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A Love That Reached Heaven: Japanese Media Exploitation of the 1930s

Patrick Galvan
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A Love That Reached Heaven: Japanese Media Exploitation of the 1930s

On May 10, 1932, the Japanese media erupted with news regarding a recent tragedy at Mount Sakata in Kanagawa Prefecture. The bodies of Keio University student Goro Chosho and his girlfriend Yaeko Yuyama had been discovered on the slopes, the former clad in his school uniform, the latter wrapped in a kimono. As subsequent investigations determined, the couple had been forbidden to marry by Yuyama’s upperclass parents, and so they climbed the mountain, lay down next to one another facing the sea, and poisoned themselves.1 Capitalizing on the two having met at a Christian fellowship, Tokyo Nichinichi Shinbun ran a headline describing Chosho and Yuyama’s relationship as “A Love That Reached Heaven.”2 Resultant sensationalism and interest in their suicide spawned imitative effects throughout Japanese society—indicative of the public’s relation to the media at the time.

As historian Peter High notes in his book The Imperial Screen: Japanese Film Culture in the Fifteen Years’ War, 1931-1945: “Japanese social historians tend to sketch out the course of 1930s cultural history along a time line of consecutively occurring incidents and fads.”3 Granted, the impulse to emulate tragedy had been prevalent long before. In May 1903, eighteen-year-old philosophy major Misao Fujimura became a celebrity when he jumped from Kegon Falls after carving his farewell poem into a nearby tree. Over the next four years, more than a hundred and eighty people, inspired by news portraits of Fujimura as a martyr, attempted to kill themselves at the falls.4 Imitation of publicized suicides—especially those involving spiritual or erotic overtones—remained fervent in 1932, as demonstrated in what became known as “The Lovers’ Suicide Rage.” Within seven months of Chosho and Yuyama’s passing, over twenty couples traversed to Mount Sakata to end their lives.5

Concurrent with the copycat suicides was a surge in exploitative entertainment: radio dramas and stageplays about Chosho and Yuyama, romantic ballads released as bestselling records. Sure enough, the motion picture industry joined in on the craze. Yasujiro Ozu’s Where Now Are the Dreams of Youth? (1932) referenced the death toll through a jab of sardonic comedy: a young business executive, stuck escorting a woman his peers hope he’ll marry, suggests they go to Mount Sakata for a date. But perhaps most infamous was a feature-length dramatization of the original incident produced by Shochiku. Titled after the earlier mentioned Tokyo Nichinichi Shinbun headline, Heinosuke Gosho’s A Love That Reached Heaven premiered on June 10, 1932—exactly one month after the news stories first broke.6

Where Now Are the Dreams of Youth? (1932)

While the picture’s now lost and information remains scant (Arthur Nolletti, Jr.’s sizable book on Gosho merely acknowledges it via two brief sentences), A Love That Reached Heaven became one of that year’s biggest releases, recuperating its five thousand-yen budget7 and then some. (Its popularity might’ve also stemmed from casting, as leads Ryoichi Takeuchi and Hiroko Kawasaki had been in the public eye before. Takeuchi became a tabloid favorite in 1927 for walking off a set with actress Yoshiko Okada.8 And in 1931’s Women Are in Every World, Kawasaki performed with Ichiro Yuki what’s believed to have been the first kiss in a Japanese motion picture; filmed when Japanese censorship strictly forbade love scenes, the kiss slipped into distribution only because Yuki distracted the censor in the screening room, the film subsequently withdrawn after a police officer spotted the scene during a theater patrol.)9

Widespread interest in Shochiku’s film spawned additional copycat suicides. Theater owners learned of moviegoers smuggling poison into the auditorium, and thus dispatched usherettes to monitor screenings for attendees attempting to take their lives during the drama. Sadly, “The Lovers’ Suicide Rage” worsened from here. In January 1933, two schoolgirls leaped into the stratovolcano Mount Mihara on Izu-Oshima Island, the news triggering a second wave of suicides that lasted until March—by which time approximately 944 people had perished in the caldera. The media remained quick to sensationalize. Responding to macabre public speculation, Yomiuri Shinbun newspaper lowered a gondola into the volcano to determine whether the victims had crashed onto the rocks or plunged straight into the magma.10

Meantime, Izu-Oshima’s local commerce boomed: stables increased their stock of horses, local schools started pilgrimage trips to Mount Mihara, and Tokyo steamship companies met the travel demand of anxious tourists by scheduling additional commutes to the island.11 By the time the rage finally subsided in spring 1933, one thing had been proven: the media and society together remained ravenous in their capitalizing on calamity. As Peter High writes in his book, what started as the personal tragedy of two people “was dramatically reworked, first by the press […] into a mass hysteria phenomenon of almost majestic proportions.”12

