Author Archives: Jordan Dobrew

Recap of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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The list of inductees for the 2024 Rock and Roll hall of Fame are here! The list includes Mary J. Blige, Cher, Ozzy Obourne, Dave Matthews Band, and Foreigner, among others. The induction ceremony would take place at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday.

The festivities would be opened by a performance from Dua Lipa and Cher. Together they performed Cher’s hit song “Believe”. Cher would be inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame by actress Zendaya. “Where do I even begin? Cher is not one person, Her name is just as legendary as her legacy.” Said Zendaya during her speech. Zendaya also noted that Cher is the only woman to have a No. 1 hit on a Billboard chart in each of the past seven decades. Cher would then finish off her induction with a performance of “If I Could Turn Back Time.”

Kool & The Gang would then be inducted by rapper Chuck D. Exclaiming that “This is a long overdue celebration.” Despite having 12 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 including songs “Celebration”, “Jungle Boogie” and “Get Down On It” the band would only get the nod this time around despite being eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1994. 

Ozzy Osbourne would then be inducted by actor Jack Black. Osbourne is already a member of the Hall of Fame as a member of the band Black Sabbath, but this time the prince of darkness gets in for his solo career a discography which includes “Crazy Train” and “No More Tears”. “I’d like to thank whoever voted me into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for my solo work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” the rock legend said before the Cleveland crowd.

Mary J. Blige would be inducted by Dr. Dre and Method Man. “The queen of hip-hop soul is a rock star.” Said Blige during her acceptance speech. Known for hits such as “Family Affair” which would reach the number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Real Love” Blige is a 9 time grammy winner and twelve time Billboard Music Award winner among many other major awards. “I’m grateful that I’m loved, and I’m capable now to give love.” added the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul in her acceptance speech. Her induction would conclude with a hit medley featuring Ella Maye and Lucky Daye.

Full list of inductees here: https://rockhall.com/2024-inductees/

Vancouver Warriors Announce 2024-25 Season Theme Nights

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The Vancouver Warriors lacrosse team have announced an exciting list of theme nights coming to Rogers Arena for the 2024-25 NLL season. The Warriors will continue their trend of every home game being a theme night to help bring in fan engagement from the minute they step into Rogers Arena.

Tickets for all games start as low as $25!

The Warriors will kick off their theme nights at their Home Opener on Friday, December 13th when the team will take on the Rochester Knighthawks. The Warriors are encouraging fans to wear black and gold for their home opener to show their passion for the new season, also be sure to show up early if you do plan on going as the Warriors will introduce their 24-25 roster.

There may be a month gap in between home games for the Warriors, but their next theme night is arguably their most popular, as on January 13th it’s time to break out your cowboy boots and hats for country night! There will be country music playing the entire night as well as other country theme festivities!

On January 24th the Warriors will celebrate the history and impact of indigenous people on both the game of lacrosse and the country as a whole for their First Nations Celebration Night.

Rock fans get ready! As when the Calgary Roughnecks come to town on February 7th it’s the first ever Rock n Roll night from Rogers Arena. Enjoy classic rock hits being played all throughout the night!

Avengers Assemble! As on February 21st the Warriors will be on the lookout for the best Marvel costume when they host their second annual Marvel Superhero Night!

On March 14th when the Toronto Rush come to town, the Warriors will look for some luck of the Irish as they host their annual St. Paddy’s Day Game. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in green (obviously to avoid getting pinched) and show off their best Irish jig as there will be St. Patrick’s festivities all night long.

March 22nd will be the site of the Warriors College Night. As the Warriors are encouraging students from all colleges and universities in the lower mainland to show off their school spirit, and prove who is the best once and for all.

Back by extremely popular demand, the Warriors have decided for the first year they will host two Country Nights in the same season. With the second taking place on April 4th as the Warriors take on the Albany FireWolves.

And to round things off Fan Appreciation Night, which is also the final regular season home game of the season, will take place on April 19th, as the Warriors celebrate their fans for their support throughout the season.

