This page continues The Irreverent Guide to Barbra Streisand tradition of recounting recent news items. Items reported on this page reached the IG news desk during 2005. All items are listed in reverse chronological order (ie, newest first). For archived news, click on the year: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 OR 1999. In addition to news, you may click here for the New BABS Blog. Thanks.
12/15/06
GAS Is Born!
The most shocking moment of the year was revealed in the extra features of A Star is Born which was just released on DVD. I'm surprised this one was included as a feature. In the deleted scenes, there is a scene called
"Baking Bread". As the scene played, little did I know that something else was cooking. During the scene Barbra is baking bread. The bread doesn't rise properly and the meal catches fire. After Kris Kristofferson puts out the fire, Barbra is ecstatic and the camera focuses on her. That's when it happens. She turns around and breaks wind so loudly it is caught on tape. After that, the only thing you hear is the Diva quietly saying, "Take 5." Gross! I never thought I'd hear her pass gas. Now all that remains is for some fan to claim that is was music to his ears.
12/15/06
Are You a Super Hero?
Apparently, I am. Here are my results:
Your results:
12/15/06
Tour Grosses $92 Million
Barbra's post-retirement tour is over and the figures are in. The tour grossed $92 million and set records at all of its stops except for New York and Las Vegas (where Barbra was unable to break her previous records). After the ice flew in Florida (see below), no further incidents were reported. BTW, Barbra claimed the ice was thrown by someone who had a complimentary ticket given by Barbra herself to a friend--thus ending all speculation of a Republican conspiracy.
10/31/06
Angry Fan Tosses Drink at Babs
As you all know, Miami is largely Republican. Consequently, it was a little bold for her to do her Bush skit in the heart of Bushland. Well, some fan couldn't handle her skit and through his drink at her. According to reports, his aim was that of a sharp shooter--it landed right on her. At the same time (according to some) another fan started heckling. According to reports, Barbra had both removed from the concert. Reports further claim she said the following as they were removed from the arena: "If you want to hear me sing, buy my albums and stay home."
10/21/06
Babs Curse Turned Into Music
Barbra's die hard fans have always maintained that she could curse or fart and it would still be music. Well, it seems they might be right on the curse part. Her recent implosion at her NY concert inspired Lucian to create a dance mix, called, "Shut the F@#$ Up!". The title is really quite appropriate. If you don't believe me, just check it out by clicking here. Once there, follow the link to STFU.
Now, die hard fans, don't gloat. You still haven't proven that her flatus is musical. I somehow don't think anyone is brave enough to test that theory.
10/20/06
Babs Plans CD and DVD of Concert
Various sources are reporting that a CD and a DVD will be made of the concert. Was there ever a doubt? In addition, the concert may be aired on a premium cable channel. This has been the case with each of her last concerts.
I think now it is easier to understand why Il Divo was added to the mix. They have sold over 12 million albums worldwide in the little time they have been together. In addition, their fans have made their presence known at her concerts. Expect this cd to sell a little better than her last few.
10/10/06
Babs Drops F-Bomb in NY
Oh my. The things I hear. CNN reported that some poor schmoe at one of the NY concerts was not happy with Barbra's Bush parody. She first asked politely, but this person continued to heckle. Diva to the bone, and New Yorker at heart, Babs snapped and tartly issued the following command, "Shut the F@#$ up!"
It worked.
Now, if she can only drag herself to the men's room during the intermission and establish some order there. See my Philly concert review if you don't know what I mean.
BTW, I wonder who this person was. What a dubious distinction it must be to have been silenced by Babs in front of all New York.
10/06/06
THE IGBS REVIEWS THE PHILLY CONCERT
The agonies I endure for this website... Yes, I attended the October 4 concert at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. Here is my review.
10/03/06
CONCERT SPOILERS
A little bird told me...
She's fat. The diet didn't really work. Don't expect a slender Barbra this time around. Her first outfit (tentative) is an unflattering gold thing reminiscent of Hello Dolly.
