Title: Valerie Matthews, Mother of Dave Matthews, Passes Away at 89 After Courageous Battle with Alzheimer’s
Post:
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Valerie Matthews, the beloved mother of musician Dave Matthews. At the age of 89, Valerie passed away after bravely battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Valerie was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Her strength and resilience throughout her journey with Alzheimer’s was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave Matthews and his family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that Valerie is now at peace. Rest in peace, Valerie Matthews. You will always be remembered.
Nirvana’s debut “Saturday Night Live” performance was a perfect introduction to the grunge genre for untold viewers watching live on Jan. 11, 1992, but it nearly ended in a “Titanic-level disaster,” drummer Dave Grohl revealed in a new documentary Monday.
“Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” directed by Oscar-winning documentarian Questlove of The Roots, chronicles the triumphs, pranks and accidents that have befallen musical guests on the iconic NBC show — with Nirvana’s debut arguably near the top.
Grohl recalled being “absolutely fucking terrified” when they arrived at “SNL” four months after their debut studio album, “Nevermind,” was released, and said in “50 Years” that he got even more nervous when the crew counted them down for their live performance.
“The room gets dead silent,” the Foo Fighters frontman said. “Your heart is racing and you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna faint, I’m gonna puke on live television, I’m gonna die.’ And, typically, what happens if I get nervous, I beat the shit out of the drums twice as hard.”
While that performance anxiety certainly helped him launch into “Smells Like Teen Spirit” with a vengeance when host Rob Morrow introduced the band, Grohl revealed that he “snapped my snare stick in half” when they were “only like 20 seconds into the song.”
Frontman Kurt Cobain gave no sign of noticing while belting out his lyrics.
“I was hitting the drums 10 times harder than I’ve ever hit them before in my life,” Grohl admitted in the documentary. “There was one break right before the first drum roll, I think, where I grabbed another stick really quick and busted into it.”
He continued, “I mean, it was so close to being, like, ‘Titanic’-level disaster.”
Grohl, seen here in 2019, has since formed the Grammy-winning Foo Fighters. Leo Correa/File/Associated Press
The performance was ultimately anything but, as then-“SNL” cast member Adam Sandler testified in the documentary: “People were talking about it, getting more calls than you ever got before from friends in my hometown, just like, ‘What’s he like? What’s Kurt like?’”
Cobain’s substance abuse issues eventually contributed to his suicide on April 5, 1994. Nirvana performed on “SNL” one last time on Sept. 25, 1993, months before Cobain died at the age of 27.
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Dave Grohl, former drummer of Nirvana and current frontman of the Foo Fighters, recently opened up about the band’s iconic debut on Saturday Night Live, revealing that it nearly ended in a “Titanic-level disaster.”
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Grohl recalled the nerves and excitement leading up to Nirvana’s appearance on the late-night sketch comedy show in 1992. The band was already riding high on the success of their hit album “Nevermind,” and the pressure was on to deliver a memorable performance.
However, things took a turn for the worse when, just moments before going on stage, Grohl realized that his drum set had been set up incorrectly. As he frantically tried to reposition the drums, he accidentally knocked over a cymbal, causing a loud crash that could be heard throughout the studio.
“I thought, ‘This is it, we’re done for,’” Grohl recalled. “It felt like the whole world was watching us fail in real-time.”
Despite the mishap, Nirvana went on to deliver a stellar performance, playing their hits “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Territorial Pissings” with raw energy and intensity. The band’s electrifying set not only won over the audience but also solidified their status as one of the most iconic rock bands of the 90s.
Looking back on that fateful night, Grohl can now laugh about the incident, joking that it was just another “rock ‘n’ roll moment” in Nirvana’s tumultuous career. And while the SNL debut may have been a close call, it ultimately helped propel the band to even greater heights.
As Grohl put it, “It was chaos, but it was beautiful chaos.” And for fans of Nirvana, that chaotic energy is what made the band so special and unforgettable.
“I was absolutely f—ing terrified,” the legendary grunge band’s drummer admitted in the new documentary Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music. “The room gets dead silent. Your heart is racing and you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna faint. I’m gonna puke on live television. I’m gonna die.’”
