Monday, March 11, 2013
1990s Hippie or Flower People dangling glass n plastic beads room divider.
Mötley Crüe
Bio
After Three Decades Of Decadence, Rockers Continue To Influence, Inspire New Generations
Perhaps the most momentous accomplishment of Mötley Crüe’s rock n’roll legacy is the fact that its original members have survived to tell their tale—while remaining as active and relevant today as bands half their age, many of whom validated their own mojo from the original bad boys of rock. After what would be more than a complete lifetime for most, the band who described their exploits in their NY Times best selling, rock and roll autobiography defining The Dirt, the band is as relevant as ever, releasing hit records, a new Grammy nomination, record setting tours and new fans discovering them through the cutting edge bands they take on tour, their active internet presence and the timelessness of the songs.
Piled alongside the grinding guitar riffs and ball-busting lyrics that have long defined the rabble-rousing rock quartet are enough bottles of booze, anthills of coke, bail bonds, willing women, body brandings and dysfunctional debauchery to fell many a lesser man. And yet after three decades of decadence, Mötley Crüe maintains its iron will, capturing new fans and influencing musicians across multiple generations. With persistently gratifying and iconic road spectacles, 2011 will bear witness to their endurance as the world’s most notorious band takes on the world’s most notorious city with their Las Vegas residency, Circus of Sin.
Vocalist Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars, bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee have commandeered the rock pantheon for 30 years now and yet, Mötley Crüe’s rock royalty emanates with as much kickass iridescent relevance in the millennium as it did in the 1980s. The Crüe’s bragging rights comprise worldwide album sales exceeding 80 million—25 million in the U.S.—seven platinum or multi-platinum albums, 22 top 40 mainstream rock hits, six top 20 pop singles, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Grammy nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance, a New York Times bestselling memoir, and tours logging more than 1,350 live gigs across the globe, to date. The band’s output encompasses nine studio and two live albums, six compilation CDs, three box sets, nine DVDs, and 24 singles with accompanying music videos.
Individually, the gang of four is as notorious as its collective. Over the decades, Neil has released three solo albums, including the top 15 “Exposed” in 1993. Add to that the recent New York Times bestseller Tattoos & Tequila, a companion to the 2010 CD of the same name and more than $2 million raised for his Skylar Neil Foundation in memory of his daughter, who passed away in 1995 after a battle with cancer.
Lee formed platinum-selling band Methods of Mayhem in 1999, and released 2002 top 10 solo album “Never a Dull Moment,” followed in 2005 by “Tommyland: The Ride,” which reached No. 1 in Australia and the U.K. Whether he’s playing the drums upside down on the newly famed 360° rollercoaster or DJing across the globe, Lee has arguably become the most charismatic drummer in rock. Lee also judged CBS reality series “Rock Star,” and wrote his autobiography Tommyland in 2004.
The host of syndicated weeknight radio show “Sixx Sense” and weekend “The Side Show Countdown,” heard on more than 80 stations between the two shows as well as on the XM Sixx Sense channel 161 and on Clear Channel’s iheartradio, Sixx is also the author of The New York Times best-selling 2007 autobiography The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star which was accompanied by a soundtrack with Sixx:A.M. (along with Dj Ashba and James Michael). The record produced 2008’s most-played rock track of the year with “Life is Beautiful.” His follow up book, This Is Gonna Hurt” also debuted on The New York Times best seller list and included, for the first time, Nikki’s photography as well as a soundtrack in Sixx’s second language of music with his band Sixx:A.M. He has also co-written songs for Alice Cooper, Saliva, Meat Loaf and Faith Hill & Tim McGraw.
Mars, meanwhile, maintains a more private persona, in part because of a lifetime battle with a chronic form of arthritis (Ankylosing Spondylitis). Making rare appearances for his signature contributions to albums by Hinder, Murderdolls and Papa Roach, he remains the quiet one among The Crüe. Murmurs continue to circulate that he is preparing a solo album.
Mötley Crüe first catapulted into public view in 1981, as the foursome distinguished themselves from the punk- and New Wave-soaked Sunset Strip, donning New York Dolls-debauched leather—a fitting tribute given their upcoming tour with the group—courting glam adornment as much as its barbaric musical signature. Stylistically suggesting Alice Cooper, Kiss and Aerosmith, Neil’s caterwauling vocals and Mars’ melodic guitar riffs prompted the indie debut of “Too Fast For Love” that year. With the group’s burgeoning Southern Cali popularity and first tour, Crüesing Through Canada, the album sold 20,000 copies—enough to spur interest from Elektra Records, which remastered “Too Fast” for release in 1982, followed by sophomore “Shout at the Devil” in 1983, produced by Tom Werman, who helmed three Crüe projects.
That album propelled the band nationally, with three hits at rock radio, including the raucous title track—which became The Crüe’s first calling card, frightening the bejesus out of parents across the land—and “Looks That Kill,” whose bombastic fire-breathing music video was championed by MTV. Within a year, the sleaze-infused album was certified platinum, reaching the Billboard 200’s top 20, as the band embarked on its first year-long headlining tour, while supporting rock gods Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, AC/DC and Van Halen.