Barbra will open the concert. Il Divo will have its solos, including Unbreak My Heart. Il Divo will also duet with Barbra on Music of the Night and Somewhere. Amidst plenty of tea, Barbra will sing When the Sun Comes Out, Woman in the Moon, Children will Listen, What are you doing the rest of your life, Down With Love, Funny Girl, Evergreen, and believe it or not, People. New songs include Unusual Way and her finale, a Cock-eyed Optimus.
Barbra will also duet with George W. Bush on Happy Days Are Here Again. (Of course, it's an impersonator.)
Finally, for those who love The Movie Album and Guilty Pleasures... Don't expect her to sing anything from those albums. In a shocking move, she avoids her new signature song, Emily. Oh well.
09/22/06
Detroit: CANCELLED
Detroit has fallen victim to slow ticket sales. Streisand's people have announced that this show is cancelled. Ths is is a first in Streisand's forty year career. Although segments of her 60s tour were cancelled, the reason back then was the diva's pregnancy. This is the first time one of her shows has been cancelled due to lack of interest. Like they say, if you hang around long enough...
09/22/06
When Diets Don't Work
The following photo is circulating. It's supposed to be a recent photo of the soon to be touring Diva. What happened? Boobs, eh, Babs, was somewhat flatchested in her youth. So where did these sagging udders come from? You tell me.
08/30/06
Looking good for the concert
Rumor has it Barbra is working with a personal trainer to get ready for her tour. These are the most recent photos I've found of her. She looks better than ever.
08/30/06
BABS a HIT in Canada!
The Celine Dion-deprived Canadians have all but purchased each and every ticket to Streisand's upcoming 2 Canadian concerts. Who knew she was popular there? What next? Europe? Who knows.
08/13/06
1000 Tickets Revoked Due to Credit Card Fraud
Apparently, those nasty people who commit credit card fraud have struck again. This time, they have used the stolen credit cards to purchase tickets to the Streisand concerts. Approximately 1000 tickets have been affected by this. Streisand's team has announced that any ticket sold to a stolen credit card will not be honored. Because of the unusually high number of such tickets, Ticketmaster has posted a list of all revoked tickets. Bad news: If you bought one of these tickets on ebay (or through a ticket broker), you better hope the seller is still around, otherwise you are going to lose your money. Good news: Now they have to sell another 1000 tickets to make up for the now empty 1000 seats. Is that really good news???
08/29/06
New Concerts Added to Tour/Streisand to Perform in Canada
Despite persistent reports of slow ticket sales, Streisand Promoters have added additional concerts, including two in Canada. While some have viewed this as a sign of good sales, that is not necessarily the case. According to one source, Streisand is guaranteed her salary regardless of ticket sales. If that is the case, the promoter will lose less money per show, if the ticket sales cover the "variable" costs (ie, costs that don't have to be paid if a show is cancelled). If these variable costs are covered by ticket sales, than any additional ticket sales can offset some of the fixed costs, including Streisand's hefty salary. Consequently, the promoter loses less money by putting on the show. We will know for certain if this is happening if and when the concerts take place. I will keep you posted.
08/13/06
$1 Million to Clinton Charity
Barbra has made her first major donation since her tour was announced. It was $1 million to Clinton's favorite charity--something about helping the climate. Now what exactly do charities do to protect the climate? I for one have no idea. I have never been contacted by a climate saving charity nor met anyone who can control the weather. Oh well, I'm sure they will put that $1 million to good use.
08/12/06
Cindy Adams
How much do I admire Cindy Adams? Let me count the ways. The Gossip Diva KO'd the always retiring singing Diva. For one, Cindy spilled the beans on the $80 million Streisand has purpotedly already collected for her upcoming post-retirement concert tour. Cindy's article implied that we should pay more to see Babs since there is actually more of Babs to see.
07/13/06
Sweet Charity
Supposedly, charity was the main reason for Streisand's decision to tour after indicating her last tour was her final. You'd think everyone would be happy about this. Not! A number of fans have complained that it is unclear what portion of the tickets is for charity. Because of this, they will be unable to claim a charitable deduction on their tax returns. Consequently, the only person who will get a deduction is Streisand, for the amount she chooses to give to the Streisand Foundation. BTW, does anyone know if her son Jason is still a Director of the Foundation?
