A mixed age bag of rock and roll devotees, in original tour tees, leather and lace, travelled from London to Liverpool and beyond to claim their coveted place in the crowd.  Crammed in the dark hall, walls lined with black and white stills of past shows, the energy is electric as people bet on hit songs which would be played.

Joan with her Blackhearts, Enzo (bass), Dougie Needles (lead guitar), Thommy Price (drummer) and lifelong friend and legendary producer, Kenny Laguna on keyboards, takes to the stage to raucous applause.  In her signature style of skin tight black leather low-cut jumpsuit, black Converse charcoal cat-eyes and shocking red lip-stick – this isn’t attire, this is attitude.

Breaking straight into fan favourite, Bad Reputation and following up with the cult classic, Cherry Bomb – title track from the recent release of The Runaways movie starring Kristen Stewart as Joan and Dakota Fanning as front woman, Cherie Currie – the sound speaks of musicians who not only know their audience, but know their stuff: it’s note perfect.

Songs continue to range from Joan’s first ever song You Drive Me Wild, to favourites from the most recent album Sinner, A.C.D.C. as well as classics Crimson & Clover and (my favourite) I Love Playing With Fire.

Rocking out to a mix of career spanning hits, Joan owns the show and her often reported shy persona is cowering behind her stage presence.  Jett, who openly distances herself from the public eye, clearly thrives from interaction with fans and at one point plays almost an entire song eye to eye with one very star-struck – and unbelievably lucky – young fan.  In fact, Joan makes point to keep eye contact with as many members of the audience as she can, encouraging the crowd to “sing out!”.

After over two-hours of a sweaty and sinful set, Joan gives special mention to Kenny as the man who gave her a chance when “twenty three record labels turned me down” and takes a bow with the Blackhearts.

Clearing the stage, the band re-emerge after a quick change and patiently take time with each and every 300 plus fan – taking photos and signing autographs, when Joan insists on personal dedications, because “if you don’t tell me your name it’ll just end up on Ebay, man!”.

A lifetime in the music business hasn’t jaded Jett – I fail to describe her without using the words “uber” and “cool” in the same sentence, which not only defeats the point but barely does justice.

In truth, Joan is 110% present, self-possessed and purely passionate as well as the most unaffected person I can imagine existing – not entirely dissimilar to Jesus in a black leather jumpsuit rocking an electric guitar.

I feel entirely honoured to have met her and can’t wait to catch the band play again – as soon as possible!

VIDEOS TO FOLLOW

From lead singer of the first all female rock group, The Runaways, to Hollywood actress and celebrated chainsaw artist – Cherie has never lived a “normal” life, but she has certainly lived…

It was unsurprising then that eventually Cherie’s life would be picked up by Hollywood and her “memoir of a Runaway” book, Neon Angel, become adapted for the big screen as the critically acclaimed The Runaways, starring Dakota Fanning (as Cherie) Kristen Stewart and with former band mate, Joan Jett as the executive producer.

Talking candidly about everything from the glitter and grit of the days on the road, to the dark demons of drugs and sexual abuse – Cherie waded through and came up as determined as ever, proving no less spirit or spark than of the original Cherry Bomb!

LB: Thanks for taking the time to talk! You must be rushed off your feet, especially with so much you must have going on right now – The Runaways movie and your book it was based on, Neon Angel…

CC: It’s pretty much like being sucked into a hurricane but in a good way – no matter whether it’s the eye or the coming or the going, I don’t care this was so totally unexpected and so gratifying that I’m just grateful for all of it.

LB: Was The Runaways movie at all expected or something you’re planned to do?

CC: No. For some God forsaken reason, in 2000 I’d re-read the book, the original that came out in 1989 that Neil (Shusterman) wrote – brilliant writer, really wonderful – and I don’t know whether it was a matter that I had a kid but, I wanted to tell the story that Price Stern Sloan [the publishers] weren’t comfortable telling and for some reason I just started writing.

I’d brought it up to present time 10 years ago, my marriage and infidelity with Robert Hays just all the sh… *ahem* stuff I’d done and been through since The Runaways and Kenny [Laguna] read it and thought it was worthy of publication.  So he started shopping the book to different publishers and he found some resistance – people still weren’t quite ready for The Runaways. They didn’t get it and they didn’t think we were worthy of the notoriety we girls worked for – the recognition.

