January 21 - 31, 2006

These 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 21, 2006

On this date in 1966, George Harrison married Patti Boyd, with Paul McCartney serving as best man. The couple met while The Beatles were filming "A Hard Day's Night." (Patti played one of the schoolgirls in the train scene near the start of the film.) But the Harrison/Boyd union didn't last, and she eventually married George's pal Eric Clapton.

On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together" entered the charts.

On this date in 1978, the song "Point Of Know Return" by Kansas peaked at #28 on the charts.

On this date in 1984, Yes hit #1 with the song "Owner of a Lonely Heart."

On this date in 1988, U2 was named the biggest live attraction in the U.S., according to Pollstar magazine, the trade magazine for concert promoters.

January 22, 2006

Sam Cooke, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, would have been 75.
Singer/actor Meat Loaf is 60.
Journey singer Steve Perry, another of the greatest voices of the 20th century, is 57.
INXS frontman Michael Hutchence would have been 46.

On this day in 1966, "Day Tripper" by The Beatles peaked at #5 on the charts.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles began recording what became their "Let It Be" album. Billy Preston, who was hanging out in the lobby getting high, was invited by George Harrison to join in. Thus, Billy became the first sideman credited on a Beatles record. Those were the days!

On this day in 1977, "Somebody To Love" by Queen peaked at #13 on the U.S. singles chart.

On this day in 1983, the song "Rock The Casbah" by The Clash peaked at #8 on the chart.

January 23, 2006

Organist Danny Federeci of Springsteen's E Street band is 56.
Singer Robin Zander of Cheap Trick is 54.
Some sources list today as Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons' B-day, but it's actually October 19th.

On this day in 1971, Elton John's "Your Song" peaked at #8 on the charts just 53 weeks after he and lyricist Bernie Taupin began working together.

On this day in 1977, Pink Floyd released their "Animals" album as they started their world tour. Not really masters of scheduling, those wacky Floydians!

On this day in 1978, Chicago's guitarist Terry Kath blew his brains out playing Russian Roulette at the age of 31. At the time of his death, Chicago's song "Baby What A Big Surprise" was in the Top 10.

On this day in 1982, Bob Seger's "Feel Like A Number" peaked at #48 while "Leather And Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley peaked at #6.

On this day in 1990, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins died of pneumonia at the age of 37. He had been paralyzed from the waist down since crashing his car in 1986.

On this day in 1997, Richard Berry, who wrote the classic "Louie Louie" and never saw a dime for it, died in South Central Los Angeles of an aneurysm.

On this day in 2005, the greatest talk show host ever, Johnny Carson, died of emphysema. A longtime smoker, Johnny was only 79.

U2 Tops Again

U2 were the top earning music act of 2005, according to "Billboard" magazine's Money Makers chart, which ranks the most profitable artists of the past year based on album sales, digital downloads and box-office receipts. The Irish lads pulled in more than $255 million, leaving The Rolling Stones much further back at #2, Paul McCartney at #4, Elton John #5 and the Eagles #10.

Jon Skids Into Town

The weather was as bad as it gets when Bon Jovi was flying into the Hamilton, Ontario airport early Saturday morning en route to Toronto for a series of shows this weekend. The group's Boeing 707 overshot the tarmac, skidded off the slick runway and ended up in the mud. No one was injured in the incident, and — despite the rattled nerves — there apparently weren't any soul-searching moments like in the movie "Almost Famous." The Jovi boys arrived in Toronto as scheduled, and Saturday night's sold out show went on as planned. Wonder if the group will take a train out of town after they finish the three-date run?

Hail Mo!

Mo Ostin, the famed former chairman of Warner-Reprise Records who helped launch or further the careers of folks like The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Randy Newman, James Taylor, Neil Young and Frank Zappa, will be honored by The Recording Academy at its GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons event immediately after the GRAMMY ceremony itself on February 8th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Crowes DVD/Update

The Black Crowes' first-ever concert DVD, "Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog," will be released on March 21st. The 19-song, two-and-a-half hour set was recorded during the band's August 2005 stint in San Francisco. The DVD ends with a cover of The Band's "The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down." The reunited group hasn't played a live show since their '06 New Year's Eve gig at Madison Square Garden, but they'll be back on stage next Sunday in Orlando and will play at the first-ever Langerado Music Festival in Sunrise, FL on March 12th. The boys will finish March with five shows in London and Amsterdam, and — if everyone makes it out of Amsterdam — may start recording soon after that.

