 January 11 - 20, 2006These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy! January 11, 2006
Venerable blues legend Slim Harpo would have been 82. 
On this day in 1963, the Whiskey-a-Go-Go (the first Rock & Roll club in L.A.) opened on Sunset Boulevard. They claim that the floors have actually been fully cleaned at least twice since then. On this day in 1964, Bob Dylan's classic "The Times They Are A Changin'" single was released. On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix recorded the song he had written the day after Christmas 1966. In the intervening 17 days, he had changed the lyric from "Jesus Saves" to "Purple Haze." On this day in 1969, both Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull released their debut albums in the U.K. On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin played "Kashmir" live for the first time during a gig in Rotterdam. On this day in 1980, The Pretenders released their debut album in the States. On this day in 2005, Jefferson Airplane drummer Spencer Dryden died of stomach cancer at the age of 66. 
Cream/Bowie/Johnson/Pryor/DowdCream and David Bowie are among those who will be presented with the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award the night before this year's GRAMMY Awards. Bluesman Robert Johnson, comedy giant Richard Pryor and super-producer/engineer Tom Dowd will also be honored. The 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony will air live on CBS-TV from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 8th. KISS/IRLThe Indy Racing League has hired KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons' company to help market its "I Am Indy" campaign for the 2006 season. Simmons-Abramson Marketing is one of several new additions to the IRL's latest marketing campaign. Walt Disney has also signed on to become the league's official entertainment company, providing video boards for the pre-race entertainment at events. Now, if only they could draw a crowd. All Hail CarlosLegendary musician/guitar god Carlos Santana will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the broadcast of the 37th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles. This year's NAACP Image Awards Gala will take place at the Shrine Auditorium on February 25th and will be broadcast on March 3rd on FOX. Fogerty Joins The RodeoJohn Fogerty has joined the lineup for this year's Rodeo Houston, February 28th - March 19th in Houston. John's March 7th appearance at the giant party is his only scheduled 2006 U.S. show — so far. Old Folks Approved For Stones ShowThe NFL has lifted an age requirement that would have prevented Rolling Stones fans over the age of 45 from being a part of the on-field audience during their Super Bowl XL halftime show. "We received some messages from some passionate fans," says NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. "So we told [event producers] to open it up and we'll move on." The Super Bowl will take place February 5th in Detroit.   L.A. Auto ShowFriday, 2pm - 6pm: Unc Joe returns again to broadcast live from the Chrysler/Jeep exhibition at the L.A. Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center! Here are a few photos from his first two days at the show. Voice Mail Messages for the New YearJust another of yer Uncle Joe's timely services! 1. A is for academics, B is for beer. One of those reasons is why we're not here, so leave a message. 2. Speak. 3. Hi there. Now, you say something. 4. Hi, I'm not at home right now, but my answering machine is, so you can talk to it instead. Wait for the beep. 5. Hello. I'm David's answering machine. What are you? 6. Hi! John's answering machine is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets. 7. Hello, You are talking to a machine. I am capable of receiving messages. My owners do not need siding, windows, or a hot tub, and their carpets are clean. They give to charity through their office and do not need their pictures taken. If you're still with me, leave your name and number and they will get back to you. 8. This is not an answering machine. This is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your reason for calling and a number where I can reach you, and I'll think about returning your call. 9. Hi. I am probably home. I'm avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you. 10. Hello. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back. January 12, 2006
English blues singer Long John Baldry, who gave Rod Stewart and Elton John their first real gigs, would have been 65.
On this day in 1993, Cream surprised even themselves by reforming for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Other inductees that evening included The Doors, Van Morrison and Creedence Clearwater Revival — whose leader, John Fogerty, wouldn't allow to reform. On this day in 1998, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Santana, among others. Outside of the first public appearance in years by founding Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, no drama unfolded. On this day in 2003, Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees died in Miami after an emergency surgery. He was 53.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pink Floyd as well as conversation with David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Alan Parsons.