Kenny met with Art and John Linson and they loved the idea of turning it into a film and it was a long process – four years – but once they got a hold of it and were writing the script and everything, you’re just along for the ride.

LB: What was it like to watch and relive your own story?

CC: There really aren’t words – it’s kind of like the feeling you have when you have your first child – it’s like indescribable. There are some things there just aren’t words for that would properly describe it – it’s absolutely the way I feel about this. It’s so incredible that my head still won’t wrap around it yet. It’s a dream come true… of the best kind – it’s like being reborn.

LB: Can you appreciate the bands’ experiences more looking back?

CC: It’s like trying on your favorite old jean jacket or your platform shoes – the ones you loved 30 odd years ago – you put them on and you‘re going to feel and love them the same as you did back then. [The Runaways are] associated with magical time in my life and I think the movie captures the 70’s and the times really well.

I think [the movie is] going to bring back the shag haircuts and platform shoes – it’s going to change style – it’s bringing back one of the greatest eras in music and decades in music, the 70’s and it’s really neat.

LB: Because you can’t fake the style, that’s for sure and what The Runaways did for music and style – specifically for women – do you think it continues to inspire against stereotypes?

CC: Well, that corset was my idea – I came up with that on my own and I saw that corset in a lingerie store across the street from the Starwood on Santa Monica Boulevard and I could not get my eyes off all the way from across the street. I’ll never forget seeing it in that window and going across the street and saying “I have to have that and I have to wear it for Cherry Bomb”. And I’m hearing that fashion designers are going to have corsets on the runway because of me – that’s just insane!

LB: Well, wearing something like that was really ballsy…

CC: It was unheard of!  I don’t know where I got the guts but there was no stopping me when I saw that thing in the window - and I knew the girls weren’t going to be thrilled about, but I knew I had to – for that two and half minutes of time, just for Cherry Bomb, nothing else.

LB: You can still see the influence of that in pop culture with Madonna and even Lady Gaga…

CC: Everybody always got the credit for what The Runaways did ….

LB: But you guys started that – of course you guys get the credit for it?

CC: But a lot of people didn’t give us the credit – I’ve never heard Madonna mention my name or The Runaways ever!

LB: Well, people will now recognize it now with [The Runaways] movie coming out.

CC: I hope so *laughs* coz it used to bug the crap out of me!

LB: Well you should definitely claim it.

CC: I plan to *laughs* Thanks!

LB: Do you think there’s anyone now that can compare to being what The Runaways were?

CC: You know, I haven’t seen it yet. I’m not saying that is isn’t possible by any means, everything’s possible, but we’ll see. Hopefully this movie will inspire girls to get out there and do what they were meant do.

LB: I do think it’s waking people up to it again – the music as well as the attitude.

CC: Thank you! Thank you so much – that’s great to hear.

LB: Do you think current musicians take for granted using sex to sell music without the talent you guys had to back it up?

CC: Well, one thing I do want to say is that Cherry Bomb and that corset was two and a half minutes – all the other times wore jumpsuits which weren’t sexual – we were kids what kind of figure can you have a 16 years old?  Lita [Ford] had a great figure – she was born with boobs *laughs* I’m joking, but she had a voluptuous body – I was a little stick with nothing.

We weren’t out there eluding sex – that wasn’t what it was. Cherry Bomb for that two and a half minutes of time, that was what that stood for – the corset was just two minutes – other than that we were wearing t-shirts and jeans or the lamee jumpsuit.We sang about sex and about what we were going through as teenagers – our music and the lyrics rang true to a lot of kids.

And it really insulted and intimidated a lot of guys and still there a lot of guys out there who say “those bitches sucked” – and those are the guys that can’t come to grips with the fact they’re insecure, because no one in their right mind can’t appreciate what we were doing, in one form or another.

We weren’t out there being blatantly sexual, being so hard core – we were true to ourselves – that cannot be mistaken. When you watch the videos you see there’s something real there – completely real – we weren’t putting on any act.

LB: It’s a tough thing to be the first people to do.

CC: We were figuring it out as we went along. All we knew was that this was a lot harder than we expected it to be and we got a lot more flack that we ever dreamed we would and we were put through absolute hell, which is what we did not expect. Especially from people in the same business we were in – they laughed until they saw the shows then they turned around and said “You know what you guys are really good – sorry.”

