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Madonna at Oilcan Harry’s May 1 — not at all likely
What happens when the Material Girl makes an uncharacteristic career misstep? She goes back to her roots: Clubs, dance music and the gay community. And, in this case, an Austin gay bar, where Madonna is rumored to make an appearance May 1.
“That’s where she started: In small clubs,” said Kevin Smothers, a publicist with Austin-based Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations. “I’d be absolutely surprised if she actually showed up, since she hasn’t even played Texas since the Blonde Ambition tour in 1990. She pretty much avoids the South.”
Oilcan Harry’s owners could not be reached for comment, but a source close to the club say Madonna herself will make an appearance at a private function during the release party. Stars of similar magnitudes — Prince, Elton John — have played for private events in Austin during the past few years.
Why club in Texas when she can still fill arenas worldwide? The star, whose staying power is legendary, stumbled after an appearance at the Live Earth concert last July when she sang a heartfelt call to end global warming. Fox News revealed that her foundation was invested in Earth-unfriendly companies, and the BBC further bloodied her reputation by pointing out that, with multiple cars, homes and a touring retinue of almost 100 people, her carbon footprint was far from delicate. Bloggers descended, ripping into her reputation in a manner reminiscent of the media frenzy following Madonna’s infamous foul-mouthed, cigar-chomping interview on “The David Letterman Show” in 1994.
“I think because it’s so unusual and unexpected, she’ll get a lot of media buzz,” said Elaine Garza, owner of Giant Noise PR, which maintains offices in Austin and New York. “Everyone here will go crazy. If you go to a smaller market, the media is going blow it out even bigger. The LA media and New York media will go ‘oh my god, she performed in a small club in Austin.’ But after all, it is a music town.”
Photo: AP
Update 7 a.m. 4/24/08: Although the rumor had been circulating — fanned by Oilcan insiders — for days, nobody at the club would deny that Madonna would make an appearance there. Until now. Rob Faubion, editor of the trusted Shout magazine and recognized philanthropist, sent me this message after midnight: “Madonna is NOT coming to Oilcan Harry’s: I’m hosting the CD release party on May 1st - with copies of her new CD, but NOT Madonna herself. Yes - Elton John, Pet Shop Boys, Prince, etc. - have ‘dropped in’ to Oilcan’s during the past year. But Madonna will not be at the bar on on May 1st.”
OK, so we can all breathe. Except for a couple of nagging things: I still haven’t heard back from the owners of Oilcan’s, and my main source for the rumor — also very trusted, having tipped me about other celebrity appearances — said “we’ll find out tonight.” I would not be at all surprised if she was there then! Well, it’s been fun, right?
Update 3 p.m. 4/24/08: OCH co-owner Larry Davis called us from outside Victoria to say of the Madonna rumor — “I’d love nothing more, but I know nothing about her coming to Austin,” he said. “I find it pretty much impossible to believe.”
Despite this, we were still hearing a dull roar from Austin cogniscenti about Madonna’s people gathering in town tonight, or designers meeting with Madonna while she’s in town. Can’t stop a good rumor.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment Categories: Fame, Media, Music, Out
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By Michael Barnes
April 30, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
To Jamie: It's more likely that Kanye will attend his own after-party at Pangaea tonight. Marginally more likely.
To Ruf: My Madonna information comes from trusted sources. But yes, they too can be wrong.
By Ruf
April 30, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
This is a complete HOAX.
Shame on Michael Barnes for spreading it.
By Jamie
April 29, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Kanye West may be showing up at OCH! He is in town!
By Jennifer
April 25, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Why would Rob Faubion say that Prince "dropped in" to Oil Can Harry's??? Prince played at The Belmont. Elton John...doubtful. The Pet Shop Boys, maybe. Prince did not.
By Michael Barnes
April 24, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Reader Jeff: Any direct communication confirming or denying the report of Madonna's appearance from OCH owners Larry or David would be appreciated. It's been almost a full day since we first reported the tip from a trusted source. Still no word. Thanks to Rob Faubion for his update, posted.
By Juliuis
April 24, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
Madonna's putrid.
By James
April 24, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this
OCH is far to small for such an event. The annual Red Hot fundraiser packs the place to the rafters. I don't see how Madge could book a show there!
By Alex Baran
April 24, 2008 4:23 AM | Link to this
I wish I had a body like hers. I read about her diet at http://www.projectweightloss.com/. It`s unbelievable, but I`m willing to give it a try.
By TheDude
April 24, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this
I wish all you people would go back to wherever it is you came from. You've completely ruined Austin. Go back to Iowa, New York, California, Chicago, Seattle.
GO BACK YOUVE RUINED WHAT WE HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By TJ
April 23, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Mr. Barnes, thanks for getting my hopes up. I was ready to take off from work Friday...
By Givemeabreak
April 23, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Um... yeah right, and monkeys might fly outta my butt too!
By Dick Dodd
April 23, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Who's Madonna?
By ChristineR
April 23, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
No way... NO WAY! I haven't seen her since Madison Sq. Gardens but MY HUSBAND AND I WILL BE THERE (he loved the concert too!) AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
And if she isn't there, we'll have a cocktail and have a good time anyway!
By saidwhat
April 23, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
I hope I can distinguish her from all of the drag queens that dress up like her 7 days a week. Actually I'm sure it will be easy, now Cher on the other hand...
By john
April 23, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
parking's going to be a nightmare, whether or not she shows up.
By Jeff
April 23, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Sorry, but the rumor's false - just read firsthand confirmation in an e-mail from OCH owner Larry Davis (who reports that they've been "flooded" with calls the past couple of hours).
By dalee
April 23, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
I just read an article that she said she wanted to play in more intimate venues, however she also admitted that it would never happen because of the scale of her shows.....who knows....as far as Prince at the Belmont, he hasn't quite stayed at Madonna's pace. Although, I am perfectly happy if she shows up.
By Jezzzzie
April 23, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
You better bring your A-Game girl 'cause I do a smokin' impersonation of you!!! Like a V ; baby,
By sajid
April 23, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
I can't believe this...to good to be true! But I will be there!
By Hobs
April 23, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Strange things like this have happened in Austin...let's not forget Prince played the Belmont last year.
By nj
April 23, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
OCH! i am so there...
By sajid sanchez
April 23, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
This is to good to be true!
By Grubbykid
April 23, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
That's just crazy! I don't think I buy this story, but the club will be packed for sure at just the off chance she really does make an appearance. Good for OCH!
By Pracca
April 23, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
no way. this is insane. madonna dosen't come to texas. Why do i live in dallas? Will she be coming up here?