Cheech and Chong News

Album Cover Artist Tom Wilkes Dies Unexpectedly at Home in California

2009-07-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Renowned album cover artist and designer Tom Wilkes died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 28, at his home in Pioneertown, California. He was 69.

Thomas E. Wilkes was born July 30, 1939 in Long Beach, California and was raised in southern California. He attended Long Beach City College, UCLA and the Art Center College of Design in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

In 1967 Wilkes was the art director of the Monterey International Pop Festival. He created all graphics and printed materials for Monterey Pop, including the program book and the festival’s psychedelic and iconic foil poster.

From 1967 through 1969, Wilkes was the art director of A&M Records. He was partner with Barry Feinstein from 1970 through 1973 in Camouflage Productions, which became record label Blue Thumb’s house art department.

He was partner in Wilkes & Braun, Inc. from 1973 through 1974, and art director of ABC Records from 1975 through 1977. In 1978 he started Tom Wilkes Productions and became President of Project Interspeak, a not-for-profit environmental and human rights organization devoted to planetary enhancement programs.

Wilkes designed and directed such hit record covers as Rolling Stones’ “Flowers” and “Beggars Banquet”, Neil Young’s “Harvest”, and George Harrison’s “Concert for Bangladesh” and “All Things Must Pass.”

He received a Grammy Award in 1974 for Best Recording Package for The Who’s rock opera “Tommy,” as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra & Choir.

Among his many album cover credits:

Janis Joplin - “Pearl”
Ike & Tina Turner - “Outta Season”
Eric Clapton - “Eric Clapton”
Dave Mason - “Alone Together”
Joe Cocker - “Mad Dogs & Englishmen”
Flying Burrito Brothers - “Gilded Palace of Sin”
John Prine - “John Prine”
Emmylou Harris - “Blue Kentucky Girl” and “Elite Hotel”
Leon Russell - “Stop All That Jazz”
REO Speedwagon - “You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can’t Tuna Fish”
Various Cheech & Chong albums such as Big Bambu

In addition to creating hundreds of posters, logos, books, trade ads and illustrations, Wilkes produced and directed TV and radio spots, music videos, films, mixed media presentations and special events.

He recently completed a book of his artwork and memoirs, called “Tommy Geeked a Chicken,” and was negotiating publishing arrangements. At this time, plans are being made to proceed with publication of the book.

A memorial service will be held for Wilkes on Saturday, July 11th, in Orange, CA.

Cheech & Chong in Tron Spoof

2009-07-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Mean Magazine brings you Cinemash — the exclusive digital series that lets celebrity talent mash up their favorite scenes from classic movies. In the show's premiere season celebrities Cinemash such films as Training Day, Dirty Dancing, Tron, Point Break, Sid and Nancy, Carrie, and Oldboy. After you've experienced the mash-up, get behind-the-scenes dish from the celebs about what movies they love and why. You can stream Cinemash episodes online.

JULY 14
Cheech & Chong Cinemash Tron
Writer and Director: Kashy Khaledi

The high-flying comedy duo get into a heated debate about the price of cannabis and decide to "Tron for it," launching themselves into the virtual world of the science fiction classic.

Tommy Chong says "I don't think you should watch anything like that straight. It'll have lasting, traumatic effects on you."

Cheech adds, "When I first saw it, I was shocked because I thought we were doing soft porn. And then, 'Oh, it's about finances; that's kind of hard-core porn,'."

Watch Here

Read Here

Tommy Chong Comments on Passing of Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

This evening, the Calgary Herald notified Tommy Chong of Michael Jackson's death. In his book, Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography, Tommy speaks about discovering Michael and The Jackson 5 in 1968 when Tommy was still in Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers.

Tommy introduced them to Taylor's record label where they met Motown's Berry Gordy, Jr. The Jackson 5 stayed at Bobby Taylor's apartment for one month and Michael Jackson shared a bed with Tommy's daughter, Rae Dawn.

Tommy says that Michael Jackson “was a little guy, very small for his age . . . but he was just the sweetest, hippest little guy ever. There was nobody hipper. And he was a gentle little guy. All he cared about was singing and dancing."

Tommy last saw Michael at the Grammy Awards in the '90s and says Michael was in a jokingly upbeat mood.

When notified by the Calgary Herald of Michael's death, Tommy said, “It’s very sad to hear this. He was on his way back . . . He ended up in Bahrain and he was broke. Almost destitute. He was devastated by those charges against him and this was going to be his big comeback.”

Read Here

Cheech & Chong: Light Up America Coming to Cabazon

2009-06-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

The Cheech & Chong: Light Up America tour is coming to Cabazon, CA.

September 18
Morongo Casino Resort and Spa
Cabazon, CA

On sale to General Public
Start: Wed, 07/01/09 10:00 AM local time.
Click on the Ticketmaster link above.