Like the band Rush – we were opening for them in CoBo, Detroit, in front of thousands of people and they were throwing papers on the stage and I nearly slipped on the paper onto Sandy [West’s] drum riser, and came so close to falling into the orchestra pit!

They were little boys, hiding behind the amp, throwing these sheets of paper for us to slip on – who does that? Totally immature, like bunch of babies – I’ve never forgiven them for that, I know Joan [Jett] hasn’t and I don’t think Sandy [West] had by the time she passed away.

I’d still like to kick that lead singer’s ass, to be honest with you.  I don’t like his voice either I think he sounds like a whiny girl.  Let me through some papers of the stage when they play… but I wouldn’t waste my money *laughs* I’m not bitter – it’s great that they were so wrong, I love it!

LB: Exactly! And as the lead singer, being so young and taking that head on and coming out the other side of that to go on and do successful things – including chain saw carving, which I didn’t know such art was possible – I heard you made a guitar for Dakota [Fanning’s] birthday?

CC: Thank you so much – yeah, I inlaid the whole thing with mother of pearl and the cherry out of coral. I wanted to make something super special and I made it to scale so that it was as close to the real thing that I could and put a lot of love into that.

It was the least I could do because I’m incredibly grateful to this girl, because she cared, it mattered to her – she’s one of the kindest, talented, truly good human being with a wonderful family for support – just a great family and I’m indebted to her because no one would have made me happier – no one.

And I just learned day before yesterday, they were talking about her when she was 12 to play the role and it took that long, by the film actually happened she was 15, the same I was when I joined The Runaways – it was just perfect!

Had I known that, I’d never have survived those four years – I’d have been “do you think Dakota [Fanning] would do it?!” – it would have driven me crazy because she’s my favorite actress – of all time.

But as far as how did I survive what The Runaways went through? I have tested the dark waters on numerous occasions – I didn’t get it right off the bat when I first got clean and sober – I didn’t get it! I’ve been in and out, figuring it out, but thank God I did figure it out.

I just never let it get that bad or never thought I couldn’t survive it. A lot of people don’t feel that way, a lot of people give up hope. I always had a glimmer of hope and you need that. I was very very lucky that I had the tenacity it took to be able to see through tragedy to fight my way back and reinvent myself numerous times and to realize I was never too good for anything.

Right after I left The Runaways and did films with Jodie Foster, Demi Moore and Robert Carradine and was working at the mall where I was recognized daily, working for minimum wage at a linen store. But I had to do that – for me. I wanted to experience that it was a way to ground myself, to get myself grounded and I needed that… I had to get back to good. The only way you can do that is to get out there and live life no matter what it is.

I was really proud that I did that, otherwise people give up or they think they have to be a star – “I’m a star I can’t do that” – you know what, grow up! You’re just a person like everyone else is a person and you’ve been lucky enough t be in this business as long as you have. A lot of people don’t have the guts to be real….

I hope this book shows people to just never give up hope – and fear is the worst emotion. When it comes to yourself don’t be afraid – if you feel in your heart that you’re supposed to do something, don’t listen to anyone because their dreams are not your dreams.

The only time I failed was when I allowed other people to dictate what I wanted to do or if I invited someone else because I was scared to do it alone.

If I did it on my own, like with this book, if I fail I’m OK with it, but I can never fail and blame someone else. That’s why with this book, I had to take the helm, even though I had a wonderful writer, Tony O’Neil, who would have written the entire book. I could’ve walked away and said “here’s the story” but I had to do it myself. I wrote every page and in my final editing I had hundreds and hundreds of pages which I had to put direct to paper.   They had to hired six editors to work over the weekend to accommodate the edit and rewrites I’d put in that book  and I told them if they didn’t make the changes, I didn’t want them to put out the book. If it’s a literary flop it’s all my fault – and I’m OK with that.

LB: Well, you have to take it on yourself if you’re doing it for you.

CC: Exactly – I’m not doing this to help others or for anyone’s careers – I’m doing this is my way to be honest, for the first time in my life. The first book there was so much self loathing going on there was so much guilt – “Well I’m just going to take the rap for everything–will that make it OK?” and I didn’t! Thirty years later it did not make it OK with them and it did not make it OK with me.