From there, Mötley Crüe’s trajectory soared like a rocket. In 1985, third effort “Theatre of Pain” became the first of five consecutive top 10 albums. An undeniably mass-appeal cover of Brownsville Station’s “Smokin’ In the Boys Room” introduced the band to the mainstream, reaching No. 16 at top 40 radio, followed by power metal ballad “Home Sweet Home,” and multi-platinum home video “Uncensored” in 1986. “Theatre” ultimately reached 4X platinum—as did 1987’s fourth studio disc “Girls, Girls, Girls,” which debuted at No. 2, while the raunchy title track peaked at No. 12 at pop radio and No. 20 at mainstream rock. The album was notably confessional, divulging the darker side of the group’s indulgent lifestyle—and its potential pitfalls—made all the more poignant when Sixx’s heart stopped for 2 minutes after one of several heroin overdoses.
The band returned in 1989—clean and sober—with “Dr. Feelgood,” replacing Werman with producer Bob Rock, who proffered a slicker, more refined rock sound. It became Mötley Crüe’s only No. 1 U.S. album, selling 6X platinum while churning out six rock and four top 40 hits, including the grimy title track, its biggest pop smash at No. 6 on the Hot 100; power ballad “Without You,” its second top 10 pop hit; and chug-along rock smash “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away).”
In addition to Mötley Crüe’s strongest critical acclaim yet, “Dr. Feelgood” and “Kickstart My Heart” were both nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy Awards, as the group embarked on a third year-long worldwide tour. At this point, Neil, Lee, Sixx and Mars had ascended to the top of the hard rock heap—mind you, with two decades of achievement still ahead.
The 1990s began with compilation album “Decade of Decadence,” which debuted at No. 2 in 1991 and reached 2X platinum, fueled by a remix of the band’s top 40 hit, “Home Sweet Home”—a sweet ballad in comparison to its earlier output. Meanwhile, the group launched its own imprint, Mötley Records, and renewed with Elektra for a staggering $25 million.
In 1997, New manager Allen Kovac joined the team, as well as producer Scott Humphrey, who steered the group in a more alternative direction with their seventh album “Generation Swine.” It launched at No. 4, but with radio indulging all things grunge, the disc produced one rock hit, the top 10 “Afraid,” featuring Hustler Magazine founder Larry Flynt in the video.
“Greatest Hits” was issued in 1998 through the band’s newly created Mötley Records—and included two new tracks sans Lee, who was in jail after an arrest for spousal abuse against Anderson. In a surprise move, Mötley Crüe called it quits with Elektra after 17 years and acquired rights to its catalog and publishing in the exit negotiations. Crüe infighting continued, with Lee departing, even as the group continued to ignite the marketplace with a remastered reissue of its entire catalog, rarities collection “Supersonic and Demonic Relics” and the live “Entertainment or Death,” a collage of stage performances, in 1999.
In 2000, eighth studio album “New Tattoo” signaled a welcome return to the group’s signature glam, with former Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo sitting in for Lee. The set fostered rock hit “Hell On High Heels”—followed by eight years of sonic down time. In May 2001, confessional, no-holds-barred memoir The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band was released, written by the four original members with Rolling Stone’s Neil Strauss. It became a sensation, spending a month of The New York Times bestseller list.
While the group members busied themselves with personal projects, output moved ever forward. With ownership of its master recordings, Mötley Records issued a three-series box set, “Music To Crash Your Car To,” in 2003 and 2004, along with a first-ever greatest hits DVD, “Mötley Crüe: Greatest Video Hits.”
At last, in late 2004, the four original members of Mötley Crüe agreed to a full-scale reunion tour—their first outing since the latter part of the 1990s—to coincide with the February 2005 release of two-disc greatest-hits collection “Red, White & Crüe.” The top 10 disc, which featured three new studio tracks, was certified platinum within six months, and served up the band’s biggest mainstream rock hit ever, the No. 4 eight-cylinder-fueled “If I Die Tomorrow.” Their Carnival of Sins outing was the No. 7 grossing tour of the year, accompanied by a VH1 behind-the-scenes documentary illustrating resolution of the group members’ feuding.
A second live album, “Carnival of Sins Live,” complemented a 2006 tour, accompanied by a concert DVD, which marked the band’s partnership with Eleven Seven Music. That year, the boys in the band were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and co-headlined the Route of All Evil tour with Aerosmith.
In mid-2008, a reinvigorated Mötley Crüe released “Saints of Los Angeles” on Eleven Seven Music, which was launched with the city of L.A. honoring the band with “Saints of Los Angeles Day.” Their ninth album and first studio release in more than a decade—thematically based on memoir The Dirt—reunited the classic line-up of Neil, Mars, Sixx and Lee for the first time since 1997. And fans were frothing: It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart and scored the top debut of the week on the Billboard 200 at No. 4, also reaching the top 5 in Sweden, Canada and Finland.
The title track, the first song ever released simultaneously on iTunes and as a downloadable single for music video game Rock Band—demonstrating The Crüe’s affinity for a new generation of fans—garnered a third Grammy nod for Best Hard Rock Performance, and reached No. 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart, the band’s second-highest showing—proving that you can go home again.
Mötley Crüe supported the album with its first-annual Crüe Fest, the most successful touring rock festival for the summer of 2008. Nearly three decades since the release of the band’s first album, the outing played to nearly half a million fans in 40+ North American cities. The Crüe Fest Tour’s partnership with Rock Band also received a nomination for Best Marketing and Promotion at the 2008 Billboard Touring Awards. The band followed in early 2009 with a second arena leg, the Saints Of Los Angeles Tour.
In September 2008, with Eleven Seven Music, Mötley Crüe repackaged and reissued its studio catalog of eight albums originally released between 1981 and 2000. It also issued 17 music videos, available via digital download.
Crüe Fest 2 rocked the continent in summer 2009, as the band enlisted Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool and Charm City Devils to join it on the road. During the tour, the original four members celebrated the 20th anniversary of their iconic “Dr. Feelgood” by playing the entire album from start to finish—including two tracks, “Sticky Sweet” and “Slice of Your Pie,” which had never been performed live.