Really Free MaccaAt some point during his recent "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard Tour," former Beatle Paul McCartney sat down to chat backstage for Amazon.com. Now that clip, as well as a clip of Macca performing "Please Please Me" on stage and another promoting his children's book, "High in the Clouds," are available for free on the retailer's web site. Something really free from Sir Paulie — that may be a first! Zakk's BackIt never made sense in the first place. Why would Ozzy Osbourne ever sift through hundreds of audition recordings looking for a lead guitarist? Well, either the contract negotiations or the publicity stunt worked. The Ozz-man has officially called off his search for a new guitarist and will continue to work with longtime collaborator Zakk Wylde. The official statement says, "At the time we announced the search, Zakk Wylde's itinerary with Black Label Society was quite overwhelming. Fortunately, Zakk has [rearranged] his schedule to make sure that he would be available to write, record and tour with Ozzy in 2006 and beyond." Whew! Where's Elty?As you know, Elton John and longtime partner, David Furnish, married under new civil partnership laws in Britain just before Christmas. Following a couple of weeks of hanging out in Venice, Italy, the couple has now extended their honeymoon with a trip to South Africa and has — reportedly — invited friend/actress/model Elizabeth Hurley to join them. Wow! Can you imagine having her along on your honeymoon?!? Wow! Jon To Play JonJon Bon Jovi will play himself in the March 26th episode of NBC's "The West Wing." The storyline will feature Jon lending his support to Democratic presidential candidate Matt Santos, as portrayed by Jimmy Smits, as well as performing part of the song "Welcome to Wherever You Are" from Bon Jovi's "Have a Nice Day" album. And the whole time he's on the set, you just know the Craft Services crew will just be dying to touch his hair! January 13, 2006
Producer Chris Thomas, who has worked with Pink Floyd, Pete Townshend as well as The Pretenders, is 59. Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan sax player Cornelius Bumpus would have been 54. Guitarist/singer Trevor Rabin of Yes is 51.
On this day in 1968, "Love Me Two Times" by The Doors peaked at #25 and Jimi Hendrix's "Foxey Lady" topped out at #67 on the singles charts as Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" broke into the Top 40. On this day in 1973, the song "Living In The Past" by Jethro Tull peaked at #11 on the charts. On this day in 1973, Eric Clapton performed at the Rainbow Theatre concert organized by his friend Pete Townshend in order to help Clapton shake his heroin addiction. Eric opened his set, and much later ended the show, with "Layla." On this day in 1978, The Police began recording their debut album "Outlandos d'Amour." On this day in 1979, "We've Got Tonite" by Bob Seger peaked at #13, and "Bicycle Race/Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen peaked at #24 on the charts. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pink Floyd as well as conversation with David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Alan Parsons.
Pagey Signs 250Led Zeppelin mastermind/guitar god Jimmy Page has autographed a limited-edition run of "Led Zeppelin IV" artwork which features the front and back cover of the album, measures 39 inches by 24 inches, and is printed on heavy stock. The signed/numbered run of 250 prints is they're available through the led-zeppelin.com website. If you're quick, you can get one for $1,500 plus shipping. One Big Ass Rock & Roll PartyJann Wenner, the founder and publisher of "Rolling Stone" magazine, threw one hell of a 60th birthday party Sunday! The party, emceed by former J. Geils singer Peter Wolf, featured performances by Bette Midler, John Mellencamp, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen, who reportedly wrote a special tune for the occasion. VIP guests included John Kerry, Caroline Kennedy, Al Gore, author Tom Wolfe, comedians Larry David and Robin Williams, Richard Gere, Robbie Robertson, Michael Douglas and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Too