I had the opportunity to write from my heart and tell the truth, really is the biggest gift and in the end it was like I closed that door, that vault – boom! And I have absolutely no regrets… and I really did – I felt I cheated myself because I wasn’t being true to me. I was being true as a friend and a sister and everyone else to just say “hey I could take the rap for this – I could take the rap for all of this” but no more…

The only regret I had was that I had a boob job *laughs* I do! I had it back when… when I’d just written the first book and the only reason I did it was because I was insecure.  Yeah they’re pretty but it also reminds me that I was insecure I didn’t think I was good enough the way I was – it’s an ear mark of insecurity – once things calm down, I’ll say goodbye to the sisters *laughs*it’s been a nice ride, see ya!

LB: So what’s left for you to do – what are your goals going forward?

CC: There’s always something. I’m going to continue with my chainsaw carving and I know I’m going to do some shows over the summer. I’d love to buy a cabin somewhere and hike in the mountains, be in the wilderness – I’m kind of a solitary person as it is.

I want to talk to kids in schools – I’m hoping this book will inspire people just to know it’s never that bad and you can survive anything and that’s my main focus in this book. It’s not “hey look at me!” it’s “look what you can do” and “if I can do it anyone can” and come out saying “that was really a trip – what an experience, good bad and ugly, what  a ride”.

And I’m so glad I lived through it and I’m so glad I can be sitting on this phone with you, talking to you about how it’s like to come out the other side.

LB: “No regrets” is something I can only hope to have…

CC: Well, that’s something that comes with age *laughs* I don’t know how young you are – I never say how old you are – I rounded that corner and I’m not exactly sure when it happened and I just found myself forgiving everyone because I forgave myself.

I just got it, I got why things had happened and realized I wouldn’t have changed anything because then it wouldn’t have been the remarkable experience for me that is has been.

You’ll never hear me say “oh woe is me” ever! Even after the rape and the kidnapping… all I could see where people who didn’t make it and think “how lucky am I?” and I have to attribute that to my God and my loving family and my Mom, I’m very blessed – I’ve had a lot of love in my life… it just wasn’t me doing a lot of the loving until now… well until my son was born then everything changed.

I was married to Robert Hayes, and he’s ended up getting all the notoriety [for our son] – I’m his biggest fan and he’s my best friend, but it was great for Jake to see that I’m no slouch either *laughs*

LB: Well, thank you so much again for taking the time to talk.

CC: It’s my pleasure – please read the book – if you’re going to see [The Runaways] movie and if you haven’t read the book do because it really takes you on a whole trip like you wouldn’t believe and it’s extremely honest – I have no shame… so there! *laughs*

LB: It’s an inspiring story…

CC: Well, then I’m even more blessed than I thought.

Neon Angel by Cherie Currie with Tony O’Neil is available on Amazon from It Books, part of HarperCollins publishers.

Original Queens of Noise, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie also rocked the red carpet for music video turned silver screen director, Floria Sigismondi’s highly anticipated new movie. Based on lead-singer, Cherie’s biography, Neon Angel the biopic shows the beginning and the end of the first ever all-girl rock band.

Although Michael Shannon – who plays the infamous industry legend, Kim Fowley – only made a quick appearance before running off for his current role on Broadway, Kristen, Dakota, Cherie and Floria took time to talk to the press – whilst Joan demonstrated her strong yet quiet persona to perfection…

Kristen looked every bit the perfect young Joan with her “jett” black hair and shy stance – answering questions along the press line, she was obviously a little taken back by such attention of a non-Twilight movie.

Wanting to take on the role of one of the most iconic female performers “as soon as someone said ‘There’s a Joan Jett movie’” Kristen explained how she admires how Joan is just herself:

“She is who is she is… there’s not some deep way to put it. If you said ‘You’re such a bad-ass. You’re so yourself all the time’ she’d be like ‘Really?’”. Kristen, in case you didn’t know, your legion of fans love you for just that reason – apparently she took more from the role than she even realized.

Blond “Cherry Bomb” Cherie, was as sweet as pie and could not speak highly enough of Dakota’s performance, gushing “there just aren’t words – Dakota is one of the most talented actresses who’s ever lived… I’m so proud of her” as the gal herself was rushed by, smiling at Cherie as she heard her praise.

