Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Review: Tommy Chong's Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography (Paperback Edition)


The paperback edition of Tommy Chong's book, Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography, will be released August 4th. Simon and Schuster were kind enough to provide us with an advanced copy to review.

When Tommy wrote this book, he and Cheech were still broken up. No one would have guessed that at this time last year Cheech and Tommy would announce they had buried the hatchet and would reunite for a tour.

In the paperback edition, Tommy adds a postscript chapter explaining the initial meetings he had with Cheech last year to discuss a reunion. Many of these meetings turned into arguments. Tommy details these meetings and arguments, as well as what it was like going back on tour with Cheech. It's very interesting and provides an inside glance at what went down behind-the-scenes.

Purchase Here

Monday, July 27, 2009

New T-Shirts in Stock

We have two brand new Cheech & Chong t-shirts in stock. They are available in sizes Small thru XXL. They look amazing.


Cheech & Chong Up In Smoke '78 T-Shirt
• photo from Up In Smoke
• '78' refers to the 1978 release date
• color: sand


Cheech & Chong Love Machine T-Shirt
• photo from Up In Smoke
• 'love machine' was a decal on Pedro's '64 Impala
• color: black

Purchase them here

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Cheech Won't Be in Machete

One of the best and most underrated films of all time was 2007's Grindhouse. The film, which was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, was a double-feature inspired by the low-budget grindhouse films of decades past.

During the "intermission," fake movie trailers were shown. The most popular trailer was Machete. It stars Danny Trejo and Cheech Marin. Cheech Marin is Trejo's gun-toting priest vigilante brother. Memorable quote..."God forgives, I don't."

Rodriguez and Trejo frequently hinted that a full-length Machete film was in the works.

Well, Machete begins filming in two weeks and Cheech is not in it. The film which will be directed by Ethan Maniquis and Robert Rodriguez will of course star Danny Trejo. However, the script was not sent to any of the original cast, not even Cheech.

Rodriguez says they are sending it to "big names," but would only confirm that Michelle Rodriguez has signed.

He also says that Jonah Hill (as Julio) and Lindsay Lohan (as senator's daughter) are considering the script. The rumor is that Robert Dinero (we believe as Cheech's priest character) has already signed.

Read More Here


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Video: Tommy Chong Talks About Michael Jackson


Hollywood TV asked Tommy Chong about Michael Jackson.

Learn more about Tommy's relationship with Michael Jackson and read a new chapter about his reunion with Cheech in the paperback edition of Tommy Chong's Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography. Now available for pre-order.

New Cheech & Chong T-Shirts Coming Soon

We will be unveiling brand new Cheech & Chong t-shirts this weekend. They will be available in a wide range of sizes...S, M, L, XL, XXL...and will be ready to ship.

Check back later to see the new designs.

Up in Smoke Screening this Sunday

If you live in California, you may want to check this out. There is a screening of Up In Smoke at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery: 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard at Gower.

Gates 7:00 PM movie 8:30 PM
No reservation necessary
$10 donation tickets available at gate

See Here

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Cheech & Chong to be on the New Cypress Hill Album

B-Real of Cypress Hill posted on twitter that they "Had cheech and chong up in the studio today doing drops for the new cypress album.. Needless to say people were stoned in here.."

Read Here

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Interview with Tron Artist

Creative Digital Motion interviewed Casey Basichis, the artist behind the Cheech & Chong remake of Tron. He shares a number of behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the film, including the politics involved. It's very interesting.

Read Here

Video: Interview with Tommy Chong About Influence of Media

Connected Life looks at the dark side of technology as they interview comedian Tommy Chong. Tommy discusses the control the media has over people.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Video: Interview with Cheech & Chong About Tron, a New Up In Smoke Movie and More

Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin discuss the history of "Cheech and Chong" and their recent reunion on stage and in Mean's Cinemash of "Tron." They also discuss the new movie their working on which will be a sequal to Up in Smoke.

Sorry, Microsoft doesn't allow direct links to their videos so you have to go here to get it.
Note: must use Firefox if you're on a Mac because Microsoft blocked access from Apple's Safari.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Cheech & Chong to Play WiLD 94.9 JV's Comedy Jam


Pre-sale tickets are on sale now for WiLD 94.9 JV's Comedy Jam. Cheech & Chong join Cedric the Entertainer, Tracy Morgan, Carlos Mencia, Gabriel Iglesias, Greg Giraldo and more.

August 22
Shoreline Amphitheatre
Mountain View, CA

Pre-sale: On sale now. Click on the Live Nation link at the top of this page. The password is 'wild'.