bad Hunter S. Thompson checked out last year — this sounds like it would have been right up his alley! KISS Koffee KlatchSure, anyone can buy KISS CDs, DVDs, memorabilia, and even a KISS Kasket, so how about some overpriced KISS Coffee? The first-ever KISS Coffeehouse (their spelling, not mine) is set to open this Summer in that hotbed of KISS kraziness, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The official word is that, "(The) Coffeehouse will feature several blends of signature KISS Coffees, sinful sweets, and when you need something to cool you off, the Frozen Rockuccino." Wonder if the drinks will make your tongue hang out like Gene Simmons'? (Crazed) Aussies Hail BonAC/DC singer Bon Scott (the second of three vocalists in the band) has been gone for 26 years, but he's definitely not forgotten in his native Australia. To mark the 26th anniversary of his death by misadventure (February 19th) and the 30th anniversary of the release of AC/DC's seminal "T.N.T." album (February 20th), an Aussie cable TV station will dedicate an entire day of programming to AC/DC on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The station's program director enthusiastically reports, "We'll play every clip, the concert from Madrid and I am also trying to license a couple of other specials including the Live in Paris special... The costs to acquire such specials will be the verdict if I can play these. I am in contact with their record label in order to secure as much as we can to pay tribute to Bon as well as AC/DC on this day." If he actually keeps his job, you gotta wonder how long it will be before he's running one of the networks over here! Sammy's CruiseRemember the reported Sammy Hagar-themed cruise? Brace your self — it's happening, but only with a cash bar. The first annual Cabo Wabo "Are We Having Any Fun Yet?" Cruise will sail April 23rd through April 30th between San Pedro and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The eight-day package includes a private concert by Hagar and his band the Waboritas at the Red Rocker's Cabo Wabo Cantina in Mexico, and a fully loaded swag bag featuring an autographed copy of Hagar's upcoming CD. L.A. Auto ShowToday, 2pm - 6pm: Unc Joe returns to broadcast live from the Chrysler/Jeep exhibition at the L.A. Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center! Here are a few photos from his first two days at the show. 
Thursday: Two squirrels in a small room: Kevin Nealon doing January 14, 2006
Dave Grohl, Nirvana drummer and head Foo Fighter, is 37.
On this day in 1956, Little Richard entered the pop chart at #26 with "Tutti Frutti." The world of music would never be the same. On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones played their first gig with drummer Charlie Watts. London's Flamingo Jazz Club was the place, and Rock & Roll has never been the same. On this day in 1983, Van Halen's "Jump" entered the chart. The first single from their album "1984," it not only became the band's first #1 single, it spent five weeks on top of the charts! On this day in 2000, Melissa Etheridge revealed that David Crosby fathered her two children with Julie Cypher. Imagine our surprise! January 15, 2006
Ronnie Van Zant, the singer and heart of Lynyrd Skynyrd, would have been 57.
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones performed on the Ed Sullivan Show and were forced to change the lyrics of "Let's Spend the Night Together" to "Let's Spend Some Time Together." Oh, those were scandalous times! On this day in 1992, Dee Murray, Elton John's longtime bassist, died of cancer at the age of 55. On this day in 1994, singer/writer Harry Nilsson died from heart disease at age 52. January 16, 2006
On this day in 1970, John Lennon's London Art gallery exhibit of erotic lithographs, "Bag One," was closed by Scotland Yard and eight prints were confiscated as evidence of pornography. Yes, Yoko was his inspiration, but why did you ask? On this day in 1980, when the Japanese police found a half pound of marijuana in his baggage at the airport, they threw Paul McCartney into a Tokyo jail for 10 days. Bummer. On this day in 1982, Journey's song "Open Arms" entered the charts.