Before dashing in to introduce the movie, Kristen, Dakota, Joan, Cherie, Floria and Riley Keogh – who plays Cherie’s twin-sister Marie (and grand-daughter to Elvis Presley – who knew?!) – faced the firing squad of group photo-call.

Even the camera shy Joan took the flash attack in her stride, whispering quiet encouragement to Kristen who was trying not to crack-up at the hysteria of it all, later laughing to Dakota “Man, how weird is this?”

Once inside the quieter atmosphere of the screening, legendary producer Kenny Laguna brought out director, composer and cast to introduce the film before heading off to after party hosted by Tommy Hilfiger and Quintessentially at the suitably iconic Bowery Hotel.

As for the flick? They rocked it – hard!

Kristen’s embodiment of Joan is as convincing as it is bad-ass – from the Suzi Quatro shag to the leather and lyrics – whilst Dakota fills Cherie’s silver platform shoes as well as the iconic white corset.

As for whether the much speculated “kissing scene” between the two leading ladies is as hot as everyone hoped… well, you’ll have to go see for yourself!

Photos to follow as well as my exclusive interview with the original “Cherry Bomb”, Cherie Currie!

]]> http://thecollectivereview.com/lorabell/kristen-stewart-dakota-fanning-rock-the-runaways-red-carpet-in-nyc.html/feed 9 http://thecollectivereview.com/lorabell/joining-the-jett-set-the-runaways-premiere-in-new-york.html http://thecollectivereview.com/lorabell/joining-the-jett-set-the-runaways-premiere-in-new-york.html#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:01:13 +0000 Becca Hutson http://thecollectivereview.com/lorabell/?p=116 This Wednesday I will be gracing the red carpet at the New York premiere of The Runways -  a biopic of Joan Jett’s band starring the very beautiful and talented Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning…

Having already premiered at Sundance – the film has received rave reviews as it depicts the trials of teen jaibait, raw talent and grit and determination that propelled the Queens of Noise to the rock hall of fame.

Last week Kristen, Dakota, Joan and Cherie all took to the red capet for the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, and I have my fingers crossed for an equally star studded event in New York – check back for my red carpet review!

Also, stay tuned for my exclusive interview with Runaways front-woman, and original cherry bomb, Cherie Currie!

I was lucky enough to get a ticket and, as potentially the most avid KStew fan out there, was trying my hardest to not fan-girl out – with such severe jet-lag, it’s all too easy to give in to the sleep deprived hysteria – especially being in the front row!

They announce Kristen and the audience kicks it up to eleven, clapping like crazy as she struts out in super schmexy zipper boots and belted jersey dress. Looking gorgeously pale and kick-ass as usual with her jet black hair (<- see what I did there?!) back in a spunky pony-tail.

Kristen recalled when it was all cropped off for The Runaways and it was literally picked it up over her head and chopped. Thankfully the mullet is finally growing out – we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed for the wig situ in Eclipse.

Kristen sweetly waved to us, was very smiley if a little tired – after such an epic round of promotion, it’s hardly surprising – and chatted away with Regis and Kelly about shooting New Moon.

They asked how she’s dealing with attention and especially the committed fans, which I almost took as my cue to whoop… but refrained myself as she answered “it’s amazing to be a part of something that people want to see – I’ll never be able to do anything like this again – ever!”

When they went to commercial, she quickly took a TwitPic with Kelly, who asked her where her boots are from, to which she replied “Um – Barneys… I think?” – that girl doesn’t style herself  and I heart her for it. Trust.

Then  she came over to the audience, happily signing books, magazines and photos, getting to as many people before being directed back to her chair. Sadly, in my attempt to not OD on girl-crush overload, I’d not brought anything to have signed – the most epic of fails.

The funniest moment came when they showed the “birthday scene” clip from New Moon – I watched her as they played it in front of Kristen, jigging in her seat, pulling a somewhat serious and scrutinizing face as she tried to shrug it off to Kelly explaining “this is a really big moment in the movie” before jokingly clutching at her face (think Home Alone) and gasping a mock “oh no!” as Bella gets the paper cut. Regis exclaimed “it’s like ringing a dinner bell!” as Jasper goes to lunge.

(This is not an impression of Jasper but it really should be)

As soon as she was finished, Kristen was whisked out the door, waving and shyly smiling as she went – and then… we were told Ashley Greene was going to be pre-recording today too!

