People: Out with the old, in with the new
Another “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” is in Dick Clark‘s future – at the same time he’s parting with pieces of his past.
The former “American Bandstand” host, now 76, will join “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and musical guest Christina Aguilera to ring in 2007 before a national TV audience.
Clark, who originated the show back in 1972, was absent two years ago after suffering a stroke but returned last New Year’s Eve.
Meanwhile, he’s auctioning off several items from his collection of musical memorabilia, including the microphone he used beginning July 9, 1956 – his first day on “Bandstand.”
“It’s tough to part with that one,” Clark says.
Also on the block are a bass guitar Paul McCartney played when he was a Beatle, a beaded glove that Michael Jackson wore in his moonwalking phase and the harmonica that Bob Dylan played in “The Last Waltz.”
Much of the profits from the sale will go to the music industry’s T.J. Martell Foundation, which funds research on cancer and AIDS.
Day of our Clay
Former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken will make a holiday appearance on the afternoon soap “Days of our Lives.”
Aiken will take the stage for a private concert for Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) at the club Dune in the town of Salem. The episode is scheduled to air Dec. 22.
He’ll perform two songs, one from his new album “A Thousand Different Ways,” and “O Holy Night” from his 2004 release “Merry Christmas with Love.”
Stick to the ground, Dogg
Snoop Dogg was arrested Thursday at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, Calif., on suspicion of illegal drug and gun possession.
Airport police stopped the rapper at a loading zone for a vehicle-code violation and discovered a gun and marijuana.
Authorities still are considering separate charges against Snoop from an incident last month when a 21-inch collapsible baton was found in his bags as he boarded a New York-bound flight.
Virile and viral
George Clooney is the No. 1 man’s man, according to online magazine AskMen.com, edging out rap mogul Jay-Z.
Adventurer-entrepreneur Richard Branson, cyclist Lance Armstrong and designer Tom Ford rounded out the top five on the list, culled from nominations by readers.
If Pitt walks like a duck …
Speaking of manly men, Brad Pitt found an unusual way to bring some levity to the set of his upcoming movie, “Babel.”
Pitt says he amused himself and his colleagues by yanking up his pants, sticking out his rear and waddling around like a duck.
”Cate (Blanchett) called it the Hungry Bum,” he says, explaining: “When your bum’s so hungry it’s trying to eat your pants.”
The birthday bunch
Country musician Charlie Daniels is 70. Actor Dennis Franz (“NYPD Blue”) is 62. Actress Daphne Zuniga (“Melrose Place”) is 44. Actress Lauren Holly is 43. Actress Jami Gertz is 41. Actor-comedian Andy Richter is 40. Actress Julia Roberts is 39. Singer Ben Harper is 37. Country singer Brad Paisley is 34. Actor Joaquin Phoenix is 32. Singer Justin Guarini (“American Idol”) is 28.