Rock is Fifty!

Celebrating The 50th Anniversary Of
The Breakthrough Of Rock 'n' Roll

DETAILS OF OFFICIAL EVENTS, PROJECTS & PEOPLE

"THE ROCK IS FIFTY!" HONORARY COMMITTEE - SPEARHEADING THE OFFICIAL 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
This is the honorary committee formed by some of the most prominent participants in the breakthrough. The committee has no commercial agenda. Its aim is solely to ensure that this 50th anniversary is noted and celebrated. Further information about the Honorary Committee
THE "ROCK IS FIFTY!" ANNIVERSARY PARTY - HOSTED BY GIBSON GUITARS IN NEW YORK CITY
Monday March 21st - 8pm-10pm - Official Anniversary Party (Invitation-only VIP)
The Official "Rock Is Fifty!" Anniversary Party hosted in New York by Gibson Guitars and the "Rock Is Fifty!" Honorary Committee. (The guitar featured on the original recording of "Rock Around The Clock" was a Gibson.) Attendees will be A-list celebrities from the worlds of music, acting and comedy. Guests of honor are rock 'n' roll pioneers The Comets who will perform a short set - culminating in a grand finale all-star performance of "Rock Around The Clock."
GIBSON GUITARS - http://www.gibson.com
FILM SCREENING - AT THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART IN NEW YORK CITY
Sunday March 20th - 8pm - The Museum Of Modern Art in NYC
Special screening of "Blackboard Jungle"
On the exact 50th anniversary of the film's world premiere - New York. March 20, 1955.
Event hosted by musician/actor Steven Van Zandt. Screening followed by Q&A with Peter Ford (son & biographer of the film's star Glenn Ford) - who as a 9-year-old was the instigator of the inclusion of "Rock Around The Clock" on the movie soundtrack. And all five surviving members of the original Comets.
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART http://www.moma.org/
FILM SCREENING - AT THE AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE IN LOS ANGELES
Sunday March 27th - 5pm American Cinematheque at The Egyptian Theatre
Special Hollywood screening of "Blackboard Jungle"
On the exact 50th anniversary of the film's general release. Event hosted by producer/rock historian Martin Lewis. Followed by Q&A with cast members Paul Mazursky & Jamie Farr; Assistant Director Joel Freeman; Peter Ford (son & biographer of the film's star Glenn Ford) - who as a 9-year-old was the instigator of the inclusion of "Rock Around The Clock" on the movie soundtrack.
And all five surviving members of the original Comets. The program includes a second film (after the Q&A) - Bill Haley & The Comets' 1956 movie "Rock Around The Clock"
THE AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE http://www.americancinematheque.com/
VIDEO PREMIERE/SEMINAR - AT THE MUSEUM OF TV & RADIO IN NEW YORK CITY
Tuesday March 22nd - 6pm-8pm - Museum Of Television & Radio in NYC
World Premiere of new museum-only video program "Rock Is Fifty!"
"Rock Is Fifty!" is a specially-created collection of ultra-rare, live TV rock 'n' roll performances from "The Ed Sullivan Show" that originally aired in 1955-1960. The 75-minute program contains 30 songs - over half of which have not been seen anywhere since they aired on TV just once - 45-50 years ago.
The program was specially created for the anniversary by noted rock filmmaker Andrew Solt ("Imagine: John Lennon," "This Is Elvis," "The History of Rock 'n' Roll" etc) and producer/rock historian Martin Lewis (Amnesty's "Secret Policeman's Ball" series and the DVD Editions of "A Hard Day's Night" and "The Kids Are Alright" etc.)
The World Premiere is hosted by musician/actor Steven Van Zandt and is followed by a special seminar discussion about the history of rock 'n' roll with The Comets.
THE MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO http://www.mtr.org/
VIDEO PREMIERE/SEMINAR - AT THE MUSEUM OF TV & RADIO IN LOS ANGELES
Tuesday March 29th - 7:30pm - Museum Of Television & Radio in L.A.
California Premiere of new museum-only video program "Rock Is Fifty!"
"Rock Is Fifty!" is a specially-created collection of ultra-rare, live TV rock 'n' roll performances from "The Ed Sullivan Show" that originally aired in 1955-1960. The 75-minute program contains 30 songs - over half of which have not been seen anywhere since they aired on TV just once - 45-50 years ago.
