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CBS calls late 'Dallas' star Larry Hagman a 'master showman'

NEW YORK, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- CBS declared Larry Hagman, the late star of its television drama series "Dallas," a "master showman."

Hagman, who recently reprised his iconic role of Texas oil tycoon J.R. Ewing in a TNT reboot of the nighttime soap, died after a battle with throat cancer Friday at the age of 81.

"Television has seen many stars, but there will only be one Larry Hagman," CBS said in a statement. "Larry was a larger-than-life personality, both on-screen and off -- a master showman and brilliant actor who brought to life a character that transcended the medium and truly captivated a nation. Today, we mourn the loss of a friend, but remember a man who brought true greatness to his craft and a television character in J.R. Ewing that will never be forgotten."

"We're saddened at the news of Larry Hagman's passing," TNT said in a statement. "He was a wonderful human and a gifted actor."

"Friday, I lost one of the greatest friends ever to grace my life. The loneliness is only what is difficult as Larry's peace and comfort is always what is important to me, now as when he was here," his longtime friend Patrick Duffy, who plays Ewing's brother Bobby on "Dallas," said in a statement to People.com. "He was a fighter in the gentlest way, against his obstacles and for his friends. I wear his friendship with honor."

Linda Gray, who plays Ewing's wife, Sue Ellen, on the show described Hagman "as my best friend for 35 years."

"He was the Pied Piper of life and brought joy to everyone he knew," she said in a statement to People.com. "He was creative, generous, funny, loving and talented and I will miss him enormously. He was an original and lived life to the fullest. The world was a brighter place because of Larry."

Stones kick off 50th anniversary tour

LONDON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Rolling Stones showed their fans they still have something left in the tank when they kicked off their 50th anniversary tour in London.

Playing to a crowd of about 20,000 at O2 Arena Sunday night, the Stones -- none younger than 65 -- rolled out a long line of their hits from the past five decades, including "It's Only Rock and Roll," "Honky Tonk Women," "Gimme Shelter," "Get Off of My Cloud," "It's All Over Now" and "Paint It Black," "Jumping Jack Flash" and "All Down the Line."

Ronnie Wood is the youngest Stone at 65, followed by Keith Richards at 68, Mick Jagger 69 and Charlie Watts 71.

Richards got in a self-aimed, age-related zinger: "It's good to see you all. It's good to see anybody."

The special night included the return of former Stones Bill Wyman, who left the band in 1992, and Mick Taylor, who dropped out in 1974.

Mary J. Blige and Jeff Beck also were part of the show.

Rolling Stone magazine reported the event started a half-hour late and began with a video tribute from other stars, such as Iggy Pop, Elton John and Johnny Depp.

Jagger noted it's been quite a year for British celebrations.

"There was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. We didn't do that. The Olympics. We didn't do that. James Bond's 50th anniversary. And we didn't do the song for that either! But I'm so glad that we're here and that you're here," he said.

One hit missing by the end of their 2 1/2-hour, 23-song set, was "Satisfaction." The band reportedly didn't have time to perform it because of the city's strict 11 p.m. loud-music curfew.

'New' Jimi Hendrix album set for March release

NEW YORK, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- "People, Hell & Angels," an album with 12 previously unreleased recordings by Seattle guitarist Jimi Hendrix, is set for release in March, his estate said.

Hendrix died in 1970 at the age of 27. He asphyxiated on his own vomit after taking sedatives.

His estate, Experience Hendrix LLC, and Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, announced Monday the new CD will be available March 5.

"These 12 recordings encompass a variety of unique sounds and styles incorporating many of the elements -- horns, keyboards, percussion and second guitar -- Jimi wanted to incorporate within his new music. 'People, Hell & Angels' presents some of the finest Jimi Hendrix guitar work ever issued and provides a compelling window into his growth as a songwriter, musician and producer," a news release said.

'Yo Gabba Gabba!' plans concert tour

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The stars of the pre-school television program "Yo Gabba Gabba!" are planning a 50-city U.S. concert tour, producers announced Monday.

"The Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: Get the Sillies Out!" tour will stop in New York Friday, Saturday and Sunday, then continue on to dozens of other cities through 2013.

The stage show is to support the new lines of "Yo Gabba Gabba!" toys, kids sportswear, DVDs and CDs, a news release said.

The TV series combines live-action and animation and features songs like "Don't Bite Your Friends," "Get the Sillies Out" and "Party in My Tummy."