Pagey Signs 250Led Zeppelin mastermind/guitar god Jimmy Page has autographed a limited-edition run of "Led Zeppelin IV" artwork which features the front and back cover of the album, measures 39 inches by 24 inches, and is printed on heavy stock. The signed/numbered run of 250 prints is they're available through the led-zeppelin.com website. If you're quick, you can get one for $1,500 plus shipping. One Big Ass Rock & Roll PartyJann Wenner, the founder and publisher of "Rolling Stone" magazine, threw one hell of a 60th birthday party Sunday! The party, emceed by former J. Geils singer Peter Wolf, featured performances by Bette Midler, John Mellencamp, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen, who reportedly wrote a special tune for the occasion. VIP guests included John Kerry, Caroline Kennedy, Al Gore, author Tom Wolfe, comedians Larry David and Robin Williams, Richard Gere, Robbie Robertson, Michael Douglas and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Too bad Hunter S. Thompson checked out last year — this sounds like it would have been right up his alley! KISS Koffee KlatchSure, anyone can buy KISS CDs, DVDs, memorabilia, and even a KISS Kasket, so how about some overpriced KISS Coffee? The first-ever KISS Coffeehouse (their spelling, not mine) is set to open this Summer in that hotbed of KISS kraziness, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The official word is that, "(The) Coffeehouse will feature several blends of signature KISS Coffees, sinful sweets, and when you need something to cool you off, the Frozen Rockuccino." Wonder if the drinks will make your tongue hang out like Gene Simmons'? (Crazed) Aussies Hail BonAC/DC singer Bon Scott (the second of three vocalists in the band) has been gone for 26 years, but he's definitely not forgotten in his native Australia. To mark the 26th anniversary of his death by misadventure (February 19th) and the 30th anniversary of the release of AC/DC's seminal "T.N.T." album (February 20th), an Aussie cable TV station will dedicate an entire day of programming to AC/DC on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The station's program director enthusiastically reports, "We'll play every clip, the concert from Madrid and I am also trying to license a couple of other specials including the Live in Paris special... The costs to acquire such specials will be the verdict if I can play these. I am in contact with their record label in order to secure as much as we can to pay tribute to Bon as well as AC/DC on this day." If he actually keeps his job, you gotta wonder how long it will be before he's running one of the networks over here! Sammy's CruiseRemember the reported Sammy Hagar-themed cruise? Brace your self — it's happening, but only with a cash bar. The first annual Cabo Wabo "Are We Having Any Fun Yet?" Cruise will sail April 23rd through April 30th between San Pedro and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The eight-day package includes a private concert by Hagar and his band the Waboritas at the Red Rocker's Cabo Wabo Cantina in Mexico, and a fully loaded swag bag featuring an autographed copy of Hagar's upcoming CD. Martin Luther King DayThe third Monday of every January is a federal holiday, set aside to celebrate the birth, life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It took 15 years to create the holiday, with Michigan Congressman John Conyers first introducing legislation for a commemorative holiday four days after King was assassinated in 1968. After the bill became stalled, petitions signed by six million people endorsing the holiday were submitted to Congress Congress passed the holiday legislation in 1983, which was then signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. King's actual birthday is January 15th, but the holiday was created a week later to overcome opposition to the law since the 15th was considered too close to Christmas and New Year's. All city, county, state and federal offices are closed today. That includes public schools, most banking institutions and all post offices. There will be no mail delivery, but most public transportation and trash pickup will continue as normal.  The Biggest Roadster ShowThis Saturday (January 21st), 11am - 1pm: An Uncle Joe Meet & Greet in the midst of the 57th Annual Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona! The show is an annual hot rodding extravaganza featuring hundreds of the country's most spectacular, innovative and radical street rods, classic customs and monster motorcycles. Here's what it looked like last year. January 17, 2006
Muhammad Ali is 64.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "The Last Time" and "Play With Fire" at the R.C.A. Studios in Hollywood. On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin released their debut album in America. On this day in 1994, the 6.7-magnitude Northridge Earthquake jolted Southern California at 4:31am, killing 57 and causing over $40 billion in losses with 89,000 structures destroyed or damaged to the point of requiring extensive repair. On this day in 1996, David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Zakk's Big DayLongtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde will be inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk in front of the Guitar Center in Hollywood today. