How American are you? Probably not as American as Steve Martin!
On May 28, the actor and his Steep Canyon Rangers made a visit to Paul Revere’s historic home in Boston for a surprise performance of their 2011 single, “Me and Paul Revere.” They may as well have named the song “Mom and Apple Pie”!
Quite a crowd assembled to witness Martin perform the patriotic ditty, which retells the classic Revolutionary story. But we decided that all our countrymen need to see it too. Check it out below:
Naturally, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers’ break-up bluegrass anthem “Jubilation Day,” off of their Rare Bird Alert album, called for an animated music video in which Steve and the boys are, in fact, birds pickin’ away with their talons.
The comedy truly kicks in around the minute mark, when Steve flies to the stage and proceeds to tap his right talon during a musical interlude that gets one bird in the crowd dancing. Be sure to stick around till the end: READ FULL STORY »
Image Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Last night, those fortunate to be on the New York fundraiser circuit (or fledgling EW reporters) were treated to an intimate concert at Carnegie Hall headlined by none other than the king of soft folk-rock himself, James Taylor.
Taylor was there to help the famous venue, founded in 1891 and celebrating 120 years of being NYC’s premier concert hall by welcoming back some of its most famous performers. The roster included Bette Midler, (Carnegie debut, 1972) Steve Martin, (1971) Barbara Cook, (1961) Dianne Reeves, (1989) and Sting (1991).
While the gala crowds at the Carnegie last night probably wouldn’t be defined as musical trailblazers, they did love them some James Taylor. By the time the musician strode out at about a quarter past 7 p.m., the house was packed. I didn’t check the rafters to see if people were hanging from them, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if some ball-gowned “Country Road” enthusiasts had sneaked their way past security. READ FULL STORY »
Image Credit: Clayton Call/Redferns/Getty ImagesSteve Martin is one big banjo-playing jerk. I mean, have you seen the things this guy asks for in his tour rider? Hat tip to Vulture for spotting the incriminating document, which somehow leaked on Martin’s official site earlier this month.
Among the demands made by the funny dude turned bluegrass trouper when he hits the road: “Instruments must be tuned by a wiry, sarcastic guy named Shorty, Lou, or Lightnin’… One (1) whole roasted chicken for Steve to use as dancing puppet… Beverage service must include thoughtful assortment of meads and bendy straws… Venue must have Bela Fleck on speed dial, in case Steve’s feeling lazy… The band discreetly enjoys hard drugs, namely Advil, so be sure to ‘accidentally’ leave some lying around.” Talk about a rock star ego trip!
Okay, this “leaked” tour rider is almost certainly a joke about other artists’ actual ridiculous requests. Pretty funny stuff. Check it out at Martin’s official site and let us know your favorite part.
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