The Commitments threw a DVD release party on St. Patrick’s Eve at the House of Blues, giving a lively performance that included hits “Mustang Sally” and “Try A Little Tenderness.”
After the show, I caught up with some of the band members and stars from the 1991 movie about a band in Dublin. Drummer Dick Massey, who played Billy “The Animal” Mooney in the movie, told me that “The Commitments” was the first movie he had ever been in and he had done very little acting before that. “I was in a school play once, and I forgot the f-ing line,” Massey said.
Kenneth McCluskey, who played Derek “The Meatman” Scully, said that after the movie became such a huge success, he and Massey decided to form a band–for real. They had a casting call in Dublin for other band members. McCluskey said, “It was like life imitating art.” Their lead singer, Joe Walsh, was performing opera before The Commitments. “They rang and asked if I could sing soul,” Walsh said. “I said, ‘Give me a pack of Marlboro cigarettes,’ and the rest is history.”
MARTINI WORKOUT: Equinox fitness center celebrated its arrival to Chicago on Friday night by hosting a party benefiting Chicago Gateway Green. Local VIPs and media types drank martinis and enjoyed music by DJ Jesse De La Pena at the Michigan Avenue fitness club. In-between performances by the children’s dance troupe The Happiness Club, CEO Harvey Spevak told me that he’s ecstatic to finally have his state-of-the-art health club in the Windy City.
GO FOR IT: For those of you looking for something fun to do–this is a good week to be social because there’s a lot going on. Here are some recommendations:
– All you Britney Spears fans who are still bummed out about her canceled Friday show can get your concert fix with some of your fave American Idols. Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken are performing tonight at the United Center, and tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.
– Playboy is throwing a 50th Anniversary party Thursday night at Crobar. The party is private, but if you want to get in on some leftover playmate action, the doors open to the public at midnight, and there’s no cover.
Rumor has it that Hugh Hefner may make an appearance.
– On Sunday, celebrate Crobar owner Joey Vartanian’s 40th birthday at his blowout Studio 40 bash at the club. His party is expected to be full of entertainment and surprises.
There’s no cover, and Belvedere’s new flavor drinks are free. And if you don’t know what to get Vartanian for his birthday, here’s a tip: I hear he’s a big fan of diamond studs.
ONLY THE BEST: Nicolas Cage has been spotted zipping around town in a bright yellow Lamborghini Gallardo.
Turns out Cage purchased the fancy car at the Rush Street Bentley dealership a few weeks ago. The sports car goes for about $270,000.
SIGHTINGS: Michael Jordan danced the night away Friday with his entourage at Le Passage … Brian Urlacher partied at the Leg Room on Saturday night.
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eyecontact@tribune.com.