While Grohl made it through the live performance of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” alongside bandmates Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic on the Jan. 11, 1992 episode, his equipment did not.
“Typically what happens if I get nervous, I beat the s— out of the drums, twice as hard,” the Foo Fighters frontman shared. “I was hitting the drums 10 times harder than I’ve ever hit them before in my life. By the first verse, I had snapped my snare stick in half. Which is not good.”
He emphasized, “Oh, and this is only like 20 seconds into the song.”
Nirvana on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1992.
NBC
Luckily Grohl’s mishap didn’t end in Nirvana offering all apologies for a ruined set.
“There was one break right before the first drum roll, I think, where I grabbed another stick really quick and busted into it. I mean, it was so close to being like Titanic-level disaster,” Grohl described.
The rockers also played “Territorial Pissings,” another song from their seminal album Nevermind, on the season 17 episode hosted by Rob Morrow.
In the documentary, SNL creator Lorne Michaels explained how the band made his radar. “David Geffen called me about Nirvana because they were on his label, and he said, ‘I don’t know what’s happening, but you know, last week they sold 60,000 records, and this week they sold 140,000, so something is happening,’” Michaels recalled.
Adam Sandler, in his second season on the cast at the time, remembered the frenzy around his fellow Gen Xers. “People were talking about it, getting more calls than you ever got before from friends in my hometown, just like, ‘What’s he like? What’s Kurt like?’”
Chloe Fineman, host Nate Bargatze, and Dave Grohl on ‘SNL’ in 2023.
Will Heath/NBC via Getty
Nirvana returned for a second stint as musical guest on Sept. 25, 1993, just seven months before Cobain’s death at age 27. And despite his early bout of nerves, Grohl went on to become the most frequent SNL musical guest in the show’s history, performing with Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures, as an impromptu drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and other special appearances. The Grammy winner and two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has also popped up in sketches over the years to show off his comedy chops, like the fan-favorite “Punk Band Reunion at the Wedding.”
In a recent interview, Dave Grohl, former drummer of Nirvana, reminisced about a mishap that occurred during the band’s first appearance on Saturday Night Live back in 1992.
Grohl revealed that just before going on stage to perform their hit song “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” he accidentally knocked over his drum kit, causing chaos and confusion among the band members and crew. Despite the unexpected setback, Nirvana managed to pull off a memorable performance that has since become iconic in the history of rock music.
Grohl’s recollection of the mishap serves as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and mishaps, true talent and determination can shine through. Nirvana’s performance on SNL that night is a testament to their resilience and ability to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of their art.
Dave Matthews is no longer slated to perform at FireAid, the star-studded benefit concert raising funds for Los Angeles area wildfire relief.
“Due to a critical illness in the family, Dave Matthews is unfortunately unable to perform at the FireAid and MusiCares benefits this week,” read an official statement shared to the singer’s Instagram page. Matthews shares three kids with Jennifer Ashley Harper, his wife of 25 years.
Mayer has since confirmed his intention to perform without Matthews, resharing the social media statement with the note, “Sending all my love to Dave, who will be there in spirit with me at FireAid.”
Dave Matthews.
Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage
Proceeds raised by the FireAid benefit concert will help those affected by the wildfires by “rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.”
The 58-year-old singer-songwriter was also scheduled to perform at another charity event on Friday, but his appearance at MusiCares’ 2025 Persons of the Year benefit gala has also been canceled.
As part of Grammys Week in L.A., the event will focus on raising critical funds to support music professionals in need, including those impacted by the L.A. wildfires.
The gala, honoring the Grateful Dead, boasts its own star-studded lineup including Mayer, Mick Fleetwood with Stewart Copeland, Norah Jones, Maren Morris, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Sierra Ferrell and Lukas Nelson, the War and Treaty, Zac Brown, Maggie Rose, Wynonna Judd, and the War on Drugs.
Tickets for FireAid are now available through Ticketmaster, and the event will also be available to stream across several platforms. You can donate to the cause at fireaidla.org.
It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the cancellation of Dave Matthews’ appearance at the upcoming FireAid concert. The beloved musician has had to withdraw from the event due to a critical family illness that requires his immediate attention.
We ask for understanding and support during this difficult time for Dave and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this challenging situation.
