HOTLIST - Monday, April 18th

JOHNSON LEAVES AC/DC - ROSE STEPS IN



Brian Johnson is leaving AC/DC because of issues with his hearing. In a message from the band, the group wishes him all the best on this and future venture.

In the meantime, Axl Rose has offered to step in and help the rest of the band members fulfill their commitment to tour dates already on the books.

The band will resume the “Rck Or Bust World Tour” beginning May 7 in Lisbon, Portugal and running through June 12th in Aarhus, Denmark. Following the European stadium dates, Rose will go out with Guns N’ Roses for that band’s ”Not In This Lifetime” summer stadium tour.

AC/DC’s 10 postponed U.S shows will be rescheduled and announced soon. They will also feature Rose.

WAHLBERG VISITS TEAM OF BOSTON MARATHONERS

Mark Wahlberg, who co-stars in the movie “Patriots Day,” about the Boston Marathon bombing, surprised a few people who are prepping for this year’s race on Saturday. Wahlberg met with 68 members of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s Race for Rehab team while they prepared for the 16.2-mile race today.

The actor was in Boston filming “Patriots Day” withJ.K. Simmons, John Goodman, and Michelle Monaghan. He visited with the people on the team, assuring them that they are going to getting the story right and making people proud.

“Everybody knows somebody who was directly impacted by the bombings at the marathon, and what a horrible tragedy it was. And when they decided they were going to make this movie, they had come to me and asked me if I wanted to be a part of it, and I was like, I don't think it's a good idea," “People” reports that Wahlberg told the group, which included survivors Heather Abbott, Roseanne Sdoia, and police officer Dic Donohue.

"But then when I read the script then I realized, oh my God, this is so powerful and so inspiring and such a tribute to everybody: victims, the rescue workers, the police department, the FBI, everybody," Wahlberg added.

“Patriot Days” is scheduled to open in theaters on December 21.

ARETHA FRANKLIN READY TO SIGN MOVIE OF HER LIFE



Aretha Franklin announced on her website that she is finally ready to sign for the movie on her life. She says she will have creative control, which was the major point in the negotiations.

Franklin made the announcement during a celebration of her 74th birthday, which was March 25. No announcement has been made as to who would play the singer in the film.

Franklin has six decades of music to cover in the movie, beginning with her gospel album, "Songs of Faith." From those humble beginnings, the singer has produced such classics as "Chain of Fools," "Freeway of Love," "Think" and "Respect."

JASON BATEMAN: SHOWERED WITH DRINKS

A waitress and Jason Bateman both had an embarrassing night Saturday at a New York restaurant.

The actor was attending a party for the film he directed, The Family Fang, which had just premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The waitress, perhaps excited about getting to work a celebrity party, accidentally tripped and spilled an entire tray of drinks right on Bateman. The waitress apparently turned bright red from embarrassment and didn't even know who she spilled the drinks on until Bateman got down and helped her pick up the mess.