muchmusic
#SXSW: “299 QUEEN STREET WEST” REVIEW
By Mr. Will Wong
What better stage for 299 QUEEN STREET WEST to debut than at a Festival like SXSW, where Music, Film, Television and Comedy intersect? This third Documentary from Toronto Filmmaker Sean Menard (The Carter Effect) explores the great cultural impact of MuchMusic in its iconic Queen Street headquarters. For any Canadian whom like myself grew-up throughout the ’80s and ’90s, the groundbreaking Music Television Station forever will be embedded into our generation’s identity. In fact, it is difficult to talk about this Film without feeling emotional and proud that we were there to witness the era.
MUCHMUSIC launched in 1984, driven by a focus on Music and Artist. Many an icon has walked through their halls, interviewed by Video Jockeys – some who came in with very little experience – but somehow were people we saw a bit of ourselves in, entertaining us from days on-end as kids on weekends and summer vacations. We were one of those kids who would wait glued by the TV set for a Madonna video to be played. We hate-watched Electric Circus, a one of a kind Dance Music program that gave a voice to Toronto nightclub culture. We would queue the studio’s Queen Street entrance during the MuchMusic Video Awards (MMVAs) for a glimpse of Avril Lavigne and Destiny’s Child, hoping for an autograph.
The bright light that was MuchMusic would dim throughout the 2010s as we entered the era of YouTube for Music Video consumption and Bell Media‘s acquisition of the network would lead to a change in format geared towards non-scripted Television. It’s 2023 and it’s been five years since we’ve seen the MMVAs, an annual event that took over the City ever Father’s Day, making us feel awful for abandoning our fathers every year, leaving us incredibly sunburnt. We really had it great in Toronto.
Menard lets the voices of MuchMusic tell its story through archives and voiceovers. Denise Donlon, David Kines, Sook-Yin Lee, Namugenyi Kiwanuka, George Stroumbolopoulos, Bill Welychka, Monika Deol, Steve Anthony, Michael Williams, Tony “Master T” Young and of course our all-time favourite, Erica Ehm (she even serves in a Consultant capacity for the Documentary) all are participants. So many fascinating stories how MuchMusic had evolved from very little structure to becoming a mandatory stop for the world’s top musical acts in amplifying the message about their new music. MuchMusic was always about the relationship between Artists and their fans and its legacy lives on to this day.
One, there is the nostalgia factor about 299 QUEEN STREET WEST that captures that same magic spell MuchMusic had over us in its heyday. But it truly is the compelling behind-the-scenes stories the network’s talent of what it was like interviewing the world’s biggest stars and ultimately for some what it felt like to fall out of love with their jobs that make this a must-watch. A phenomenal Documentary. Hoping this gets the TIFF treatment this Fall as it deserves it.
299 QUEEN STREET WEST screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:
299 Queen Street West at Alamo Lamar A
Mar 13, 2023
6:15pm—8:13pm
299 Queen Street West at ZACH Theatre
Mar 17, 2023
5:45pm—7:43pm
#SPOTTED: BEBE REXHA, ANNE-MARIE, PRINCE JACKSON, ALEXANDRA SHIPP, ASHLEE SIMPSON, GUS KENWORTHY + MORE IN TORONTO FOR 2018 iHEARTRADIO MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
Even though they were pushed back a bit this year, it was better late than never for the 2018 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards. The event celebrating the tastes of Canadian Music fans, took over Bell Media headquearters at 299 Queen Street saw headliners Shawn Mendes, Halsey, 5 Seconds of Summer, Alessia Cara and more perform before a live outdoor audience, seen across the country on CTV. The fixture held annually on Father’s Day, was pushed back till now.
Filling hosting duties was Awkwafina, Star of Box Office hits OCEAN’S 8 and CRAZY RICH ASIANS joking with the audience how she has the voice of a wrestler and the body of a Pikachu.
Among the big winners of the night were Pickering’s Mendes who won Best Pop Artist of the Year and Fan Fave Artist and Fan Fave Video for In My Blood. Halsey was named Artist for Change, while Toronto’s “6ixGod” Drake won Best Hip Hop Artist, seeing his track God’s Plan win Best Director – emerging young talent Karena Evans receiving the honour. Bebe Rexha’s duet with Florida Georgia Line, Meant to Be, won her Best Collaboration. Coveted Video of the Year went to Logic ft. Khalid and Brampton native Alessia Cara‘s 1-800-273-8255. Toronto’s Loud Luxury won Song of the Summer for Body (featuring Brando).
We were out and about sighting the stars and see who we saw!