We are working tirelessly to secure a replacement for Dave Matthews at the FireAid concert, and will provide updates as soon as possible. In the meantime, we thank you for your understanding and continued support of this important cause.
Thank you for your understanding.
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dave Matthews will no longer perform at FireAid, a star-studded benefit concert organized for Los Angeles-area wildfire relief, or the MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala this week.
According to a post shared to the official Dave Matthews Band Instagram account, “due to a critical illness in the family,” Matthews is no longer able to perform at either event.
A representative for the band told The Associated Press there will be no further comment.
At FireAid, Matthews was scheduled to perform at the Kia Forum alongside John Mayer for the first time.
All proceeds from FireAid will benefit those affected by the fires. A 501(c)(3) was set up, and contributions to FireAid will be distributed under the Annenberg Foundation, which with FireAid has assembled a small committee to advise.
MusiCares is an organization that helps music professionals who need financial, personal or medical assistance.
Earlier in the month, the Recording Academy — the people behind the Grammys — and its affiliated MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with a $1 million dollar donation. According to a letter sent to members on Jan. 13, thanks to additional contributions, they’ve already distributed $2 million in emergency aid. Currently, they’ve raised and pledged more than $4 million in emergency aid to those in the music industry affected by the wildfires.
It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that Dave Matthews will not be able to perform at FireAid or any MusiCares benefit events in the near future. Due to a critical family illness, Dave is unable to commit to any additional performances at this time.
We ask for understanding and support during this difficult time for Dave and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this challenging situation.
Please continue to show your support for FireAid and MusiCares, as these organizations work tirelessly to provide aid and assistance to those in need within the music community.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Dave Matthews, FireAid, MusiCares, benefit concert, family illness, Dave Matthews Band, music industry support, critical illness, charity event, fundraising concert
The internet is abuzz with the latest dream fan casting, and this time, it involves none other than the talented and almost universally loved Dave Franco. Over the past several days, there has been a growing contingent of netizens vocalizing their support behind the star portraying Luigi Mangione in a potential biopic.
Mangione has risen to infamy after being accused of the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. While he is currently awaiting trial, the context of his crime and his good looks have combined to garner him an outpour of public sympathy.
Many go as far as to consider this a potential breaking point for insurance companies in America, as costs and premiums continue to rise while the average citizen struggles to afford basic health care.
Off the heels of this trending story, Franco, for his part, has been linked to playing the possible role because they share an uncanny resemblance to one another. Doppelganger alert!
(Post via X/@THR)
Dave Franco Responds
While at this year’s Sundance Film Festival alongside his wife Alison Brie and director Michael Shanks to promote their film Together (a festival darling), the dream casting was addressed by a representative from The Hollywood Reporter.
Someone from the publication is distinctly heard asking from off-camera,
“Has anyone approached you to play Luigi? To play hot Luigi?”
Brie, no stranger to comedic timing, was quick to reply,
“Anyone? Do you mean everyone?”
The 39-year-old actor then went on to share,
“I have never received more texts in my life about anything. Not just friends. Anyone who has my phone number has reached out about it.”
Clearly, anyone with access to the star is eager to see him in the role and is blowing up his phone to share the feeling as the memes and social content continue to fill our feeds. Whether or not this comes to fruition is another story entirely. What is of note, however, is that Franco was not dismissive, nor did he shut down the speculation, so there is a chance this project will eventually come to life.
As of now, Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the New York State charges for which he is awaiting trial. While federal charges also loom, his legal team has not yet been requested to enter a plea on these charges as of the latest update from the court and his attorneys.
Dave Franco’s career explored
Franco’s diverse filmography includes roles in Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed hit The Disaster Artist, as well as memorable supporting roles in the Neighbors comedy franchise alongside Seth Rogen and Zac Efron. He also made his presence felt in Apple TV’s The Afterparty series, although his work as Eric Molson on the Jump Street films may still stand out as his best work.
In 2020, Franco made his directorial debut in the horror thriller The Rental. He wrote the screenplay for the film alongside collaborator Joe Swanberg, which stars an ensemble cast of familiar faces, including Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand. It was released to generally favorable reviews on July 24, 2020.