Works cited and further reading:

  1. Di Marco, Francesca. “Act or Disease? The Making of Modern Suicide in Early Twentieth-century Japan.” The Journal of Japanese Studies, vol. 29, no. 2 (Summer 2013), p. 347
  2. High, Peter B. The Imperial Screen: Japanese Film Culture in the Fifteen Years’ War, 1931-1945. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2003, p. 28 (Disclaimer: I should note that High’s book claims the couple died by jumping into the mountain’s volcanic crater; but, when cross-referenced with other sources, this doesn’t appear to be the case.)
  3. Ibid, p. 27
  4. Di Marco, p. 336
  5. Ibid, p. 348
  6. Di Marco, p. 348
  7. Haukamp, Iris. A Foreigner’s Cinematic Dream of Japan: Representational Politics and Shadows of War in the Japanese-German Coproduction New Earth (1937). London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020 (Ebook)
  8. Wada-Marciano, Mitsuyo. Nippon Modern: Japanese Cinema of the 1920s and 1930s. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2008, pp. 95-6
  9. Hirano Kyoko. Smith Goes to Tokyo: Japanese Cinema Under the American Occupation, 1945-1952. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1992, p. 154
  10. High, pp. 28-9
  11. Yoda Hiroko. “Spooky Izu: Tales of sorcerers and suicide on Izu Oshima.” CNN. 29 October 2009
  12. High, p. 27

Cannes Dispatch 01: Monster, The Sweet East, Eureka, & More

Ryan Akler-Bishop
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Cannes Dispatch 01: Monster, The Sweet East, Eureka, & More

Monster by Hirokazu Kore-eda

Prolific Japanese humanist filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda returns to Cannes after last year’s middling Broker. At a glance, Monster is an aesthetic departure. The film opens with a building engulfed in smouldering flame and moves forward with uncharacteristic darkness. Following an increasingly distraught mother’s investigation into her son’s erratic behaviour, Kore-eda plunges into nightscapes roamed by haunted youths. Narratively, the movie trisects into three acts, each shifting character perspectives to re-visit earlier moments through new eyes. The plot-twist riddled mystery structure reveals its early passages as red herrings adjacent to the emotionally simplistic story it settles into. The film’s narrative trickery reads disingenuous to its stabs at sincerity. Even Ryuichi Sakamoto’s piano accompaniment—a tender final score from the late maestro—is squandered by the film’s tendency towards histrionics.

Kore-eda leaves nothing to interpretation. Monster hyper-rationalizes every character decision, robbing each individual’s psychology of any mystery. Even the source of textural details (e.g. a haunting blare of horns echoing diegetically in the distance of a pivotal scene) finds narrative contextualization later. Still, Kore-eda includes a handful of moving shots: namely a lingering composition where two characters slam fists against a mud-coated window, struggling to shatter the glass as rainfall accelerates, growing so heavy it drowns out the visibility of their hands. It’s enough to wish Kore-eda’s filmmaking embraced a visceral film language more often. [2.5/5]

The Sweet East by Sean Price Williams

Sean Price Williams, whose cinematography defined a pervading aesthetic of 2010s American indie cinema, makes his debut feature with The Sweet East: an episodic nightmare comedy across state lines and into an all-American underbelly. The film follows Lillian, a runaway teenager drifting through a series of misadventures, encountering a million shades of American eccentricity and exploitative men at every turn. Lillian herself is an enigma, her own identity gradually sculpted through imprints of the characters she encounters. The Sweet East finds Williams’ gritty aesthetic imbued with flashes of absurdity (e.g., an opening music number, moments of fantastical artifice, silent-film intertitle chapter headings, etc.). Yet while his images are textured and strikingly-composed, Williams’ storytelling is largely sophomoric.

The film’s a self-consciously blunt satire of everything under the American flag; it opens with a pledge of allegiance recorded over motorcycle stunt footage and only grows less subtle. The film begins like arthouse All Gas No Brakes or a Harmony Korine movie if he settled for toothless irony. Soon enough, Sweet East becomes a thirty-minute Lolita adaptation, down to its Humbert Humbert-figure (Simon Rex as a slimeball neo-Nazi academic predator) reciting Poe’s “Annabel Lee.” Scripted by film critic Nick Pinkerton, the movie’s humour seems plucked from a milieu of nihilistic, early Trump-era Twitter memes. The film begins with a Pizzagate gag and stays beholden to the humour of this outdated zeitgeist. Ultimately, Sweet East operates on satire but reveals no true ideology. The movie is shapelessly ironic, nothing more than an articulation of doom. It’s apocalyptic fury distorted into grand apathy. [2/5]