Ashley peeked around the corner and squeals of excitement erupted before Regis and Kelly introduced her and she strode on out. In a hot pink floaty mini-dress and peep-toe platforms with her newly extended long locks in shiny loose curls – too beautiful!

She chatted away with Regis and Kelly about how she got the role of Alice – having originally auditioned for Bella and being called back five times because the director saw something she liked – before which she was waitressing… or, more accurately, “reading the Twilight Saga whilst at her waitressing job”.

I only wish Anna Kendrick had turned up to complete the girl crush Twi-fecta – I may not survive the Kristen-a-thon of movies that are being released this spring – from Welcome to the Rileys, The Yellow Handkerchief and the (slightly too badass) The Runaways – I’m going to have to subject myself to a viewing (or five) of Remember Me just to balance out *sigh* a girl’s gotta do…!

Next week(ish), a Remember Me special – including photos from my trip to the set! That is, of course, unless I happen to stumble across Bel Ami filming around the corner in London

Epic shout out to the awesome TwiSoup who photo-tagged my pics (Fooooooorks!) Edward <3s you!

While I was in NYC for the New Moon premiere (more on that later) bracing myself for the level of “enthusiasm” that Brits just don’t usually achieve, it seems that London was showing the world just how the Twi-hards do it!

For the UK premiere of the long awaited second installment in the Twilight saga, crowds gathered at Leicester Square – uber advanced purchased tickets in hand – to finally see the midnight screenings.

Many of my Twilighter friends waited in the Forks-esque rain with Cullen crests donned and sparkled with excitement as the seconds until Edward slow mo’s across Forks High School parking lot and Jacob worked that tight-fitting tee!

Meanwhile, in the Village of NYC, I was waiting in what appeared to be the same rain, with JennyJerkface, SnarkierThanYou and Mrs TCA herself.

Raising funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand charity fighting childhood cancer, the screening got off to a late start… because Peter Facnielli (Carlisle Cullen) and Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) surprised us with a visit.

Now, I’d always appreciated “PFach” and “The Lutz” as good looking guys – but them’s some sparkly humans – smiles and muscles and dimples, oh my!

However, they weren’t only there to bask in our squeals of delight but auction dinners with them for Alex’s Lemonade.  Despite our best bloggy-fund-raising efforts (at $3400 which we donated to The Fandom Gives Back) we were out-bid at $4700 and $3800 a piece – those were some hungry Twi-Moms!

Finally, I got to see the movie… as for my thoughts on New Moon?

Well, I think I was going to be thrilled either way – it’s my favourite in the book series and I just couldn’t wait to see all that heart-ache on the shiny-silver screen (<— see what I did there?).  However, I will be honest and admit that it was missing a certain… dazzle.

Breaking it down, OCD (obsessive Cullen disorder) style *spoiler alert* here’s my best and worst bits:

Best

1) By far Victoria’s sequence: the music, the hair, the effects – Rachelle LeFevre is one fierce red-head!

2) The humans: oh Charlie, Mike, Jessica and Eric – you make me smile  I love how more meaty you are (pun intended).

3) Edward’s slow mo’ across the parking lot: totally unnecessary and totally dreamy – even trying to reign in your inner-fan-girl, there’s no resisting such swoontasticness.  He even out shines the (not-so-silver) blatant product placement in the background… almost!

4) The meadow: Lord love you, Chris Weitz – this is why you’re the WeitzMeister!  The new meadow “flash-backs” are brimming with wild-flowers, sparkles and swelling-music – gorgeous!

5) The ending: Jacob brought me to tears only for Edward to make me actually “squeee” – fanTAStic last scene!!!

Worst

1) Alice’s “vision”: It could’ve been epic with the vamp Bella flash but was so very cheesy thanks to slow motion prancing through the woods – WTH?!

2) Pacing… or lack there-of: the first 20 minutes are all with “Edward, what would I do without you?” and then the “Jacob, you’re my BFF!” is stretched over another hour? *KStew eye-roll*

3) Alice’s wardrobe: from some of the promotional stills, I’d hoped her outfits had cause behind the co-ordination… alas, no.  Random smocks and unnecessary scarves?  Alice would not approve!

