Latest news with #Babyshambles
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lalo Schifrin, Composer of ‘Mission: Impossible' Theme, Dead at 93
Lalo Schifrin, the Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning composer behind the 'Theme From Mission: Impossible,' has died at the age of 93. The composer's son Ryan confirmed his father's death to the Associated Press, adding that Schifrin died Thursday due to complications from pneumonia at his home in Los Angeles. More from Rolling Stone Rebekah Del Rio, 'Mulholland Drive' Singer of 'Llorando,' Dead at 57 Bobby Sherman, Teen Music and Television Star, Dead at 81 Patrick Walden, Babyshambles Guitarist, Dead at 46 The Buenos Aires, Argentina-born Schifrin, the son of an orchestral violinist, had an early start in music, training on the piano at the age of six. However, upon entering college, Schifrin opted to study law, but his musical roots ultimately took hold. 'While advancing with my law studies, I was also studying music on the side, only as a hobby. And I had a very good teacher, who is probably the most important South American composer—Juan Carlos Paz. He's known among avant-garde circles all over the world, because he's the one who introduced twelve–tone music and the serial techniques in Argentina,' Schifrin told Jazz Professional in 1967. 'All of a sudden, the French Embassy in Buenos Aires offered a scholarship to the Conservatoire of Music. I went for the examination and won the scholarship. That meant that I abandoned my plans for a law career, and I decided to go to Europe.' In Paris, Schifrin became immersed in jazz music, as many of the greats of the time — Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson — would regularly perform during his time there. Upon returning to Argentina, Schifrin joined one of the country's first jazz orchestras, where he drew the attention of a visiting jazz legend, Dizzy Gillespie. Schifrin, who at that time was already scoring Argentinean films, eventually joined Gillespie's band. 'I stayed with Dizzy about three years,' he said. 'In addition to writing many things for the small group, I rearranged his band book for a type of orchestra with no saxophones in it—only brass,' compositions that formed Gillespie's 1960 LP Gillespian, and resulted in Schifrin's first Grammy nomination (for Best Original Jazz Composition). Schifrin moved to New York and worked alongside Gillespie from 1960 to 1963. (Schifrin and Gillespie would reunite for 1977's Free Ride.) However, dissatisfied with the traveling involved with being in a jazz group, Schifrin signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer, moved to Los Angeles, and scored his first American film, 1964's Rhino! Two years later, Schifrin created his most popular work, the theme from the American spy series Mission: Impossible,' which — the composer frequently admitted — he wrote in just three minutes, and without first seeing any footage from the series or even reading a script. All Schifrin had to go on was producers' idea for an opening credits' burning fuse, which gave the theme its original title, 'Burning Fuse.' (Morse Code of the series' initials, M:I, would also form the theme's 5/4 signature.) 'Television, in those days, people were in the kitchen having a soft drink, and all of the sudden in the living room, the TV set is playing the theme of a new show,' Schifrin said, adding that the 'inviting, exciting' theme was like a lure. Like the series itself, 'Theme From Mission: Impossible' was a hit, landing on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Schifrin a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Theme; the song would also be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. (Decades later, the TV show would also eventually become a billion-dollar Tom Cruise film franchise, and though it updated Schifrin's theme, the composer did not contribute musically to any of the reboot's installments.) Over the course of his career, Schifrin would score over 200 films and television shows, and while some would lean on his jazz background — like his work on the 1968 Steve McQueen classic Bullitt and his Oscar-nominated score for Cool Hand Luke, notably its famed 'Tar Sequence' — Schifrin would adapt musically to fit the project, like his experimental work on George Lucas' sci-fi flick THX-1138 and his terrifying score for The Amityville Horror; the composer was infamously recruited to originally score The Exorcist, but upon delivering a portion of his music, the studio and director William Friedkin deemed the shrieking score too scary for even the film and rejected. 'I look for unusual sounds—but never as gimmicks. I like always to make them functional, organic parts of the music,' Schifrin told Jazz Professional. 'It can be percussion, it can be bizarre or exotic instruments, or it can be electronic instruments—but I look for that musical quality, that can be combined, and be organic to the film, to the orchestra and to the music.' Other notable Schifrin scores include Dirty Harry and its sequel Magnum Force, 1973's Charley Varrick, the Bruce Lee kung fu classic Enter the Dragon, Brubaker, the Rush Hour trilogy, Carlos Saura's Tango, the Ringo Starr-starring Caveman and more. 