Mötley Crüe recently invaded Las Vegas with the city’s first ever hard rock residency, Mötley Crüe in Sin City leaving the loud impression that what happens in Vegas can be heard around the world.
Perhaps the most momentous accomplishment of Mötley Crüe’s rock n’roll legacy is the fact that its original members have survived to tell their tale—while remaining as active and relevant today as bands half their age, many of whom validated their own mojo from the original bad boys of rock. After what would be more than a complete lifetime for most, the band who described their exploits in their NY Times best selling, rock and roll autobiography defining The Dirt, the band is as relevant as ever, releasing hit records, a new Grammy nomination, record setting tours and new fans discovering them through the cutting edge bands they take on tour, their active internet presence and the timelessness of the songs.
Piled alongside the grinding guitar riffs and ball-busting lyrics that have long defined the rabble-rousing rock quartet are enough bottles of booze, anthills of coke, bail bonds, willing women, body brandings and dysfunctional debauchery to fell many a lesser man. And yet after three decades of decadence, Mötley Crüe maintains its iron will, capturing new fans and influencing musicians across multiple generations. With persistently gratifying and iconic road spectacles, 2011 will bear witness to their endurance as the world’s most notorious band takes on the world’s most notorious city with their Las Vegas residency, Circus of Sin.
Vocalist Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars, bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee have commandeered the rock pantheon for 30 years now and yet, Mötley Crüe’s rock royalty emanates with as much kickass iridescent relevance in the millennium as it did in the 1980s. The Crüe’s bragging rights comprise worldwide album sales exceeding 80 million—25 million in the U.S.—seven platinum or multi-platinum albums, 22 top 40 mainstream rock hits, six top 20 pop singles, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Grammy nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance, a New York Times bestselling memoir, and tours logging more than 1,350 live gigs across the globe, to date. The band’s output encompasses nine studio and two live albums, six compilation CDs, three box sets, nine DVDs, and 24 singles with accompanying music videos.
Individually, the gang of four is as notorious as its collective. Over the decades, Neil has released three solo albums, including the top 15 “Exposed” in 1993. Add to that the recent New York Times bestseller Tattoos & Tequila, a companion to the 2010 CD of the same name and more than $2 million raised for his Skylar Neil Foundation in memory of his daughter, who passed away in 1995 after a battle with cancer.
Lee formed platinum-selling band Methods of Mayhem in 1999, and released 2002 top 10 solo album “Never a Dull Moment,” followed in 2005 by “Tommyland: The Ride,” which reached No. 1 in Australia and the U.K. Whether he’s playing the drums upside down on the newly famed 360° rollercoaster or DJing across the globe, Lee has arguably become the most charismatic drummer in rock. Lee also judged CBS reality series “Rock Star,” and wrote his autobiography Tommyland in 2004.
The host of syndicated weeknight radio show “Sixx Sense” and weekend “The Side Show Countdown,” heard on more than 80 stations between the two shows as well as on the XM Sixx Sense channel 161 and on Clear Channel’s iheartradio, Sixx is also the author of The New York Times best-selling 2007 autobiography The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star which was accompanied by a soundtrack with Sixx:A.M. (along with Dj Ashba and James Michael). The record produced 2008’s most-played rock track of the year with “Life is Beautiful.” His follow up book, This Is Gonna Hurt” also debuted on The New York Times best seller list and included, for the first time, Nikki’s photography as well as a soundtrack in Sixx’s second language of music with his band Sixx:A.M. He has also co-written songs for Alice Cooper, Saliva, Meat Loaf and Faith Hill & Tim McGraw.
Mars, meanwhile, maintains a more private persona, in part because of a lifetime battle with a chronic form of arthritis (Ankylosing Spondylitis). Making rare appearances for his signature contributions to albums by Hinder, Murderdolls and Papa Roach, he remains the quiet one among The Crüe. Murmurs continue to circulate that he is preparing a solo album.
Mötley Crüe first catapulted into public view in 1981, as the foursome distinguished themselves from the punk- and New Wave-soaked Sunset Strip, donning New York Dolls-debauched leather—a fitting tribute given their upcoming tour with the group—courting glam adornment as much as its barbaric musical signature. Stylistically suggesting Alice Cooper, Kiss and Aerosmith, Neil’s caterwauling vocals and Mars’ melodic guitar riffs prompted the indie debut of “Too Fast For Love” that year. With the group’s burgeoning Southern Cali popularity and first tour, Crüesing Through Canada, the album sold 20,000 copies—enough to spur interest from Elektra Records, which remastered “Too Fast” for release in 1982, followed by sophomore “Shout at the Devil” in 1983, produced by Tom Werman, who helmed three Crüe projects.
That album propelled the band nationally, with three hits at rock radio, including the raucous title track—which became The Crüe’s first calling card, frightening the bejesus out of parents across the land—and “Looks That Kill,” whose bombastic fire-breathing music video was championed by MTV. Within a year, the sleaze-infused album was certified platinum, reaching the Billboard 200’s top 20, as the band embarked on its first year-long headlining tour, while supporting rock gods Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, AC/DC and Van Halen.