07/09/06
Streisand Team Refutes Poor Ticket Sales Reports
Amidst numerous reports of poor ticket sales (from Boston to Detroit to elsewhere), Streisand's Team has responded by stating ticket sales are good. They are claiming 75% of tickets are sold and there is still three months left to go. Oh. Oh? Oh! Let's keep in mind that this is the star who would sell out in less than one day. Now it takes months to sell tickets. The report did not address the missing 6 shows (it was reported that 20 plus shows were possible--to date, only 14 have been announced.)
06/30/06
Barbra Bombing in Boston
The end is near...
Demand for Streisand concert tickets is not what was expected. In particular, the Boston Herald is reporting that Babs is bombing in Boston. It was expected there would be two shows in Boston, but the ticket sales are not doing well even for the one show. The same has ocurred elsewhere where extra shows were expected to be added. In total, there were supposed to be 20 shows. As it stands now, there will only be 14 due to the slow ticket sales.
Should we feel bad for the Streisand Foundation? For global warming? Or for those who rushed and dished out hundreds to make sure they got good seats? Naw, save it for a real tragedy.
06/16/06
Talks of Lawsuit Against Barbra
While some fans are happy that Barbra is doing another final tour, others are clearly not. Word has surfaced that some fans are claiming they paid top dollar for tickets to the last final tour because it was supposed to be the final final tour. Others are adding that they flew cross country to see her. It remains to be seen if this develops into a class action law suit and what remedies the complainants will seek. Personally, I am undergoing a lot of duress because I attended the Millennium Show and I thought that was the last one. I also was worried for her because of her stage fright. I thought stage fright meant you were too scared to get on a stage. In her case, she just can't seem to stay away anymore.
06/12/06
Il Divo to Join the Ill Diva
After months of rumors, it was finally announced the Il Divo would be opening act of our vocally ill Diva. In addition, today was the start of the pre-sale of tickets for American Express cardholders. Tickets will officially go on sale for the general public on the 19th. Boy, the prices are always a source of shock for a Streisand concert. Her cheapest ticket is $100. Although not much talked about, there are "packages" that are selling for $1800 and $1000! The more expensive package includes a parking space in some cases and a laminated pass. If that doesn't interest you, there is always the auction tickets. Certain rows and seats are being auctioned. In my location, the auction prices are starting at $825, and they are really not the greatest seats. The best sections, but not the front seats.
06/08/06
Cindy to Babs: "Stop this Farwell Farce!"!
In her very famous NY Post column, Cindy Adams had a few choice comments for Barbra. The following is just the summary:
"Gearing up, as we all know, for yet another another another another of her final and for ever friggin' farewell tours. Or comeback again tours. Or return from the unemployed tours. Or make another few bucks tours. Or this-is-for-sure-my-last-shot-and-after-this-you-won't-ever-have-Yentl- to-kick-around-again-because-then-I'm-off-into-the-sunset-yet-once-more tours. Oy, how many times can people hear her yodel "People." Go back a few years. Remember her first heralded farewell schlep around the country where in N.Y.C. she worked the Garden and pocketed millions and guaranteed this was It and she was finished . . . over . . . done . . . history? Then, remember, a few minutes later, yet another positively, absolutely, definitely, final forever and ever bye-bye/ta-ta/so-long/adieu/auf Wiedersehen swan song? Being resurrected more often than Al Gore earns her fortunes. This gambit is the musical concert equivalent of a stock market pump 'n' dump."
06/08/06
Barbra to Tour AGAIN!
I was offered an opportunity to buy tickets years ago to what was Barbra's final concert performance. It was at the Madison Square Garden and it was sold out. Barbra, looking tired in the second act, took off her stilleto heals and finished out the concert barefoot. It was seen by some as a symbolic retirement act appropriate for her final concert.
Wait...did I say final? Deep down inside, I passed up on the opportunity to see the final performance because something kept telling me, "This is not the last one." I guess my instincts were right. Today it's been officially announced that Barbra will tour again. If you don't believe me, just visit the official site: www.barbratour.com. Of course, the press release stresses charity and says nothing about the fact that she had retired from these performances already. No apologies for those who spent small fortunes getting tickets, booking hotels, booking flights, etc., to catch the final shows back in 2000. Specific locations and venues will be announced shortly.