Update: Tommy Chong Attends THC Expo

2009-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Tommy Chong was on-hand for the inaugural THC Expo held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Tommy was there representing Hippy Motors, a company owned by both Tommy and Evan Singer which converts 60's and 70's cars into more environmentally friendly green machines. Tommy was seen in his 1946 Oldsmobile Ace into the "First Fully Electric Powered Lowrider.” It comes complete with a built-in vaporizer.

Read Here and View Photo of Tommy at THC Expo

Hippy Motors Myspace Page

3 Cheech & Chong CDs Being Discontinued

2009-06-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Warner Records has decided to discontinue three of the Cheech & Chong CDs.
Up in Smoke Soundtrack
Wedding Album
Los Cochinos

We have a limited quantity on-hand so we recommend buying them just in case Warner decides to never print them again.

If Warner decides to make them only available in mp3 format, these may become collectors items.

Order Here

Update: Special Pre-Order: Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography (paperback)

2009-06-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Pre-order the paperback edition of Tommy Chong's Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Autobiography.

The book will be released by Simon and Schuster on August 4th (date subject to change).

It contains BONUS MATERIAL which will include, among other things, a new chapter about the Cheech & Chong reunion which wasn't included in the hardcover edition. It also has lots of juicy Cheech and Chong and celebrity stories. One of our favorite stories is about Tommy meeting Jack Nicholson and John Lennon at a party.

Then, there's the story about how broke ($$) they were in the beginning. Cheech was living at his girlfriend's house. He wrote to manufacturers saying he had problems with their products. The manufacturers would then send him coupons for free items. Cheech also pretended he was a record reviewer. Record labels would send him free albums which he'd turn around and sell because he needed the money.

The book is fantastic.

Order it here.

Director Josh Gilbert Interviewed About a/k/a Tommy Chong

2009-06-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

A/K/A Tommy Chong director, Josh Gilbert, was interviewed by a local New York television show. He discusses Tommy's wrongful persecution, marijuana laws and new government policies.

Josh has also created a Special 'Rolled in Paper' Edition of the A/K/A Tommy Chong DVD.

It's the same award-winning film, now wrapped in a smokeable wood cellulose paper wrapper.

Purchase Here

Cheech & Chong: Light Up America Coming to Reno

2009-05-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Cheech & Chong: Light Up America tour is coming to Reno, Nevada.

Silver Legacy Casino
Reno, NV
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 08:00 PM

Onsale to General Public
Start: Thurs, May 28th 10AM local time
Click on the Ticketmaster link above.

Review: Cheech & Chong @ Vegas' The Pearl

2009-05-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Jay Murphy, writer for the Examiner, published a great review of last night's Cheech & Chong show at the Pearl at the Palms.

"The show opened with Shelby Chong presenting a very funny, racy, and bawdy insightful picture of home life with Tommy Chong. "

"Tommy was on fire all night, he was in a comedic zone. From comedy puff to puff unitl the team belted out “Up in Smoke” with audience members in a group share."

"When Tommy finished Cheech came on blazing and shined like a crystal. Cheech's expressions and body language showed his acting range as well as his comedic prowess."

They also announced that there will be a new Cheech & Chong movie in 2010 consisting of characters they haven't performed live before (no official word on this yet).

Read and see photos here.

VH1 Presents a Slate of All-New Series, Documentaries and Specials for Summer 2009

2009-05-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, May 21 -- Let the sun shine in as VH1 celebrates with all-new series and specials for upcoming summer season 2009. In true fashion, VH1 continues to "keep it real" with a new slate of "Celebreality" series and new additions to the consistently compelling VH1 Rock Doc franchise.

VH1 Classic is taking a groovy step back in time with 60's week kicking off Monday, August 10th and includes the week long premiere of the Roc Doc: Lords of the Revolution. VH1 Classic will air the five-part one-hour series "Lords of the Revolution," a new documentary series from VH1 Rock Docs that is narrated by Richard Belzer. The series celebrates the counterculture icons of the '60s and '70s -- the legends who defied the social, political and cultural mores of their time; Andy Warhol, Timothy Leary, The Black Panthers, Muhammad Ali and Cheech and Chong. 60's week continues with Monterey Pop and Creedance Clearwater Revival Live all culminating in the premiere of the Roc Doc: Woodstock.

Video: Cheech & Chong - Dirty Music Interview

2009-05-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Miami New Times had Cheech & Chong answer dirty, music related questions in this uncensored interview from backstage of the South Beach Comedy Festival 2009.

Cheech And Chong - Dirty Music Interview from Miami New Times on Vimeo.

Cheech And Chong Drink Bongwater from Miami New Times on Vimeo.

What's-On Interviews Cheech & Chong

2009-05-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

What's-On interviewed Cheech & Chong who are promoting their May 23rd show at The Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cheech and Tommy talk about the highlights of the tour and mention that they've done over 100 shows thus far. Tommy says "It’s more fun than passing kidney stones."

They also talk about possible plans after the tour ends.

It's a funny interview.

Read Here

Video: Tommy Chong on Arsenio Hall Show

2009-05-18T03:22:00.000-07:00

Here's some old video of Tommy Chong on the Arsenio Hall Show from the early 90s.

