Numerous 1970s-related stories have been piling up in the ‘Disco files. Here now is a collection of news items you may find interesting reading including bits on the new Abba museum and recent passings of known persons. Investigate.
Abba fans take a chance on Sweden’s newest museum – and declare it a hit
The Guardian’s Alexis Petridis visits the ABBA museum in Stockholm
The Guardian has posted an article entitled “Abba fans take a chance on Sweden’s newest museum – and declare it a hit” and the review of the recently-opened museum is accompanied by a video visit.
‘Rocky’ musical bound for Broadway in 2014 at USA Today.
“Stallone, who both starred in and wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for the film, said in a statement that he ‘couldn’t be more proud or more excited about this production and how my original story of Rocky Balboa has been brought to spectacular life onstage.'”
Polaroid’s SX-70, the Greatest Gadget of All Time, Is 41 at Time.
“Polaroid co-founder Edwin Land stood before an audience inside a warehouse in Needham, Massachusetts and announced the SX-70. It was the first instant camera which, with one press of a button, delivered a photo that developed in daylight.”
Friedkin, Who Pushed Film Forward, Looks Back at NPR.
“When Friedkin directed these films in the 1970s, he was breaking all the rules. In his new memoir, The Friedkin Connection, the 77-year-old director describes how he brought a new look — and a new feel — to Hollywood films.”
Gary Burghoff’s after ‘M*A*S*H’ at AmericanProfile.
“The Emmy Award-winning actor, 69, who splits his time between California and Florida, enjoys hunting and fishing. As an avid philatelist, he made a video for the U.S. Postal Service for beginning stamp collectors.”
How we made: Heart of Glass – Blondie article at The Guardian.
“Singer Deborah Harry and guitarist Chris Stein remember how the band overcame the disco haters – including their own drummer – to transform one of their earliest songs into a worldwide hit.”
Hot Docs premiere Unclaimed finds a Vietnam veteran left behind for 44 years at thestar.com.
“Special Forces Green Beret Master Sgt. John Hartley Robertson had forgotten how to speak English over the 44 years since he was left behind in the Vietnam War.”
31 Lunch Boxes From The 1970s That Are Worth A Lot Of Money at Buzzfeed.
“Time to dig through the attic because that old lunch box might be worth more than you think.”
David Bowie by Brian Duffy – in pictures at The Guardian.
“Duffy Archive presents David Bowie at the White Cloth Gallery, Leeds. The exhibition features previously unseen and behind-the-scenes images of the Lodger and Aladdin Sane cover shoots.”
A ’70s Newsletter for Feminist Men at Slate.
“This newsletter was produced by a group of men based in Berkeley, Calif., who were working for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.”
New Elvis exhibitions open in Memphis – video at The Guardian.
“Two new exhibits documenting Elvis Presley’s relationships with Hawaii and Vegas open at his home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee.”
Recent Passings
Actor, Steve Forrest (S.W.A.T.)
Sitcom director, Jack Shea (The Jeffersons)
Visual effects master, Ray Harryhausen
TV psychologist & columnist, Joyce Brothers
Country musician, George Jones
Musician, Richie Havens (a remembrance)
Actor, Allan Arbus (M*A*S*H)
Special Effects artist, Marcel Vercoutere (The Exorcist)
Album artwork designer, Storm Thorgerson (Pink Floyd)
Actor, Richard LeParmentier (Star Wars)
Disco musician, Vincent Montana Jr
Wienerschnitzel founder, John Galardi
Film & TV writer, Mickey Rose (Take the Money and Run, All in the Family)
Test-tube baby pioneer, Sir Robert Edwards
Record producer & engineer, Andy Johns (a remembrance)