Tickets are on sale now at https://tickets.vancouverwarriors.com/ so make sure to head down to Rogers Arena this year as there’s ample entertainment both on and off the floor.

Canadian Band Simple Plan Announces New Documentary

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Canadian pop-punk band Simple Plan will be the subject of a documentary released to Prime Video. The documentary will chronicle the bands multi-platinum-selling career. 

Lead singer Pierre Bouvier announced the upcoming film while on stage at the When We Were Young Music Festival in Las Vegas on Saturday. The band is currently on a world tour in anticipation of their 25th anniversary. The film is currently in production with Sphere Media. Executive producers are Bruno Dubé, Renaud Chassé and Marie-Hélène Tremblay, and the producer is Samuel Sauvageau. The documentary will be directed by Didier Charrette.

Formed in Montreal in 1999 and currently consists of members Bouvier, drummer Chuck Comeau, lead guitarist Jeff Stinco, and rhythm guitarist David Desrosiers, who joined in 2000 and left in 2020. Best known for their hits “I’m Just a Kid” (which recently found a resurgence in popularity on social media) “Welcome to My Life” and “Jet Lag.” The band also provided their talents to the opening theme of the “What’s New Scooby-Doo” animated series released in 2002. Which is arguably what the band is best known for with people born around that time, who grew up watching the show, myself included.

“This movie is the centrepiece of the band’s 25th anniversary celebrations and probably one of the most ambitious and special projects we’ve ever been a part of. Reaching this milestone felt like the perfect moment to look back, reflect and give our fans an inside look into our lives, both on tour and at home,” said the members of Simple Plan when talking about the film. The documentary that is currently untitled (no pun intended) will feature never before seen footage from the band while in the midst of their success along with new interviews shot for the film with the band. 

There will also be interviews from icons in the punk-rock industry, Mark Hooper (Blink-182), Canadian singer Avril Lavigne, Dexter Holland and Noodles (The Offspring), and Fat Mike (NoFX).

Simple Plan now joins a list of critically acclaimed Canadian artists to have a film released to Prime Video with I Am: Celine Dion, and The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal. documentaries All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, Saving Sakic, and Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe all apart of an influx of Canadian centred content released to Prime Video.

The film is set to release globally to Prime Video sometime in 2025, no official release date has been announced at this point.

Former One Direction Members Pay Tribute After Liam Payne’s Passing

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Tributes are pouring in after the passing of former One Direction star Liam Payne on October 16th. Including his former One Direction band members, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan. 

The former band members released a joint statement to the official One Direction Instagram account saying “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.” “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

Payne, 31, passed away after falling from a 3rd story balcony of his hotel room in Argentina. He was in Argentina to attend Horan’s concert on October 2nd.

After the joint statement each member took to their personal Instagram accounts to pay tribute to Liam.

Zayn Malik’s touching tribute started by saying “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me” Malik would also credit Payne for helping him through what he says was one of the most difficult times of his life, saying “I never got to thank you for supporting me through one of the most difficult times of my life. When I was missing home as a 17 year old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.” Malik would also share a touching photo of the two sleeping next to each other while they were younger. “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.” The statement posted on Thursday concluded.

Harry Styles would then pay tribute saying, “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did.” The post read along with a photo of Payne performing to a sold out crowd. Styles concluded the tribute by paying his respects to his family saying “My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth. His son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”

Louis Tomlinson would pay his tributes by posting a photo of Liam with his arm around him while the two were performing, saying “I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny and kind soul. Tomlinson credited Payne as “an incredible songwriter” and added that “we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had”. He would then send a personal message to Liam finishing with “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”

Niall Horan, who’s concert Payne attended on Oct. 2nd started by saying “It just doesn’t feel real.” The tribute continued “I feel so fortunate I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.” and finished the statement simply saying “Love you brother.”

