Chongstock Concert

The bands Mule, Mike Stinson, Dale Peterson, Random Joe Citizen and Cody Lapow are doing a show in support of the Free Tommy Chong movement. The event takes place Saturday, December 13th at THE CINEMA BAR, 3967 SEPULVEDA BLVD, CULVER CITY, CA, 310-390-1328. Send an email to the organizer for more information. Be sure to bring a pen to sign petitions.

Update: Chongstock was a huge success. Mule and others played to a sold-out crowd this past Saturday. Petitions were signed and the crowd went crazy when Mule covered Earache My Eye. Mule says they may do another in the future.

Commie Chong

Congratulations to Tommy Chong who won the award for "Funniest Person Behind Bars" at Comedy Central's Commies. Cheech accepted the award on Tommy's behalf.
To protest Chong's imprisonment Scott Thompson, of Kids In The Hall and Larry Sander's fame, spent the evening in a David Blane-esque booth suspended high above the theater. He sported a "Free Tommy Chong" t-shirt.

LA Weekly Interviews Chong Family

LA Weekly has published an interview Precious and Paris Chong, two of Tommy's children. In the article, they describe the events surrounding the arrest, what it was like being raided by the feds, Chong Glass and more.
Read Here

LA City Beat's Interview With Chong

California magazine, LA City Beat published an in-depth story about Tommy Chong's arrest which includes an interview with Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin. During the interview, Chong says that it was a mistake to plead guilty and felt like he was ambushed. He also said that Taft had to change the visitation rules because people were visiting inmates just to get photos with him.

When he was arrested, he was in the middle of writing his auto-biography. The book will now include a detailed account of his arrest and prison life. The completion date for the book is unknown at this time.

Read Here

Cheech Gets Stoned With Staind

On today's Howard Stern Show, the band Staind admitted to smoking pot with the dopemaster himself, Cheech Marin. They wouldn't elaborate, but said that Cheech was trying to hide what he was doing so his wife wouldn't see.
In case you didn't notice, Cheech and Chong Dot Com has been running live spots on the Howard Stern Show all week. The next one airs tomorrow during the 8 o'clock hour (eastern time).

The Holiday Auctions Have Begun

The annual Cheech and Chong Dot Com Holiday Auctions are underway. Nearly three dozen items will be listed during the next forty eight hours. We've outdone ourselves this year. Items include sealed out-of-print albums, one-of-a-kind animation cels, rare promotional items, LPs, 45s and more. The featured item this year is Tommy Chong's personal storyboards which were used in the making of Nice Dreams.
Access The Auctions

Bobby Capps Strikes Again

The Free Tommy Chong movement is stronger than ever in California. Actor Bobby Capps has struck again. This time he wrote "Free Tommy Chong" using lime at a burnt out spot along Route 80. He had been planning it for weeks, but the rainy weather caused numerous postponements.
This mission was conducted under the dark of night. After his accomplice dropped him off, he proceeded to walk 1/4 mile up a muddy hill to access the ideal location. It required over forty trips up and down that steep embankment to make it absolutely perfect.
When asked what he learned from the experience, Bobby Capps said it best, "dont eat a big potroast dinner with all the gravy and taters before the mission...you just might end up hurling your dinner over the side of the freeway."
Brilliant words from a brilliant man!
Email us if you're interested in contacting or hiring actor Bobby Capps.
While you're at it, check out this hysterical flash animation of Ashcroft arresting Chong. It was created by Bad Dog Graphics.

Free Tommy Protest Parade

Join the ìFREE TOMMYî Doo Dah Parade Brigade! Wear your hand-made FREE TOMMY t-shirtÖbring your protest signÖand your best Tommy Chong ìlookî to the corner of Raymond and Walnut Street in Pasadena at 10:00 am for a wake and bake pre-march gathering on Sunday, November 23 plus ten bucks parade entry fee to march. This salute to Tommy Chong will be a historical event filled with many laughs. We look forward to having you join us. Feel free to drop an rsvp note to spacedearthling@trafficking.com Öor just show up in Pasadena at ten bells for the 11:30 am parade.
For more parade information, check out http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.com
Update: The Doo Dah Parade was a huge success. Approximately 8,000 people participated in the parade and amazingly there were no arrests. The free Tommy Chong group drew tons of media attention.