The program was specially created for the anniversary by noted rock filmmaker Andrew Solt ("Imagine: John Lennon," "This Is Elvis," "The History of Rock 'n' Roll" etc) and producer/rock historian Martin Lewis (Amnesty's "Secret Policeman's Ball" series and the DVD Editions of "A Hard Day's Night" and "The Kids Are Alright" etc.)
The California Premiere is hosted by the program's producer Martin Lewis and is followed by a one-time seminar discussion about the history of rock 'n' roll with The Comets.
THE MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO http://www.mtr.org/
VIDEO SCREENINGS - AT THE MUSEUM OF TV & RADIO IN NEW YORK CITY
Wednesday March 23rd - 1.30pm - Museum Of Television & Radio in NYC
First day of month-long season of screenings of "Rock Is Fifty!"
The new museum-only video program "Rock Is Fifty!" will be screened daily (Tuesday-Sunday) at 1.30pm in the New York Museum for one month till Sunday April 24th
"Rock Is Fifty!" is a specially-created collection of ultra-rare, live TV rock 'n' roll performances from "The Ed Sullivan Show" that originally aired in 1955-1960. The 75-minute program contains 30 songs - over half of which have not been seen anywhere since they aired on TV just once - 45-50 years ago.
The program was specially created for the anniversary by noted rock filmmaker Andrew Solt ("Imagine: John Lennon," "This Is Elvis," "The History of Rock 'n' Roll" etc) and producer/rock historian Martin Lewis (Amnesty's "Secret Policeman's Ball" series and the DVD Editions of "A Hard Day's Night" and "The Kids Are Alright" etc.)
In addition to the month-long screening schedule - visitors to the Museum will also be able to go to the Museum's Radio Listening Room and the Museum's Library and listen (on private headphones) to vintage radio shows from the early years of rock 'n' roll - including broadcasts by pioneering DJ Alan Freed.
THE MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO http://www.mtr.org/
VIDEO SCREENINGS - AT THE MUSEUM OF TV & RADIO IN LOS ANGELES
Wednesday March 30th - 12.30pm - Museum Of Television & Radio in L.A.
First day of month-long season of screenings of "Rock Is Fifty!"
The new museum-only video program "Rock Is Fifty!" will air daily (Wednesday-Sunday) at 12.30pm in the Museum for one month till Sunday April 24th
"Rock Is Fifty!" is a specially-created collection of ultra-rare, live TV rock 'n' roll performances from "The Ed Sullivan Show" that originally aired in 1955-1960. The 75-minute program contains 30 songs - over half of which have not been seen anywhere since they aired on TV just once - 45-50 years ago.
The program was specially created for the anniversary by noted rock filmmaker Andrew Solt ("Imagine: John Lennon," "This Is Elvis," "The History of Rock 'n' Roll" etc) and producer/rock historian Martin Lewis (Amnesty's "Secret Policeman's Ball" series and the DVD Editions of "A Hard Day's Night" and "The Kids Are Alright" etc.)
In addition to the month-long screening schedule - visitors to the Museum will also be able to go to the Museum's Radio Listening Room and the Museum's Library and listen (on private headphones) to vintage radio shows from the early years of rock 'n' roll - including broadcasts by pioneering DJ Alan Freed.
THE MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO http://www.mtr.org/
EXHIBITION - CREATED BY THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME (DISPLAYING IN L.A.)
Wednesday March 30th - 12 noon - Museum Of Television & Radio in L.A.
Opening Of Brand-New Exhibit Created By The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
Official opening of a three-month-long exhibition celebrating 50 years of rock 'n' roll. "Rock Is Fifty!" is an exhibit of rare rock 'n' roll memorabilia - specially created for this anniversary by the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It includes photographs, record covers, sheet music, concert posters and other mementos from the early days of rock.
This exhibit will not be seen anywhere else in the world.
The exhibit will be open FREE-OF-CHARGE 12 noon-5pm daily (Wednesday-Sunday) till July 9th 2005 - the 50th anniversary of the date that Billboard officially certified "Rock Around The Clock" as the first-ever rock 'n' roll record to reach #1.