Happy Birthday Tommy Chong!

2009-05-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

The dopemaster, Tommy Chong, turned 71 today. Tommy was born May 24th, 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Happy Birthday Tommy!

Cheech & Chong: Light Up America Coming to Tucson

2009-05-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Cheech & Chong: Light Up America tour is coming to Tucson, AZ.

Desert Diamond Casino
Tucson, AZ
Sat, Nov 28, 2009 08:00 PM

Onsale to General Public
Start: Wed, 10/14/09 10:00 AM MST
Click on the Ticketmaster link above.

Cheech & Chong to be on Season Finale of VH1's "Free Radio"

2009-05-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Actor and comedian Lance Krall plays KBOM's hilariously moronic (and extremely popular) morning DJ in VH1's "Free Radio." This season, Lance's continued ridiculous antics in the radio booth humored celebrity guests and viewers across the country. In the May 21st finale, our dim-witted hero and the KBOM staff welcome their last three unsuspecting guests.

From dogs humping John Stamos and Darth Vader imitations with Dominic Monaghan, to accidentally super-soaking Tony Hawk with urine, Lance set up uniquely comedic interviews over the last seven episodes at the expense of co-host Anna. His clueless endeavors did not end off the air either. With the help of his bizarre manager Shelton, Lance worked with a body double of no resemblance, turned a stray dog into the station's mascot, ruined a sponsored picnic and became a viral celebrity.

Tune into the season finale to see what Lance has in store for celebrity guests Sugar Ray Leonard, Cheech & Chong and Zachary Levi. Lance and Anna will also battle it out in KBOM's charity boxing event. Will Anna give Lance payback for all of his on-air taunting? Catch the season finale of "Free Radio" on Thursday, May 21 at 11:00PM* on VH1 to find out.

Jonathan Davis of Korn Comments on Working with Cheech Marin

2009-05-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Aquarian interviewed Korn's Jonathan Davis who was promoting their upcoming tour.

During the interview, Davis says one of his meaningful collaborations was when Korn "did a cover of ‘Earache My Eye’ (Follow the Leader) and I got to sing with Cheech, and I grew up watching all these Cheech and Chong movies." (see our article from 1998)

Read Here

RIP Irvin 'Zabo' Koszewski

2009-05-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Award-winning bodybuilder, Irvin 'Zabo' Koszewski, 84, passed away this week.

He grew up in New Jersey, but spent most of his life in Santa Monica. Irvin won a number of body-building competitions and was the body double for Tommy Chong in Nice Dreams and Things are Tough All Over.

Koszewski was the manager of Joe Gold's gym and the World Gym in Santa Monica and was working until a few months before he died.

Read Here

Machete to Begin Filming in June

2009-04-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

One of the best and most underrated films of all time was 2007's Grindhouse. The film, which was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, was a double-feature inspired by the low-budget grindhouse films of decades past.

During the "intermission," fake movie trailers were shown. The most popular trailer was Machete. It stars Danny Trejo and Cheech Marin. Cheech Marin is Trejo's gun-toting priest vigilante brother. Memorable quote..."God forgives, I don't."

Rodriguez and Trejo frequently hinted that a full-length Machete film was in the works.

Well now, it's official. Machete will begin filming in June. Trejo and Rodriguez will co-direct.

"Written by Rodriguez, Machete will star Trejo as a Mexican ex-Federale, who while posing as a day laborer is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator, and uses his proficiency with bladed weapons, and apparently a gatling gun, to get revenge."

There is no word on whether Cheech Marin will be in the film, but if you look at the Cheech & Chong: Light Up America tour schedule, there's a 2 month gap beginning in June.

Read Here

Tommy Chong's Electric Low Rider

2009-04-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Tommy Chong and his family are all about staying "green." No, we're not talking about pot, we're talking about the environment. Evan Singer's Hippy Motors converted Tommy Chong's 1946 Oldsmobile Ace into the "First Fully Electric Powered Lowrider.”

They also converted a '67 Chevy Camaro for Anthony Kiedis.

Read More

Unseen TV Interviews Cheech & Chong in Sydney

2009-04-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Unseen TV interviewed Cheech & Chong backstage in Sydney.

Today Only! Tix to See Cheech & Chong in Waikiki are $20

2009-04-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

4/20 Special!
May 28 "Cheech & Chong: Light Up America" show at Waikiki Shell.
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., all tickets are $20. Log on to www.ticketmaster.com and use the password 420.

Happy 4/20 Everyone!

2009-04-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

Happy 4/20 Everyone!

Some Cheech & Chong CDs are Being Discontinued

2009-04-19T18:46:00.001-07:00

We're still trying to find out why and for how long, but the Up in Smoke Soundtrack CD has been discontinued by Warner Records. Cheech & Chong's Wedding Album is also not available for order from Warner.

We have a limited quantity on-hand so we recommend buying them just in case Warner decides to never print them again.

If Warner decides to make them only available in mp3 format, these may become collectors items.

Order Here