Awkwafina
Bebe Rexha
Prince Jackson (son of Michael)
More on the winners here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TORONTO FOR THE 2016 iHEARTRADIO MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
It was a star-studded night in Toronto as the 2016 iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards took place at Bell Media‘s Queen Street Headquarters! The annual staple since 1990 for the first time ever partnered with iHeartRadio, which gives music lovers a free option to listen to radio stations and music online, shutting down a section of fashionable Queen Street for the night, always promising to be a flashy spectacle. Hosting this year was Supermodel Gigi Hadid, whom last year attended as a guest.
Others presenting and performing include Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Hailee Steinfeld, Hedley, Hailey Baldwin, Nick Jonas, Tyler Posey, Lucy Hale, Alessia Cara, Ashley Benson, Amber Rose, Mariana’s Trench, Shay Mitchell, Shemar Moore, Fifth Harmony, Shawn Mendes, Coleman Hell, Lily Singh, Ruth B. and several more.
Winning top honours tonight were Fifth Harmony, who won the Fan Fave International Award. Video of the Year went to Toronto’s own Drake for Hotline Bling. Best Pop Video also went to Camila Cabello (Fifth Harmony) and Pickering’s Shawn Mendes’ I Know What You Did Last Summer. International Duo went to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis who treked-in while on tour.
See some of the stars we spotted around town today for the 2016 MMVAs!
Hailey Baldwin
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Tyler Posey
The lovable #TylerPosey at the #MMVAs.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Amber Rose
Nash Grier
With the magnetic #NashGrier. #MMVAs
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Pablo Schreiber (he didn’t attend the MMVAs, but was in the thick of the action!)
Lucy Hale
#LucyHale does a roll-down for fans. #MMVAs
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Shemar Moore
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Sofia Carson
James Bay
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Camila Cabello (Fifth Harmony)
With #CamilaCabello of #FifthHarmony. #MMVAs
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Complete list of winners here.
(Photo/video credit: Bell Media/Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: MORE STARS IN TORONTO FOR THE 2015 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
The City continues to be electrified by starpower and starpower alone this 2015 MuchMusic Video Awards weekend as Stars were spotted both arriving and out and about. Arriving earlier today were this year’s Host, Ed Sheeran, flying-in on a private flight just in the nick of time to do some last minute rehearsals. He would at the Gala go on to win MOST BUZZWORTHY INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OR GROUP during the Broadcast. Megastars Adam Lambert and Nick Jonas, here to present and perform respectively, arrived quietly and handsomely also earlier with little fanfare, before facing Fans tonight on the Queen Street Red Carpet outside Bell Media Headquarters.
We spotted several stars today and were extremely happy to find up-and-coming Band ECHOSMITH whom after playing a show in Virginia last night, made their way early today after some delays. Consisting of siblings Jamie, Noah, Graham and Sydney Sierota, the Band quickly has won my heart with great tunes like Cool Kids and Bright, which have filled our airwaves in recent months. I am expecting big things of this Quartet, who were all amazingly nice and enthused to be here.
Prior to gracing the Red Carpet, we saw several stars warm-up and greet Fans leaving their Hotel before the Fandemonium kicked into high gear. Hailee Steinfeld had our fave look in a shimmery cocktail dress, while Bella Thorne was gorgeous in a mesh, lacy red dress – her tousled red curls just flawless. And of course Supermodel Gigi Hadid would be seen and not forgotten with an asymmetrical pink patent leather jacket with her surname hashtagged across the back, midriff baring in an edgy look fit for a Music Awards show.
But our favourite starspotting today? Definitely Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy who was seen walking out and about on Father’s Day carrying his adorable son Saint Laszlo, kind to stop for a quick Snap on the street!
See our Snaps:
Hailee Steinfeld:
Bella Thorne + Gregg Sulkin:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Hailee Steinfeld:
Tyler Posey:
#TylerPosey heading out to the #MMVA. #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards #MMVAs #TeenWolf
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Nick Jonas:
Gigi Hadid:
#GigiHadid waves at fans heading out to the #MMVA. #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards #MMVAs
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Bella Thorne:
Peter Wentz (Fall Out Boy) + Saint Laszlo:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Adam Lambert:
Echosmith:
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Adam Lambert + Mr. Will:
Nick Jonas + Mr. Will:
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A complete list of Winners here.
More Celebrity Sightings yesterday here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TORONTO FOR 2015 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
Now in its 25th year, the MuchMusic Video Awards have been an annual “Look-Forward-To” for Toronto Music Fans for as long as I can remember. Although focus in recent years to adapt to a changing economic climate, has turned towards Young Adult TV Programming versus its traditional format of Music Videos mostly, MuchMusic still manages to pull together a Who’s-Who every year. Okay, we admit the huge marquee names haven’t been there in recent years like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Rihanna or Miley Cyrus, but few are complaining about this year’s Host, Ed Sheeran, due to fly-in tomorrow to fulfill his duties, all while balancing his x Tour.