Forbes Article on Chong

Forbes Magazine posted a little blurb on Chong. Nothing new is discussed, but the article is useful in getting the word out about his ordeal.
Read Here

Cheech Joins Cast Of Judging Amy

With the future (or actually the start) of Cheech Marin's new sitcom, The Ortegas, in limbo, Cheech has chosen to join the cast of CBS's Judging Amy. He will have a recurring role as Ignacio Messina, a landscape architect who is doing work on the Gray's home. He becomes a potential love interest for Maxine. Marin's first episode is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

Chong Supporter Risks Life

This morning, aspiring actor/Chong supporter, Bobby Capps, risked life and limb when he hung a Free Tommy Chong banner from California's Foresthill Bridge. The banner, which we mentioned on the Allan Handelman show earlier this week, measured 80 X 6 feet.
According to Capps, "With Cars going by it was very hard to do it without getting caught." In fact, he almost did get caught. Two police officers asked Capp's wife (who was standing on the bridge) what she was doing there. She told the officers that she was just taking photos of the landscape. They believed her and left. If they had looked over the edge, they would have seen that her husband had climbed down the side of the bridge and was hanging the sign.

Cheech Joins Shelby On Allan Handelman Show

This Sunday, Tommy's wife, Shelby, returns to the Allan Handelman Show...and this time she's bringing Cheech Marin. They'll be discussing the movie, Tommy's sentencing and much, much more. See the official Allan Handelman Show website to learn how to hear it live.

Read Here

Update: The show was great. If you missed it you can hear a re-broadcast tomorrow. Here are the highlights.

• Cheech indicated that his new sitcom, The Ortegas, has been shelved indefinitely.
• There is a possibility that Stacey Keach may return for the reunion movie.
• Shelby indicated that Tommy is being treated well in prison, he did not have to do kitchen duty, was given his own chair in the television room and begins school next week. She didn't indicate what he'll be taught at school.
• Shelby will continue touring without Tommy. She'll be appearing at Sanford and Son's comedy club in Kansas City this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She'll be joined by the Family Stoned Band which consists of her son and others.

Details On The Reunion Movie

People keep asking for the latest information regarding the Cheech and Chong reunion movie.

Here's what we know:

• The current working title of the movie is Get Blunt.
• New Line Cinema will be releasing it.
• Shooting was set to begin summer 2004, but will be delayed by as much as year because of Tommy's legal woes.
• New Line Cinema says that the project will not be cancelled as a result of Chong's incarceration.
• New Line Cinema is presently looking for a director, as well as someone to pen the script.
• Cheech and Chong wrote the storyline together and had a great time doing it.
• The storyline: Pedro and Man invent a hair restoration marijuana lotion, but don't recall which marijuana they used. They go on a road trip testing and smoking numerous crops of marijuana, trying to find the type they used. All the while, they are being chased by law enforcement officials, who want to bust them, and the pharmaceutical companies that want the recipe.
• The original script penned by Tommy's two daughters was hysterical. However, Tommy and Cheech felt the premise was unrealistic...Man was a drug counselor in this script.

Jay Leno Damage Control

On the Tonight Show last night, Jay Leno pointed out that what Bill O'Reilly said duing his recent appearance was incorrect....Tommy Chong had not been arrested eighteen times prior to "Operation Pipedream."

Chong Won't Be Released Pending Appeal

With Ashcroft's crew on hand, a federal judge ruled today that Tommy Chong will not be released pending appeal.
There is still no word on whether or not the spice, oregano, will be outlawed because it sort of looks like marijuana.
Read Here

Cheech At Large With Geraldo

Cheech Marin and Robie Chong, Tommy's daughter, appeared on this evening's edition of At Large With Geraldo Rivera. The Fox News Channel program reiterated much of what we've heard already...a comparison of Limbaugh and Tommy, as well as a debate on the first ammendent. We also learned that Cheech was the best man at one of Geraldo's many weddings.
The quote of the day came from Cheech, however. When asked if he's concerned that he'll get in trouble for making movies about dope, he replied "everyone smokes dope."

What's So Funny, Cheech?

On Monday at 8 PM EST, the A & E Network will present a show titled "American Comedy: What's So Funny." The show asks various comedians, including Cheech Marin, what they consider funny.

Tommy Speaks

News Channel 23's Emily Valdez presented Tommy's first prison interview yesterday. During the interview, he had this to say:
"They really arrested my character...the stoner musician was just a character...they [the feds] told me if I didn't plead guilty, they would indict my wife and son...they said if I plead guilty, nothing [would] happen."
In other words, the feds lied.

