Dec 23, 2010

Bono: What Aussie is the finger for? By Eva Rinaldi

   
Most folks know the U2 frontman as Bono, but a growing number of politicians the world over know him as Paul Hewson, quite a pain in the rear end for many.

Bono by all accounts is the person many of us would like to be, but we're not quite as vocally and musically talented as the man.

Down under here in Sydney where Bono and the band recently wowed em, one or two Australian politicians have appeared to raise the ire of the Irish bred chosen one.

Cafes and watercooler across our great national are abuzz who Bono gave the finger to. Was is for the usual suspects - the paparazzi? or was it a message he choose to convey via news media and "people power" to one or two Australian politicians who are severely out of favor (and chances) with the Australian public?

I don't know about you, but I strongly suspect that it was Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Kevin Rudd that asked for a face to face with Bono, not the other way around.

Over the years U2 has enjoyed quite the love - hate relationship with the media, with Rolling Stone Magazine generally being very good to the group, and only a couple of days ago Bono got his own article published in the Rupert Murdoch owned Aussie newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, penning 'When love comes to town: An Australian Romance'.

It's worth noting that Bono has previously gone on record (with Rolling Stone Magazine we understand) "I have very sensitive eyes to light. If somebody takes my photograph, I will see the flash for the rest of the day.  My right eye swells up.  I've a blockage there, so that my eyes go red a lot. So it's part vanity, it's part privy and part sensitivity". Bono is also quite sensitive to people in public office who spin yarns to the the people they are supposed to be serving.

It's widely understood that Bono coined the phrase "the currency of celebrity", and Bono looks to be cashing in, and why the heck not.

What do we find so appealing about this rock god come humanitarian?  Ok, there's the obvious - his genius song writing, but over the years he's been rapidly building his fan base for his off stage performances, one of Bono's pet hates is the tendency of diplomats and supposed "world leaders" and "super powers" to continually bend and break promises, and sometimes outright lie to the people.

Let's take a look at some of U2's songs and in particular some lyrics, to see what tree Bono is barking up....and note the strong political, religious and social themes...

Classic number "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" resonates for many of us. Why? because we can relate, and he shouts it out on a world stage - what many of us feel.  Maybe Julian Assange's Wikileaks might help him just a tad to find what it is that he's actually looking for, but rest assured its not a new band or mic.  He's been blessed from above and clearly knows it.

'Sunday Bloody Sunday' is rated by critics as one of the greatest political songs of all time.

U2's people power concerts and mega happenings frequently go beyond the normal realm of what a performance is all about. The man becomes one with the music.

One feels that Bono has been jaded somewhat by the media and "celeb thing" over the years, but a number of his quotes always reassure us that he still has time for good people and worthy causes. If you even need a bit of a pick me up, check out and remind yourself of gems like "Music can change the world because it can change people" and "My heroes are the ones who survived doing it wrong, who made mistakes, but recovered from them", "the less you know, the more you believe" and on the all important subject of human rights.

It's little wonder that TV talkshow queen Oprah Winfrey has extended the olive tree to Bono and offered him the opportunity to host his own talk show on the newly formed OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). O has talked of OWN being the outlet that she always dreamed off, and clearly Bono is in her dream.  As to if that dream is reciprocated or not, will be playing out in the news over the coming weeks or months, but eventually Bono will have to give an answer, and most of the people want it to be a "Yes".

Back to Bono giving the finger to the camera. Perhaps this may shed some light on it, before I might manage to confront him about it sometime, in that seemingly unlikely event.

"I know I can be a pain in the arse. I have an annoying gene; it's in my DNA. I even annoy myself. When righteous anger turns to self-righteous, projectile vomit is the right response. All I can say is that you can become traumatised as well as inspired by the lives you meet along the dirt road of extreme poverty. Watching the bright light of life go out of some kids' eyes gets me to a place I can't explain. Sometimes I forget that I'm an artist - but I shouldn't, because that's what I am, a working pop artist in a big F-Off rock band".

Maybe Bono had a brain snap and just wanted to show his very human side, and remind us that he's a rock star with attitude, and perhaps also he thought it might be good for one more news item from an up and coming freelance writer. In that instance, he was right, as is often the case, and its my human right to speculate, and yours - the reader, to critique.

Dec 18, 2010

Bon Jovi: My First Time, by Eva Rinaldi


                   
Last night, believe it or not, was the very first live rock concert I had ever been to, and I'm told I got to see one of greatest bands of this or any other generation.

My heart was pumping and I felt the beat pulsating through my body.  It was a surreal, even spiritual experience.

Rock Gods Bon Jovi had invaded Sydney's Football Stadium and a massive near sell out crowd of 100,000 were going wild. I was more in shock, rather than wild.

