Category: Rocky

Rare Leroy Neiman Painting Question

Craig / / 2013, Celebs, Rocky

Hey SZoners, earlier this week I received an e-mail from long-time SZoner, Rob Hoskins…

Hi Craig,
Recognize this guy? This is a close-up of a much cooler painting by the late Leroy Neiman. The only time I EVER saw the painting was in Stallone’s personal gallery on an old Barbara Walters interview from the 80’s. I got this by transferring my old videotape to dvd, and then doing a screenshot (along with some Photoshop upgrading). I wonder if you have any shots of the whole version? I’ve included a really BAD version of the whole painting. Can’t seem to get any clearer screenshot of the whole thing. Thought this was worth a look. Peace Bro.
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Like Rob, I had seen the painting in the Barbara Walters interview, but never anywhere else that I can remember.  So, I thought I would open the question up to everyone.
Have you?  If so, where?  Inquiring minds want to know! – Craig

R is for Rocky by Mike Torrance

Craig / / 2013, Craig's Sly Art, Rocky

Mike Torrance aka The Krayola Kidd rocks his riff on a Rocky card that is part of a sequence/set that I think you’re going to like.

You can see more of Mike’s art at The Daily Sketch with The Krayola Kidd (and if you’ve never checked out Mike’s site, you ought to if only to see his Walking Dead cards!) and his Deviant Art site. Mike is available for commissions and his prices are very reasonable.

Rocky to Get Champion Treatment at Concert

Craig / / 2013, Honors, Rocky

From the Daily Yomiuri Online:

The Yomiuri Shimbun

For anyone who has ever dreamed of “going the distance,” this year’s Cinema Meets Symphony event on April 6 is the perfect place to do it. The concert will feature music from Sylvester Stallone’s iconic Rocky film series about a rags-to-riches boxer, as performed by the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo.

Led by conductor Masahiko Enkoji and popular male vocal group jammin’ Zeb, the concert will be accompanied by some of the series’ most memorable scenes shown on a large screen.

The 1976 John G. Avildsen film launched Stallone’s career, as well as five sequels.

Stallone, who wrote the script in just three days, portrays the title role of Rocky Balboa, a struggling boxer who takes on a heavyweight champion with the support of his girlfriend Adrian. Although Rocky does not win, he manages to last an impressive 15 rounds.

The film won Best Picture at the 49th Academy Awards, and the climactic scene in which Rocky calls out Adrian’s name is one of the most iconic in cinema history.

The film’s theme song, “Gonna Fly Now” by composer Bill Conti, was a big hit and will be performed at the April 6 event.

Michio Hazama, the voice actor who dubbed Stallone’s dialogue in the Japanese films, and Kazutomo Miyamoto, a former pro baseball player, will attend the concert as guests.

Songs from the Rocky soundtrack to be played at the concert:

— “Take You Back,” “Gonna Fly Now,” “Fanfare for Rocky,” “Going the Distance” from Rocky (1976).

— “Conquest” from Rocky II (1979).

— “Eye of the Tiger,” “Adrian” and “Mickey” from Rocky III (1982).

— “The Sweetest Victory,” “Training Montage,” “No Easy Way Out,” “Hearts on Fire,” “Burning Heart” and “Living in America” from Rocky IV (1985).

— “The Measure of a Man” from Rocky V (1990).

Mike Kunda Meets Chuck Wepner – Sounds like a Monster Movie!

Craig / / 2013, Celebs, Rocky

Recently, SZoner, Mike Kunda had an extended visit and great meal with Chuck Wepner.  Wepner vs Ali was, of course, the fight that gave Sly the spark of inspiration that led to Rocky.  Here’s how Mike describes the evening…

Craig,

Thought  I’d share a Rocky related story with the StalloneZone. This past July, I had a gig in Philly as “Rocky” helping a young lady with cerebral palsy achieve a check on her bucket list – to climb the Rocky steps. http://youtu.be/-rEVdAMoFZA   The featured celebrity guest was Mr. Chuck Wepner, who went fifteen rounds with Muhammad Ali, providing the catalyst for a less than broke Sylvester Stallone to write Rocky and had a charity match with Andre The Giant. Well, Chuck and I hit it off, talking about a great many things. This began a series of phone calls at all hours, discussing life, Chuck’s amazing journey and of course, Sly.


Recently, Chuck and I and our family’s gathered at The Victors (Adrian’s) in Philadelphia for nearly six hours of great food, red wine and amazing opera. We drifted from topic to topic. I patiently waited to hear two stories – 15 rounds with Ali and fighting Andre The Giant.

I asked him who hit hardest, Ali, Foreman or Liston. (Liston by a mile)

When listening to Chuck, his respect for both men was bombastic. Chuck repeated numerous times how fond of Ali he is and how they were never mad at each other. It was always for show. He said he and Andre went to dinner to “discuss” the match. It was Chuck’s idea to be thrown out of the ring; Andre’s suggestion to end the fight was more brutal.

The conversation led to WrestleMania 13, where Chuck served as a ringside judge, his friendship with Vince McMahon and many of the WWF wrestlers; the coolest was his many talks with Jimmy “Superfly” Snooka (my wife’s favorite back in the day).

While we ate at an Opera Themed restaurant, he told us of a Soprano he knew well… Jimmy Gandolfini and the rest of his crew.

We knew it was Chuck’s birthday, so we got him a cake and had the staff Opera-sing Happy Birthday to him.

By now, we’re into our fourth of six hours at dinner. We began sharing “gig” stories, trying to make the other laugh more. It was close but I think I had him.

Now, this was my invite and I desperately wanted to show my deep pockets. While my wife was talking with Linda, Chuck’s wife, I was in the men’s room when Chuck decided to tell the manager he was to get the check… no matter what. When I heard this I walked to our table and told Chuck we had to go outside to settle the check. He suggested I “get a ladder first”. Sound familiar?

After dinner we went upstairs to the loft area where Chuck bought more wine, shared more stories including his time being detained for twenty months or so. I was riveted.

 We’ve spoke about his lawsuit with Sly – “it was just business”.  Chuck has Titanic respect for Sly, and truly loves him, he has from day one. He said without Ali/Rocky he’d be a different person. It was a gift that fate called on him the way it did.

 He’s in pre-production with Hollywood for his life’s story – THE BLEEDER, Lev Schrieber playing Chuck. He thought I might make a good Stallone, purchasing a ticket to the fight, showing that moment when Rocky was born in Sly’s eyes. He said he’d tell the producer. What could I say to something like that? I nodded and tried not to pass out.

Craig, Zoners may have their own opinion about the man, but they can’t deny he’s had an extraordinary life.

It’s my pleasure to call him a friend.

Mike Kunda

Sounds like a very, very cool evening.  Thanks for sharing it with us, Mike. – Craig