Youth (Spring) by Wang Bing

Assembled over five years, Chinese documentarian Wang Bing’s latest film Youth (Spring) charts the lives (work lives, personal lives) of several teenage or twenty-something textile workers in Zhili, China. Their worlds consist of long hours toiling with fabric and collective bargaining with employers over unliveable payrates, all the while navigating the joys and hardships of youth. As a documentarian, Wang’s access into his subjects’ worlds is startlingly thorough. He films in domestic quarters, cramped workshops, and the streets of Zhili. Youth unfolds against industrial backdrops overrun with garbage. Wang cultivates an aesthetics of refuse: the waste which floods the streets, accumulates in the subjects’ dormitories, or remains on the workshop floor after a day of textile labour.

An invaluable documentation of Chinese labour politics, Youth centers the workers themselves as more than mere tools in the chain of production. Much of the movie unfolds as durational shots of workers working: hands operating sewing machines with aggressive familiarity. Wang is a silent observer (though he’s occasionally acknowledged by subjects). He organizes the movie around the rhythms and repetitions of his subjects’ lives, rather than narrative practicality or any didactic thesis. The film’s length and slowness paint an immersive portrait of a working-class day-to-day: a film form aligned with its subjects’ reality. [4/5]

The Delinquents by Rodrigo Moreno

The latest from Argentine filmmaker Rodrigo Moreno is a laidback, three-hour crime-comedy about two middle-aged bankers crushed by the tedium of their daily lives and the impossibility of escape. One devises a plan. He robs a sizeable amount from the bank vault. Before surrendering to authorities, he leaves the stolen fortune with his co-worker to guard for his three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The film parallels the aesthetics of a bank vault with the interior of a prison compound, establishing a world where wage labour is indistinguishable from carceral life.

Moreno highlights his characters’ ennui, charging his low-stakes drama with an everyday desperation. The spoils of the characters’ crime are modest. The small sum is an appeal to an earned dignity unachievable in their work life. The Delinquents moves forward with ease, its careful framing unafraid to omit its subjects. There are some missteps—namely a late-film flashback sequence which complicates the minimalist storytelling—but Moreno displays tremendous control of the characters and their suffocating environments. [3.5/5]

About Dry Grasses by Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Here’s another Chekhovian drama set against forlorn wintery landscapes from Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan. As usual, it’s a saga of arrogance and petty insecurities. About Dry Grasses follows a schoolteacher in remote Anatolia as he gradually succumbs to a miserablist worldview. The film finds its footing late: a half-hour dialogue between two characters which evolves from cordial to combative to melancholically sexual is among Ceylan’s best work. Otherwise, this lacks the intimacy of Ceylan’s smaller canvas movies (e.g. Distant) and the sweeping drama of his other epics (e.g. Winter Sleep). About Dry Grasses often feels like a rehash, too comfortable with itself for the story’s aching isolation to resonate. [2.5/5]

Eureka by Lisandro Alonso

Eureka, the long-awaited follow-up to Lisandro Alonso’s Jauja, is the filmmaker’s most ambitious project to-date. A free-flowing narrative, the story begins as a bullet-frenzied, classic western on a TV screen, moves into a modern-day South Dakota indigenous reservation, then glides to the jungles of 1970s Brazil. Alonso’s camera dissolves borders of space and time, establishing its own fluid continuity. Usually, the turns in Alonso’s movies are understated: vague ripples in an otherwise minimalist work. In Eureka, the shifts are abrasive and unmissable. Still, despite the magnitude of its zig-zags, the narrative flow isn’t quite as radical as you’d hope from a unique filmmaker like Alonso (especially after the similar narrative movements in Lois Patiño’s Samsara). The gestures feel vaguely hollow.

Nonetheless, individual moments in Eureka are vivid and beautiful. Alonso’s imagining of the Old West as a lawless Sodom, complete with boozehound nuns, is as imaginative as anything he’s made. The sequence’s irresistibility makes its role in the larger film all the more complex; Alonso situates Old West mythology in opposition to indigenous histories and realities. Curiously, Eureka is most energized trafficking in its own subversive séance of Old West debauchery. [3.5/5]

Album Review: Kesha, ‘Gag Order’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Album Review: Kesha, ‘Gag Order’