New York Times Interviews Tommy In Prison

New York Times reporter, Joyce Walder, interviewed Tommy at the Taft prison. During the interview, they discuss the new High Times movie, Potluck, his arrest and Rush Limbaugh, among other things.
Read Here

In NYC? See Pot Luck

If you're in the New York City area, be sure to catch a screening of High Time's Pot Luck. Potluck is currently showing at the Village East Cinema - 12th St. & 2nd Ave. - through 10/23. The movie stars, among others, Tommy Chong and Jackie Martling.
The show times are:11:40 AM2:10 PM4:20 PM7:15 PM9:35 PM

Highlights From The Allan Handelman Show

Here are hightlights from Allan Handelman's interview with Tommy Chong's wife, Shelby. Cheech, unfortunately, was a no-show. Keep in mind that this is the first time Shelby has spoken to the media about the miscarriage of justice.

• Chong's legal problems began after two undercover agents in Pittsburgh purchased bongs from Chong Glass. Apparently, it is illegal to ship bongs via mail to certain states. PA is one of them. A new salesman was unaware that there were such shipment restrictions and sent the bongs to this fake headshop.
• The Chong's are suing Bill O'Reilly for falsely stating that Tommy had been arrested eighteen times previously for drug-related offenses. Such a claim may have negatively impacted Chong's upcoming appeal hearing.
• To show other prisoners that Tommy will not be receiving special treatment the prison has forced him to perform two months of kitchen duties. (note: This is reminiscent of Tommy's role as the Squirrel Master in Half Baked.)
• The Cheech and Chong reunion movie has been delayed by one year, but New Line said they will wait for Tommy.

This Sunday...Live Interview With Cheech and Shelby

Cheech Marin and Chong's wife, Shelby, will be doing their first live interview this Sunday on the Allan Handelman Show. The syndicated radio show is based out of the Carolinas, but can be heard live on the web.

Chong's Last Days Of Freedom

The LA Times has a great article about what Chong did during his last few days of freedom. His last few days were spent doing his comedy act in Michigan, as well as a photo shoot for an upcoming issue of Vanity Fair. Read the reprint here....
Read Here

Chong Argues For Appeal

At yesterday's hearing, one of Chong's attorneys argued that Chong should be released pending his appeal. The judge disagreed, stating that he feels the sentence was fair, but will allow his attorneys to present their case next Wednesday.
Read Here

Day One In The Big House

Tommy Chong reported to prison today to begin his 9 month sentence for selling bongs. The prison, located in Southern California, is the same prison where Robert Downey, JR also served time.
Chong may be released on October 16th while his lawyers file an appeal. As reported earlier, his lawyers are looking for house arrest in lieu of a prison term.

The Ortegas Get Bumped

Fox TV has postponed the premiere of Cheech Marin's new sitcom, The Ortegas, 'till November. Apparently, they didn't have enough room on their schedule.

Sentencing Update

Tommy is appealing his recent sentence. He is attempting to be put under house arrest.
Click Here

Cheech To Comment On Tommy's Sentencing

Be sure not to miss tomorrow's edition of Celebrity Justice. Cheech Marin will comment on Tommy's recent sentencing. Check your local listings for air time.
Update: In summary, Cheech said "They prosecuted Tommy for who he is, not what he did....what he represented and the image he represented to all of us...crucified as a warning to everybody." Cheech didn't provide insight regarding the reunion.

Third Biggest September Opening Of All Time

Cheech Marin's latest film, Once Upon A Time In Mexico, made a killing at the box office this weekend. The film earned a whopping $34 million, making it the third biggest September opening ever.
Click Here For Trailer

NEWSFLASH: TOMMY CHONG SENTENCING

This afternoon Tommy Chong was sentenced to nine months in prison, proceeded by one year probation. Everyone is shocked. New Line plans to continue development on the reunion film, but Tommy's sentence will certainly push back the release date.
Tommy is still scheduled to perform his stand-up with his wife, Shelby, this weekend in Arlington.
Read About His Sentencing Here
Also see Free Tommy Chong

Cheech The Police Captain

How does Cheech Marin find the time? Not only is he working on Fox TV sitcom, The Ortegas, but he also began filming Silver City, a crime drama starring Daryl Hannah.
But wait, there's more. He just signed with Miramax to do The Underclassman, a film about an undercover cop who discovers a private school crime ring. Cheech stars as the police captain.
Thanks to Cokewater for this info.
The Underclassman

Visit Cheech's Restaurant

The next time you're in San Fran be sure to visit Ana Mandara. This Vietnamese restaurant is owned by Don Johnson and Cheech Marin. It receives rave reviews.
Read The Review

Apple Posts Cheech Movie Trailer

Once Upon A Time In Mexico, the sequel to Desperado, will be released September 2nd. The film stars Johnny Depp and Cheech Marin.
Click Here For Trailer

Nash Bridges Trailer For Sale

Ebay currently has an auction for Cheech Marin's Nash Bridges trailer.
Check It Out

Inside The Van PART I

You were probably chillin the other day watching your favorite C & C flick and then, all of a sudden wondered, "Hey, whatever happened to the green van from the movie Up In Smoke?"