'I've used something in the periphery of jazz myself—not really jazz, but some jazz–orientated scores, like Bullitt, the picture with Steve McQueen. And a little bit of jazz in certain other movies,' Schifrin said. 'But jazz doesn't need anything to be seen, while film–making is made up of many components. There are the dramatic, the visual and the audio elements: they have to be all integrated, and be part of the one thing.' Despite winning a handful of Grammys, the Academy Award remained elusive: Schifrin was nominated for Best Original Score six times — for Cool Hand Luke, The Fox, Voyage of the Damned, The Amityville Horror, The Competition and The Sting II — but never won an Oscar. However, the Academy celebrated Schifrin's career with an honorary Oscar in 2019. 'I love music. To me there is no labels,' Schifrin said in 1969. 'I don't believe in rock n' roll or classical or jazz. I believe that there is good music and bad music.' Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patrick Walden, Babyshambles Guitarist, Dead at 46
Patrick Walden, guitarist in the Pete Doherty-fronted band Babyshambles, has died at the age of 46. The British band announced Walden's death Friday on social media; no cause of death was provided. More from Rolling Stone Ananda Lewis, Celebrated MTV VJ, Dead at 52 Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Co-Founder and Architect of Pop, Dead at 82 Questlove, Clairo, Earthgang, and More Remember Sly Stone: He 'Was a Giant' 'It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death,' Babyshambles — Doherty, Mick Whitnall, Drew McConnell and Adam Ficek — said in a joint statement. 'We feel very fortunate to have known/loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.' After Doherty was booted from the Libertines (twice) in the early 2000s due to substance abuse issues, the guitarist formed Babyshambles as his musical outlet, and enlisted Walden as lead guitarist. In addition to his guitar work on tracks like 'Killamangiro' and 'Albion,' Walden also served as co-writer on three tracks on the band's 2005 album Down in Albion, including their hit single 'Fuck Forever.' However, Walden's tenure with Babyshambles was short-lived, as drug issues and a criminal case for assaulting his then-girlfriend (all charges were ultimately dismissed) led to his departure in 2005; he was replaced by Whitnall on the group's second album, 2007's Shotter's Nation. While Walden remained in the Babyshambles orbit and occasionally performed with his former band mates, he never officially rejoined the group, which just this past March reunited at a Doherty solo gig. During that show, Doherty teased Babyshambles' return later this year. Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bobby Sherman, Teen Music and Television Star, Dead at 81
Bobby Sherman, the former teen star who appeared in Here Comes the Brides and recorded the Billboard Hot 100 hits 'Julie, Do You Love Me' and 'Little Woman,' has died. His wife, Brigitte Poublon Sherman, confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media by their family friend, actor John Stamos. Sherman was 81 years old. 'It is with the heaviest heart that I share the passing of my beloved husband, Bobby Sherman,' the statement reads. 'Bobby left this world holding my hand — just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage. I was his Cinderella, and he was my prince charming. Even in his final days, he stayed strong for me. That's who Bobby was — brave, gentle, and full of light.' More from Rolling Stone Patrick Walden, Babyshambles Guitarist, Dead at 46 Ananda Lewis, Celebrated MTV VJ, Dead at 52 Brian Wilson, Beach Boys Co-Founder and Architect of Pop, Dead at 82 Brigitte did not share Sherman's cause of death. She celebrated his career, saying, 'known around the world for his music and acting, he brought joy to millions through songs like 'Julie, Do Ya Love Me,' 'Easy Come, Easy Go,' and 'Little Woman,' and through his beloved role in Here Come the Brides.' After Here Comes the Brides was cancelled in 1970, Sherman continued his career with guest appearances on The Mod Squad, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote. He would later appear in the 1983's rock comedy Get Crazy. Brigitte recalled reading her husband letters he received from fans around the world as he rested. 'Words of love and gratitude that lifted his spirits and reminded him of how deeply he was cherished,' she said. 'He soaked up every word with that familiar sparkle in his eye. And yes, he still found time to crack well-timed jokes — Bobby had a wonderful, wicked sense of humor. It never left him. He could light up a room with a look, a quip, or one of his classic, one-liners.' When sharing the statement, Stamos wrote, 'From one ex teen idol, to another – rest in peace Bobby Sherman.' Sherman is survived by Brigitte, his two sons, Tyler and Christopher, as well as his six grandchildren. 'To those who truly knew him, Bobby was something much more,' Brigitte said. 'He was a man of service. He traded sold-out concerts and magazine covers for the back of an ambulance, becoming an EMT and a trainer with the LAPD. He saved lives. He showed us what real heroism looks like — quiet, selfless, and deeply human. He lived with integrity, gave without hesitation, and loved with his whole heart. And though our family feels his loss profoundly, we also feel the warmth of his legacy — his voice, his laughter, his music, his mission. Thank you to every fan who ever sang along, who ever wrote a letter, who ever sent love his way. He felt it.' Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Glastonbury 2025: post your questions for Carl Barât and Pete Doherty of the Libertines