In promotional materials, Gag Order is billed as a “post-pop” record exploring themes of empowerment and self-discovery. You can debate the “post-pop” part – it’s certainly not a standard pop album – and self-discovery is inevitable, but Kesha does not sound particularly empowered on Gag Order. She doesn’t seem too interested in giving the world another empowerment anthem at this stage: “I feel safest in the silence/ And I’m so goddamn sick of fighting,” she sings on ‘Fine Line’, resisting any kind of neat narrative. It makes sense. For one thing, her years-long legal battle with her former producer Dr. Luke, who she accused of sexual and emotional abuse (and whose label she is still technically signed to), is ongoing. There’s no “used to” in her darkness; no rainbow in sight, or really any metaphor to cling to. There’s no standout like ‘Praying’ to carry the weight of it all. “I let my darkness have the light,” the singer wrote in a manifesto for the new album. “I can’t fight the truth.” So she doesn’t try.

But she’s still determined to bring color to the swirl of emotions she’s had to bear up against, and the ways she goes about it are both strange and often intriguing. Kesha may not have a reputation for being a boundary-pushing pop artist, but the journey towards maturity that has marked her output since 2017’s Rainbow has not exactly been a conventional one. (Let me remind you that that album, perhaps best remembered for trading in elements of folk and country, included an Eagles of Death Metal collaboration in which Kesha told “all the haters everywhere” to “suck my dick.”) By 2020’s High Road, Kesha was more audibly torn between her image as a carefree pop star and a more introspective songwriter, leaving the album feeling muddled and conflicted. On her latest, produced by Rick Rubin, she continues to embrace uncertainty but strips the freneticism out of her approach. Still unable to speak openly about her experience, her anger drudges into weariness more often than it’s turned outward. Like her most recent albums, Gag Order doesn’t exactly stick to a single lane, but it’s pervaded by the same dour mood even as it flits between styles.

The first thing you’ll notice about the album is its stark, minimalist production, which hangs ominously over the first two tracks, ‘Something to Believe In’ and ‘Eat the Acid’. The subtlety suits her, building tension without making much of a statement. You immediately get the sense that Kesha is in search of something rather simply trudging around, careful with her words but in tune with her feelings, which the music conveys by persistently hinting at a bigger revelation that might never fully arrive. Even a ballad like ‘Hate Me Harder’, which is filled with righteous conviction, avoids the traditional payoff you’d expect, giving the impression that Kesha and her collaborators are more focused on tracing the actual trajectory of her emotions, as unsettled as they may be. “There’s a fine line between hope and delusion/ Between what’s right and what we’ve just gotten used to,” she sings, her self-awareness colouring every jarring shift and bold declaration.

Gag Order has more than a few of those. When she ends ‘Fine Line’ with the obliterating lyric, “But hey, look at all the money we made off me,” the transition to the brash, stomping beat of ‘Only Love Can Save Us Now’ feels both necessary and a little tongue-in-cheek. Unfortunately, the song’s gospel-inspired chorus sounds stiff and generic, dampening its message. For an album that lacks vibrancy but not spirit, it’s a shame the music struggles to communicate the spiritual awakening that inspired it in a way that gels with the album’s flow. There’s an interlude from the late guru Ram Dass, while the Indian mystic Osho is sampled on ‘All I Need Is You’, and 80-year-old wizard Oberon Zell features on ‘Happy’. But their voices aren’t integrated in a way quite as compelling or immersive as, say, the appearance of Judah Smith on Lana Del Rey’s latest album. There’s no reason why Kesha shouldn’t lean into the eeriness that’s found elsewhere on the album even when the guidance she receives is more grounded than ambivalent.

More moving and disarming is the album’s raw vulnerability, which can be heard on tracks like ‘Living in My Head’ and the lovely ‘All I Need Is You’. Kesha wrote the first in the middle of a panic attack, and it sounds a little terrified of its own existence: “Every time I listen to ‘Living in My Head’ I just want to curl up in a ball and hide,” she said in an interview. But there’s really not much evidence of hiding on Gag Order, and more impressively, not much showing off either. Although a few songs feel somewhat undercooked, there is a simmering intensity to the album that feels fresh, a sign that Kesha is becoming more comfortable following her instincts rather than having to choose between them. She’s not looking to prove anything, just finding new ways to persevere.

Kassa Overall Enlists Lil B, Shabazz Palaces, and Francis and the Lights on New Single ‘Going Up’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Kassa Overall Enlists Lil B, Shabazz Palaces, and Francis and the Lights on New Single ‘Going Up’

Kasa Overall has shared a new track, ‘Going Up’, which features contributions from Lil B, Shabazz Palaces’ Ishmael Butler, and Francis and the Lights. It’s the latest single from his upcoming album ANIMALS, following ‘Ready to Ball’, ‘Make My Way Back Home’, and ‘The Lava Is Calm’. Check it out below.