From there, Mötley Crüe’s trajectory soared like a rocket. In 1985, third effort “Theatre of Pain” became the first of five consecutive top 10 albums. An undeniably mass-appeal cover of Brownsville Station’s “Smokin’ In the Boys Room” introduced the band to the mainstream, reaching No. 16 at top 40 radio, followed by power metal ballad “Home Sweet Home,” and multi-platinum home video “Uncensored” in 1986. “Theatre” ultimately reached 4X platinum—as did 1987’s fourth studio disc “Girls, Girls, Girls,” which debuted at No. 2, while the raunchy title track peaked at No. 12 at pop radio and No. 20 at mainstream rock. The album was notably confessional, divulging the darker side of the group’s indulgent lifestyle—and its potential pitfalls—made all the more poignant when Sixx’s heart stopped for 2 minutes after one of several heroin overdoses.
The band returned in 1989—clean and sober—with “Dr. Feelgood,” replacing Werman with producer Bob Rock, who proffered a slicker, more refined rock sound. It became Mötley Crüe’s only No. 1 U.S. album, selling 6X platinum while churning out six rock and four top 40 hits, including the grimy title track, its biggest pop smash at No. 6 on the Hot 100; power ballad “Without You,” its second top 10 pop hit; and chug-along rock smash “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away).”
In addition to Mötley Crüe’s strongest critical acclaim yet, “Dr. Feelgood” and “Kickstart My Heart” were both nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy Awards, as the group embarked on a third year-long worldwide tour. At this point, Neil, Lee, Sixx and Mars had ascended to the top of the hard rock heap—mind you, with two decades of achievement still ahead.
The 1990s began with compilation album “Decade of Decadence,” which debuted at No. 2 in 1991 and reached 2X platinum, fueled by a remix of the band’s top 40 hit, “Home Sweet Home”—a sweet ballad in comparison to its earlier output. Meanwhile, the group launched its own imprint, Mötley Records, and renewed with Elektra for a staggering $25 million.
In 1997, New manager Allen Kovac joined the team, as well as producer Scott Humphrey, who steered the group in a more alternative direction with their seventh album “Generation Swine.” It launched at No. 4, but with radio indulging all things grunge, the disc produced one rock hit, the top 10 “Afraid,” featuring Hustler Magazine founder Larry Flynt in the video.
“Greatest Hits” was issued in 1998 through the band’s newly created Mötley Records—and included two new tracks sans Lee, who was in jail after an arrest for spousal abuse against Anderson. In a surprise move, Mötley Crüe called it quits with Elektra after 17 years and acquired rights to its catalog and publishing in the exit negotiations. Crüe infighting continued, with Lee departing, even as the group continued to ignite the marketplace with a remastered reissue of its entire catalog, rarities collection “Supersonic and Demonic Relics” and the live “Entertainment or Death,” a collage of stage performances, in 1999.
In 2000, eighth studio album “New Tattoo” signaled a welcome return to the group’s signature glam, with former Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo sitting in for Lee. The set fostered rock hit “Hell On High Heels”—followed by eight years of sonic down time. In May 2001, confessional, no-holds-barred memoir The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band was released, written by the four original members with Rolling Stone’s Neil Strauss. It became a sensation, spending a month of The New York Times bestseller list.
While the group members busied themselves with personal projects, output moved ever forward. With ownership of its master recordings, Mötley Records issued a three-series box set, “Music To Crash Your Car To,” in 2003 and 2004, along with a first-ever greatest hits DVD, “Mötley Crüe: Greatest Video Hits.”
At last, in late 2004, the four original members of Mötley Crüe agreed to a full-scale reunion tour—their first outing since the latter part of the 1990s—to coincide with the February 2005 release of two-disc greatest-hits collection “Red, White & Crüe.” The top 10 disc, which featured three new studio tracks, was certified platinum within six months, and served up the band’s biggest mainstream rock hit ever, the No. 4 eight-cylinder-fueled “If I Die Tomorrow.” Their Carnival of Sins outing was the No. 7 grossing tour of the year, accompanied by a VH1 behind-the-scenes documentary illustrating resolution of the group members’ feuding.
A second live album, “Carnival of Sins Live,” complemented a 2006 tour, accompanied by a concert DVD, which marked the band’s partnership with Eleven Seven Music. That year, the boys in the band were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and co-headlined the Route of All Evil tour with Aerosmith.
In mid-2008, a reinvigorated Mötley Crüe released “Saints of Los Angeles” on Eleven Seven Music, which was launched with the city of L.A. honoring the band with “Saints of Los Angeles Day.” Their ninth album and first studio release in more than a decade—thematically based on memoir The Dirt—reunited the classic line-up of Neil, Mars, Sixx and Lee for the first time since 1997. And fans were frothing: It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart and scored the top debut of the week on the Billboard 200 at No. 4, also reaching the top 5 in Sweden, Canada and Finland.
The title track, the first song ever released simultaneously on iTunes and as a downloadable single for music video game Rock Band—demonstrating The Crüe’s affinity for a new generation of fans—garnered a third Grammy nod for Best Hard Rock Performance, and reached No. 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart, the band’s second-highest showing—proving that you can go home again.
Mötley Crüe supported the album with its first-annual Crüe Fest, the most successful touring rock festival for the summer of 2008. Nearly three decades since the release of the band’s first album, the outing played to nearly half a million fans in 40+ North American cities. The Crüe Fest Tour’s partnership with Rock Band also received a nomination for Best Marketing and Promotion at the 2008 Billboard Touring Awards. The band followed in early 2009 with a second arena leg, the Saints Of Los Angeles Tour.
In September 2008, with Eleven Seven Music, Mötley Crüe repackaged and reissued its studio catalog of eight albums originally released between 1981 and 2000. It also issued 17 music videos, available via digital download.