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, baseball greats Mike Piazza and Scott Spiezio, wrestlers Steve Austin and Jericho, and KLOS' own birthday boy/living legend Jim Ladd will be on hand for the noontime ceremony. Selling Stars' CarsThe current ultra-pricey Barrett-Jackson Auction taking place this week in Phoenix has some unique vehicles on the docket. Included in the offerings is a Cadillac CTS Sport designed by Sir Paul McCartney and built by General Motors to specific instructions by the former Beatle. Another hot sale item is Elvis Presley's 1965 Lincoln Mark V limousine (only 33,000 miles!). That package even includes a bill of sale signed by Elvis himself. Other auction items include Sammy Hagar's 1967 Shelby GT 500, a few of Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony's custom vehicles, and a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr two-door owned by Alice Cooper. A word of warning: this is a very pricey event. Last year's top item was a 1953 Buick Roadmaster owned by reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes which snuck out the door for just $1.62 million. Now that's Rock & Roll! GRAMMY Hall Of FameThe Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Axis: Bold as Love" album and Bob Dylan's "Bringing It All Back Home" album are among 25 recordings being added to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame this year. The honor will no doubt result in another Hendrix album reissue. Preston's IllSinger/songwriter/keyboardist Billy Preston is recovering from a recent bout with a serious infection of the sac encasing his heart. The 59-year-old Preston is best known for his work with The Beatles during the later portion of their career. He also toured with The Rolling Stones and has been a regular member of Eric Clapton's most recent bands. Billy had a kidney transplant in 2002, but the kidney failed and he has been on thrice-weekly dialysis treatments ever since. Alito/BruceSupreme Court Justice nominee Samuel Alito was asked 700 questions during his senate confirmation hearings last week, including one about Bruce Springsteen. Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois asked Alito if he's a Springsteen fan. Alito replied that he is "to some degree." Durbin said: "I guess most people in New Jersey would be. They should be." To which Alito said: "There was a movement some time ago... we don't have an official state song and there was a movement to make 'Born to Run' our official state song. But it didn't quite make it." The whole point of the questioning was to bring up a Springsteen quote where he said his songs come from a familiarity with "the crushing hand of fate," and to find out whether Alito believes in the "the crushing hand of fate" too. Long winded, yes. But if the Senator had just asked the question, he never would have made the Music News! The Longest..."Almost" is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order. Food for Thought
How are a Texas Tornado and a Tennessee Divorce the same? January 18, 2006
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' breakthrough single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," was unleashed Stateside. On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bayou Country" both entered the American album charts. On this day in 1973, The Rolling Stones played a benefit concert for the Nicaraguan earthquake victims at the Forum in Los Angeles — a truly legendary performance from a legendary band. On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd began recording what eventually became their "Dark Side Of The Moon" album at Abbey Road Studios in London with a young engineer named Alan Parsons. On this day in 1974, with the addition of King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell, Bad Company was officially formed by Free singer Paul Rodgers, Free drummer Simon Kirke and Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. Fame and fortune was right around the corner. On this day in 1980, The Clash's "London Calling" album was released as "The Wall" by Pink Floyd hit #1 on the charts. On this day in 1989, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Otis Redding, among others. At the New York dinner, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Roy Orbison, who had died about a month earlier, by singing Orbison's classic, "Crying."
Top 10 Guitar SolosOne can only imagine who voted, but the Top 10 Guitar Solos according to AboutGuitars.com are: #1. "Stairway to Heaven" - Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) #2. "Eruption" - Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen) #3. "Freebird" - Allen Collins and Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd) #4. "Comfortably Numb" - David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) #5. "All Along the Watchtower" - Jimi Hendrix #6. "November Rain" - Slash (Guns N' Roses) #7. "One" - Kirk Hammett (Metallica) #8. "Hotel California" - Don Felder and Joe Walsh (Eagles) #9. "Crazy Train" - Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne) #10. "Crossroads" - Eric Clapton (Cream) Rockin' Sundance, pt.1Drummer Stewart Copeland will debut his documentary "Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out" on Sunday January 22nd at the Sundance Film Festival. The film consists of Super 8 movies (much of it concert footage) that Stewart shot from the band's inception in the mid-Seventies through their finale in the early Eighties. Copeland says Andy Summers and Sting have seen the film and were "very keen on it." Wait a minute — all three of those guys agreed on something? Now that's