The Comets will attend the opening of the exhibit.
THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME http://www.rockhall.com/
EXHIBITION - CREATED BY GIBSON GUITARS (DISPLAYING IN L.A.)
Wednesday March 30th - 12 noon - Museum Of Television & Radio in L.A.
Opening Of Brand-New Exhibit Created By Gibson Guitars
Gibson Guitars presents "Gibson Rocks!" a display of classic guitar models that helped launch rock 'n' roll. Included in the exhibition will be the Gibson guitar that was used on the original recording of "Rock Around The Clock" (courtesy of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.)
This exhibit will not be seen anywhere else in the world.
The exhibit will be open FREE-OF-CHARGE 12 noon-5pm daily (Wednesday-Sunday) till July 9th 2005 - the 50th anniversary of date that Billboard officially certified "Rock Around The Clock" as the first-ever rock 'n' roll record to reach #1.
The Comets will attend the opening of the exhibit.
GIBSON GUITARS http://www.gibson.com
LIVE MUSIC EVENT - THE COMETS AT THE VIPER ROOM (LOS ANGELES)
Tuesday March 29th - 11pm - The Viper Room in L.A.
Special Performance by The Comets
The Comets headline at the legendary Viper Room in Los Angeles. This is the band's sole public performance during the entire ten-day anniversary period. The Comets now trump the Rolling Stones to become the oldest band ever to perform at the club!
The show was initiated and is produced by Martin Lewis - who has previously instigated reunions by John Lennon's first band The Quarrymen, John Kerry's high-school rock band The Electras - and The Rutles.
THE VIPER ROOM http://www.viperroom.com/
NEW DVD - "BLACKBOARD JUNGLE"
"Blackboard Jungle" DVD - Warner Home Video
Announcement of first-ever DVD release of the landmark film (due May 10)
Warner Home Video has announced that the landmark film "Blackboard Jungle" will debut on DVD on May 10th. The DVD will include audio commentary from cast members Paul Mazursky and Jamie Farr - and from Peter Ford (son & biographer of the film's star Glenn Ford) - who as a 9-year-old was the instigator of the inclusion of "Rock Around The Clock" on the movie soundtrack.
9-DISC DVD BOX SET - "ED SULLIVAN'S ROCK 'N' ROLL CLASSICS"
"Ed Sullivan's Rock 'n' Roll Classics" 9-Disc DVD Box Set (Rhino)
Being re-promoted in conjunction with the anniversary
This definitive 9-disc DVD Box Set (144 songs - 520 minutes) from "The Ed Sullivan Show" (1955-1971) features many historic rock 'n' roll performances including the first-ever live national TV performance of "Rock Around The Clock" - by Bill Haley And The Comets - in August 1955 - in the middle of the song's eight-week run at #1. Also includes over 20 live performances from Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
CD - "ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK"
"Rock Around The Clock" CD (Universal Music Enterprises)
Being re-promoted in conjunction with the anniversary
This is the recent CD release of the classic 1955 Bill Haley And The Comets album.
ANDREW SOLT - ROCK FILMMAKER
SOFA ENTERTAINMENT - FILM & TV PRODUCTION COMPANY
THE ED SULLIVAN ARCHIVE
Andrew Solt is one of the world's most respected rock filmmakers ("Imagine: John Lennon," "This Is Elvis," "The History of Rock 'n' Roll" etc)
SOFA Entertainment is his wholly-owned film & TV production company.
SOFA Entertainment has owned the Ed Sullivan Archive since 1990. SOFA has produced numerous acclaimed TV specials, home videos, DVDs and record albums drawn from the catalogue including the very successful 2-disc DVD Set "The Complete Ed Sullivan Shows Featuring The Beatles."
THE COMETS - THE FIRST BAND OF ROCK 'N' ROLL
The Comets are The First Band Of Rock 'n' Roll. Here is their story.
THE COMETS http://www.originalcomets.org/
PETER FORD - SON AND BIOGRAPHER OF GLENN FORD
Peter Ford is the son & biographer of the film's star Glenn Ford. In 1955 - at the age of just 9 - he was the enthusiastic instigator of the inclusion of one of his favorite records - "Rock Around The Clock" - on the movie soundtrack of the film "Blackboard Jungle" that his father was currently filming.
PETER FORD http://www.peterford.com
