Shea Hatcher's blog

Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, John Paul Jones Unveil Supergroup

Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, John Paul Jones Unveil Supergroup

Them Crooked Vultures make their debut with a post-Lollapalooza set.
By James Montgomery

Officially, Lollapalooza ended Sunday night in Chicago's Grant Park, with dueling sets from the Killers and Jane's Addiction. Unofficially, it ended very early Monday morning, across town at venerable rock club the Metro, with a surprise show by Them Crooked Vultures.

To the unfamiliar, the Vultures might seem like an odd choice to close out Lolla weekend ... until you realize that they're made up of Foo Fighters frontman/ former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme and Led Zeppelin legend John Paul Jones. And their gig at the Metro was their world premiere.

According to some reports, the Vultures actually turned down Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell's request to replace the Beastie Boys as headliners at the festival, opting to debut in front of some 1,100 super-psyched fans at the Metro, rather than 75,000 in Grant Park (tickets for the gig were announced via Foo Fighter/ QOTSA fan clubs). Meaning that, in a lot of ways, this was the most sought-after ticket in town.

Taking the stage just after midnight, the Vultures — Grohl on drums (of course), Homme on guitar and vocals, Jones on bass and keys and frequent QOTSA contributor Alain Johannes on guitar — ripped through 12 songs in 80 minutes, all taken from their upcoming debut, which may or may not be called Never Deserved the Future, and may or may not be hitting stores on October 23 (early "promo" videos touting both those facts were revealed over the weekend to be hoaxes perpetrated by QOTSA fans).

The songs, with appropriately Homme-ian titles like "Scumbag Blues," "Mind Eraser (No Chaser)," "Caligulove" and "Interlude w/Ludes," sounded pretty much how you'd expect, given the band's pedigree. They rocked, hard — Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot described them as "fresh, invigorating and just plain nasty" — delving off into psychedelic, reverb-filled excursions and exploring proggy territory, "both of the old-school Yes variety, and the more modern Tool flavor," according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Jim DeRogatis.

It's not known if Monday's Metro performance was a one-off event for the Vultures — there have been whispers of a full-blown tour, but a spokesperson for Homme had not responded to MTV News' request for comment at press time. Nor was it clear whether or not they'll have an album out in October.

Early Monday, a Crooked Vultures Twitter account, which had previously posted links to the band's official-looking Web site and the Metro's online ticketing site — posted a link to what appears to be the group's first bit of official merchandise: a Deserve the Future T-shirt. Cost: $30.

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• The Lollapalooza 2009 Experience

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• Vampire Weekend, Jane's Addiction, More At Lollapalooza 2009

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• Queens of the Stone Age
• Led Zeppelin

Bengt Aberg Greg Albertyn Jeff Alessi Mike Alessi Thomas Allier

Charlize Theron Commends Kristen Stewart For Being 'Authentic'

Charlize Theron Commends Kristen Stewart For Being 'Authentic'

'When she says 'I don't give a f---,' she means that,' the 'Snow White and the Huntsman' actress tells MTV News.
By Fallon Prinzivalli, with reporting by Josh Horowitz

Charlize Theron
Photo: MTV News

For two people who seem so different, Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron have great offscreen chemistry. In our "MTV First: Snow White and the Huntsman," they made each other laugh with their comments and played off each other's answers — like when Stewart described Theron in three words, saying, "I want you," and Theron replied, "You got it," and spread her legs apart.

When MTV News' Josh Horowitz caught up with the "Young Adult" actress, she chalked up their friendship to the age-old "opposites attract" phenomenon, saying that what specifically attracts her to Stewart is her genuine personality.

"The first thing I noticed about her was when she says 'I don't give a f---,' she means that," Theron said. "She's not just trying to be cool. She's not trying to be edgy. She's very, very authentic, and that's what I like about her."

The two actresses star in an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale "Snow White," which follows the princess as she fights alongside the Huntsman to reclaim her kingdom from the evil Queen Ravenna. The film hits theaters June 1, and Theron got to know Stewart as they worked on the project together.

"I think that there's an incredible girl there," Theron said. "And I like that she's so different because I think that it's authentic — and there's nothing I despise more than people trying to be something that they're not. And all these, kind of, quirks that she has, they're authentic to who she is and she's not putting it on, she's not trying to do it. She's just really who she is."

While the "Twilight" actress has received bad press in the past when people mistook her timid nature for rudeness or conceit, her co-star had nothing but praise for her character.

"You know, a lot of people at that age can still be [finding themselves]. And of course she's still going to be finding herself in certain [ways], but I'm pretty impressed with where she is already at her very young age," Theron said. "And I have so much respect for someone who can just authentically be themselves."

Check out everything we've got on "Snow White and the Huntsman."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Josh Thomson gets pranked by AKA teammates (VIDEO)

Josh Thomson gets pranked by AKA teammates (VIDEO)

Josh Thomson has been hard at work at his gym, AKA, to prepare for this weekend's title bout against Gilbert Melendez. He's been so busy, in fact, that he didn't notice when his teammates moved his car in a prank.