Crüe Fest 2 rocked the continent in summer 2009, as the band enlisted Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool and Charm City Devils to join it on the road. During the tour, the original four members celebrated the 20th anniversary of their iconic “Dr. Feelgood” by playing the entire album from start to finish—including two tracks, “Sticky Sweet” and “Slice of Your Pie,” which had never been performed live.
Mötley Crüe recently invaded Las Vegas with the city’s first ever hard rock residency, Mötley Crüe in Sin City leaving the loud impression that what happens in Vegas can be heard around the world.
Boy on Roof, Pitt Street, New York, Walter Rosenblum, 1950. © Walter Rosenblum
22 TV shows to watch in 2013 [Updated]
22 TV shows to watch in 2013 [Updated]
New series like Hannibal and Da Vinci's Demons take their place alongside old favorites like Game of Thrones and Mad Men
The cast members of Hannibal, including Mads Mikkelsen (right), look ready to sink their teeth into their inaugural season.
Robert Trachtenberg/NBC
I
f the beginning of the fall TV season is a time when new TV shows desperately vie for viewers' attention, the winter TV season is a calmer affair, when the bona fide hits of the fall take their place alongside both beloved regular series and a few new TV shows that were late out of the gate. Looking ahead to the next few months, which new and returning TV shows are worth tuning into? A guide:
1. Bates Motel (A&E, March 18)The creative team behind A&E's Bates Motel has taken great pains to emphasize that the series is a loose "contemporary prequel" to Alfred Hitchock's beloved thriller Psycho. Bates Motel wants to be taken on its own terms — even though it's centered on a young Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his much-discussed mother (Vera Farmiga) as they move into a very familiar-looking motel. Still, this slow-burn creep show should provide an intriguing, in-depth looking into the psyche of one of cinema's most famous psychos.
2. Top of the Lake (Sundance Channel, March 18)The Sundance Channel is earning unprecedented buzz for its moody seven-part miniseries Top of the Lake, which follows a young detective (Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss) as she investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. And if the intriguing mystery and eerie visual style aren't enough to hook you, the series carries an impeccable pedigree as it reunites writer/director Jane Campion and star Holly Hunter for the first time since 1993's The Piano, for which Hunter won an Oscar.
3. Game of Thrones (HBO, March 31)Game of Thrones fever is at an all-time high. The series' third season, which is adapted from fan-favorite book A Storm of Swords, sees the war between Westeros' would-be kings continue after the second season's epic Battle of Blackwater, as Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and her dragons attempt to make their way across the narrow sea.
4. Hannibal (ABC, April 4)Like Bates Motel, Hannibal offers a small-screen exploration of a famous cinematic killer. But while Bates Motel takes on Norman Bates in his formative teenage years, Hannibal begins with Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter as a fully formed psychopath — even though nobody knows it yet. Hugh Dancy stars as troubled FBI agent Will Graham opposite Casino Royale's Mads Mikkelsen, who steps into Anthony Hopkins' formidable shoes as a younger Dr. Lecter in a series set years before The Silence of the Lambs.
5. Mad Men (AMC, April 7)Over its five seasons, Mad Men has remained one of the most stunning (and remarkably consistent) dramas on television, and there's no reason to believe that the series' sixth and penultimate season will be any different. As always, series creator Matt Weiner has been exceptionally tight-lipped about the upcoming season, but by now fans should know what to expect: Brilliant writing, terrific performances, and a seemingly endless supply of booze and cigarettes.
6. Da Vinci's Demons (Starz, April 12)Following in the footsteps of shows like Showtime's The Borgias and History's Vikings, Starz is launching an openly ahistorical "historical drama" about the life of Leonardo da Vinci. Series creator David Goyer — best known as the writer behind Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy — offers a decidedly fantastical take on da Vinci's younger years as he investigates a mysterious cult in 15th-century Italy.
7. Hemlock Grove (Netflix, April 19)With a few key exceptions — including recent hits like FX's American Horror Story and AMC's The Walking Dead — horror fans have been woefully underserved by their options on the small screen. But Netflix is doing its part to right that wrong with the Eli Roth-produced Hemlock Grove, a 13-episode adaptation of Brian McGreevy's 2012 novel of the same name. The series follows two young men — one of whom may be a werewolf — as they investigate a murder which they're both suspected of committing.
8. Arrested Development (Netflix, May)Netflix hasn't announced the exact date it will premiere the fourth season of Arrested Development — but you can expect a lot of series devotees to call in sick and binge-watch the entire slate of episodes that day. If you're among Arrested Development's legion of obsessive fans, we don't need to sell you on the show; if you're not, the first three seasons are already available on Netflix, so get watching.
9. Under the Dome (CBS, June 24)CBS has adapted Steven King's best-selling 2009 novel Under the Dome, which clocks in at a hefty 1,074 pages. The sci-fi drama follows the residents of a small Maine town after an invisible barrier suddenly and mysteriously appears, cutting them off from the rest of the world and trapping them inside together. King and Steven Spielberg both serve as executive producers.
10. Breaking Bad (AMC, July 14?)As its final season approaches, Breaking Bad has already earned a spot in the pantheon of TV's all-time great series. And as newly minted drug kingpin Walter White prepares for his ultimate fate in what Bryan Cranston has called "a roller coaster ride to hell," the show should be sharper and more compelling than ever. Though co-star Aaron Paul originally tweeted that the first of the last eight episodes would premiere on July 14, he later changed his tune to a nonspecific date "before the end of the summer." Whatever date the premiere turns out to be, don't miss it.
Shows that have already premiered:
(Our original preview of each of these shows was first published on Jan. 3. We've left those curtain-raisers untouched, but have appended updates to each item.)
