May 17, 2012
Drummer Bill Bruford, who rose to fame with Yes and King Crimson, is 64.
Dave Abbruzzese, Pearl Jam's second drummer, is 44.
On this day in 1846, Antoine Sax patented the first Rock & Roll instrument: the saxophone.
On this day in 1969, the Chicago Transit Authority's debut album entered the charts — the first time a group ever debuted with a double album. In short order, they were threatened with a lawsuit by the real C.T.A., and were forced to shorten their name to Chicago.
On this day in 1987, Tom Petty's Encino home was torched by arsonists. That directly inspired Tom to write "I Won't Back Down."
On this day in 1999, producer Bruce Fairbairn (who had worked with Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Yes, among others) died at the age of 49.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of The Rolling Stones and more of J.B.'s extensive conversation with original bassist Bill Wyman. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
Julian/Aerosmith
How often in the last two decades has Aerosmith hit us with a real surprise? Well here's one to add to that short list: Julian Lennon (John's eldest son) has added backing vocals to one of the songs on Aerosmith's highly anticipated new album! Julian posted a photo of himself and Steven Tyler on his Facebook page with the caption: "Mr Tyler & 'The Other' Mr Lennon, singing background vocals, on the Amazing New 'Aerosmith' Album last night. Such a pleasure... More to come." But will they get him to tour with them as well?
Woodie's (Still) Talking
Even though he caught hell from frontman Mick Jagger for "announcing" The Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary tour long before there was a 50th anniversary tour, guitarist Ronnie Wood has turned into Chatty Cathy. His latest: "It looks like we are going to be doing more stuff. I am keeping October and November free... that's what I've been told. I'm just awaiting more information." As for The Stones working on new songs, Woodie says, "New ones? Are you joking? We are familiarizing ourselves with our back catalog and have only scratched the surface." Indeed!
Abbey Road/Reversed
The photograph of The Beatles crossing the small street in front of Abbey Road Studios from left to right on their iconic "Abbey Road" album cover is one of the most famous pictures in the music world. But unknown to most people, the Fab Four's actual crossing was a very quick, impromptu photo session during which only a few shots were taken. Lo and behold, 43 years later, one of those rarely/if never seen alternative photos is finally going up for auction. In this image, Macca's wearing sandals and the band are crossing Abbey Road from right to left. The Bloomsbury auction house in London has put a "conservative" estimate of $16,000 on the 18" by 18" print. Just saying, yer Unc's birthday is right around the corner and he's got the perfect place to hang an 18" by 18" picture of The Beatles, so...
It was George Carlin who said: "'I am' is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that 'I do' is the longest sentence?"
It was Winston Churchill who said: "A man is about as big as the things that make him angry."
It was Jack Handy who said: "I hope that after I die, people will say of me: 'That guy sure owed me a lot of money.'"
This Saturday, 10a - Noon: Join Unc at the Kawasaki Good Times Street Demo Days! Riders of all levels can experience the pure fun and enjoyment of riding a Kawasaki motorcycle at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Roarrrr!
This Weekend! Friday afternoon, Uncle Joe will broadcast his KLOS show live from Hennessey's in Dana Point. Then Saturday and Sunday, Steve Miller, Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy will headline the 15th Annual Doheny Blues Festival. Of course J.B. will spend both days handling the main stage and having a great time hanging with you next to the ocean!
