flyer benefits and world-class travel experiences.

The shoot with Miranda tops a week of activity by Qantas in the United States that has included its
Sprit of Australia cocktail event, involvement in the 10th annual G’Day USA function and the
announcement of the Ellen DeGeneres Show coming to Australia in March.

Attached: A picture of Miranda Kerr stepping out of a chauffeur driven car at Los Angeles’ Mr C hotel.
The image will be used in upcoming campaigns to let Business and First Class passengers know
about the Chauffer Drive service on long haul flights.

Rubber Duck, Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

Rubber Duck, Darling Harbour Sydney Australia, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
One of the quirky highlights of Sydney Festival 2013 will be Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's Rubber Duck.

The Rubber Duck - made of a PVC material similar to jumping castles - was constructed in New Zealand by a company that specialises in sewing stadium rooftops and large sails.

He's about 15m high by 15m wide and he's about 18m long," Mr Jessop said of the duck.

It took three people three weeks to sew it - it's about 6km of stitching.

Twenty-five to 30 minutes is all it takes (to inflate), that's using four blowers.

Spectators won't notice it from the shore, but the Rubber Duck, weighing in at 500kg, will be sitting on a 10-tonne barge, hidden by the surface of the water, to ensure it doesn't take flight in the event of high winds.

Just getting the duck into the harbour involves several tug boats, the opening of Pyrmont Bridge, plus a break in the monorail service.