Moore says Ronstadt return in the works

Friday, July 23, 2004 | 11:07 a.m.

Michael Moore has talked to Linda Ronstadt and has agreed to appear onstage with her in September at the Aladdin if new owners take over as expected, the spokesman for the filmmaker said today.

Ken Sunshine, Moore's New York-based publicist, said he did not know whether Moore had talked to Ronstadt specifically about her possible return to the Strip resort that had kicked her out Saturday night after her perfomance there turned political with her support for Moore's controversial anti-Bush film, "Fahrenheit 9/11." There were boos from some audience members and some walked out. The current Aladdin management said some audience members asked for their money back and marred posters advertising the concert as they left.

On Wednesday, Planet Hollywood Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Earl, a partner in the group that won the right to buy the Aladdin in bankruptcy court, said that, if his group takes over the Aladdin, Ronstadt would be invited back and that Moore would be invited to introduce her and sing a song with her.

Earl's Planet Hollywood group is awaiting Nevada Gaming Commission approval for the purchase, which Earl said could come as early as Sept. 1.

Sunshine said, "Mr. Moore has happily accepted the invitation to appear on stage with Linda. He has talked with her by phone and he has one message for the current owners of the Aladdin: Read a document called the U.S. Constitution."

Ronstadt's public relations firm in New York today said Ronstadt has not made any public statement regarding the incident and they could not confirm or deny that Ronstadt would appear at the Aladdin under new ownership.

And as of early today, Earl's office has received no official word from either party regarding his offer, said Amy Sadowsky, Earl's Orlando, Fla.-based spokeswoman. However, she said, Moore has made his intentions clear that he would accept the invitation.

Sunshine sounded like all that needs to fall into place is the new ownership and the scheduling of a date.

"It is complicated because the new owners would have to be in place, so we cannot tell you what date in September it would be," he said.

Ronstadt's performances this week in California have also included the encore dedication of the song "Desperado" to Moore, and it has continued to provoke strong support and opposition. The Contra Costa Times reported today that about 100 concertgoers walked out. The newspaper reported that there were cheers, boos and a few yells of "traitor."