truly amazing! Rockin' Sundance, pt.2Neil Young's newly retitled film, "Heart of Gold," will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Monday January 23rd. The documentary, which follows Young as he performs for two nights in Nashville, will hit the U.S. and Canada in limited release on February 10th and will open in most cities by the end of February. Non-Juicy Jovi BioBut will he really tell all? Jon Bon Jovi is shopping a tell-all autobiography to publishers for an asking price of $2 million. It should be an interesting story, but may not be too juicy. The son of a former Playboy bunny, Jon has been married to his wife Dorothea for nearly 17 years and has four children with her. The 43-year-old singer (who doesn't do drugs or party) and his band mates are part way through their "Have a Nice Day" world tour. Wonder if he'll be telling about the other band member's exploits? Duets For Tony's 80thWord is that Paul McCartney, U2's Bono, Elton John, Billy Joel and Sting have all agreed to sing with Tony Bennett on the new album celebrating his 80th birthday. Because the duets collection will feature songs that Bennett helped make famous, there could be some seriously goofy rock star crooning going on! Stay tuned. Axl SuesGuns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has sued Beverly Hills Classic Cars, claiming it failed to deliver two luxury cars after receiving $20,000 in deposits and failed to give him any money after selling his Ferrari on consignment for $135,000. No wonder the new G N' R album isn't finished! The Biggest Roadster ShowThis Saturday (January 21st), 11am - 1pm: An Uncle Joe Meet & Greet in the midst of the 57th Annual Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona! The show is an annual hot rodding extravaganza featuring hundreds of the country's most spectacular, innovative and radical street rods, classic customs and monster motorcycles. Here's what it looked like last year. January 19, 2006
Janis Joplin would have been 63.
On this day in 1984, R.E.O. Speedwagon released their second #1 hit single, "Can't Fight This Feeling." On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." peaked at #9 on the singles charts. On this day in 1998, Carl "Blue Suede Shoes" Perkins died in Nashville at age 65. Although he never received the recognition accorded to Elvis Presley, his guitar-playing and songwriting defined the rockabilly genre and greatly influenced The Beatles. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, as well as more of Joe's conversation with Graham Nash and Stephen Stills.
Lennon Lyrics For SaleTuesday, John Lennon's original handwritten draft of the lyrics for The Beatles' "A Day In the Life" went on sale at Bonhams auction house in New York. The package that includes the first two complete drafts of Lennon's contribution to the song was last sold in 1992 by the estate of Beatles road manager Mal Evans for $100,000. If it goes for the expected $2 million when the sealed bid auction ends on March 7th, it will be the most valuable musical manuscript composed in the 20th Century to be offered at an auction. "I heard the news today, oh my..." Aerosmith On TodayThis morning, NBC's "The Today Show" is dedicating a segment to Aerosmith's "Rockin' The Joint" live show. "The Today Show's How Does It Work" feature was filmed at Aerosmith's January 15th concert in Atlanta, covering everything from the early rigging at 6am to the final touches at 5pm. Doesn't sound like there will be any dressing room video, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Raven's Heart Benefit TonightA variety of rockers, including former Eagles guitarist Don Felder and former Rainbow singer Joe Lynn Turner, will appear tonight at the second annual Raven's Heart Foundation Benefit Concert. The event's lineup also includes current or former members of Guns N' Roses, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Dio and David Lee Roth's band. The small, funky Fais Do-Do club at 5257 West Adams Boulevard one block south of the 10 Freeway (http://www.faisdodo.com) will probably sell out fast, so don't delay! A great charity, the Raven's Heart charity gives support to children with heart illnesses and their families. Fagan's Tour/Walter's MessageSteely Dan's Donald Fagen will start his first-ever solo tour on March 1st in New Brunswick, NJ. The fairly straight forward month-long tour will make two Southland stops, the first on March 25th at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula and the second on March 27th at the Wiltern LG in Los Angeles. The set list is expected to be mainly Fagen's solo work, but he says he will also play some Steely Dan material. Meanwhile, Steely Dan guitarist Walter Becker has posted a typically hilarious convoluted message about his forthcoming musical plans online at http://walterbecker.com. It seems that even when they're not working together, they're still as entertaining as they are reclusive. Felder & Friends/CerritosFormer Eagles guitarist Don Felder is headlining a hurricane-relief benefit concert February 1st at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The Don Felder and Friends Rock Cerritos for Katrina will also feature performances by Alice Cooper, Styx frontman Tommy Shaw, Night Ranger bassist Jack Blades and ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilbey Clarke, among others. Proceeds from the event will go toward the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Stay tuned for more details!
