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| Chris Baker, Who Died In Travis Barker/ DJ AM Crash, Remembered By Game, Paul Wall, His Family Posted: 22 Sep 2008 04:33 AM PDT 'Lil Chris was like a brother to me,' Game says of Barker's late personal assistant.
To those who knew him, Chris Baker was much more than just Travis Barker's personal assistant. He was a kind, good-natured friend, a practical joker, a proud father, a loving son and an avowed gearhead who never could quite believe that his love of cars had led him to a life of fame and fortune. Baker — affectionately known as "Lil Chris" by friends and family — was killed in Friday's jet crash in Columbia, South Carolina, along with three others, including Barker's security guard, Charles "Che" Still. And though he may be gone, those whose lives he touched — a diverse group of artists and friends, telling of a man who was loved by so many — are determined to make sure his memory lives on. "I still can't believe he is gone. He was a person that was always smiling, always happy and always cracking jokes. He was not just Travis' best friend — he was everybody's best friend," Lil Jon said in a statement to MTV News. "He was one of the coolest, nicest and caring people I knew. He was always trying to make sure everybody was OK. It's a tragedy when you lose people like this. All I keep thinking about is his son. He looks just like his father and already is a star." (View photos of Lil Chris and Che in our memorial gallery right here.) "Lil Chris was like a brother to me — I loved him like a brother and he loved me like one. His memory is forever implanted into my heart. There will not be a day I live where I don't think of my brother," the Game told MTV News. "Travis, I love you too, homie. See you soon. Your pain is my pain." Those sentiments were echoed by rock acts like Fall Out Boy and Cobra Starship, who got to know Baker during the 2007 Honda Civic Tour, when both bands toured with Travis Barker's Plus-44. "Chris was a rad guy. He always had a way to get us to smile on tour, no matter what situation we were in, and he was truly beloved," Fall Out Boy told MTV News in a statement this weekend, just hours after the jet crash. "Chris was an awesome dude, and I'm shocked and saddened this happened," Cobra's Gabe Saporta added. "I just don't know what else to say beyond that." But the tributes didn't end there. Artists like Paul Wall and Too Short also reached out to MTV News, remembering Baker as "the most generous and kindhearted person ever" and a guy who "always looked out for everybody," loved to crack jokes and always wore a smile on his face. In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, Baker's parents recalled a boy who grew up obsessed with fixing classic cars. He and his stepfather, Robert Warn, worked together on a 1953 Chevrolet, and as a teen, Baker participated in the Roseville (California) Police Athletic League's car program. After moving to Los Angeles to start an auto-detailing business, his obsession took him in an altogether different direction, thanks to a chance meeting with Barker at a gas station. "Chris told Travis that he had a really nice car but he needed to hire him to take care of it," Warn told The Bee. The two began a fast friendship soon after, and Baker spent a year touring with the drummer before being hired on as his personal assistant. And though he had suddenly — and rather unexpectedly — entered into a globe-trotting lifestyle, Baker always remained humble and a bit amazed by his fortune. "Chris got to see the world with Travis," Baker's mother, Linda Warn, told the newspaper. "He went to Japan, Australia, almost all of Europe and every state in the continental U.S., I think. ... Once, he called us at 3 a.m. just to tell us he was standing in front of the 'Mona Lisa.' " Baker was just 29 years old and is survived by his wife, Jessie, and a toddler son, Sebastian. On Monday, Barker's clothing company, Famous Stars and Straps, announced the establishment of a pair of memorial funds in Baker's and Still's names, with donations going to their respective families. "It is with the utmost sympathy and regret that the Famous family confirms the tragic loss of two of its most beloved members," a statement from the company read in part. "With heavy hearts we offer our deepest condolences to their family and friends. They will always remain in our thoughts and prayers." For more information on the Chris Baker and Charles Still Memorial Funds, check out Famous Stars and Straps' Web site. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Travis Barker And DJ AM's Fans React To Crash With Shock, Sadness And Prayers Posted: 21 Sep 2008 11:46 PM PDT Messages of hope and condolence to victims' families are still pouring in.
