blackbook.Image27270.phpkbshGlAM

It's been a big weekend for Beatles fans. John Lennon would have turned 71 and the past few days have been full of "Ticket to Bride"-style headlines in quick succession that Paul McCartney was possibly getting married, he was definitly getting married, he was on the way to the chapel, and finally, that he did tie the knot with Jersey girl and heiress Nancy Shevell.

more
blackbook.Image23835.Stella.jpg

We all know that Stella McCartney is ecologically-inclined, but she's taken it one step further with her latest initiative. On her website under the "Stella's World" tab there's a "Green Me" section where the designer gives environmental tips, facts about her animal-free production process, and interviews. Her website also features a "Charity" section, which lists the organizations she supports (including Meat Free Monday, founded by Stella, her father Paul McCartney, and her sister Mary McCartney) and ways to get involved.

more
blackbook.Image20526.beatles13.p

Last night, Ringo Starr celebrated his 70th birthday with an epic (congrats, I used your favorite word, internet) concert at Radio City Music Hall. The show featured Ringo, his All-Starr Band (ooph, puns, Ringo loves puns almost as much as lazy bloggers) that's composed of Yoko Ono, Angus Young, Jeff Lyne, Mick Jones, and more, and an absolutely glorious set list ('I Wanna Be Your Man,' 'Yellow Submarine,' 'What I Like About You,' 'Dream Weaver,' etc.). Awesome band, awesome show, yes: correct. But, the real highlight of the evening was when Paul McCartney came out for a the-closest-we'll-ever-get-to-a-Beatles-reunion number and performed the classic track 'Birthday,' off of The White Album.

more
blackbook.Image19159.paul34.jpg

Yesterday, Paul McCartney received the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Later that night, he rocked the East Room of the White House. The former Beatle ran through some killer renditions of his classic hits, closing his a set with a cheeky version of 'Michelle,' which he addressed to the first lady. In between, guests were treated to Stevie Wonder covering 'We Can Work It Out,' Faith Hill covering 'The Long and Winding Road,' and Dave Grohl covering 'Band on the Run,' songs that may or may not have been about the oil leak in the gulf. After the break, check out some performance footage from the gig.

more
blackbook.Image19121.paul.jpg

Today, Paul McCartney will be receiving the Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. (How has he not won this yet?) Yesterday afternoon, in anticipation of the award, McCartney spoke to the press about Beatles history, the Gershwin Prize, and, oddly enough, President Obama. "I must say I'm a big fan, he's a great guy. So lay off him. He's doing great," said McCartney in defense a beleaguered Obama. While discussing the classic song 'A Day in the Life,' McCartney said "don't ask me about Beatles history, I'm just too busy grinning." On the Gershwin Prize, he commented, "as a kid, I grew up listening to the music of the Gershwin brothers and loved it and had no idea of course that one day I might be in such a place getting an honor such as this." The ex-Beatle was charming and self-effacing throughout. Footage after the break.

more

● Hugh Hefner offered Kate Gosselin $400K to flaunt her post-eight-babies bod for Playboy; thankfully, Gosselin turned the offer down. [NYDailyNews] ● Add Paul McCartney to the list of people who want the Beatles catalog on iTunes. McCartney blames EMI for the delay. [NME] ● Did you hear the awesome news that Kristen Wiig is joining Seth Meyers on Weekend Update? Well, don’t get too excited, ‘cause it’s not happening. Meyers will report the faux-news all by his lonesome this season. [EW]

more
blackbook.Image9256.paul-mccartn

After 40-plus years in music, Sir Paul McCartney is still selling out stadiums. The Beatle and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is performing at Citi Field (the new home of the Mets) tonight and tomorrow night, with an extra show added on for Tuesday, July 21, due to the first announced dates selling out within minutes. This past Wednesday, Paul excited fans by playing a surprise show on top of David Letterman’s marquee in midtown. Rolling Stone noted that Paul’s set “recalled the Beatles’ famed Savile Row rooftop gig, when the Fab Four played atop the former building that housed Apple studios. In 1964, the Beatles made their U.S. television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in the same studio Letterman now inhabits.”

more

● It’s been awhile since Courtney Love made any music -- but she’s still a rock star, so much so that she destroyed her New York hotel room (at the Inn at Irving Place) to the tune of $5,000 worth of damage in just eight hours. [P6] ● The Royal Guards in Britain -- you know, the ones who protect the Queen and don’t laugh -- once paid an impromptu tribute to Michael Jackson, playing "Thriller." [Youtube] ● Brandon Routh is Superman no more? According to the actor, his contract for any sequels has run out. [thinkmcflythink]

more

●Jamie Foxx might clinch the role of Frank Sinatra in the upcoming Martin Scorsese bio-pic over Johnny Depp, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Harry Connick Jr. because “cool is colorblind” [PopCrunch] ●John Mayer cementing his D-bag/Lothario status by stumbling out a club Saturday night covered head to chest in red-lipstick kisses from no doubt his countless admirers. [Dlisted] ●Despite making millions of people laugh in films like Zoolander and Night at the Museum, Ben Stiller doesn’t find himself particularly funny. [Showbizspy]

more

imageNot surprisingly, half of Los Angeles is gone, having headed en masse to Indio, Cali, where everyone is about to get their Coachella on. Roxy owner and rock 'n' roll royalty Nic Adler is already out in the desert. He and his cohorts were treated to a soundcheck last night by none other than Sir Paul McCartney. What makes this already-sweet treat doubly delish? McCartney soundchecked some Beatles tunes. To quote Adler’s Facebook message to me: “OMG.” Nic also gives us a sneak preview of what to expect from the rest of the fest.

more