Geez. You can't mess with the man's car before he fights.

Both Thomson and Daniel Cormier, a player in the prank, will fight at Strikeforce this weekend. Will it be a good weekend for the AKA fighters? Tell us in the comments, on Twitter or on Facebook.

Bengt Aberg Greg Albertyn Jeff Alessi Mike Alessi Thomas Allier

UFC on Fox 3 ratings dropped off from previous shows

UFC on Fox 3 ratings dropped off from previous shows

Though Saturday's UFC card on Fox was the best of the three cards that have aired on the network. Unfortunately, it was also the least-viewed of the three. Saturday's fights pulled in 2.25 million viewers, less than the four million plus who watched UFC on Fox 1 and 2. The UFC won the key demographic of adults 18-49, but lost badly in overall ratings to CBS' "48 Hours Mystery."

There are several reasons for this drop-off in viewers:

-- Lack of star power: The main card was not stocked with bankable stars, like in the past two events. There was no belt on the line, no outspoken promoter like Chael Sonnen, no well-known former champ like Rashad Evans. While Josh Koscheck has the reputation of being an MMA bad boy, it wasn't anywhere near what Sonnen and Davis brought to the last card. The shame is that the performances were great and had nothing to do with the names written on a fight card.

-- Mayweather/Cotto: Though the UFC did not go up directly against the marquee boxing match-up of the year, the Floyd Mayweather/Miguel Cotto bout did not help. Much of the week's pre-fight coverage was devoted to the big boxing event instead of MMA bouts, and contributed to the lack of buzz around the UFC fights.

-- No football: Something that hurt the UFC that they had no control over is that there was no football to promote the events. For the UFC's first two events on Fox, the NFL was in-season and gave considerable promotion to fights. Cain Velasquez appeared on set with the NFL on Fox crew, and ads were run throughout games. Without football and its broad audience and huge ratings, the UFC didn't have as much of a promotional push to pull in casual fans.

Did you watch Saturday's fights? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

Amy Smart Marley Shelton

One Direction Hit 'MIB 3' Premiere Armed With Toy Guns

One Direction Hit 'MIB 3' Premiere Armed With Toy Guns

'I just think it's fun and the action's great,' Louis Tomlinson tells MTV News on the red carpet.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Wigler and Fallon Prinzivalli

One Direction
Photo: MTV News

NEW YORK — Armed with Nerf guns, the five guys of One Direction hit up the "Men in Black 3" premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre, ready to face any kind of challenges.

The fivesome, who kicked off their headlining U.S. tour on Tuesday night, took a break from the road to catch the film. They also chatted with MTV News on the red carpet about why they felt they needed a line of defense for the fete.

"We're safe [with them and we'll use them on] anyone who gets brave," Louis Tomlinson joked about their Nerf guns. But the fellas did have a real reason for wanting to catch the film: They are big fans of the "Men in Black" franchise and have been for quite some time.

"[They are] great films, aren't they?" Tomlinson added. "I just think it's fun and the action's great. We were young when the first came out, so we kind of grew up with them."

Once inside the theater, instead of having to fend off anyone who might have gotten in their way, they gave the guns away to a few young fans who ran up to them. While security did their best to keep fans away from the boy banders, one young girl managed to get to the floppy-haired Harry Styles. All five guys agreed to give the girl their autograph. Before the film started, they hung out in their seats, munching on popcorn while adoring fans and their moms checked the guys out.

Later on, at the after-party held on the USS Intrepid, fans followed the band as they made their way around the bash, including down several flights of stairs to the bathrooms. They didn't stop for anyone, but they smiled and waved occasionally.

The guys won't have too much time to hit up more movie premieres since they are back to playing Thursday night (May 24) in Virginia. One Direction will continue on their summer tour through July. Meanwhile, "Men in Black 3" opens Friday.

Check out everything we've got on "Men in Black 3."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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UFC on Fuel TV 4: Alex Caceres vs. Damacio Page Added to July Card

UFC on Fuel TV 4: Alex Caceres vs. Damacio Page Added to July Card

A bantamweight bout between Alex Caceres and Damicio Page is set for UFC on Fuel TV 4. The UFC announced the match up earlier today. UFC on Fuel TV 4 is headlined by a middleweight bout between Mark Munoz and Chris Weidman on July 11. The card will take place in San Jose, CA.

MMAFrenzy.com

A bantamweight bout between Alex Caceres and Damicio Page is set for UFC on Fuel  TV 4. The UFC announced the match up earlier today.

Alex Caceres will likely be fighting for his UFC career with a 1-3 record in the promotion. While Caceres looked strong in his last fight against Edwin Figueroa, he was deducted two points for multiple hard shots to the groin.

Damacio Page will also be on notice after a three-fight losing streak. While Page has lost to impressive opponents in his last three fights, he will be looking to get back into the win column against the TUF veteran.