ANIMALS arrives this Friday, May 26 via Warp.

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy Announces New Album, Shares Video for New Song ‘Bananas’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy Announces New Album, Shares Video for New Song ‘Bananas’

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy has announced his first solo album in four years. It’s called Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You, and it arrives August 11 via Drag City. Lead single ‘Bananas’, a duet with Dane Waters, comes with a video made by Ethan Osman. Check it out and find the album’s cover art and tracklist below.

Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You, which follows 2019’s I Made a Place, was recorded with Nick Roeder in Louisville. Along with Waters on backing vocals, it features Sara Louise Callaway on violin, Kendall Carter on keys, Elisabeth Fuchsia on viola and violin, Dave Howard on Mandolin, and Drew Miller on saxophone.

In 2021, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy put out two collaborative records: Superwolves with Matt Sweeney and Blind Date Party with Bill Callahan.

Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You Cover Artwork:

Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You Tracklist:

1. Like It or Not
2. Behold! Be Held!
3. Bananas
4. Blood of the Wine
5. Sing Them Down Together
6. Kentucky Is Water
7. Willow, Pine and Oak
8. Trees of Hell
9. Rise and Rule (She Was Born in Honolulu)
10. Queens of Sorrow
11. Crazy Blue Bells
12. Good Morning, Popocatépetl

A Guide for Receiving Casino Free Spins

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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A Guide for Receiving Casino Free Spins

The good people of Ireland love trying their at online casino games, and they love it when they get to make use of bonuses, especially daily free spins. Due to the importance of enticing new players to open an account, many online casinos now offer free spin bonuses. So, with this in mind, in this guide we are going to tell you all that you need to know about such bonuses.

What Are Free Spins?

If you are new to the world of online gambling, then casino free spins are exactly what they sound like – the casino will give you an opportunity to spin the reels of some of their slot games without you having to put any of your hard-earned money on line. It is pretty clear to see why such bonuses have become so popular. Many of the top online casinos out there will include some free spins in their welcome offer because they know that this is a way to entice new players to open an account with them.

How To Claim a Free Spins Bonus

So, now that you have a good understanding as to what free spins are, you are probably wondering how you go about claiming them as part of a welcome bonus. Well, check out the step-by-step guide below:

  1. Find an online casino that is offering free spins and start the sign-up process – you’ll need to hand over some personal information like you full name, email address, house address, and date of birth.
  2. You’ll then have to create a strong username and password.
  3. Once you have done that, head over to the banking options page, select your preferred method, follow the easy instructions, and deposit some money – there will usually be a minimum amount required.
  4. You will now have a new online casino account, and will receive the bonus spins according to the terms and conditions.

If the online casino that you are signing up with is offering no deposit free spins, then you can disregard step three for the time being. This is because, as the name suggests, free spins no deposit in Ireland are bonus spins that you can claim without having to deposit any funds. Regardless of the type of bonus that you are claiming, it is always important that you take some time to read the T&Cs that apply.

Which Games to Play with Free Spins?

An online casino with free spins will usually give you some particular slots Ireland that you can use your free spins on. More often than not it will be for some slot games that the casino would like to promote for some reason, or for a brand new slot game that one of the software developers that they have teamed up with have just recently released.

However, there is a small chance that you will come across an online casino that is offering free spins that can be used on any of the slot games that they have in their library. Casino players will obviously prefer such bonuses because it means that they can use the free spins on slot games that they know they will like playing.

How to Maximize Your Free Spins Bonus

There will be occasions when you will find an online casino that has a welcome offer that is offering both money and bonus spins. For example, maybe the offer is something like – a 100% deposit match up to €400 and 100 free spins. In such a scenario, check what the minimum deposit is and deposit that. By doing this, you’ll have deposited the least amount of money possible, but will still receive all of the bonus spins, while also getting a little bit of bonus money to boot.

If you do find a free spins bonus where you can use the spins on offer on any slot game that you wish, then look to play those slots with a high RTP. If you are new to iGaming, then the RTP indicates a theoretical percentage that the slot will give back to players. For instance, if a slot has an RTP of 96.4%, then it indicates that for every €100 bet, it will pay back a total of €96.40. However, keep in mind that this is a theoretical figure which is based on thousands of spins of the reels, so you are never guaranteed such returns. Despite this, slot games with a higher RTP are more likely to pay out than those with a lower RTP.