NEW PROMOTIONAL MUSIC VIDEO OF "ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK"
"Rock Around The Clock" Promotional Music Video
Being serviced to TV shows in conjunction with the anniversary
This is a brand-new music video created using elements from 1955 - footage from the movie "Blackboard Jungle" and the historic performance of the film's theme song "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley & The Comets on the Ed Sullivan Show.
It's the music video that WOULD have been created in 1955 to promote the movie and the record - had the concept of music video been invented at that time!
It was conceived and directed by producer/rock historian Martin Lewis (Amnesty's "Secret Policeman's Ball" series and the DVD Editions of "A Hard Day's Night" and "The Kids Are Alright" etc.) and respected filmmaker Andrew Solt ("Imagine: John Lennon," "This Is Elvis," "The History of Rock 'n' Roll" etc)
It may accurately be described as:
THE WORLD'S FIRST-EVER ROCK VIDEO *
*If they had invented rock video in the 1950's!
This is a very unusual production promoting both the forthcoming DVD release of "Blackboard Jungle" (May 10th) and the 9-Disc DVD Box Set "Ed Sullivan's Rock 'n' Roll Classics"
MARTIN LEWIS - PRODUCER/ROCK HISTORIAN (INSTIGATOR AND PRODUCER OF ALL THE OFFICIAL "ROCK IS FIFTY!" CELEBRATIONS)
Martin Lewis is a 21st Century Renaissance Man. Among his many hats - he is a producer and rock historian. He is the instigator and producer of the entire "Rock Is Fifty!" official anniversary celebrations and has personally organized the ten major events and exhibits that salute the anniversary.
In February 2004 he initiated and produced "The Fab 40!" - the massive nationwide celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' first US visit.
Further Information
MARTIN LEWIS http://www.MartinLewis.com/
SPRINGTIME! - CREATORS/ORGANIZERS OF ALL THE OFFICIAL "ROCK IS FIFTY!" CELEBRATIONS
Springtime! is the boutique production/publicitymarketing company founded in 1977 by Martin Lewis.
It specializes in conceiving and executing unique publicity and marketing campaigns and in producing major shows and events.
Two of the entertainment industry's most respected marketers - Miramax founders Bob & Harvey Weinstein - credit Springtime's Martin Lewis with teaching them much of their renowned marketing expertise back in 1982 in the earliest days of Miramax.
SPRINGTIME! http://www.springtime.biz/
"LITTLE" STEVEN VAN ZANDT/ UNDERGROUND GARAGE/ SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO - CO-PRESENTERS OF EIGHT OF THE OFFICIAL CELEBRATION EVENTS
Tuesday March 22nd - 8:00am ET "Underground Garage" (Sirius 25)
Official launch of new, commercial-free rock 'n' roll satellite radio channel
"Underground Garage" - the new, 24-hour, commercial-free radio channel created by longtime champion of rock 'n' roll Steven Van Zandt - officially launches its weekday programming and debuts its deejay lineup at 8:00am ET on Tuesday March 22nd. Van Zandt chose this rock 'n' roll anniversary as an ideal occasion on which to launch his new venture.
The channel will feature rock 'n' roll from all five decades. "We don't care if it's 50 years old - or 50 minutes old. If it's good rock and roll, we play it" says creator Van Zandt. The channel extends the philosophy and concept of his successful two-hour, weekly, syndicated radio show "Little Steven's Underground Garage" (currently playing on 200 stations to over a million listeners weekly) into a 24-hours-a-day-7-days-a-week format.
As part of its launch activities - "Underground Garage" is co-presenting eight of the ten official anniversary celebrations.
"LITTLE" STEVEN VAN ZANDT http://www.littlesteven.com/
UNDERGROUND GARAGE http://www.undergroundgarage.com/
SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO http://www.sirius.com/

FOR:

A. FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE EVENTS/PROJECTS

B. PHOTOGRAPHS/IMAGES RELATING TO THE ANNIVERSARY

C. EPK - WITH FOOTAGE RELATING TO THE ANNIVERSARY

D. INTERVIEWS WITH PARTICIPANTS AND HISTORIANS RELATING TO THE ANNIVERSARY

Jane Blunkell
Springtime Publicity

tel: (323) 654-7755
jb@springtime.biz

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