Shortly after word came that DJ AM (born Adam Goldstein) and former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker miraculously escaped a deadly plane crash on Friday in Colombia, South Carolina, fans began to react to the news. As information on the accident trickled in Saturday morning, the MTV News site was quickly flooded with comments from well-wishers who, like the rest of us, were anxious for updates about the musicians' conditions and the identity of the four people killed in the crash. (Doctors now say they expect Barker and AM to make a full recovery.) "When I heard this on the news, I started to cry," xxMExx wrote. "I am glad they are going to recover. Everyone else on that plane that died can rest in peace." (We invite you to upload your comments and video reactions, as well as your personal pictures of DJ AM and Travis Barker, at YouRHere.MTV.com.) A user identified as ih8clowns said that the news "hurts my heart," adding that Barker and AM "seem like such down-to-earth guys, and I love how enthusiastic they are about their music. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families. I'm sure it will be a tough road ahead but I feel that they will pull through. Hang in there and try to stay strong, guys." Several fans, like Chavell, said their first reaction was to pray for those who were killed in the crash, as well as those who'd survived it. "When it's not your time to go, you're not going anywhere," Chavell wrote. "And I pray that DJ AM and Travis make a speedy recovery." While some fans were in despair, others offered comforting words. "I live right outside of Augusta, Georgia, and while I am very upset this had to happen, it couldn't have happened in a better place," fireaway_sara said. "Our burn center is voted the best burn unit in the Southeast, so they are in the best hands." Understandably, many fans were still shocked by the story. "I couldn't believe it at first," wrote DJ Stephan, who said he was at a gig when he heard the news. "I thought this girl was joking. Then she convinced me that it was true, and my heart sank. Having been a drummer for a long time, Travis has been one of my influences in music. My heart goes out to all the family members who lost a loved one, to Travis and DJ AM for the loss of their friends and hope for speedy recovery for Travis and DJ AM. I think that they really had someone watching over them, considering how many artists haven't made it out alive in a plane crash." "I didn't actually believe that this happened when I heard about it, because I heard about it from my mom who doesn't understand who is in what band or anything," xverse wrote. "She told me that Blink-182 was in a plane crash, and I was like, 'That is impossible. Why would Blink be in the same plane at the same time?' Then I looked it up on here and saw it was Travis and his friends, and it blew my mind. I'm so glad he didn't die. If he did, it would have been a huge blow to everyone. That's how much of a badass Travis is — an 'effin plane is going to crash and he hops out of the thing to survive." While several fans commented on Barker and AM's harrowing escape, others suspected a higher power may have intervened. SnookyandJosh wrote: "This is a tragedy beyond words. Both DJ AM and Travis have an angel protecting them. Both men are truly blessed. I literally stopped in my tracks when I heard it on the news. It is tragic that not everyone was fortunate enough to survive. It just goes to show that life can throw anything at you when it feels like it." Others sent messages specifically for the families involved. "I know you're aware of all of us praying, family, friends and the fans, who don't even know personally anyone involved," Elyse wrote. "I hope it helps and makes you proud to see how much your family affected and influenced the people who just heard of them, or watched them on TV." On Monday, Barker's ex-wife, Shanna Moakler, issued a statement thanking everyone for the "outpouring of love and support we have received during this very difficult time." Several fans left messages for Barker's assistant Chris Baker, one of the victims in the crash. Baker had appeared on MTV's reality show "Meet the Barkers" and is survived by his wife and a 2-year-old son. "I would like to say a personal prayer to Chris Baker's wife and child," themomof3 said. "May you have your memories and may [they] remind you of the love you and Chris shared in his short life and within your marriage." Tone Fox said he'd met Baker once and thanked him "for being so humble and loving. It was a pleasure to shake your hand. You touched us all. A man of his word and full of life. ... We love you and will see you soon." (Travis Barker and DJ AM were, of course, the house band for the VMAs earlier this month. Check out these interviews with them, which were conducted by John Norris shortly after the show.) Related Videos Related Artists |
| Perry Farrell, Gavin DeGraw React To Travis Barker/ DJ AM Plane Crash Posted: 22 Sep 2008 03:28 AM PDT Performers played at the same South Carolina show as the duo before crash.
For a few hours on Saturday morning, it was unclear who was on the plane that crashed in Columbia, South Carolina. Early word to MTV News was that it might have been "I Don't Want to Be" singer Gavin DeGraw, who performed on the same bill Friday night as Perry Farrell and DJ AM and Travis Barker's project, TRVSDJAM, in the Five Points district of South Carolina at a free T-Mobile-sponsored show. In a segment scheduled to air Monday night (September 22) on "Extra," DeGraw said many of his friends and family also thought he was on the flight, which crashed just before midnight that evening, taking the lives of four people and seriously injuring Barker and AM.