When making use of free spins, you will not be spending your own money, but you will need to in order to complete any wagering requirements attached to any winnings that you make. Whenever you are spending your own hard-earned money, it is of the utmost importance that you gamble responsibly and do not spend more money than you can afford to lose. We recommend that you come up with a budget for every gambling session and stick to it.

This Week’s Best New Songs: Kylie Minogue, Mega Bog, Chris Farren, and More

Konstantinos Pappis
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This Week’s Best New Songs: Kylie Minogue, Mega Bog, Chris Farren, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have Kylie Minogue’s thumping, infectious dance banger ‘Padam Padam’; Róisín Murphy’s ‘The Universe’, a whole different kind of jam that filters gratitude with absurdity; Hannah Jadagu’s ‘Lose’, which is both vulnerable and catchy; ‘You’ll Never Get Your Money Back’, a soaring breakup anthem from Alex Lahey’s new album; Lande Hekt’s jangly yet poignant new single ‘Pottery Class’; ‘All and Everything’, a hauntingly dramatic yet exhilarating standout from Mega Bog’s latest album; the lead single from Chris Farren’s new LP Doom Singer, a track that sounds big and thrilling enough to earn the title ‘Cosmic Leash’; and Julie Byrne’s ‘The Greater Wings’, a radiant, gorgeous embrace of a song.

Best New Songs: May 22, 2023

Kylie Minogue, ‘Padam Padam’

Róisín Murphy, ‘The Universe’

Hannah Jadagu, ‘Lose’

Alex Lahey, ‘You’ll Never Get Your Money Back’

Lande Hekt, ‘Pottery Class’

Song of the Week: Mega Bog, ‘All and Everything’

Chris Farren, ‘Cosmic Leash’

Julie Byrne, ‘The Greater Wings’

Foo Fighters Confirm Josh Freese as New Drummer

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Foo Fighters Confirm Josh Freese as New Drummer

Foo Fighters have announced that their new drummer is Josh Freese, replacing longtime Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who tragically passed away last year. The band confirmed the news Sunday during their livestream Foo Fighters: Preparing Music For Concerts, which was recorded at the band’s 606 Studios the group’s 606 studios in Northridge, California. The livestream began by teasing that famous drummers including Chad Smith, Tommy Lee, and Danny Carey would join the lineup before Freese was ultimately revealed as their new drummer.

A prolific session musician, Freese has played and recorded with everyone from Guns N’ Roses to Nine Inch Nails to Paramore to Sting. At last year’s Coachella, he played with both 100 gecs and Danny Elfman on the same day. He also performed with the Foo Fighters during both tribute shows to Hawkins last year.

Foo Fighters’ summer tour, which will take them across North America and Europe, kicks off May 24 in Gilford, New Hampshire. Their new LP But Here We Are comes out June 2.

Legends of the Strip: Celebrating the Iconic Music Residencies in Las Vegas

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Legends of the Strip: Celebrating the Iconic Music Residencies in Las Vegas

In the glittering heart of the Entertainment Capital of the World, where dreams are brought to life and spectacle knows no bounds, Las Vegas has played host to some of the most unforgettable music residencies in history. From the golden era of Elvis Presley to the modern-day extravaganzas of pop icons, the stages of Las Vegas have witnessed the rise and reign of legendary musicians who have left an indelible mark on the city’s vibrant entertainment landscape.

So, join us as we embark on a journey through time, celebrating the luminaries who have graced the stages of Las Vegas and forever imprinted their names in the annals of music history.

Las Vegas: The Land of Casinos and Extravagance

Before jumping into the article, you must know Las Vegas is synonymous with extravagant casinos that have become synonymous with the city’s identity. These opulent establishments are the epitome of glitz, glamour, and high-stakes excitement. From the iconic Bellagio with its mesmerizing water fountain show to the grandeur of Caesars Palace, Las Vegas casinos offer an unparalleled experience

The casinos feature an array of table games, slot machines, and poker rooms, catering to every type of gambler. But for those who cannot reach and live the gambling life of Las Vegas, online casinos have become the go-to place for many Americans. All they need to do is Google Casino USA online — and they can gamble from the comfort of their homes. Although this is nothing compared to the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas, it still resembles the same thrill that the gaming experience offers.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas residency stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and immense talent. From 1969 to 1976, Elvis performed over 600 shows at the International Hotel, now known as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. 

These residencies became legendary, drawing fans from across the globe to witness the King of Rock and Roll in his element. Elvis’s electrifying stage presence, powerful vocals, and magnetic charisma created an unforgettable experience for all who attended. 

His Las Vegas shows showcased his extensive catalog of hits, including “Suspicious Minds,” “Love Me Tender,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Elvis Presley’s residency in Las Vegas cemented his status as a music icon, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s entertainment landscape.