Joel Horny/Not Pickled

Tonight, Billy Joel kicks off a promotional tour for his four-CD boxed set "My Lives" with the first of 11 sold-out dates at Madison Square Garden. He says he thinks he's finally gotten a handle on his alcohol addiction, but he warns not to make him a "poster boy" for A.A. because, "I don't really know about total sobriety — but I do know a hell of a lot about drinking!" He also says he's looking forward to having two or more children with his 24-year-old wife, Katie Lee. When the MSG run wraps up on April 19th, Billy will have broken Bruce Springsteen's 2000 record of 10 consecutive sellouts at the venue. But will he break Bruce's run of consecutive kids with the same wife?

You & Your Computer

There are only two industries in the world that refer to customers as 'users'.
One is the IT industry. The other is the illegal drugs industry.

Life Without E-mail?!?

Have you ever lost access to your e-mail? Then you know the panic! An "Investor's Business Daily" survey found that 40% of U.S. workers can't live without e-mail. Another 25.8% claimed e-mail was "extremely important" for what they do at work. For those making $50,000 to $75,000 annually, 40% said they couldn't live without e-mail. Among those making $75,000 to $100,000, 44.4% couldn't live without it, and 52.2% of those earning over $100,000 said they couldn't do without it.

January 24, 2006

Neil Diamond is 65.
Acerbic songwriter Warren Zevon would have been 59.
Blues Brother John Belushi would have been 57.

On this day in 1962, record store owner Brian Epstein signed on as the manager of The Beatles. He helped guide the Fab Four into becoming the most dominant band in the history of Rock & Roll — and they did it all without a signed contract. Brian Epstein and The Beatles worked with just a handshake agreement — those were special times!

On this day in 1969, Jethro Tull's first U.S. performance was opening for Led Zeppelin at a show in New York City.

On this day in 1970, "Evil Ways" by Santana entered the singles charts.

On this day in 1976, KISS' "Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)" peaked at #12 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1984, Apple Computer launched the Macintosh. It contained virtually unknown features, including simple icons and an odd little attachment called a mouse. Two years later, the first Uncle Joe's Record Guide was published. Eight years after that, unclejoe.com was hand-coded into existence. So much for free time!

On this day in 2000, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played the first date of their reunion tour in Auburn Hills, Michigan. That show marked the first time the quartet had performed together in 25 years.

All Hail James

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, David Crosby and Sting are among the numerous stars taking part in a salute to James Taylor. The singer/songwriter is being honored by the Recording Academy as this year's MusiCares Person of the Year, and will be acknowledged for his musical achievements and contributions to humanitarian causes. Now in its 16th year, the MusiCares tribute dinner is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. It's also a fundraiser for the MusiCares Financial Assistance Program, which supports musicians in need. The gala will take place in Los Angeles on February 6th. The 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast on CBS live from the Staples Center two days later.

Sundance Gets Edgy

The Sundance Film Festival is in full swing in Utah this week, and U2 guitarist The Edge has ventured into the trend-oids. The Edge has actually been introducing the film "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man," a documentary about singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen. The movie features live performances by various artists influenced by Cohen — including a U2 performance that was shot last year in a small New York City club.

The Other Boys Join Alex

It's official. Rush singer/bassist Geddy Lee and drummer/lyricist Neil Peart have been added to guitarist Alex Lifeson's lawsuit stemming from a 2003 New Year's Eve altercation with police in Naples, Florida. The trio, who claim they suffered financial damages as a result of Alex's arrest and injuries, are seeking compensation for the extra studio costs and tour delays caused by Lifeson's court proceedings.

Little Steven Books 'Em

Little Steven Van Zandt's doing what he can to promote and preserve garage rock. In addition to his syndicated radio show, "Little Steven's Underground Garage" (heard Sunday nights at 10 here on KLOS), he's teamed up with Rolling Rock beer for a series of "Garage Rock" club concerts to showcase the top new talent on the scene. Van Zandt, a longtime member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, says that the incredible costs of touring make it very difficult for un-established bands to hit the road to develop a fan base. Van Zandt and Rolling Rock are planning to stage 30 "Garage Rock" shows in late Summer. Stay tuned!