Billy Joel Announces First Toronto Date in 10 Years

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Billy Joel has announced his upcoming concert dates and it includes his first show in Toronto in over 10 years.

The Piano Man is set to perform at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario on March 15th, 2025. It will be Joel’s only Canadian performance on his tour. Tickets will go on sale Friday, October 25th at 10 a.m. And the presale will be available Monday, October 21st at 10 a.m. for those with American Express cards.

Best known for his hits “Piano Man” “Uptown Girl” and “Movin Out (Anthony’s Song)” Joel ranks among the best selling artists of all time, with over 160 million records sold worldwide. In 2014 Joel announced a concert residency at Madison Square Garden, playing one concert a month at the world famous venue starting on January 27th, 2014. In July Joel would perform at MSG for the 150th time, marking the most lifetime concerts at the venue by any artist. After announcing in 2023 that he would be ending the residency. 

Joel is a 5 time grammy winner, with 23 nominations to his name. He won his first grammy in 1978 for song of the year for “Just The Way You Are” of his album “The Stranger”. And won album of the year for “52nd Street”. His most recent Grammy nomination came in 2002 for best pop collaboration with vocals for “New York State of Mind.” The Bronx native would be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fames in 1992, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

Joel joins a list of major artists to announce a show at Rogers Centre for 2025, joining Coldplay, Metallica, and the Oasis reunion tour, all coming through the home of the Toronto Blue Jays.

This concert will be his first concert in a major Canadian city since performing in Quebec City in July of 2014, and first north of the border since his Niagra Falls show in February of 2023, where he performed at the OLG Stage as the Fallsview Casino. It also marks his first concert at Roger Centre since 1995.

Tickets will be available at LiveNation.com, so get ready to sing along with the Piano Man and all of his classic hits when he comes through Toronto. As it may be the only (and who knows maybe last) chance for fans in Canada to have the iconic artist perform on their home soil.

Menendez Brothers Could be Released, New Netflix Series Helping Shape Public Opinion

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If you’re big into the world of true crime, like I am. You probably know the story of Erik and Lyle, the Menendez brothers. The two brothers who in 1996 were sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez at their Beverly Hills home in 1989.

Well now, with the help of social media and the new age of the world, the brothers may get a new lease on life as they inch closer to freedom, as the Los Angeles County District attorney weighs new evidence. 

With the release of the second season of Monsters was released to Netflix and this time it focused on Erik and Lyle. The show depicts the lives and Erik and Lyle leading up to and the ensuing trial after murdering their parents. Now if you’re unfamiliar with the details of the case. The brothers till this day have never denied killing their parents, but their defense, as that’s what’s helping drive public opinion recently. The brothers during the trial accused their father, Jose, of being a physical and sexual abuser for almost all of the boy’s lives. And that the reason they killed their parents was actually self defense, as they felt their fathers abusive ways would never end.

Public opinion seems to be shifting for the Menedez brothers, as originally they were just seen as two, well, monsters. But with the changing of the world and more knowledge on the effects of abuse and PTSD. Family members of the brothers as well as people on social media are calling for them to be released. As their image has shifted from murderers to victims.

The release of the Monsters docuseries is also helping shape opinions. As the show did not shy away from talking about and showing the abuse the brothers endured at the hands of their father. The case to me draws similarities to Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who in 2023 was released 2 years early after serving 8 years of her 10 year sentence for her involvement in the murder of her mother Dee Dee Blanchard. The defense in that case being Gypsy suffered years of abuse at the hands of her mother. Who supposedly forced her to pretend to be disabled and terminally ill. The rest of the world seemed to believe Gypsy should still be behind bars for her involvement in the crime. So what’s different about the Menendez brothers?

Former One Direction Star Liam Payne Dies at 31

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Former One Direction band member Liam Payne has passed away at the age of 31. It is reported Payne fell from a third story balcony of the hotel he was staying at in Beunos Aires, Argentina. Payne was reportedly in Argentina to attend former band member Niall Horan’s concert.