Frank Sinatra

Known as the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra is synonymous with the golden era of Las Vegas and its iconic music residencies. Sinatra’s performances in Las Vegas became legendary and established the city as the entertainment capital of the world.

From the 1950s through the 1980s, Sinatra headlined at various venues, including the Sands Hotel and Casino, the Golden Nugget, and Caesars Palace. His smooth, velvety voice, impeccable phrasing, and undeniable stage presence captivated audiences night after night. 

Sinatra’s residencies were the epitome of sophistication and glamour, drawing celebrities, socialites, and fans from around the world. His timeless hits like “My Way,” “New York, New York,” and “Fly Me to the Moon” became anthems for the city itself.

Celine Dion

Celine Dion, a Canadian powerhouse vocalist, is a true icon in the world of music and entertainment. With a career spanning several decades, Celine has achieved unparalleled success and touched the hearts of millions with her incredible voice and emotional performances. 

Her Las Vegas residency, titled “Celine,” held at Caesars Palace from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2011 to 2019, solidified her status as one of the greatest live performers of all time. Celine’s residency became a must-see spectacle, showcasing her vocal range, passion, and captivating stage presence. Her shows featured a blend of her biggest hits, including “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love,” along with stunning visuals and production.

Elton John

The legendary British singer-songwriter and pianist Elton John is a true icon of the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, he has left an indelible mark on popular music with his distinctive voice, flamboyant style, and captivating stage presence. 

Elton’s music is a fusion of various genres, including rock, pop, and glam, and his songs have become timeless classics. Hits like “Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” and “Tiny Dancer” have resonated with audiences worldwide. His Las Vegas residency, titled “The Red Piano,” held at Caesars Palace from 2004 to 2009, showcased his electrifying performances and extravagant costumes. The residency became a must-see experience for fans, featuring a mix of his greatest hits and captivating storytelling.

Britney Spears

Bursting onto the scene in the late 1990s, Britney quickly rose to superstardom with her infectious pop sound and magnetic stage presence. Known for her catchy hits like “Baby One More Time,” “Oops!… I Did It Again,” and “Toxic,” Britney became a global sensation, dominating the charts and captivating audiences with her energetic performances.

Britney Spears’ Las Vegas residency, titled “Britney: Piece of Me,” held at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino from 2013 to 2017, showcased her undeniable talent and stage prowess. The residency was a spectacle of high-energy choreography, elaborate sets, and her greatest hits, solidifying her status as an iconic pop star. Despite personal challenges and media scrutiny, Britney’s resilience and unwavering fan support continue to make her an influential figure in the music industry.

Cher

With a career spanning over six decades, Cher’s distinctive contralto voice, bold fashion choices, and magnetic stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide. From her early days as part of the duo Sonny & Cher, where they scored hits like “I Got You, Babe,” to her solo career with timeless hits like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” Cher has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be a pop icon. 

Cher’s Las Vegas residencies, including “Cher at the Colosseum” at Caesars Palace from 2008 to 2011 and “Classic Cher” at the Park Theater from 2017 to 2019, showcased her unparalleled talent and charisma.

Aerosmith

Formed in 1970, Aerosmith quickly rose to fame with their distinctive sound and charismatic stage presence. Led by the dynamic duo of Steven Tyler’s soulful vocals and Joe Perry’s blazing guitar riffs, the band garnered a massive following and became known for their anthemic hits like “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Walk This Way.” 

Aerosmith’s Las Vegas residency, titled “Deuces Are Wild,” held at the Park Theater in 2019, showcased their raw energy and showcased their extensive catalog of rock classics. The residency was a high-octane experience filled with explosive performances, incredible musicianship, and a celebration of their iconic music.

Lady Gaga

From her early days as a rising star to her status as a global icon, Lady Gaga has captivated audiences with her powerful vocals, fearless performances, and provocative persona. With chart-topping hits like “Bad Romance,” “Born This Way,” and “Poker Face,” Gaga has become known for her infectious pop sound and empowering lyrics.

Lady Gaga’s Las Vegas residency, titled “Enigma,” held at the Park Theater from 2018 to 2020, showcased her incredible talent and creativity. The residency was a visual extravaganza, combining stunning visuals, elaborate costumes, and electrifying stage productions. Gaga’s performances were a testament to her versatility, as she seamlessly transitioned between high-energy dance numbers and intimate piano ballads. Beyond her musical achievements, Lady Gaga is a vocal advocate for social causes and a symbol of self-acceptance and inclusivity.