Pete Doherty and Carl Barât's relationship has been called 'one of pop's great rollercoaster romances'. They met in the early 2000s in London and forged the Libertines in the fire of squat parties and guerilla gigs across the capital. The band defined the era's guitar music – raw energy, bohemian lyricism, 'the' band names, hats. Their 2002 debut album, Up the Bracket, produced by the Clash's Mick Jones, remains a seminal release of the decade, with bleary-eyed garage-rock hits such as I Get Along, What a Waster, and the title single, which have lit up indie discos ever since. The co-frontmen stuck it out for a few years through thick and thin (thin being Doherty's numerous arrests, drugs busts and that time he broke into Barât's flat). It's a love-hate brotherhood they cemented in the 2004 UK No 2 single Can't Stand Me Now, which came alive when they performed, jostling for the same microphone. Eventually the Libertines disbanded in 2004, with Barât forming Dirty Pretty Things and Doherty focusing on Babyshambles. There have been reunions over the years: the pair attempted to bury the hatchet in 2007 and 2009, and they released 2015 album Anthems for Doomed Youth. But the 2020s have marked a new chapter. The band returned with 2024's All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, which was recorded – completely sober, they say – at the studio they co-founded in Margate, Kent. Now's your chance to ask them everything you've ever wanted to know about being the boys in the band. On Sunday 29 June at 12pm at the Astrolabe theatre, they'll be speaking to music critic Miranda Sawyer with the help of this reader Q&A. Fancy finding out how they view their legacy? What the secret is to their songwriting? Or how they survived those early years? Post your questions in the comments below and the best will be read out onstage. If you're at Glastonbury, come along and see it live, but if you're not we'll publish highlights online afterwards.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Patrick Walden, Babyshambles guitarist, dies aged 46
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Patrick Walden, the guitarist best known for his work alongside Pete Doherty in the British post-punk band Babyshambles, has died aged 46. The news was announced through the group's social media. No cause of death was revealed. Doherty had formed the band after splitting from the Libertines in the early 2000s, his substance abuse a key driver in his departure. When assembling a new outfit, he confided in Walden as lead guitarist, who could be found with anything from a Gretsch semi-hollow to a Tele or a Jazzmaster draped over his shoulder. Proving to be more than just Doherty's foil, Walden co-wrote a host of songs featured on their 2005 debut album, Down in Albion. That included co-writing its big hit, Fuck Forever, a track driven by a chimey, edge-of-breakup guitar tone. It's one with both charm and attitude in equal measure, something that typified the band's – and Walde's – signature sound. Walden would leave the band in December 2005 in light of substance issues, and an assault case involving his then-girlfriend, although all charges were later dropped. Michael Whitnall took his place for 2007's Shotter's Nation. However, Walden linked up with two ex-bandmates, Drew McConnell and Seb Rochford, for a show in July 2007, and joined the Babyshambles at a gig at Halo in Battersea two years later. 'It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death,' Babyshambles say in an official statement. 'We feel very fortunate to have known, loved, and worked with him, and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.' One commenter on the band's Instagram post, currently the only one visible on its timeline, compared his guitar playing to the Stooges maestro Scott Asheton, calling him 'the best guitarist of my generation.' As per an interview with blogger Olivia Collins for The Musical Acid Test in November 2024, Walden says he was pursuing a degree in jazz composition, citing the genre as his first love. His first job was working at Camden Jazz Café at 18, rubbing shoulders with some prestigious names, including Herbie Hancock and Ravi Coltrane. But it was in the indie rock world with which he is more commonly associated. 'I realised when I stopped drinking, the hunger for music came back and I wanted to do something new and different with that kind of music,' he had said. 'The way I played all the other music was very instinctive, I would just do it, by playing in bands, but this takes training, it's a lot of hard work, and I think it's a responsibility as well.'