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Dave Franco, known for his roles in hit movies like “Now You See Me” and “21 Jump Street,” is rumored to be in talks to play legendary jazz musician Luigi Mangione in an upcoming biopic. The news has sparked a flurry of memes and fan theories online, with many speculating about how Franco will bring the iconic musician to life on the big screen.
In a recent interview, Franco addressed the rumors and expressed his excitement at the prospect of portraying Mangione. “I’ve always been a fan of his music and his story is truly inspiring,” Franco said. “I would be honored to have the opportunity to delve into his life and bring his legacy to a new audience.”
As for the memes and theories circulating online, Franco took them in stride, laughing off the more outlandish suggestions. “I’ve seen some pretty wild ideas out there, but I’m just focused on doing justice to Luigi’s story and music,” he said.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, fans can’t help but speculate on how Franco will tackle the role of Mangione. Will he learn to play the trumpet like the jazz legend, or will he focus on capturing his charismatic stage presence? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Dave Franco is ready to take on the challenge of bringing Luigi Mangione’s story to the silver screen.
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Dave Franco, Luigi Mangione biopic, actor reactions, memes, theories, casting news, Hollywood biopics, Dave Franco news, Luigi Mangione story, celebrity casting, actor memes, movie theories
Actor Dave Franco, who social media users have been quick to compare to the alleged United Healthcare CEO assassin, is speaking out on those comparisons.
“Anyone? Do you mean everyone?” quipped Alison Brie, Franco’s wife and co-star in the new body horror rom-com “Together.”
“I’ve never received more texts in my life about anything,” Franco joked, adding no official offers had arrived but friends had been chiming in on the comparisons. “Anyone who has my phone number has reached out about it.”
Franco, who forms one part of a famous set of brothers (the other being James Franco), has collaborated with Brie on a few recent films, including “The Rental” and “Somebody I Used to Know.” Before he was writing movies, he was starring in roles like Eric Molson in “21 Jump Street” and Jack Wilder in the “Now You See Me” franchise.
After news of the murder’s impetus became public, many across the U.S. also upset by the state of the insurance industry, lifted Mangione to a folk-like hero status, lauding not only the writings found on his person at the time of his arrest but also his appearance.
That the killing played out like a true crime novel − complete with a police chase, bags of Monopoly money and a seeming manifesto − only added fuel to the fire.
In a video with 2.8 million views, comedian Matt Buechele said of an FBI poster released of Mangione’s face: “‘Y’all, look for a low-key gorgeous assassin walking around the city.’ It’s like, you know how many gorgeous men there are in Manhattan? I’m supposed to just find him?”
“This has been happening for time immemorial,” psychotherapist and author Stephanie Sarkispreviously told USA TODAY of the pattern society has of lifting up embattled male figures.
“It could be about the power of that person,” she explained. “It could be that there’s a danger to it. It could be also that the person thinks that they can fix the person. And sometimes there’s no explanation for it. This is just what somebody’s attracted to.”
Needless to say, with a biopic no doubt forthcoming, the internet’s choice to play Mangione is already clear.
Contributing: Charles Trepany
Dave Franco recently opened up about the overwhelming comparisons he received to Luigi Mangione after starring in a murder mystery film. The actor revealed that fans flooded his social media with comments drawing similarities between his character and the infamous mobster.
In the film, Franco plays a charming yet mysterious character who becomes entangled in a murder investigation. As the story unfolds, viewers couldn’t help but draw parallels between him and Mangione, known for his involvement in organized crime.
Despite the unexpected comparisons, Franco took it in stride and even joked about the situation in interviews. He expressed his gratitude for the fans’ enthusiasm and assured them that he is nothing like the real-life figure.
It just goes to show the power of storytelling and how it can evoke strong emotions and associations in viewers. And while Franco may have unintentionally channeled a notorious figure, his performance undoubtedly left a lasting impression on audiences.
(TNND) — Actor Dave Franco addressed the comparisons between him and alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione during an appearance at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Franco said he has “never received more texts in my life about anything.”
“Anyone who has my phone number has reached out about it,” he added in response to the idea that he portray Mangione in a film.
Mangione pleaded not guilty in December to the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was gunned down outside a New York City hotel as he walked to an investor conference.