11. Downton Abbey (PBS, Jan. 6)
British viewers have already completed Downton Abbey's third season, which premiered overseas on ITV in September. But American viewers who have managed to avoid spoilers can finally settle in for the costume drama's third season on PBS, which follows the Crawley family and their household staff as they scheme their way through the early 1920s.
British viewers have already completed Downton Abbey's third season, which premiered overseas on ITV in September. But American viewers who have managed to avoid spoilers can finally settle in for the costume drama's third season on PBS, which follows the Crawley family and their household staff as they scheme their way through the early 1920s.
UPDATE: Downton Abbey's third season drew to a close as tragedy struck the Crawley family. But never fear, fans: A fourth season has already begun filming, though neither a U.K. nor a U.S. premiere date has been announced.
12. Justified (FX, Jan. 8)
FX's crime drama picks up again after a third season that saw U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) squaring off against a series of charismatic criminals in Harlan County. As the fourth season begins, Raylan faces the impending birth of his child with ex-wife Winona (Natalie Zea) and confronts villains both old and new as he stretches the law to do what he thinks is right.
FX's crime drama picks up again after a third season that saw U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) squaring off against a series of charismatic criminals in Harlan County. As the fourth season begins, Raylan faces the impending birth of his child with ex-wife Winona (Natalie Zea) and confronts villains both old and new as he stretches the law to do what he thinks is right.
UPDATE: Justified is nearing the end of another strong season, with three episodes left to air.
13. Girls (HBO, Jan. 13)
Coming off of its buzzed-about, critically beloved freshman season, HBO's dramedy Girls arrives with protagonist Hannah (series creator Lena Dunham) newly resolved to get both her professional life and her love life in order. In addition to the first season's returning cast members, newcomers include guest stars like Donald Glover and Rita Wilson.
Coming off of its buzzed-about, critically beloved freshman season, HBO's dramedy Girls arrives with protagonist Hannah (series creator Lena Dunham) newly resolved to get both her professional life and her love life in order. In addition to the first season's returning cast members, newcomers include guest stars like Donald Glover and Rita Wilson.
UPDATE: Girls' second season has been more uneven than its first, which has begun to frustrate some critics (including this one). Two episodes remain, and a third season has already been ordered.
14. Shameless (Showtime, Jan. 13)
Showtime's Shameless isn't a perfect show, but there's plenty of charm to be found in the warped adventures of the blue-collar Gallagher family — particularly in the exploits of eldest child and makeshift matriarch Fiona (Emmy Rossum). The third season follows the clan into the rabbit hole of the latest moneymaking scheme by Frank (William H. Macy) as Fiona attempts to hold it all together.
Showtime's Shameless isn't a perfect show, but there's plenty of charm to be found in the warped adventures of the blue-collar Gallagher family — particularly in the exploits of eldest child and makeshift matriarch Fiona (Emmy Rossum). The third season follows the clan into the rabbit hole of the latest moneymaking scheme by Frank (William H. Macy) as Fiona attempts to hold it all together.
UPDATE: Shameless is midway through a solid third season, and Showtime has already ordered a fourth.
15. The Carrie Diaries (The CW, Jan. 14)
There's every chance that The CW's attempt to squeeze more story — and more money — out of HBO's Sex and the City with this Carrie-focused prequel will go up in flames. But there's hope in the casting of talented young actress AnnaSophia Robb in the title role, and in the presence of The O.C. and Gossip Girl producer Josh Schwartz, who knows how to make this kind of material as frothy and self-aware as it should be.
There's every chance that The CW's attempt to squeeze more story — and more money — out of HBO's Sex and the City with this Carrie-focused prequel will go up in flames. But there's hope in the casting of talented young actress AnnaSophia Robb in the title role, and in the presence of The O.C. and Gossip Girl producer Josh Schwartz, who knows how to make this kind of material as frothy and self-aware as it should be.
UPDATE: The Carrie Diaries has earned its fair share of critical support, but so-so ratings have made it unclear whether the show will be renewed for a second season. Four episodes remain.
16. Archer (FX, Jan. 17)
There's no shortage of James Bond parodies, but FX broke the mold with its weird, hilarious animated comedy Archer, which begins its fourth season on Jan. 17. H. Jon Benjamin leads a stellar cast of voice actors, including Aisha Tyler, Chris Parnell, and Jessica Walter, as they chronicle the missions of the inept team at the International Secret Intelligence Service.
There's no shortage of James Bond parodies, but FX broke the mold with its weird, hilarious animated comedy Archer, which begins its fourth season on Jan. 17. H. Jon Benjamin leads a stellar cast of voice actors, including Aisha Tyler, Chris Parnell, and Jessica Walter, as they chronicle the missions of the inept team at the International Secret Intelligence Service.
UPDATE: Archer has remained as warped and irreverent as ever. A fifth season will premiere on FX next year.
17. Parks and Recreation (NBC, Jan. 17)
After a break over the winter holidays, Parks and Recreation returns to complete a strong fifth season that has seen series protagonist Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) take office as a city councilwoman and get engaged to boyfriend Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott). For the second half of the season, fans can expect more politics, more high jinks, and the big wedding promised in the season's first half.
After a break over the winter holidays, Parks and Recreation returns to complete a strong fifth season that has seen series protagonist Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) take office as a city councilwoman and get engaged to boyfriend Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott). For the second half of the season, fans can expect more politics, more high jinks, and the big wedding promised in the season's first half.