Where has it been?.....
A bit player from the 1978 movie (the child in the beginning) acquired the van after production finished. In turn, he sold it to a friend, whose son blew the engine and nearly totalled the van after hitting a pack of deer.

Dave Cuslidge and Jesus Torres decided to purchase the van from Dave's friend for $700 and is now in the process of restoring it.

The owners occasionally display it at auto shows around California.

Note: Although this vehicle is associated with one of the most notorious drug movies of all time, the owners do not endorse the use of illegal drugs. In fact, they stand firmly against drugs. Visit D.A.R.E.
Click Here For Van Photos & Facts

Trailer Park Cheech

Cheech Marin will be appearing in the premiere episode of Tracey Ullman's new show, Tracey Ullman In The Trailer Tales. The series which premieres on HBO this Saturday night features Tracey Ullman doing her most memorable characters.

Spy Kids 3-D Debuts At Number One

Spy Kids 3-D earned $32.5 million this weekend, making it the #1 film in the country. Cheech, of course, returns as Uncle Frank.

More on the Reunion

New Line will begin filming the yet untitled project during (possibly Get Blunt) Cheech's The Ortegas hiatas next summer.
They are even considering doing a live stand-up performance to promote the movie.

Spy Kids 3-D Opens Friday

The third installment of the Spy Kids series premieres next Friday at theaters everywhere. The making of Spy Kids 3D is currently airing on the Disney Channel. Check your local listings.

Cheech Turns Fifty-Seven

On July 13th, 1946, Richard Marin was born in Los Angeles, California. Happy 57th, Cheech!

Cheech and Placedo Domingo Team Up

ABC's Eyewitness News reports that Cheech Marin and Placedo Domingo are teaming up to do voiceovers for the first hispanic-themed animated film. It's about a girl who needs to rescue her father, as well as save a sea creature from extinction.

More Info on The Ortegas

Cheech's sitcom, which comes to Fox this fall, is based on the British comedy, The Kumars. The link below describes each episode of The Kumars and gives you a better understanding of what The Ortegas will be like. Note: It was originally supposed to be on NBC, but later switched to Fox.
Read Here

Cheech Masterpieces

Some of Cheech Marin's art will be on display at the "Chicano Now: American Expressions exhibit." The event takes place at the Insight Museum in El Paso, TX and will last until January 4th, 2004.

Eureka!

The Eureka Theater in Eureka, California will be showing Up in Smoke every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in July. This is your chance to see Up in Smoke on the big screen. The 1938 art deco theater is undergoing major restorations and will feature killer sound systems, digital projection, catering kitchen and dance floor. The tickets are only $5 and the proceeds will be used towards the theater improvements.

Cheech + Chong = Murder?

Apparently, murderers are big C & C fans. WFSB CBS News ran the following report about some murderer being arrested.
"It was here in the cellar, say investigators, that rudolph grew high-grade marijuana and sold it to customers in nashville. Strangely enough, the man police say is responsible for killing two and injuring over 100 others enjoyed spending his free time getting high and laughing at cheech and chong movies. "
Remember folks...Cheech and Chong movies don't kill people, people kill people. :-)

Next Movie Coming To DVD

Yes, the day is finally here. September 2nd, Cheech and Chong's Next Movie is coming to DVD. Now you can complete your C & C DVD collection.
We are now taking pre-orders. All orders over $25 are eligible for free shipping.

C & C In Canadian Politics

C & C fan, James, sent us info on a humorous political cartoon from Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper. The cartoon makes comment on Canada's legalization of marijuana.
Read Here

Tommy Turns Sixty-Five

Yes, it's that time of year again. Friday, May 24th is Tommy's birthday. Sixty-five years ago the king of dope was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
By the way, Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin have just about completed the script for their new movie, Get Blunt. In the film, Cheech and Chong create a hair tonic for baldness made of hash oil. As a result, the DEA, pharmaceutical companies and the police are in hot pursuit.