"I got so many calls from people who were checking to see if I was OK," he told "Extra." "My dad got on the phone and he goes, 'Just say hi,' and I said, 'Huh?' And he said, 'That's enough. I just wanted to hear your voice.' " When MTV News called DeGraw's father Saturday morning, he was clearly upset and desperate to hear news about his son. DeGraw said he shared the stage with AM and Barker just minutes before they boarded the Learjet whose fiery crash claimed the lives of Barker's close friend and assistant, "Lil" Chris Baker, and security guard Charles "Che" Still, as well as the plane's pilot, Sarah Lemmon, and co-pilot James Bland. He said he's still trying to make sense of the tragedy. "The people that you travel with when you're doing this for a living, they become your family," DeGraw said. "I was shaking somebody's hand who was about to die. ... That could just as easily been our reality too, and I feel terrible that those guys had to go through that. ... You have no idea what your own fate or their fate is going to be." DeGraw said the crash is one of the most traumatic events he's been associated with. "This is a pretty bad one. Just being this close is already kind of too close." DeGraw also released a statement about the crash: "My heart goes out to the friends and families of those affected by this tragedy. I wish Travis and Adam the best during their recovery." Farrell, who also performed on the bill with Barker and AM, sent a personal message to MTV News with his feelings about the crash. "Come back to us soon Travis and AM!," he wrote on behalf of his wife, Etty, and bassist Carl Restivo from Satellite Party. "We want to send our love/ healing vibes out to the two amazing fellows Travis and AM, who are at this moment very, very injured. The thought of what they went through and lived through is almost beyond belief. ... We keep wishing it was just a bad dream. We want them to know that they are in our prayers wishing them a swift and successful recovery." The former Jane's Addiction leader said the duo gave a "great performance" Friday night, one that made it seem like they were about to "embark on a very fresh style of music performance." Focusing on their musical presence, Farrell dubbed AM a "tasty DJ" who "cuts his music very cleanly, and his choices are spot-on crowd 'wowers.' " As for Barker, Farrell praised him for adding a "mega-ton of energy to the mix" and delivering during shows, elevating the duo's music from "good" to "top-notch music performance." "We'll all be waiting for your return, boys," Farrell said. "You are great guys and great musicians. Get well soon so we can feel that groove and be moved by you both again!" Related Videos Related Artists |
| Chris Cornell, Timbaland Announce Dates For West Coast Tour Posted: 23 Sep 2008 05:00 AM PDT Former Soundgarden/ Audioslave singer will play upcoming solo album, Scream, in its entirety.
Erstwhile Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell will be hitting the road next month with the unlikely collaborator from his forthcoming solo LP — producer du jour Timbaland — for a string of eight live gigs, the first of which is scheduled for October 17 in Denver. The rocker, who worked with Timbaland on Scream over a six-month period, said the shows will be similar to those he played around the release of his first solo effort, 1999's Euphoria Morning. "I wanted to get out and do some special shows for fans, where it's just the new record and introducing that live, which isn't really the first time I've done that," he said. "With Euphoria Morning, I played pretty much nothing but my first album for the first tour, and with the first Audioslave record, we toured for a year and did nothing but that record. This is also a very special record." Cornell will not be playing any tracks from his previous offerings on this brief Verizon Wireless-sponsored West Coast run, which wraps in his hometown of Seattle November 2. Cornell plans on playing the entire LP, from the first note to the last, without any pauses between songs. "This album, I think, needs to be performed from beginning to end, because on the record, once the music starts, it never stops," he explained. "So it's literally a situation where you start playing the record from the first song, and it's just an hour's worth of music that keeps going until it's done, and it's something that's difficult to present in this day and age. Everything is sound bites and one song at a time, and people sort of downloading one song at a time, and more than any album I've ever made, this is an album that's really designed to be listened to from beginning to end, in one sitting. "I think the smartest thing for me to do is go out and perform it that way, so people get it, because people haven't really understood that yet," Cornell continued. "I've been talking about it in interviews, and people need to understand that it's a different thing. Musically, definitely, it's a departure, not only for me but maybe for anybody. People are asking me what kind of music it is, and there's no real answer for that." Cornell's forthcoming disc sounds nothing like his fans might suspect. It mixes elements of hip-hop (compliments of Timbaland) and rock in a rather unique manner. "The initial conception and perception of this record was mixing two worlds — rock and hip-hop, or beat-based music with fuzzy guitars," Cornell explained. "But it really isn't just that at all. It's a mixture of a lot of different influences." Timbaland said he's "so excited to be on the road with Verizon and Chris," adding that he "can't wait for everyone to hear [this] great new music." Over the weekend, Cornell was in Brooklyn, New York, shooting a video for Scream's lead-off single, "Ground Zero," a song inspired by the tragic events of September 11. "To me, it's sort of about the lingering aspect of [9/11] that is used to kind of create support for things that haven't been very good for our country or the citizens of our country," said Cornell, who now resides in Paris. "I've felt like, with the Bush administration, whenever they're in crisis, they'll suddenly pull out a terror alert — a code-orange scenario, which I run into constantly, because I'm in airports so often. They don't ever have to say why, just that it's a matter of national security. And with the conservative right, part of the platform right now in the election is 'Be afraid of terror, be afraid of terrorists. Look at 9/11 — we need an administration and a president who knows how to go out, kick ass, take names and keep us safe.' That's what got us into Iraq in the first place. [That tactic] certainly helped, and I think [9/11 was] a key factor in Bush winning a second term. To me, the song is about how awful 9/11 was, but stresses that we've got to let go of that to move on peacefully." Chris Cornell/ Timbaland tour dates, according to Cornell's publicist: » 10/17 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre |
| Memorial Fund Established For Families Of Plane-Crash Victims Chris Baker And Charles Still Posted: 22 Sep 2008 02:02 AM PDT Baker was Travis Barker's assistant, Still was his security guard.