Apart from its reputation for casino games, Las Vegas has been the stage for numerous iconic music residencies that have shaped the landscape of popular music and entertainment. From Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, these legendary artists have graced the city’s renowned venues, captivating audiences with their talent, charisma, and unforgettable performances. 

Their residencies have become part of the city’s rich musical history, leaving a lasting impact on both the Las Vegas entertainment scene and the broader music industry. These artists have not only showcased their exceptional artistry but also transformed the concept of live performances, elevating the Las Vegas residency to a pinnacle of musical excellence and spectacle. 

Their legacies continue to inspire generations of musicians and entertainers, ensuring that the spirit of iconic music residencies in Las Vegas remains vibrant and celebrated for years to come.

How To Find The Top THC Products Online: A Guide

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How To Find The Top THC Products Online: A Guide

The popularity of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) products has soared in recent years as more individuals are seeking the potential benefits of cannabis. With the convenience of online shopping, finding top-quality THC products has become easier than ever. However, it’s essential to navigate through the vast array of options and choose reputable sources such as organically-made THCA gummies. This guide will give you valuable insights and tips on finding the top THC products online.

Research and Educate Yourself

Before diving into the world of THC products, research and educate yourself about cannabis, THC, and its effects. Understand the different strains, product types, and consumption methods available. Know the legal regulations and requirements in your jurisdiction. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and ensure that you find the right THC products for your needs. In this case, gather information about their potency, ingredients, and recommended dosage to explore the world of Delta-9 gummies, a popular THC-infused edible option. Consider factors like taste preferences, desired effects, and potential health considerations before indulging in these tasty treats.

Look for Trusted and Licensed Online Retailers

To find top THC products online, seeking out trusted and licensed online retailers is crucial. Look for reputable companies with a track record of quality and customer satisfaction. Check for appropriate licenses and certifications that demonstrate compliance with legal requirements. Customer reviews and ratings can also provide valuable insights into the reliability and authenticity of the online retailer. Additionally, explore the retailer’s website to ensure they provide detailed product information, including the THC content, strain information, and lab testing results. Reputable online retailers prioritize transparency and ensure their products meet rigorous quality and safety standards. By taking these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are purchasing top-notch THC products from a trustworthy online source.

Check Product Quality and Testing

When purchasing THC products online, prioritize quality and safety. Reputable online retailers will provide detailed information about their products, including potency, ingredients, and testing procedures. Look for products that undergo third-party lab testing to ensure accuracy and transparency. The lab reports should confirm the THC content and identify any contaminants. By choosing products that meet rigorous quality standards, you can have confidence in their effectiveness and safety. It’s also important to consider the extraction method used to produce the THC products. CO2 extraction is regarded as a superior method as it preserves the integrity of the cannabinoids and minimizes the presence of impurities. Additionally, some online retailers offer organic and sustainably sourced THC products, which can be desirable for those who prioritize environmental and ethical considerations. By paying attention to these factors, you can make informed decisions and select high-quality THC products that align with your preferences and values.

Read Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews and ratings can offer valuable insights into the quality and performance of THC products. Take the time to read reviews from other customers who have purchased and used the products you are interested in. Look for reviews that highlight positive experiences, product effectiveness, and customer service. However, remember that individual experiences may vary, so consider multiple perspectives when evaluating a product’s reputation.

Consider Your Preferences and Needs

Finding the top THC products online involves considering your personal preferences and needs. Determine the desired THC potency level, product type (such as edibles, oils, or concentrates), and consumption method that suits you best. Consider factors like taste, convenience, and the desired onset and duration of effects. You can find THC products that provide the expected experience by aligning your preferences with the available options.

Understand Legal Considerations

When purchasing THC products online, it’s crucial to understand the legal considerations in your jurisdiction. THC products may have different regulations and restrictions depending on your location. Familiarize yourself with the laws regarding the purchase, possession, and consumption of THC products to ensure compliance. Be aware of age restrictions and any limitations on the quantity or type of THC products that can be legally obtained. Some jurisdictions require a valid medical marijuana card or prescription to purchase THC products. It’s essential to abide by these regulations and only buy THC products from licensed sources to avoid legal complications. By staying informed and adhering to legal requirements, you can enjoy the benefits of THC products responsibly and lawfully.

Finding the top THC products online requires research, diligence, and an understanding of your preferences and legal considerations. By educating yourself, choosing trusted retailers, checking product quality, and considering customer reviews, you can make informed decisions and find THC products that meet your needs. Remember to prioritize safety, quality, and compliance with legal requirements. With these tips in mind, you can navigate the online market confidently and enjoy the potential benefits of THC products responsibly.

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