Several days after the shooting, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The gun found on him matched three shell casings found at the crime scene and his fingerprints matched those investigators found on a water bottle and snack bar wrapper.
There are currently no scripted movies in the works but several documentary projects about the murder are currently in production including one from Oscar-winner Alex Gibney, according to Deadline.
Franco’s wife, actress Alison Brie, also joked about the resemblance but said she doesn’t think he’s gotten “any official offers.”
Dave Franco, known for his acting roles in films like “Now You See Me” and “21 Jump Street,” is currently being bombarded with texts and messages about his alleged resemblance to CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione.
The internet has been abuzz with speculation and comparison photos of the two men, with many pointing out their striking similarities in appearance. Fans of Franco have been reaching out to him on social media, expressing their shock and disbelief at the uncanny resemblance.
Franco has not yet commented on the situation, but it is clear that he is being inundated with messages and notifications about the lookalike controversy. As the story continues to develop, it remains to be seen how Franco will address the situation and whether he will publicly address the comparisons to Mangione.
Stay tuned for updates as this bizarre story unfolds.
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia-based Dave Matthews Band announced Tuesday its return to Richmond at the new Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on July 15 and July 16, 2025.
After getting their start in clubs and parties in Charlottesville, the band once held weekly concerts at The Flood Zone in Richmond in the early 1990s.
This summer’s concerts will be the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s first shows in Richmond in 30 years.
Dave Matthews Band is managed by the same company that owns the Allianz Amphitheater.
Dave Matthews Band last played in the Richmond at the at Classic Amphitheater (now Virginia Credit Union Live) in April 1996. The band also performed with the Richmond Richmond Symphony in Feb. 1995.
Watch: Dave Matthews Band performs with the Richmond Symphony
Dave Matthews Band performs with the Richmond Symphony
Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront is expected to open this Spring with the first scheduled concert (as of now) taking place June 6 when Kansas and 38 Special take the stage.
Red Light Management, which manages Dave Matthews Band and is one of the forces behind Richmond’s new venue, also manages acts like Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, Chris Stapleton, and Phish.
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Exciting news for Dave Matthews Band fans in Richmond! The beloved band is making their highly anticipated return to our city for a special show. Get ready to sing along to all your favorite hits and dance the night away with friends.
Mark your calendars for this unforgettable concert experience that is sure to be a night to remember. Stay tuned for ticket information and more details on this epic event. Don’t miss out on the chance to see Dave Matthews Band live in Richmond once again!
Another major concert was just announced for the city of Cincinnati.Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Dave Matthews Band are coming to Cincinnati on their latest tour.The band kicks off their tour in April and will stop in Cincinnati at the Riverbend Music Center on June 13. The band has a history of playing Riverbend, consistently selling out the Cincinnati amphitheater.An online ticket presale for members of the DMB Warehouse Fan Association begins Tuesday at noon. Click here for tickets. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at Ticketmaster.com and Riverbend.org. The band has already pledged $500,000 to support California wildfire relief efforts through their Bama Works nonprofit as they return to southern California on their latest tour.
CINCINNATI —
Another major concert was just announced for the city of Cincinnati.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Dave Matthews Band are coming to Cincinnati on their latest tour.
The band kicks off their tour in April and will stop in Cincinnati at the Riverbend Music Center on June 13.
The band has a history of playing Riverbend, consistently selling out the Cincinnati amphitheater.
An online ticket presale for members of the DMB Warehouse Fan Association begins Tuesday at noon. Click here for tickets.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at Ticketmaster.com and Riverbend.org.
The band has already pledged $500,000 to support California wildfire relief efforts through their Bama Works nonprofit as they return to southern California on their latest tour.
Exciting News for Dave Matthews Band Fans in Cincinnati: The iconic band is coming to town as part of their 2025 tour! Get ready to rock out to all your favorite hits as Dave Matthews and his talented bandmates take the stage for an unforgettable night of music.
Mark your calendars and make sure to grab your tickets early, as this is bound to be a show you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more details on the date and venue for this highly anticipated concert. Get ready to sing along and dance the night away with Dave Matthews Band in Cincinnati in 2025! #DMB2025Tour #CincinnatiConcerts
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