Arriving in the City today were a mix of Presenters, who will grace the open Queen Street stage including Bella Thorne, Gregg Sulkin, Hailee Steinfeld, Debbie Ryan, Tyler Posey and Supermodel Gigi Hadid. Although many were looking forward to seeing her present, Ashley Benson, Star of Pretty Little Liars and Pixels, had to cancel. Thorne and Sulkin have been said to be dating in recent months and just may be seen tomorrow on the Carpet debuting as a Couple. Meanwhile Hadid, who has been tired to Joe Jonas after being spotted together here a couple weeks back, flew solo. Her sister Bella already is in the City with her Scarborough-native Boyfriend, The Weeknd, who will be appearing on tomorrow’s broadcast.
Thorne and Hadid created the greatest fandemonium, with Fans circling them for a shot at a Selfie and most would succeed, some even scoring multiples.. with tongues sticking out, peace signs, duckyface. You get the picture…
See our Snaps:
Gigi Hadid:
Debbie Ryan:
Hailee Steinfeld:
Bella Thorne:
Gregg Sulkin:
Tyler Posey:
The 2015 MuchMusic Video Awards air on MuchMusic at 9 PM EST. More here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#INTERVIEW: LILY JAMES AND SPECIAL GUESTS AT THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF “CINDERELLA”
She certainly was Belle of the Ball! English Actress Lily James gained international recognition as Lady Rose MacClare on Downton Abbey. But who would’ve known soon after she would land the Breakthrough Role of a lifetime, starring in the titular Character in Disney‘s ambitious live-action Adaptation of Cinderella?
This new Version of the Disney Classic gives us an elevated sense of romance between Ella (James) and her Prince (Richard Madden), heightened Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) – Stepsister (Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger) tension and a glimpse into the unfading optimism of Ella, whom despite adversity still chooses to surround herself with beauty. The tasteful CGI is jaw-dropping and this Kenneth Branagh creation is a total visual delight, never once forgetting the very heart of this beloved Tale.
The Red Carpet was filled with Fans and Media alike, all eager for a chance to see with James, an absolute vision in white. “I’m wearing Dior“, she tells me about her beautiful dress and clutch.
I ask James about what makes Cinderella so timeless in that it continues to resonate in a big way with Audiences today. She tells me, “I think at the heart of the story is the Underdog. The Girl that deserves everything but has nothing – but is rewarded.”. She adds, “You can get behind her and root for her. There’s so much heart to it”.
James tells me also the greatest thing she took away from her experience making Cinderella. She reveals how humbling it was to work with true Greats like Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter stating, “I learned so much, endless things from Helen and Cate.” “They’re strong Women – brilliant Actors and brilliant Human Beings.”. She also reveals that soon again she will collaborate with Kenneth Branagh, telling us “Yes, he is going to direct Richard Madden and me in Romeo & Juliet”. And after seeing this Remake you’ll understand exactly why the Thespian-Helmer is so eager to work with the Duo once again.
Tonight’s Premiere was none short on local star-power. Several Talent walked the Red Carpet in support of this timeless tale including Child Actor Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (The Book of Negroes) who scored a Photo Op with James after handing her a copy of the Book on which her TV Series is based upon, as a gift. Guests also included Sarah Allen (Remedy), Liz Trinnear (MuchMusic), Jeremy MacPherson (Game of Homes), Genelle Williams (Bitten), Peter Outerbridge (Murdoch Mysteries), Tammy Isbell (Bitten), Tommie-Amber Pirie (Pretend We’re Kissing), Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY) and Sara Lynn Cauchon (The Domestic Geek), among others. The Hosts of CTV’s highly-rated The Social: Traci Melchor, Melissa Grelo, Lainey Lui and Cynthia Loyst, also were among those to grace the Red Carpet and chat with us.
Like the Audience tonight, those who see Cinderella in theatres will be treated with the delightfully-cute Short, Frozen Fever, which sees our favourite Sisters on-screen once again planning a Birthday Bash for Anna, all while Elsa experiences in untimely fashion, a… wait for it… cold.
See our Chats with James, The Hosts of The Social, Liz Trinnear, Sarah Allen and Tomie-Amber Pirie below:
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release CINDERELLA on Friday, March 13, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#EDITORSNOTE: FORMER LADY GAGA BODYGUARD “ED” AT 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS WITH AVRIL LAVIGNE
Just when I thought he’d disappeared completely from my memory, this weekend while out and about for the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards, I encountered a familiar face once again. Unfortunately it wasn’t one I have fond memories of.