Police were dispatched to the hotel after receiving a call about “an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”. Upon arriving at the scene Police were said to have heard a thud and found Payne in the courtyard of the hotel. He was pronounced dead by medics at the scene.

Payne rose to success along with his One Direction bandmates after their appearance on the British TV show “The X Factor”. The crew originally auditioned individually, but after all failed to advance Simon Cowell and his X Factor judges decided to combine Payne with Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, thus forming One Direction. Although the group would not ultimately win the competition. They are undoubtedly the greatest success story to come out of the popular British show, and of the most infamous boy bands of all time. 

The band endured massive success throughout the 2010’s with smash hits “What Makes You Beautiful” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life” among numerous other chart toppers. The group would see a major setback in 2015 with the departure of Zayn Malik, which left many fans uncertain with the future of the band. One Direction would go on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, just a year after Malik’s departure.

After One Direction Payne would embark on a very successful solo career. In 2017 he would release “Strip That Down” Ft. Quavo. It would peak at #3 in the UK and #10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. His debut solo album “LP1” would be released in December 2019. His last single “Teardrops” was released on March 1st, 2024.

In recent years Payne had admittedly struggled with alcoholism. He posted a video to his YouTube channel in 2023 saying that he was six months sober after receiving care for his addiction.

At this time Payne’s death and the circumstances surrounding it are still under investigation by local authorities in Argentina. It is unclear at this point whether the fall was an accident, or Payne himself jumped from the balcony.

Payne is survived by his son, Bear, his parents, Geoff and Karen, and his two sisters, Nicola and Ruth.

Kendrick Lamar Cleans House at BET Hip-Hop Awards

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Did the Kendrick and Drake beef just get officially buried after the BET awards last night? After having one of the best years in recent hip-hop memory, without even releasing an album. Kendrick Lamar took home eight different awards at this year’s BET hip-hop awards. And was nominated for 11 awards in total. The ceremonies took place in Las Vegas, with Hip-Hop legend Fat Joe hosting the awards for the third consecutive year.

This comes off the back of an amazing 2024 for Lamar. With his public beef with Canadian artist Drake being the driving point of his success, as many believe Kendrick got the best of Drake in their public feud which included 9 different diss tracks between the two rappers. The beef has remained stagnant since the release of Drake’s “The Heart Part 6”, which is a parody of Kendrick’s “The Heart” song series, which he usually releases leading up to an album. With many saying Drake’s final diss was what killed the beef as it was apparent Kendrick had already won the beef, with his release of “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us”.

Now if you went anywhere this summer there is no doubt you have heard Not Like Us. It was basically the anthem of summer 2024. Being played in clubs, all over TikTok, at sporting events and was consistently in the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 throughout the Summer.

Shifting to Lamar’s night at the BET awards he cleaned house taking home 8 awards. With almost all the awards coming off the back of the success of Not Like Us. 

Awards Won By Lamar:

Best Hip-Hop Video: Not Like Us

Best Collaboration: Like That

Lyricist Of The Year

Video Director Of The Year (award shared with Dave Free)

Song Of The Year: Not Like Us

Hip-Hop Artist Of The Year

Best Featured Verse: Like That

Impact Track: Not Like Us

Like mentioned, Lamar was able to do all of this at the BET award without even releasing an album. With his last release “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” coming out in 2022. With his last solo album before that being his 2017 album ‘DAMN”. 

Other awards winners included Travis Scott taking home the “I Am Hip-Hop Award” as his involvement in the industry as a performer and producer was honoured. And The Alchemist winning both the DJ and Producer of the year award.

Blue Fox Ent. Picks Up Rights to Trailer Park Boys Movie

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Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the North American digital and theatrical rights for the upcoming Trailer Park Boys movie “Standing On The Shoulders Of Kitties: Bubbles And The Shitrockers Story”. 

https://twitter.com/trailerparkboys/status/1846281354222424114

The boys are back! The newest installment in the TPB movie franchise is set to star the original trio of characters. With Mike Smith portraying Bubbles, Robb Wells as Ricky, and John Paul Tremblay as Julian. As well as Patrick Roach playing Randy. This will be the fourth feature length and theatrical release for the Trailer Park Boys franchise. With their last film “Don’t Legalize It” coming out in 2014. 