 Live Five O'Clock FunniesYesterday: Joe, Debi Gutierrez & Cynthia Fox vamping in the KLOS studios before the KLOS Five O'Clock Funnies. Bobby Slayton (The Pit Bull of Comedy) will be joining J.B. live this afternoon! Grill 'Em!According to a new poll by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Assoc., year-round grilling by both men and women is on the rise. Here are highlights of the survey: * 60% of Americans are grilling year-round and nearly 50% grill during the winter months including special occasions like Valentine's Day. * 80% of American households own an outdoor barbecue grill or smoker. * While 87% of respondents say they love grilling burgers the most, steak came in a close second at 83%. * The number one reason people use charcoal/wood grills (79%) is for better tasting dishes. The second reason is for the entertainment factor (28%). January 20, 2006
Blues legend Leadbelly (Huddy Ledbetter) would have been 117.
On this day in 1979, the Doobie Brothers released the "What A Fool Believes" single. On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off of a bat during a concert in Des Moines, then was hospitalized and given a series of rabies shots. After undergoing the painful shots, the rocker said he thought the bat was plastic. He actually said something earlier, but no one could understand him. The Biggest Roadster ShowTomorrow (Saturday), 11am - 1pm: An Uncle Joe Meet & Greet in the midst of the 57th Annual Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona! The show is an annual hot rodding extravaganza featuring hundreds of the country's most spectacular, innovative and radical street rods, classic customs and monster motorcycles. Here's what it looked like last year.
Alice Putts AroundLooks like Alice Cooper is putting for charity again. He's among the stars hitting the links for the 2006 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic golf tournament, which raises money for the Eisenhower Medical Center and a variety of other charities in the Palm Springs area. Others on tap for the famous tournament that runs through this weekend include pop singers Justin Timberlake and Michael Bolton; actors Samuel L. Jackson, George Lopez and Matthew McConaughey; and athletes Yogi Berra, Roger Clemens and Marcus Allen. Wonder if any of those manly dudes will be wearing make-up like Alice's? Wakeman On Road (But Not Here)Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman will mount a brief solo tour of the States in March. The "Grand Piano Tour" will run from March 1st through a March 11th show in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, he and his piano aren't coming anywhere near the Southland. Jovi Does Wal-MartWow! With all the Bon Jovi news coming out recently, you'd think the New Jersey band was up to something! Actually, word is that the band will release a six-track CD of recent live performances exclusively through Wal-Mart on February 7th. "Live From the Have a Nice Day Tour" will feature songs recorded during the group's December shows in Boston. Hard to believe it won't be "officially" released through normal channels after the initial licensing deal expires, but who knows? Cult AgainWhile a full-blown reunion appears to be unlikely, The Cult has added a couple of Southland dates to its upcoming mini-tour. The boys will now be playing at the San Diego House of Blues on March 4th, and they'll rock the Key Club at the Morongo Casino on March 5th. Why all the sudden road action from a band that went on hiatus in 2001? Just follow the money, my friend. Cult guitarist Billy Duffy and singer Ian Astbury recently signed a management deal with Tom Vitorino, who also represents Riders On The Storm — the band featuring Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors with Ian Astbury filling in for Jim Morrison. Yes, you can expect more Cult dates to be announced real soon — but will they open for Riders On The Storm? Pickett GoneLegendary Stax Records singer Wilson Pickett died of a heart attack in Virginia yesterday at the age of 64. One of the most prominent R&B artists of the Sixties, along with Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and James Brown, "Wicked Pickett" was one of those credited with establishing the Memphis soul sound. From "In the Midnight Hour" to "Mustang Sally" to "Funky Broadway" to "Land of 1000 Dances," Pickett's high-energy sound kept dance floors hopping for years. In the midnight hour, rest in peace Wilson.
 Yesterday: Bobby Slayton (The Pit Bull of Comedy) sharing the love with J.B. after doing the KLOS Five O'Clock Funnies. This afternoon, Brian Regan will be featured! |
|