For the uninitiated, the legendary band comprises of namesake 'Jon Bon Jovi' (John Francis Bongiovi, Jr.), guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres as well as current bassist Hugh McDonald.

The band's line-up has remained very stable by rock band standards during their history, with the only exception being the departure of Alec John Such in 1994, who was unofficially replaced by McDonald.

The band became known for writing several rock anthems, and achieved widespread recognition with their third album Slippery When Wet, released in 1986.

My personal favorite songs which I feel blessed to have finally experienced live include (You Want To) Make A Memory, I'll Be There For You and Livin' On A Prayer.

I was curious as to why these aging bad boys still did the world tours, and then I found out...Bon Jovi's interaction with female fans explains a lot. Throughout the evening the charismatic frontman made startling, even intimate like, eye contact with numerous women, who much like myself, lapped up the attention. One starlet even jumped up on stage and planted a wet one smack bang on Bon's lips.

Yes, there was an after party of sorts also, but you will just have to use your imagination. Word is that quite a few of Sydney's most beautiful woman attended on this magical night that Bon Jovi rocked Sydney.

I can't remember too many fine details of the night, which I think might be a sign that it was a very good night, but I can remember Tico's cute little tambourine, which he played like it was part of his anatomy. Maybe he was given one as a child.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.

These guys rock, whether you're 18 or 80 (and 18 at heart). Their not getting any younger... no one is, but their music is destined to live on forever, and having attended I now have memories for a lifetime that I'll treasure forever.  If you only see one live concert this year, or next, seriously consider making it Bon Jovi.

Website

Bon Jovi official website


Photography by me and my iphone lol sorry about the blury bits :) ( Tico Torres and his cute Tambourine)


"Livin' On A Prayer" this is so pretty and so spiritual I loved this.


Reach Out, wow the crowd was amazing what an experience.

Waverton artist joins fans at the Oprah show, by Boel Eriksson - The Mosman Daily - 14th December 2010


WAVERTON resident and artist Eva Rinaldi was still buzzing today after attending the recording of the Oprah show in Sydney yesterday.
The US talkshow queen held two recordings for her Australia special show, to be screened next year, on the forecourt of the Opera House in front of about 6000 onlookers.
Bodypainter Rinaldi was offered a ticket to be in the audience and was also short-listed to appear on the show.
She had hoped to bodypaint Oprah or people from her US-audience of 300 people for charity.
Ms Rinaldi was disappointed she did not end up on stage, but said she had instead been asked to come to Chicago for one of the shows early next year.
Rinaldi, who has signed a confidentiality contract preventing her from revealing details about her appearance on the show, said she could not confirm or deny whether she would be bodypainting on the show.
She said she felt ``wonderful’’ about finally getting to experience the Oprah show as an audience member.
``Yesterday was so exciting,’’ she said.
The show was not short of Australian star power, with celebrities including NIcole Kidman, Keith Urban, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Olivia Newton-John taking to the stage.
``I absolutely loved all the celebrities were absolutely fantastic, however I do have a little bit of a soft spot for my favorite wolverine Hugh Jackman,’’ Rinaldi said.
Jackman hurt his eye after doing a flash entrance on a flying fox from the Opera House.
He failed to pull the brake and went head-first into a studio light, suffering a small cut to under his eye.
``Hugh got a couple of stitches and I’m so glad he will be okay now,’’ Rinaldi said.
She said Crowe sang and sounded ``better than I thought he would’‘, and another highlight was seeing Newton-John and hearing about the charity auction where she will sell the her skin tight pants she wore in the movieGrease.
``I was impressed with Oprah providing the platform to show case wonderful talent and accommodate their desires to help society as a toll not just talk show biz,’’ she said.
``The crowd was like 6000 Oprah maniacs they were into it big time. My life nor the Sydney Oprah House will ever be the same again.’‘
The Daily first ran the story about Rinaldi’s quest - to appear the Oprah Show - on September 23.
Jessica Wilson, 12, of Mosman joined Oprah on stage yesterday to sing with the Australian Girls Choir.
120 members of the AGC joined Jackman, Newton-John, Urban, Kidman and Crowe to perform ‘I Still Call Australia Home’. (Credit: The Mosman Daily)

Dec 6, 2010

Human Statue Bodyartist Eva Rinaldi Featured In Today's New Idea - 6th December 2010


Australia's most successful and well known bodyartist, Eva Rinaldi, is featured in today's New Idea magazine (pages 16 and 17 to be precise).

The Sydney based artist, widely acknowledged as Australia's biggest Oprah fan, has been following 'O's show since it first hit Australian airwaves about a decade ago.

Ms Rinaldi's son, Joseph, was a large part of her inspiration to start painting, a journey she's been on since 1997.

In today's New Idea she says "I just love her. She's my biggest inspiration, as a person and businesswoman. I cry every time I watch her show".