Memorial funds have been formed to benefit the families of "Lil" Chris Baker and Charles "Che" Still, both of whom were killed in the plane crash that took the lives of the plane's pilot and co-pilot and seriously injured Travis Barker and DJ AM. Baker was Barker's personal assistant and Still was his security guard. A statement on the Web site of Barker's clothing line, Famous Stars and Straps, reads: "It is with the utmost sympathy and regret that the Famous Family confirms the tragic loss of two of its most beloved members. "Lil Chris Baker and Charles 'Che' Still fell victim to a fatal plane crash in South Carolina," the statement continues. "With heavy hearts we offer our deepest condolences to their family and friends. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers. The Chris Baker Memorial Fund and the Charles Still Memorial Fund have been established for the benefit of Chris' and Charles' families. Donations may be sent to the respective funds at the following address: Memorial Fund Federal investigators are focusing on the possibility that a blown tire could have contributed to the crash. According to CNN, investigators found evidence that one of the jet's tires may have blown moments before takeoff at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, South Carolina. National Transportation Safety Board spokeswoman Debbie Hersman said investigators listening to the jet's cockpit voice recorder heard a sound "consistent with a tire blowout." The pilot and co-pilot told air-traffic controllers that they heard a tire burst and tried to abort the takeoff, according to a conversation on the voice recorder recovered from the wreckage, The Associated Press reports. "The crew attempted to reject the takeoff but was unable to stop the aircraft before it departed the runway," Hersman said. Related Videos Related Photos Related Artists |
| Miley Cyrus Shoots Down Reports That She's Trying To Get Fired From 'Hannah Montana' Posted: 21 Sep 2008 11:08 PM PDT Singer/actress says Disney Channel show has given her 'this amazing opportunity to reach out to so many people.'
Miley Cyrus is shooting down reports that popped up on TMZ this weekend that the teen star has bragged that she will get fired from her hit Disney Channel series, "Hannah Montana." "I am fully committed to 'Hannah Montana,' " she told People magazine Monday (September 22). "It's what gave me this amazing opportunity to reach out to so many people. I couldn't do it alone. We have an amazing cast that is so supportive, including my dad who has been there for me every step of the way." Meanwhile, a Disney rep said that any talk of on-set battles is "just gossip." Miley added: "I'm really excited about our new season. We are making great new episodes that I can't wait for our fans to see." In July, Miley got everyone talking when she hinted at the possibility that season three of "Hannah Montana" could be the last. "We're thinking this is our last season," she told E! News at the time. "I just think we did a lot of episodes," she said. "We basically did two seasons in one last year. Usually people would do one season [and] that would be, like, 16 episodes, and we did almost 30 episodes! ... It seems like it's been on, like, longer." A representative for Disney was quick to respond to the news, saying, "Miley said it best when she said she's delighted to be part of the Disney family. ... We look forward to the 'Hannah Montana' feature film coming to a theater near you in spring 2009." Related Artists |
| Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump Speaks Out -- About Life, Celebrity And <I>Folie A Deux</I> Posted: 21 Sep 2008 11:01 PM PDT Media usually focuses on Pete Wentz, but FOB's often overlooked frontman has a lot to say.
Earlier this month, MTV News was invited out to the Pass Studios in Los Angeles to get a sneak peek at Fall Out Boy's upcoming Folie à Deux album. And while we were there, in addition to hearing a handful of songs from the record, we sat down with FOB frontman Patrick Stump for an hour-long conversation that started off being about his songwriting and production, but quickly turned into something more. For better or worse, the media often overlooks Stump, focusing instead on FOB bassist/ e-mogul Pete Wentz, and while it's somewhat understandable, it's also sort of a shame. Because although he's one of the most soft-spoken frontmen in the business, Stump's got a whole lot to say.