Public sale: Saturday, July 18 at 10AM PDT.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

VH1 and VH1 Classic Premiere New Five-Part Week-Long Iconic Series 'Lords of the Revolution'

NEW YORK, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- They trafficked in sex, drugs, music, and subversive politics. They held peaceful protests and violent insurrections. They were the leaders of the most significant cultural transformations of the 20(th) century. From political heavyweights like the Black Panthers to cutting-edge cultural trendsetters like Andy Warhol's Factory crew to Harvard professor turned psychedelic advisor Timothy Leary -- they questioned authority, celebrated nonconformity, and dared to be different. VH1 Rock Docs premieres a new 5-part series "Lords of the Revolution" beginning on Monday, August 10 - Friday, August 14 at 8pm* airing on VH1 and VH1 Classic. Narrated by Richard Belzer, each hour-long episode of "Lords of the Revolution" celebrates the counterculture icons of the '60s and '70s -- the legends who defied the social, political and cultural mores of their time including: Andy Warhol, Muhammad Ali, The Black Panthers, Timothy Leary, and Cheech and Chong.

Edgy, colorful, and visually dynamic, each hour long episode of "Lords of the Revolution" features rare archival footage and photos as well as new first-hand accounts and interviews including (to name a few), Betsey Johnson, Lou Reed, Bobby Seale, Sally Kirkland, James Cromwell, George Foreman, and Perry Farrell -- all combined to tell the compelling, dangerous and subversive stories of a revolution that continues to influence popular culture today.

"Lords of Revolution" Episodes include:

MUHAMMAD ALI AIRS ON MONDAY, AUGUST 10

In an era defined by protest and turbulence, perhaps nobody captured the attention of America in the late 1960s more so than Muhammad Ali. As heavyweight champion, Ali electrified the sports world with his sharp tongue and showmanship for flair. But out of the ring, his conversion to Islam and defiant refusal to fight in Vietnam thrust him into the center of a blistering political controversy. Ali never backed down and gave a voice to black America that helped galvanize the civil rights movement. He also fueled the anti-war movement, inspiring young adults to question the government and speak out. He spoke his mind freely, defended his religious beliefs with vigor, and willingly accepted the consequences of his actions, which later cost him his title and license to box.

CHEECH AND CHONG AIRS ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 11

From the moment they broke onto the scene in the early 1970's, Cheech and Chong began redefining comedy. At a time when drug culture was still considered taboo, they boldly emerged from a cloud of pot smoke with a brand of humor that both championed and lampooned stoners everywhere, much to the chagrin of the establishment. A string of successful comedy albums and relentless touring established the duo as "the rock-n-roll comedians" whose popularity continued to soar as stoner culture seeped into the mainstream. Suddenly, there were head shops everywhere and by 1977 President Jimmy Carter was in favor of legalizing marijuana. Then came Cheech and Chong's first film, Up in Smoke, which became an instant classic, immortalized by pot smokers to this day, and launched a successful Hollywood career for the comedy duo as they continued the marijuana crusade until their breakup in 1985.

THE BLACK PANTHERS AIRS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12

In the late 1960s, there were few radical groups more controversial than The Black Panthers. Led by the dynamic personalities of Bobby Seale, Huey Newton and Eldridge Cleaver, the Panthers boldly challenged white America to deliver justice and opportunity for all. Armed with guns and clad with berets and leather jackets, the Panthers advocated self-defense; initiated social service programs nationwide; and became a defiant symbol of Black Power. They also become a target as the FBI and police waged a bloody war to bring the party down.

TIMOTHY LEARY AIRS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 13

From the moment Harvard professor Timothy Leary ate magic mushrooms in 1960, his life would never be the same. Advocating the use of LSD and other mind-altering drugs to expand consciousness, Leary transformed himself from an eccentric Harvard professor into the leader of the 1960s psychedelic counter-culture movement. Leary's influence helped shape the music, fashion and politics of a new generation. He defied authority and fought the government at every turn, earning the title, in President Nixon's words, as "the most dangerous man in America."

ANDY WARHOL AIRS ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

From 1964 - 68, Warhol's factory on East 47(th) Street provided a social arena for collaborative experimentation. Warhol developed an eclectic network of associates that spanned the worlds of poetry, fashion, film, photography, art, music and the drug culture. Speed freaks, drag queens, musicians, poets, superstars, fashion beauties, and avant-garde artists helped shape a scene unique in American history at a time when Warhol produced some of his most revolutionary work.

"Lords of the Revolution" is the newest entry in the Emmy Award-winning VH1 Rock Doc franchise. VH1 Rock Docs are feature-length documentaries that tell unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles, and musical perspectives.

"Lords of the Revolution" is a production of VH1. Martin Torgoff is the writer and consulting producer. Ted Kim serves as supervising producer. Brad Abramson, Stephen Mintz, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde serve as executive producers for VH1.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60's, 70's and 80's, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police, Madonna and many more. Learn more at VH1Classic.com.