Dolls Reunion

Now we'll find out how good they really are. The recently reunited glam/punk rock pioneers The New York Dolls started work on a new album last week with producer Jack Douglas, who also produced the band's 1973 self-titled debut. This is the first recording project for the legendary group in more than 30 years. The current line-up includes original frontman David Johansen (aka Buster Poindexter) and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, along with guitarist Steve Conte, keyboardist Brian Koonin, bassist Sami Yaffa and drummer Brian Delaney. The album is due this Summer and a tour is being booked. But will they wear the silly make-up?

Gotta Get Some Sleep!

While perusing the latest "Health" magazine in line at the market, I found that 43% of adults say they're so tired it affects their day-to-day activities. Not only that, but 33% of adults would nap at work if they were permitted and the annual cost of lost productivity due to sleep loss is pegged at $18 billion! There were probably more amazing factoids in the article, but by then I was getting groggy and had to take a break from reading to catch a nap.

January 25, 2006

Guitarist Joe Strummer of The Clash would have been 54.

On this day in 1858, Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" was performed for the first time at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter.

On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their classic song, "Proud Mary." Like Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March," "Proud Mary" has been played at virtually every wedding since.

On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney was released from jail in Japan after serving nine days for possessing a half-pound of marijuana. Where did he go next? Why Amsterdam, of course!

On this day in 1992, U2's song "Mysterious Ways" hit #9.

Star Day For The Crüe

Mötley Crüe will receive the 2,301st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony this morning in front of the Musician's Institute. Let it RAWK DUDES!

U2's GRAMMY Duet

The rumors were true. U2 will perform with R&B star Mary J. Blige at the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8th. The collaboration likely will include a rendition of U2's "One"; a duet version of the song with Blige and Bono appears on her latest album.

Steely Tour?

True, Donald Fagen has set aside the early part of the year for a tour supporting his new solo album, "Morph the Cat." But he's not ruling out some late Summer dates with Steely Dan cohort Walter Becker. If the full Dan band dates happen, they'd be the first since Fall 2003. As for beginning work on a new Steely Dan album, Donald says, "Not until after the Summer, that's for sure. Walter is also working on his own solo album right now. He went into the studio a month or two ago, but I haven't heard any of it yet." Do you think he'll be surprised when he does?

Dylan Musical Opens

The Bob Dylan-inspired musical "The Times They Are A-Changin'" will have its world premiere at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego tonight. Famed choreographer Twyla Tharpe is among those behind the show, and is credited with conceiving the project as well as serving as its director and choreographer. This is Tharpe's second rock-based production. She also collaborated with Billy Joel on the musical "Movin' Out," for which she won a Tony Award for her choreography. By the way, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is scheduled to close in San Diego on March 12th. As producers usually say, they're planning to take the show to Broadway.

Stars Cars Sell Big

Cars once owned and driven by Elvis Presley, Alice Cooper and Sammy Hagar were among the thousands sold over last weekend at the 35th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Presley's 1960 Lincoln Mark V, with only 33,000 miles on it, sold for $556,200. Cooper's former car — a customized/hot rodded 1939 Lincoln Zephyr two-door coupe brought in $248,400. Hagar sold his 1967 Shelby GT500 for $270,000. And the beat goes on!

Heather's Talking

Heather Mills McCartney, Sir Paul's saucy wife, has been speaking freely to the British press this week. She's hit on everything from her abusive father to religion to seeing her bloody leg detached from her body in the accident that cost her the limb, not to mention her husband's affinity for pot and how she wouldn't marry him unless he gave it up. She says: "Him and Linda (McCartney) had smoked it every day for the whole of their lives together, but I would not get married to him if he was taking drugs. I hate it." No word on how Macca feels about it, but then he is a married man, isn't he?

The Biggest Roadster Show

Spectacular, innovative and radical. Are we talking about Uncle Joe or the Hot Rods?! Fans got a close-up of both at the Uncle Joe Meet & Greet during the 57th Annual Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona. The huge extravaganza featured 700 of the country's most spectacular, innovative and radical street rods, classic customs and motorcycles. Here's what it looked like.

January 26, 2006

Guitar God Eddie Van Halen is 51.
Acting God Paul Newman is 81.

On this day in 1970, John Lennon wrote and recorded "Instant Karma."

