RIDING HIGH
Malibu’s legendary music man Glen Campbell said so long to the Hollywood Bowl in grand style as the famed country pop crooner continues his farewell tour. The Rhinestone Cowboy’s “Goodbye Tour” is a celebration of his extraordinary 50-year career. It also comes on the heels of his final studio album, “Ghost on the Canvas.” Shortly after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last June, Campbell decided to forge ahead with both the tour and the album, in the spirit of sharing both his music and the truth about his condition.
It doesn’t seem to be slowing him down. The man behind such classics as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston” recently performed and was honored at a benefit at the Malibu home of actress Jane Seymour.
Glen just received the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and joined The Band Perry and Blake Shelton for a special performance on the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Now he’s on the road again and the Bowl was only one of his many stops.
He was joined by special guests such as Jackson Browne, Dawes and Kris Kristofferson.
There was a host of tributes playing hits, including “Times Spent in Los Angeles,” “Little Bit of Everything,” “Dreams of an Everyday Housewife,” The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” The Beach Boys’ “I Get Around” as well as Glen’s “Turn Around, Look at Me.” Kris Kristofferson belted out “Highwayman,” “Less of Me” and “Just to Satisfy You.” Jackson Browne sang “I Know There’s an Answer,” and everyone got in on the act for “Viva Las Vegas.” Afterward, Glen was welcomed with a standing ovation. He kicked off his set with the crowd-pleasing “Gentle on my Mind” followed by “Galveston,” and a set of his most famous hits including “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Try a Little Kindness” and wrapped up with “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
With a playlist like that, you can be sure there would be an encore, and there was with “Southern Nights.” Glen went out the way he came in, with the crowd on its feet clamoring for more.
THERE’S A NEW LADY IN TOWN
Blonde beauty Naomi Watts is stepping into a new role, and it’s a royal one. Sure, a lot of attention these days has been turned on the stunning Duchess of Cambridge, Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen during her Jubilee season, but Naomi will be taking a page from history as she plays the late Princess Diana in an upcoming movie. The film focuses on the princess’ life, including her relationships with heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Kahn and Dodi Fayed. The movie is currently in production. The release date has not been announced.