05/17/06
Brother, can you spare some movie tickets?
Some things never change... Fans have had to pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars to see her in concert, yet she can't seem to spare ten dollars to see a movie. It was reported in several media outlets that Barbra decided to go to the movies with her husband. Of course, she also decided that she wasn't going to pay for tickets. So, she got herself in for free. Dignity, where art thou?
05/09/06
The Return of the Legendary HALSTEAD
In an otherwise dull Streisand year, we finally have an exciting piece of news: HALSTEAD has returned. For those who remember HALSTEAD (and who could forget), she is the ultimate Streisand look-alike. The hair, the attitude, the hands, and even the dress are all the same. Years ago, HALSTEAD did several videos where she did Barbra better than Barbra can do herself. Tragically, she "retired". Thankfully, she has come back. To catch her videos, please visit byhalstead.com.
04/12/06
Barbra Refuses Will and Grace
I guess movie stars don't do TV. Reportedly, Barbra was asked to appear in the final show of Will And Grace as Grace's sister. Of course, she declined. The role wen't eventually to Bernadette Peters.
04/09/06
An Old Report from The Onion
I found this in that paper called America's "finest news source", THE ONION:
"Barbra Streisand to Take Rare Public Dump
LOS ANGELES—Barbra Streisand fans worldwide are clamoring for tickets to the singer's first public defecation since her sold-out Carnegie Hall dump in 1975. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime event,' said rabid Streisand fan Elaine Waldman, 43. 'To see Barbra evacuate her bowels and wipe her ass live is something I wouldn't miss for anything in the world. It's truly an event.' The 15,000 $250 tickets for 'Barbra: It's Time To Go' sold out in less than half an hour, and scalpers are now asking up to $4,000 for prime seats. In addition to the live audience, the dump will be carried on pay-per-view television. An HBO special on the making of the dump is also in the works."
Though originally printed in 1996, see issue 30-17, it is still newsworthy. Will the constipated ones please note that the Onion is a satire? Thank you.
04/06/06
Barbra Bothered by New Bio
I figured it was a matter of time before she said something. Actually, she posted some comments on her website about Chris Andersen's new bio, Barbra The Way She Is. The book appears to be getting more attention than it should, and she is concerned. And what better way to ensure it gets less attention than to express her views on her public website for all to see. In short, she calls the book a "myth". She even suggests it might be time for an authorized biography (like that is going to have all the truth). Ironically, the book appears to be based on numerous articles already published elsewhere. And when you amass what the media has been saying about her for years in one book, it doesn't come together quite nicely. Au contraire, the almagmation of years of reporting on Barbra seems to suggest that she is pretty much a cheap, egomaniacal slut. Can all the press be wrong, day after day, year after year...
04/01/06
OFFICIAL: Babs May Do Another Concert Tour
It has been announced that Barbra is considering performing another concert tour. Some reports claim top ticket prices may reach $1,500 and that Barbra is considering several acts to open for her (including Il Divo). The news has some fans applying for increased credit card limits, some holding their breath waiting for a final announcement, and some kicking and screaming. Why are some of the faithful upset? Because they paid top dollar to catch her during her last tour which was supposed to be her last. Deja Vu, anyone? In 2000, she denied ever having said her 1994 Tour was her last and that she had left the door open to perform again. But, unless my ears are playing tricks, she did say her 2000 tour was her final. Her last night in New York she even kicked off her stilleto heels and concluded the second act barefoot to stress her retirement from concert tours. So much for the power of the truth. Then again, this is the singer who said she was leaving the country if Bush won... Yes, dear, you're still here...
You are Green Lantern
Click here to take the Superhero Personality QuizGreen Lantern
90%
Superman
60%
Hulk
60%
Spider-Man
60%
Supergirl
58%
Catwoman
50%
Batman
50%
Iron Man
45%
The Flash
40%
Wonder Woman
33%
Robin
32%
Hot-headed. You have strong
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The Irreverent Guide to Barbra Streisand wishes to thank the following sources of inspiration for this web page...
On second thought, maybe not.
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