UPDATE: Parks and Recreation hasn't yet been picked up for a sixth season by NBC, but if this does turn out to be its final season, it will be a wonderful swan song, with Leslie and Ben entering married life together.
18. The Following (Fox, Jan. 21)
Kevin Bacon makes his series TV debut as former FBI agent Ryan Carroll, who squares off against a Hannibal Lecter-esque serial killer inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe (James Purefoy). The premise is fairly ludicrous, but no more so than the average network police procedural, and there's always the possibility that the very strong cast will find a way to elevate some of the more ridiculous material.
Kevin Bacon makes his series TV debut as former FBI agent Ryan Carroll, who squares off against a Hannibal Lecter-esque serial killer inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe (James Purefoy). The premise is fairly ludicrous, but no more so than the average network police procedural, and there's always the possibility that the very strong cast will find a way to elevate some of the more ridiculous material.
UPDATE: To its great detriment, The Following has been heavy on gore and light on plot — but the show will get another chance at a first impression now that it's been renewed for a second season.
19. Spartacus: War of the Damned (Starz, Jan. 25)
Starz's small-screen take on the story of Thracian gladiator Spartacus has been marred by off-screen tragedy; first season star Andy Whitfield died of cancer in September 2011, necessitating his replacement by Liam McIntyre. But on camera, the series' third and final season, which Starz has dubbed Spartacus: War of the Damned, has retained the distinct blend of action and visual splendor that has made it Starz's longest running original series.
Starz's small-screen take on the story of Thracian gladiator Spartacus has been marred by off-screen tragedy; first season star Andy Whitfield died of cancer in September 2011, necessitating his replacement by Liam McIntyre. But on camera, the series' third and final season, which Starz has dubbed Spartacus: War of the Damned, has retained the distinct blend of action and visual splendor that has made it Starz's longest running original series.
UPDATE: Fans of Spartacus haven't been disappointed by its bloody, climatic final season, which is currently halfway finished.
20. The Americans (FX, Jan. 30)
Keri Russell returns to the small screen opposite Matthew Rhys and Noah Emmerich in this ambitious new period drama, which follows two deeply embedded Soviet sleeper agents during the Cold War. And on top of the intriguing cast and premise, the series has a secret weapon: Executive producer Graham Yost, who made FX's Justified such a sharp, nervy success.
Keri Russell returns to the small screen opposite Matthew Rhys and Noah Emmerich in this ambitious new period drama, which follows two deeply embedded Soviet sleeper agents during the Cold War. And on top of the intriguing cast and premise, the series has a secret weapon: Executive producer Graham Yost, who made FX's Justified such a sharp, nervy success.
UPDATE: The Americans has more than lived up to its promise, offering as dense and rich a spy drama as anything on TV. FX has already renewed the series for a second season, though ratings will need to rise for the show to earn a long-term future on the network.
21. Community (NBC, Feb. 7)
At this point, there's more drama off camera than on for the troubled NBC sitcom, which begins its fourth season after the very public departure of creator and former showrunner Dan Harmon. But a last-minute delay that saw Community's fourth season premiere pushed from the fall until February has left the show's die-hard fans clamoring for new episodes — and crossing their fingers that they'll be able to live up to the ultra-distinctive quirkiness of the old ones.
At this point, there's more drama off camera than on for the troubled NBC sitcom, which begins its fourth season after the very public departure of creator and former showrunner Dan Harmon. But a last-minute delay that saw Community's fourth season premiere pushed from the fall until February has left the show's die-hard fans clamoring for new episodes — and crossing their fingers that they'll be able to live up to the ultra-distinctive quirkiness of the old ones.
UPDATE: Community has stumbled a bit out of the gate, but even without Harmon it remains one of the stronger sitcoms on network TV. No word yet on a fifth season.
22. The Walking Dead (AMC, Feb. 10)
AMC's zombie drama took a break in the middle of its highest-rated and most critically acclaimed season ever, and based on early buzz, The Walking Dead's third season shows no signs of slowing down. All indications seem to herald a major clash between the groups led by series protagonist Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who's still reeling from the death of his wife, and the followers of the sinister Governor (David Morrissey).
AMC's zombie drama took a break in the middle of its highest-rated and most critically acclaimed season ever, and based on early buzz, The Walking Dead's third season shows no signs of slowing down. All indications seem to herald a major clash between the groups led by series protagonist Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), who's still reeling from the death of his wife, and the followers of the sinister Governor (David Morrissey).
UPDATE: The Walking Dead has spun its wheels a little as it shambles toward its inevitable, climactic battle in the March 31 finale, but ratings are higher than ever, and a fourth season is already in the works.
This article — originally published on Jan. 3, 2013 — was last updated on March 8, 2013.
FA Cup - Ferguson snubs Benitez as feud simmers on
FA Cup - Ferguson snubs Benitez as feud simmers on
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez accused his Manchester United counterpart Alex Ferguson of failing to shake hands before their FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday in the latest chapter in their fractious relationship.
Reuters- Eurosport - Sir Alex Ferguson
The teams drew 2-2 after Chelsea, who conceded two early goals, launched a strong second-half fightback to recover from two goals down and earn a replay.
Benitez said he had waited before the match to greet Ferguson but that the Scot, with whom he traded many jibes in his days as manager of United's arch-rivals Liverpool, had walked past him.
"I was waiting at the beginning," the Spaniard told a news conference.
"I have education because I know a lot of people are watching so I know what you have to do."
Ferguson was fuming after United's controversial Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Tuesday and did not give a post-match news conference following the Chelsea game, spurning the opportunity to explain his take on the Benitez incident.
