The death of Beastie Boy Adam Yauch is the biggest loss to music in some time. Like them or loathe them, the Beastie Boys drove hip hop to new heights, changed music and minds and provided a killer soundtrack to life. BMA was there back in ’92 when they lifted the roof off the ANU Bar and had everybody fighting for their right. rage has announced they will air a tribute to MCA on the weekend of Sat-Sun May 12-13, which will no doubt include the extended, cameo laden version of that track directed by Yauch. No details of date or time as we go to print. Check www.abc.net.au/rage .
On the other end of the music spectrum, dust off the fake fur and big sunnies – it’s time for Eurovision. The comp is on the weekend of Fri-Sun May 25-27 but start revising with Secret History of Eurovision (SBS, Fri May 11, 8.30pm)
The free-to-air commercial networks wonder why people find other ways to watch their fave shows. After Blackbox pleaded with readers to support HBO-style drama on free to air, Ten network folks pulled Sons of Anarchy from One to screen it on SCTEN. No air date yet but in all likelihood they’ll link it to their first foray into local Underbelly style drama, Bikie Wars (SCTEN, Tue May 15, 8.30pm) and replace their Super Sunday with Bikie Tuesday.
There’s finally an airdate for the much promoted fantasy drama Once Upon a Time (Prime, Tue May 15, 7.30pm). This habit of promoting shows months out but without pertinent information like when it’s on is annoying. It’s hardly likely to ensure an audience. Other new shows include Louie (ABC2, Mon May 21, 10pm) starring comedian Louis C.K, and the sure-to-be cringe worthy new real people obdoco The Shire (SCTEN, Wed May 16, 8.20pm).
Everything old really is new again. A rebooted The Price is Right (Prime, Mon-Fri, 5pm) hosted by game show fave Larry Emdur kicked off this week with a tribute to Price is Right king Ian Turpie. Some other interesting old shows are quietly creeping into schedules undetected. Keep your eyes peeled for Buck Rogers (7Mate, Sat, 6.30am) and The Incredible Hulk (7Mate, Sat, 7.30am).
Docos to keep an eye out for include Sunday Best: The Hollywood Complex (ABC2, Sun May 13, 8.30pm) which follows the child actors that flock to Hollywood for their big break, American Movie (ABC2, Sun May 20, 8.30pm) which follows Mark Borchardt as he makes his first independent film, Artscape: A Law unto Himself (ABC1, Tue May 15, 10.05pm) about artist and puppeteer Roger Law, and Patrick White: Will they read me when I’m dead (ABC1, Tue May 22, 10pm). Documentary series include Secrets of Superbrands (ABC1, Thu May 17, 9.30pm) a series looking at our obsession with brands, The Diamond Queen (ABC1, Sun May 13, 7.30pm), a three-parter following the life of QEII to celebrate her diamond jubilee, and Easter Island: Underworld (SBS1, Sun May 13, 7.30pm) which looks at the vast cave system underneath the island.
If you’re a sporting junkie, don’t forget to book in early July for the Olympics. WIN will simulcast in HD on GEM with the promise of 14 hours live (6.30pm-9am) plus highlights twice daily.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
tracyheffernan@bigpond.com
@ChezBlackbox