As I noticed Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger being ushered in and out of their Hotel on their way to the Awards, I was quite shocked to see “Ed“, former Lady Gaga Bodyguard, among their Entourage. My most loyal Readers will remember him as being the Guy who roughed me up a couple years back, prompting me to write a letter to Gaga‘s Management, which was reviewed right away.
Surely, I can’t be the only Fan who had a bad experience with him and although we cannot confirm if his departure from Camp Gaga was voluntary or involuntary, it sure looks as though he hasn’t changed one bit. Although I’m a bit red-in-the-face to read that Piece again recalling my Run-in with him back in March 2011, here it is. The memories and emotions were real at the time and I’ll be the first to admit that it hurt.
Those who watched the MuchMusic Video Awards last night will notice Ed‘s graceless blunder as Lavigne’s SUV arrived on the Red Carpet, where they were greeted by Host T-RexXx. As is the case with all other Guests last night, the Host extended a warm welcome to all by opening their Car Doors for them. Of course, Ed gracelessly tried thwarting the perfectly harmless greeting before realizing his own overreaction, which was captured by Cameras. What was he thinking? The Guy had a MuchMusic Mic in his hand! I mean, I’m all for protecting the Talent and doing your job, but this is just beyond.
I could watch this on loop all day:
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TOWN FOR THE 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
The Stars have descended upon Toronto for the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards and while preparations are well under-way over at the Station’s Queen Street Headquarters with Soundchecks taking place throughout the day, several Guests and Performers are just now arriving. Several Fans today not only got a Sneak Peek of tomorrow night’s performances, but some were even lucky enough to meet the Performers including Co-Host PSY, who was gracious to stop for Snaps earlier today with Fans! Others like Armin Van Buuren, Avril Lavigne, Phillip Phillips and more graced the stage today.
Meanwhile on the other end of the City, we were lucky enough to witness several of tomorrow’s Presenters arrive including the likes of Josh Bowman (Revenge), Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars), Kunal Nayyar (Big Bang Theory), Naya Rivera (Glee), Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), Popstar Cody Simpson and this year’s MMVAs “It Couple” Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect, Hairspray) and Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf). Red-hot Arrow Star Stephen Amell, who hails from Toronto, already has been in town for a bit in advance of the Show.
Meanwhile, Australian Internet Sensations The Janoskians have been causing quite a rage at their Hotel, requiring their Security to step-it-up a bit as their hoards of female Fans shower them with attention.
And although simultaneously in town for her Red Tour at Rogers Centre, Taylor Swift and Tourmate Ed Sheeran are expected to grace the Queen Street Stage tomorrow and some are saying they just might perform their latest Single Everything Has Changed as a surprise.
The 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards air tomorrow night at 9:00 PM EST on both MuchMusic and Fuse.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#MMVAS: MARIANA’S TRENCH LEADS THE WAY WITH SIX NOMINATIONS AT 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
The Nominees are in! The 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards are just a month away and all Contenders were confirmed earlier today. Leading the Pack this year with six nominations is Mariana’s Trench including coveted Video of the Year (Desperate Measures) and Pop Video of the Year (Stutter).
Not to be outdone, Toronto’s v. own Drake tallies in second with five nominations including Hip Hop Video of the Year and Video of the Year with his recent Single, Started from the Bottom.
Up for International Artist of the Year is a competitive field which includes: P!nk, One Direction, Taylor Swift and recently-announced Performers Demi Lovato and PSY.
Click here for a full list of Nominees!
The 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards air Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM EST on Fuse and MuchMusic.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#TORONTOBOUND: DEMI LOVATO CONFIRMED AS FIRST PERFORMER AT 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
Gaa! Just when we thought there wasn’t gonna be an MuchMusic Video Awards this year with the delays in announcements! Demi Lovato has been confirmed as the first perfomer of the 2013 MMVAs to take place this Sunday, June 16, 2013 in Toronto. Just in time to promote her fourth Studio Disc, DEMI, hitting stores Tuesday, May 14, 2013.
The Red Carpet airs on both FUSE and MuchMusic at 8:00 PM EST, followed by the Ceremony at 9:00 PM EST! Can’t wait to see who’s next! Hoping for some type of a Macklemore miracle, please!
We met Lovato a couple years ago and she was just lovely! Read more here.
In the meantime, Fans can stream the entire Album right here.
Order DEMI on iTunes in advance here.
(Photo credit: Universal Music)
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