Oprah followers will be aware of her Australian tour which will include at least two official TV tapings. The fine details of the show, even including the guest list and a range of surprises, are being closely guarded.

Business, tourism and government analysts forecast that Oprah's show will generate millions of dollars of exposure for Australia, and the Sydney Opera House is acting as a major hub for the entertainment and media icon. Bondi Beach is also understood to be high on her priorities.

The buzz is the Oprah will spend part of her time in Australia at a real families home.

Stay tuned to this blog, Network Ten, New Idea and most mainstream media outlets for more details as the countdown to Oprah down under continues.

Websites

Human Statue Bodyart

Oprah

Network Ten

Dec 2, 2010

Dear Peter, by Eva Rinaldi - 1947 - 2010


Dear Peter

Now that you have gone over to the other side, I've had more time to reflect and think about what you a great friend you became over the time we got to know each other, and how you enriched my life and that of so many of my friends and associates.

You were a one in a million.

Since your passing over one week ago, I have continued to hear wonderful stories about you, even including some of how fondly you felt about working and collaborating with my team and I, usually in your front yard at Bondi Beach.

Our friend had been telling me for years to spend more time and Bondi Beach, and he kept telling me about how great you were, both as a photographer, and as a wonderful human being.

When we met I immediately realised that all of the wonderful things I heard about your were true. You're wonderful energy and smile, pride in your craft, and last but not least, your generosity of heart and spirit, where you frequently donated time and money to your favorite orphanage in Cambodia. We all just loved the idea of when we got to work with us, sometimes on a commercial basis, that a great deal of those funds would eventually make they way to the orphanage.

All of the projects we did together.... Let's Paint Oprah and a whole lot more. I guess I could tell it was more than just another gig for you. Bondi Beach and the Sydney Oprah House was always a very special day when we were blessed with your presence.  Getting the great photos from you just a couple of days later was a bonus but you just added to the experiences in ways hard to describe.

One of the most special days was to be the last time I ever saw you.

It was Friday at Bondi Beach once again for the artistic component of Sea Shepherd's Bondi 'No Compromise'. We were all down at the beach, 'King Neptune', 'Son Of Neptune', Greg chasing you up on the mobile while I was painting.  Then all of a sudden we spotted you. In the amazing Tony Abbott beach art costume.  It was so funny, as you always were. You had on your colourful shoes as always. The way you directed my artistic creations was outstanding, and the results showed. The highlight was when you gave us the hand made gifts from Cambodia. It was so special to have been hand delivered these by you, knowing that all of us had been supporting the orphanage in our own special way for what must have been almost bean up to a year. I just loved the guardian angel book you gave me. It is one of my most treasured possessions.

When we finished the beach photo shoot we all walked up to the High Tide Room together for the official event, little did we know this would be the last time we would ever see you alive in person.

The weather was turning, blowing up a storm, and it appeared that some of your photography equipment was starting to play up, but like a trooper and true professional, you soldiered on regardless.  Thank god that when it was suggested to you to be in a photo with us, taking from photographer and friend, Marek, you agreed.

We did the rounds with you at the event, then I decided to get some fresh air with 5 year old Lui and Greg, Lui wanted to see the beach again. The beach was beautiful, as so many of your photographs demonstrate. We then returned to the event to see you hard at work up front on the stage, where we couldn't reach you. We decided to call it a night.

I often think about you, and of course, your beautiful photographs and spirit surround me. You played a significant part of my time spent at Bondi Beach.

Fortunately, I still get to share stories of your legend with many of my friends. Not to any surprise your remembered service at Bondi Beach was filled with hundreds of your friends and colleagues, a number of which I am happy to be able to call friends also. You were a great friend to many, I think Australia's friendliness photographer, and just a wonderful person.

One day we shall meet again in heaven, for there will be so much to discuss.

I feel I might have been one of your biggest fans. You surrounded yourself with stars, but the more I learn, I think you may have been the biggest star of all.  Thank you from my heart.

Love you always Eva xox


Jack Thompsons touching speech

Jack Thompson's speech at Peter's memorial

Awwww

Peters colourful shoes

Photography By Marek Jezierski "Sea Shepherd"

Gifts from the Orphanage




Dear Oprah Winfey Photography: Peter Carrette

Bali Memorial: Photography Peter Carrette



Roy Billings and Eva Rinaldi


Greg Tingle, Taaleah Jezierski, Peter Carrette, Eva Rinaldi

Photography: Peter Carrette



"If I could Have one wish" By Kat Ferguson

Oprah House Tribute to Oprah Winfrey "Kat Ferguson" & Martin Vadam

Sea Shepherd "Lui Cantali and Martin Vadam"

Website

http://www.iconimages.com.au/ (R.I.P) Peter Carrette