The Chelsea manager urged the gathered reporters to tackle Ferguson over the matter.
"Ask him, if you are brave enough," he said.
Asked why he had not shaken hands with Ferguson after the game, Benitez replied: "At end of game I was celebrating with my players."
Ferguson and Benitez used to regularly indulge in mind games and they picked up where they had left off when the Spaniard was installed as Chelsea's interim manager in November.
In 2009 Benitez infamously produced a hand-written list to back up his view that Ferguson was never punished for verbally abusing match officials and he once joked the Scot drew up the fixture list himself as it always favoured United.
Ferguson, meanwhile, branded Benitez "lucky" last year for walking into the Chelsea job, saying it would be the second time he had the chance to win a world club title without having to do anything and with a team put together by someone else.
Benitez succeeded Jose Mourinho after Inter Milan's 2010 Champions League triumph but was sacked soon after their Club World Cup victory.
Premier League - Gerrard on the spot as Liverpool sink Spurs
Premier League - Gerrard on the spot as Liverpool sink Spurs
Premier League, Anfield - Liverpool 3 (Suarez 21, Downing 66, Gerrard 82 (pen)) Tottenham 2 (Vertonghen 45, 53)
By Paul Hassall | Eurosport – 14 hours ago- Eurosport - Steven Gerrard (Reuters)
Steven Gerrard struck a late penalty winner as Liverpool kept their hopes of claiming a Champions League berth alive with a rollercoaster 3-2 win over Tottenham at Anfield.
The Reds skipper kept his nerve to net a spot-kick eight minutes from time after Luis Suarez was upended in the area by Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
The Uruguayan had given the hosts the lead with a wonderful finish for his 29th goal of the season on 21 minutes before a double from Jan Vertonghen either side of half-time put Spurs in the driving seat.
An error from Kyle Walker then allowed Stewart Downing to rob Hugo Lloris and fire into an empty net before Gerrard struck to move the Reds to within seven points of fourth-placed Chelsea.
The victory was slightly marred at the end when the inspirational Suarez was caught up in an unsavoury confrontation with Mousa Dembele following the final whistle.
Ahead of a weekend headlined by the FA Cup quarter-finals, this league contest was billed as the battle of the PFA Player of the Year contenders: the freescoring Suarez against the effervescent Gareth Bale.
Liverpool knew a victory would enhance their hopes of making a late bid to sneak into the Champions League places while Spurs' 12-match unbeaten run in the league meant they had their sights set on putting pressure on Manchester City for the runners-up spot.
There was much to play for and it was the hosts who made the brighter start with the returning Daniel Sturridge crashing a venomous drive just past the near upright inside 10 minutes after a sublime pass from Philippe Coutinho.
At the other it was inevitably Bale who had the visitors' first effort of note when Brad Jones - in for the injured Pepe Reina - could only fumble a dipping free-kick away from danger.
The hosts' game-plan appeared to be focused upon a high-tempo and Coutinho curled just over before the opening goal arrived on 21 minutes.
The diminutive Brazilian was once again at the heart of it all, combining brilliantly with Jose Enrique down the left. The Spanish full-back then played a clever ball in-behind the defence for Suarez who poked a stylish shot underneath the advancing Lloris.
It was the Uruguayan's 29th goal of the season and saw him become the 51st player in Liverpool's history to reach 50 goals in all competitions.
The Reds suddenly had the bit between their teeth and Suarez forced a smart save out of Lloris with a shot from a tight angle as Coutinho appeared to be floored in the centre.
However, the away team began to probe late in the half and a delightful Bale flick teed up Gylfi Sigurdsson who shot narrowly wide.
Brendan Rodgers's side were dropping deep in an attempt to make it to the break unscathed, but they couldn't do it as Spurs levelled when Bale crossed from the right for Vertonghen to bury a header into the bottom corner.
The visitors continued to dominate following the interval and after Bale teed up Defoe to go close with a rasping effort, they stole ahead on 53 minutes.
Bale's free-kick caused mayhem in the Liverpool box and Vertonghen was there once again to crash a hooked shot into the corner and take his tally to the season to five in all competitions.
Bale then showed just why he is vaunted as one of the game's finest players when he skinned both Gerrard and Jamie Carragher - making his 500th league appearance for the Reds - before crossing to the far post for the unmarked Sigurdsson. The Icelandic star took a touch and hit a low shot at goal that deflected off Jones and against the woodwork.
There appeared to be no way back for Liverpool until they were handed an equaliser 24 minutes from time.
A weak pass from Kyle Walker left Lloris with it all to do, allowing Downing to race in and hammer a low shot between the legs of Vertonghen on the line.
Both sides pressed late on for a winner but it was Liverpool who got it when Suarez was bundled over in the area by Assou-Ekotto, allowing Gerrard to step up and clinch what could prove to be a crucial three points for the Reds in their quest for European football.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Luis Suarez (Liverpool) - Showed just why he is amongst the frontrunners for Player of the Year with a typically impressive display. Netted his 50th goal for the Reds and won the penalty for the winner.
PLAYER RATINGS
LIVERPOOL: Jones 6, Johnson 6, Enrique 7, Agger 6, Carragher 6, Lucas 5, Gerrard 7, Downing 6, Coutinho 7, Sturridge 6, Suarez 8. Subs: Allen 5, Henderson 5.
SPURS: Lloris 5, Walker 5, Dawson 5, Vertonghen 7, Assou-Ekotto 5, Parker 5, Livermore 5, Sigurdsson 7, Dembele 6, Bale 8, Defoe 6. Subs: Carroll 5, Holtby 5.
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