4) The weather: Bella still lives in Forks, right?  Where’s all the rain?!  It was gray and drizzly 99% of the time in Twilight but it only rains in New Moon twice, as far as I recall – when the Cullens don’t turn up to school and then when Bella confronts Jacob.  Don’t movies reflect the protagonists mood with such things?  There’s not much story-line for sunshine and rainbows!

5) Jacob: damn you, Taylor Lautner – stop making me doubt my Team Edward allegiance with your buff biceps, charming smile and designer jorts – grrr!

P.s. While I was in NYC, I also got to see Kristen Stewart *hearts* and Ashley Greene on Regis & Kelly – more on that later…

Comments make Jacob flex – you know you wanna

When I arrived at London’s Battersea Evolution, and once beyond the gate – fabulous New Moon wrist band accessory in place – you walked straight up to the red carpet!

Lit by a glowing “moon” and lined with flaming torches and more fans, I took my time strolling (OK, so maybe it was more “bouncing”) down and even getting “papped” on the way!

Inside the venue, the excitement continued as the foyer was decorated with real trees and atmospheric fog (very “Forks”) opening into a huge main room, dressed head-to-toe in New Moon posters, eerie red-lights and even cloaked Volturi and bare-chested werewolves.  At the front was a huge stage with a giant moon back-drop… and we were three rows in!

Then, screens lit up either side of the room showing the red carpet out-side: Rob was the first to arrive looking gorgeously scruffy as usual.  He graciously gave almost all of the crowd autographs as he grinned his way along the fans.

Taylor arrived next, looking dashingly charming in his dark suit and made his way briefly down the carpet, looking a little too cute.  Soon behind, was Kristen – not arriving with Rob as many had hoped –  the girl is stunning!  She looked rocking in her daring outfit and killer heels, her skin is absolutely flawless and she is super tiny – imagine the most delicate person you know… and then halve that – t-i-n-y!

And then, as Alice says… it’s time!

Chris came out again first, taking his seat on the panel and then the presenter introduced Kristen, who sat next to him, Rob who sat on the other side of Chris and then Taylor on the other side of Kristen.  The screaming got so loud it actually became a whole new level of anti-sound – I swear, only dogs (especially werewolves) would have been able to hear it!

The Q&A started and every time the presenter posed a question, the audience would erupt into new screams for their favourite actor.  Rob, looking stylistically disheveled in a loose white shirt and black jacket, was obviously really glad to be back in his home town and in a very smiley mood.  He was comfortably joking away on stage about the reaction to his name and saying how the thing he misses most about home is the British Twilight fans… oh, Rob you charmer!

When Taylor was asked about his physical transformation for New Moon, he quipped that “it is not always necessary to clean a bit of blood by taking off your whole shirt!” – I’m not sure the audience agreed as they broke into chants of “TAKE IT OFF”… awkward!  Luckily, Taylor laughed it off – but Rob thought it was hysterical, breaking into one of his giggle-fits, as he does quite a bit.  Considering how young he is and how much pressure must be on those rather muscular shoulders, I was impressed at how he handled himself – answering very openly and almost bashfully – he’ll have Team Edward fans defecting in no time

Kristen was bouncing eagerly in her chair, looking lovely and occasionally waving to people in the crowd – I was impressed at how expressive she was, really putting a lot of thought into her answers.  Unfortunately, when it came time for her first question, one (extremely tacky) fan thought it was a good time to throw her bra onto the stage at Rob – some pantomime “Boos” broke out, which I worry Kristen thought were directed at her – so I quickly organized a chorus of “We love you Kristen!” and she remained impressively poised.

She went on to reminisce that her favourite time on set was when she and Taylor were playing catch and she chucked it at him with full force, as he caught it “like a mutt” – whereas Rob’s favourite was “shooting the break up scene” laughing again, explaining “I just wanted to see the look on all your faces – DEVASTATION!”

I’ve got to say, throughout the whole event I was somewhat fascinated by Kristen – those of you who know me know this is nothing new… but – she’s so much more beautiful in person than I realized and entirely unguarded – she has an impressively composed, genuine and soulful character.  She’s obviously sibling-close to Taylor – and I can understand why, with his pure sincerity – they kept making funny comments to each other and pulling little faces. Rob’s obviously a very easy person to joke around with and it’s easy to see why he’s got such great chemistry with Kristen on screen – there’s a definite spark there and it’s set to “dazzle”!

Read the story in full HERE and see videos HERE – beware of screaming!