So, for perhaps the first time, we've decided to just let him talk — not just about his role in Fall Out Boy, but about the ugly side of our "celebrity-obsessed" culture, his struggle to remain committed to the music in the face of overwhelming distractions, and about the past, present and future of his band. "Every time we make a record, there's some preconceived [idea] like, 'I think this is going to be the record that does this, or says this.' And really, my only interest is making a record that says exactly what I want it to say," Stump explained. "To be entirely honest — and this is dead serious — I think [2003's] Take This to Your Grave said what I wanted it to say. [FOB's 2007 LP] Infinity on High said what I wanted it to say ... I don't think [2006's] From Under the Cork Tree did. I think it's very weighed by its better parts ... and I want to strive to be better than that. I was disappointed in myself on that record." That might be news to most FOB fans. After all, From Under the Cork Tree was not only the band's breakthrough album, it's also their most successful to date. But still, Stump says he's not happy with it, and so, on Folie, he's worked hard to eliminate that record from his memory, something that has been much easier than expected, given the rather bizarre — and, as it turns out — decidedly dark world Fall Out Boy currently inhabit. It's one that Stump can't even begin to understand, but one that has certainly made its mark on the new album. "One of the things that's very upsetting is watching the way pop culture has shifted ... kind of coincidentally with while we've been going [as a band]. When I was a little kid, my sister used to hang out with these four girls, and one of her friends was murdered," he said, referring, apparently, to the 1993 murder of Glenview, Illinois, high-school senior Tricia Pacaccio. "And, um, one of the strangest and most upsetting kind of feelings I've had — and this was something that happened over the course of the record — is that they attached the murder of my sister's friend ... to a murder out here, in Hollywood, of Ashton Kutcher's last girlfriend [22-year-old model Ashley Ellerin]. "And there's something that's so upsetting about it, because reality is so skewed for us right now ... [because] there's been this huge shift to the cult of celebrity, and it was really frustrating to see that something personal become this circus," he continued. "I think there's something so morbid and awful about the way culture is right now in the United States, where we focus on such awful things, but nothing important. I don't know Ashton Kutcher, and it's a horrible, horrible thing that happened, but the thing that's upsetting to me is that the focus isn't on that it happened to someone he knew; the focus is on that it's him. ... And so I think this whole record is definitely a huge part of that, [because] the world we inhabit is very strange, and it's just as warped for us as it is for anybody who's not in our band." While that's certainly dark territory for a band not necessarily known for being morbid, Stump says that Folie deals with it — and a whole lot more. After all, he's worked hard to make it the most cohesive, mature and, well, artistic album of the band's career. ... Because he's an artist, and that's what he does. "I love this record, [but] do I think anyone else is going to love it? I really don't know," he wondered. "I got into this fight over the course of making this record, and it dawned on me, 'Why make a record? Why do you have to make records still?' Why do we make records? Because we want to say something. Why are you in art? Because you want to say something. The second you don't have anything to say, you stop making art — you might start making product. And I'm interested in being an artist." Related Videos Related Artists |
| Janet Jackson Parts Ways With Island Def Jam Records Posted: 22 Sep 2008 03:07 AM PDT Singer's latest album, Discipline, debuted at #1 but has sold disappointingly.
Janet Jackson announced Monday (September 22) that she has parted ways with Island Def Jam Records after just 14 months on the label, according to Billboard.com. The singer's publicist noted that the label agreed to dissolve the relationship upon Jackson's request. "Now more than 20 years after the release of her iconic album, Control, Janet will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system," Jackson's publicist said in a statement. "Always known to break new ground and set trends, Janet's departure from Island makes her one of the first superstar artists to have the individual freedom to promote their work through a variety of avenues such as iTunes, mobile carriers and other diverse and innovative channels." In March, Jackson released Discipline, an album that reflected a return to her Control era in more ways than just its title. But after debuting at #1, the album has sold a disappointing 415,000 units, according to SoundScan. The singer's unhappiness with the label was reflected in recent interviews. "I can't say if we'll be working with them in the future," Jackson told Billboard last month. "I don't know what the future holds between the two of us." In a vlog for rap-up.com, Jackson's longtime collaborator Rodney Jerkins opened up about the news that Jackson is now a free agent. "We didn't get the support from the record company," he said. "[Janet] felt like it wasn't pushed. I felt like it wasn't pushed correctly. She just didn't get her just due as an artist of that magnitude." Jackson will continue her current Rock Witchu Tour, which is scheduled to continue through October 22 with supporting act LL Cool J. Related Artists |
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