The movie will also feature Billy Bob Thornton as the lead singer of the band “Boxmasters”. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and actors Martin Freeman and Robert Sheehan will also feature in the film.

The film will follow Bubbles and his band “The Shitrockers” as they travel to Europe hoping to open for Billy Bob Thornton’s band. But after traveling to Prague they are kicked off the tour, and must survive through Europe as they try to find their way back home to Nova Scotia. Plenty of TPB hijinx to happen in this film, as along the way Ricky and Julian will also get up to their regular trouble, and this time in Europe as they help try to get themselves and Bubbles home.

The film’s release date is reportedly set for December 6th, 2024, and shooting is reportedly wrapped up and the film is in the post production phase. Along with the release of the film, there is also a 14 song album that will be released as well by The Shitrockers on Spotify and Apple Music, with the actor of Bubbles, Mike Smith, actually front manning the band. It is also said that the band will go on an American/European tour with special performances from Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters. No tour dates have been announced yet, but it is believed it will start a bit after the release of the movie, along with the album.

If you need to catch up on your TPB history all 16 seasons, and other films in the franchise are available to stream on Netflix.

According to Ciniplex’s website the movie has an expected run time of 1H 51M. So there will be plenty of TPB for you to enjoy this holiday season. And according to the TPB twitter the trailer is right around the corner! Blue fox is planning to release the film nationwide in theaters. Stay tuned to Ciniplex.com for details on tickets for the film.

The Rock’s Return to WWE Has Fans Excited For Survivor Series in Vancouver

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Do you smell what The Rock is cooking? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made his awaited return to WWE programming at the companies premium live event “Bad Blood” that was held in Atlanta, Georgia on October 6th, 2024. And it has fans in Vancouver excited, as The Rock is expected to not only help build up the storyline to their upcoming PLE Survivor Series at Rogers Arena, but is anticipated to be a participant in “War Games” match that the show is based off of. 

The Rock has been a focal part of the “Bloodline” storyline over the past year as he would come back in the leadup to Wrestlemania 40 to help fuel the fire that was the feud between then undisputed WWE champion Roman Reigns and “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. As well as being involved in Night 1’s main event tag match between Rock & Roman vs Cody & Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Which saw The Rock pin Cody 1-2-3 to pick up the victory for The Bloodline.

His return left a lot of questions to be answered as currently on WWE programming The Rock is portraying his villainous “Final Boss” character, which is supposed to be an amplified version of his “Hollywood Rock” gimmick he used in the early 2000s. Although last time we saw The Rock he was helping his cousin Roman Reigns in his feud against Cody. But with Roman coming back and teaming up with Cody in the main event of Bad Blood, to take on “The Bloodline 2.0’s” Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in a tag team match. It seems the gesture Rock made was towards Roman for turning his back on family and working with Cody. Fans have begun speculating if this is the start of the long awaited feud between two of the biggest stars in modern wrestling history.

Whether you’re a major mark like I am, or someone who doesn’t even watch wrestling. There’s no doubt The Rock’s arrival to Vancouver will be electrifying (pun intended). And has everyone excited for WWE’s upcoming PLE in Vancouver. 

It also only makes sense for The Rock to be at the PLE as the last one held in Vancouver (then Pay Per Views) was Rock Bottom: In Your House. The title of that PPV of course comes from The Rock finishing move “The Rock Bottom”. So even if you connect the dots all signs point to the 10-time world champion making his in-ring return at Survivor Series. 

It all goes down Saturday November 30th, 2024 from Rogers Arena. So make sure to start tuning into Raw and Smackdown as this storyline begins to develop

Tickets for the event are available at ticketmaster.ca