UFC on Fuel TV 4 is headlined by a middleweight bout between Mark Munoz and Chris Weidman on July 11. The card will take place in San Jose, CA.

MMAFrenzy.com

Reese Witherspoon

XFC 18: UFC-Vet John Salter takes on Reggie Pena

XFC 18: UFC-Vet John Salter takes on Reggie Pena

The XFC has tapped UFC Veteran John Salter to face Reggie Pena in the main event of XFC 18. XFC officials confirmed the bout with MMAFrenzy.

MMAFrenzy.com

The XFC has tapped UFC Veteran John Salter to face Reggie Pena in the main event of XFC 18. XFC officials confirmed the bout with MMAFrenzy.

Salter, a former NAIA national champion, has been riding a three-fight winstreak since being let go by the UFC. While he is an accomplished wrestler, Salter holds the distinction of never having gone to a decision.

XFC President John Prisco praised Salter’s progress as an MMA fighter, stating:

“John Salter could very well be the best wrestler on the card at XFC 18,” said Prisco. “His accolades from his days as an amateur wrestler are so impressive and you can’t overlook how quickly he has evolved as a complete fighter. John isn’t a boring wrestler. He’s been knocking guys out his last few fights. I’m really excited to see how this plays out on June 22nd. The fans in Nashville are going to get their money’s worth and those watching on HDNet are in for a treat.”

Reggie Pena is stepping into the main event looking to derail Salter’s momentum. Pena is known as a heavy-handed striker with a strong submission game. While Pena was not the original main event fighter, Prisco insists it would be foolish to count out the exciting Pena.

“Reggie is as tough as they come,” exclaimed XFC President John Prisco. “He’s 3-0 with the XFC. He defeated Josh Clark at XFC 14 in October and I thought back then that he was definitely ready for a main event spot. Samman vs. Salter was going to be a war. But Pena vs. Salter is going to be explosive. Salter may have the edge on experience and his wrestling is top notch, but Reggie is going to push the pace and if this fight stays standing I have to think he is the favorite.”

XFC 18: Music City Mayhem is sponsored by ICRealtime and will air live on HDnet from the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN June 22nd, 2012. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com.  You can also follow the promotion daily on Facebook and Twitter (@officialxfc).

Full XFC 18 HDNet Card:

• Main Event Middleweight Bout: John Salter vs Reggie Pena
• Co-Main Heavyweight Bout:Scott Barrett vs Gabriel Salinas Jones
• Feature Bout Women’s Catchweight (120lbs.): Sofia Bagherdai vs Heather Jo Clark
• Middleweight Bout: Dustin West vs Joe Ray
• Lightweight Bout: Matt Metts vs Scott Holtzman
• Welterweight Bout: Jason Blackford vs Donny Wallace
• Featherweight Bout: Luke Sanders vs Zachary Sanders

MMAFrenzy.com

Thandie Newton Piper Perabo Rachael Leigh Cook Virginie Ledoyen

Lady Gaga - Lady Is A Tramp

Lady Gaga - Lady Is A Tramp

Lady Is A Tramp

• Artist: Lady Gaga
• Label: Columbia Records
• Director:
• Album: Enamorado...Y Que!

Amanda Peet

Dos Santos: Inside My Fight Camp - Junior Dos Santos

Dos Santos: Inside My Fight Camp - Junior Dos Santos
When Junior dos Santos set up his fight camp in Brazil, he carefully chose a team specifically designed to counter Alistair Overeem. With Overeem out, Cigano's team had to be adjusted mid-stream. Paula Sack went to Bahia to find out what he did to prep for new opponent and submission artist Frank Mir. Watch dos Santos make his first title defense at UFC® 146: dos Santos vs. Mir, live on Pay-Per-View, Saturday May 26 at 10PM/7PM, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Rebecca Mader Melissa Rycroft Deanna Russo Estella Warren

Watch: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Releases 2 New TV Commercials

Watch: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Releases 2 New TV Commercials
Earlier this week we got to check out a whole slew of new posters for the upcoming sequel film The Dark Knight Rises. Today we get to check out a couple of newly released TV commercials for the film. Unlike full on trailers, commercials have to grab the audience in much less time. These new [...]

Earlier this week we got to check out a whole slew of new posters for the upcoming sequel film The Dark Knight Rises. Today we get to check out a couple of newly released TV commercials for the film. Unlike full on trailers, commercials have to grab the audience in much less time. These new commercials are each 30 seconds long but they contain new, previously unseen footage. Check out the clips below.

This trailer is pretty standard as it gives us a bit of an overall feel for the film. I’d say it’s more Bruce Wayne specific. The second trailer is more focused, funny and … Catwoman specific:

I like the wife joke, it’s very cute. I’m still not completely sold on Anne Hathaway as Catwoman but … we shall see. These are neat commercials, you should be seeing them on TV very soon.

[Source, Source]

Chelsea Handler Joanna Krupa Michelle Obama Yvonne Strzechowski