*All times ET/PT

Monday, July 13, 2009

Cheech & Chong Tron Spoof Debuts Tuesday

Mean Magazine brings you Cinemash — the exclusive digital series that lets celebrity talent mash up their favorite scenes from classic movies. In the show's premiere season celebrities Cinemash such films as Training Day, Dirty Dancing, Tron, Point Break, Sid and Nancy, Carrie, and Oldboy. After you've experienced the mash-up, get behind-the-scenes dish from the celebs about what movies they love and why. You can stream Cinemash episodes online.

JULY 14
Cheech & Chong Cinemash Tron
Writer and Director: Kashy Khaledi

The high-flying comedy duo get into a heated debate about the price of cannabis and decide to "Tron for it," launching themselves into the virtual world of the science fiction classic.

Tommy Chong says "I don't think you should watch anything like that straight. It'll have lasting, traumatic effects on you."

Cheech adds, "When I first saw it, I was shocked because I thought we were doing soft porn. And then, 'Oh, it's about finances; that's kind of hard-core porn,'."

Watch Here

Read Here


Happy Birthday Cheech Marin!

Actor/comedian/art aficionado Cheech Marin turns 63 today. Cheech was born July 13th, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA.

Happy Birthday Cheech!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Album Cover Artist Tom Wilkes Dies Unexpectedly at Home in California

Renowned album cover artist and designer Tom Wilkes died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 28, at his home in Pioneertown, California. He was 69.

Thomas E. Wilkes was born July 30, 1939 in Long Beach, California and was raised in southern California. He attended Long Beach City College, UCLA and the Art Center College of Design in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

In 1967 Wilkes was the art director of the Monterey International Pop Festival. He created all graphics and printed materials for Monterey Pop, including the program book and the festival’s psychedelic and iconic foil poster.

From 1967 through 1969, Wilkes was the art director of A&M Records. He was partner with Barry Feinstein from 1970 through 1973 in Camouflage Productions, which became record label Blue Thumb’s house art department.

He was partner in Wilkes & Braun, Inc. from 1973 through 1974, and art director of ABC Records from 1975 through 1977. In 1978 he started Tom Wilkes Productions and became President of Project Interspeak, a not-for-profit environmental and human rights organization devoted to planetary enhancement programs.

Wilkes designed and directed such hit record covers as Rolling Stones’ “Flowers” and “Beggars Banquet”, Neil Young’s “Harvest”, and George Harrison’s “Concert for Bangladesh” and “All Things Must Pass.”

He received a Grammy Award in 1974 for Best Recording Package for The Who’s rock opera “Tommy,” as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra & Choir.

Among his many album cover credits:

Janis Joplin - “Pearl”
Ike & Tina Turner - “Outta Season”
Eric Clapton - “Eric Clapton”
Dave Mason - “Alone Together”
Joe Cocker - “Mad Dogs & Englishmen”
Flying Burrito Brothers - “Gilded Palace of Sin”
John Prine - “John Prine”
Emmylou Harris - “Blue Kentucky Girl” and “Elite Hotel”
Leon Russell - “Stop All That Jazz”
REO Speedwagon - “You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish”
Various Cheech & Chong albums such as Big Bambu

In addition to creating hundreds of posters, logos, books, trade ads and illustrations, Wilkes produced and directed TV and radio spots, music videos, films, mixed media presentations and special events.

He recently completed a book of his artwork and memoirs, called “Tommy Geeked a Chicken,” and was negotiating publishing arrangements. At this time, plans are being made to proceed with publication of the book.

A memorial service will be held for Wilkes on Saturday, July 11th, in Orange, CA.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Cheech & Chong in Tron Spoof

Mean Magazine brings you Cinemash — the exclusive digital series that lets celebrity talent mash up their favorite scenes from classic movies. In the show's premiere season celebrities Cinemash such films as Training Day, Dirty Dancing, Tron, Point Break, Sid and Nancy, Carrie, and Oldboy. After you've experienced the mash-up, get behind-the-scenes dish from the celebs about what movies they love and why. You can stream Cinemash episodes online.

JULY 14
Cheech & Chong Cinemash Tron
Writer and Director: Kashy Khaledi

The high-flying comedy duo get into a heated debate about the price of cannabis and decide to "Tron for it," launching themselves into the virtual world of the science fiction classic.

Tommy Chong says "I don't think you should watch anything like that straight. It'll have lasting, traumatic effects on you."

Cheech adds, "When I first saw it, I was shocked because I thought we were doing soft porn. And then, 'Oh, it's about finances; that's kind of hard-core porn,'."

Watch Here

Read Here