Fox Picks Up The Ortegas

At this week's "Up Fronts," Fox Television announced it has picked up Cheech Marin's The Ortegas. The premise...Cheech is a dad whose son has a radio station in their backyard.
Read Here

Tommy Pleads Guilty

Tommy Chong has pleaded guilty to selling drug paraphenalia over the internet. The charges are a result of February's DEA raid of a number of internet headshops. Tommy's home had been raided for his alleged involvement in Chong Glass (site's now down) which is operated by his son, Paris.
Tommy was released on $20,000 bail and a sentencing hearing was set for September. Tommy could face up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Click Here For News Video and Read Here

Spy Kids 3D

Cheech Marin returns as Uncle Felix in another Spy Kids sequel this summer. Sylvester Stallone joins the cast as the Toymaker and Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs, Sopranos) will be making his second Spy Kids appearance.

Cheech Marin Golf Tournament

Cheech Marin will host the 4th annual Trinity Children and Family Services (Trinity) Golf Classic on Monday, May 12, 2003. Celebrities will team up with Trinity for this exciting charity tournament in Palm Desert, CA with the goal of increasing awareness and support for the fight against child abuse and to raise funds for Trinity’s programs.
It's a day of golf, dinner, and socializing at the BIGHORN Golf Club. Teams and celebrities will tee off, sharing a fabulous game of golf while supporting the largest nonprofit provider of childcare services in the country.
To register, or for information on Trinity, call 800.543.7730 x264

Evening With Artie Lange

Cheech and Chong Dot Com is proud to be a supporter of the Jersey Thing comedy show taking place May 9th at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. It features Artie Lang, Bob Levy and Jim Florentine (Special Ed). Tickets may be purchased from Planet Rapture or the WPU box office. (note: neither Cheech Marin, nor Tommy Chong will be attending.)

Reunion Update

According to a Denver Business Journal article, Marin and Chong have put Get Blunt, the script Rae Dawn Chong wrote, on the back burner. They both decided that it was unrealistic to have Tommy portraying a drug counselor so they are both co-writing a new screenplay that involves marijuana lotion. The movie will begin where movies like Nice Dreams and Still Smokin left off.
Just like (or almost like) the old days, the legendary comedy team is back together, writing together. Smoke on!

TOMMY FRAMED?

Tommy Chong's Chong Glass factory, as well as his home were raided by federal drug agents and other officials today. It was part of a nationwide DEA plan to close companies that manufacture and sell drug paraphernalia. It's unknown if charges have been filed against Chong or Chong Glass.
"Those under indictment face a maximum three years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, per count, if convicted."
The bust was organized by John Ashcroft and the Bush administration. Ironically, President Bush was a major drug user in his youth.
It's unknown if he and his wife, Shelby, will still be performing their stand-up act tonight and tomorrow at Laff's in Tucson, AZ.
02.25.2003 Update: This is an update to the story we ran yesterday. To the best of our knowledge, no Chong and Shelby stand-up gigs were cancelled. In addition, Chong Glass is owned by Tommy's son, Paris Chong. Neither Tommy, nor Paris were arrested. Other headshop owners weren't so lucky.
Read Here and Read Here and Read Here

Cheech & Chong Get Blunt

In a recent interview with E! Entertainment Television, Tommy Chong's daughter, Rae Dawn, reveals more about the C & C reunion. She explains that both she and her sister decided to write the script because they were constantly being asked when the legendary duo would reunite.
The working title is "Get Blunt," not "Still Tokin" as previously reported. Get Blunt begins with Cheech and Chong doing "community service as anti-drug preachers in a boys' home." At present, Rae Dawn is still shopping the script around to distributors. However, Cheech Marin has definitely signed on.
Read Here

Marin Home Almost Up In Smoke

Cheech Marin's Malibu home narrowly avoided a Southern Calfornia fire.
Read Here

Pinocchio Film Receives Horrible Revews

Cheech's latest flick is getting slammed by the critics. LA Weekly sums it up best with this quote "the cinematic equivalent of a dog dry-humping your leg for two hours." The sad thing is that this is the most expensive Italian movie ever created.
Read Here and Read Here
The Trailer

Still Tokin Enters Pre-Production

It appears that work on the C & C reunion movie, Still Tokin, is moving along briskly. Tommy recently called a Daytona radio station to state that the movie is already in pre-production.
Click for more details

K-Rock Cheech Sweeper

WXRK FM 92.3 K-Rock New York (home of Howard Stern Show) has just began airing a sweeper which features Cheech saying "fire it up." Keep an ear out!