On this day in 1977, Peter Green, one of Fleetwood Mac's founding guitarists, was committed to an English mental home after he fired a pistol at a messenger trying to deliver a check for his Fleetwood Mac royalties.

On this day in 1997, ZZ Top, James Brown and the Blues Brothers performed during the Super Bowl XXXI halftime show. It was just as scary as it sounds.

On this day in 2003, Billy Joel was hospitalized for several hours after crashing his car into a tree in Sag Harbor, New York. He was released early the next morning.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Allman Brothers Band and more of Joe's conversation with Gregg Allman, drummer Butch Trucks and guitarist Warren Haynes.

Bruce's First Concert CD

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's first British concert was a legendary tour de force, performed before the release of their breakthrough album, "Born to Run." The stunning show's first "official" release came as a bonus DVD with last year's 30th anniversary reissue of "Born To Run." But on February 28th, "Hammersmith Odeon, London '75" will be released as a double-CD set — the first full concert performance from Springsteen and the band to be "officially" released. Rock & Roll!

New/Old Dead

Five Grateful Dead studio albums from the Seventies have been fully remastered for re-release. The 1973 album "Wake of the Flood," 1974's "From the Mars Hotel," 1975's "Blues for Allah," 1977's "Terrapin Station" and 1978's "Shakedown Street" are the latest titles in Rhino Records' Dead reissue series. Each album will contain the original tracks along with bonus studio outtakes and live cuts. All five CDs will hit stores on March 7th. Surviving members of the group, now performing collectively as The Dead, haven't said whether they'll tour in support of the reissues, but we can hope!

It's Pete's Mouth Again

Never known for subtly or candor, The Who's Pete Townshend has issued an apology to Bob Dylan, The Band and the legendary Ronnie Hawkins. Apparently some of Pete's comments in a recent "MOJO" magazine article came across more offensive than he meant them to be. In a letter sent to "MOJO" and posted on PeteTownshend.com, Pete calls The Band "one of the finest practitioners of modern music," and says neither The Band nor Dylan should be subject to "slurs I didn't intend to make." For as many words as Pete generates on a daily basis, you gotta wonder if anyone even noticed.

Macca's Log Cabin

Now he probably wishes he'd bought the whole damn place. Sir Paul McCartney has been ordered to tear down a log cabin on his estate in East Sussex, England. Even though the former Beatle said the two-bedroom dwelling provided extra "privacy, seclusion and security" from a public footpath that passed near his property, his neighbors claimed the building "harms the intrinsic landscape quality and character" of the area. In the end, the district's planning committee rejected Sir Paulie's request to allow the structure. Macca is expected to either submit an appeal or build a giant tepee.

Aerosmith Adds The Trick

Aerosmith has added 18 new gigs to the previously announced 14 date Rockin' the Joint tour. The new leg of the tour will feature Aerosmith's old buddies Cheap Trick replacing Lenny Kravitz as the opening act. Sorry, no new Southland dates are in the works.

Petty's Movie

If Neil Young can do it, why not Tom Petty? T.P. has enlisted esteemed director Peter Bogdonovich ("The Last Picture Show," "Mask") to help him put together a documentary about Petty's musical career. Bogdonovich has been shooting various Petty live shows in recent months and plans to mix the contemporary footage with vintage interviews and music videos. The release is targeted for November, the 30th anniversary of the release of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' self-titled debut album. Stay tuned!

Now Kids, Be Polite!

"Parents" magazine asked which polite behaviors parents would most like their two- or three-year-old to learn. Here are the responses:
* Being kind to playmates (42%)
* Sitting at the table for the duration of the meals (30%)
* Saying "please" and "thank you" (20%)
* Being polite when introduced to people (8%)

January 27, 2006

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have been 250.
Blues guitar legend Elmore James would have been 96.
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason is 63.
Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey and J. Geils Band keyboardist Seth Justman are both 55.

On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released six weeks after he'd been killed in a plane crash. Recorded just three days before he died, it became his only #1 hit.

On this day in 1971, David Bowie arrived in the United States for his first promotional tour. While he didn't perform any live dates, he did manage to raise a few eyebrows by wearing a gingham dress.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Allman Brothers Band and more of Joe's conversation with Gregg Allman, drummer Butch Trucks and guitarist Warren Haynes.

This Saturday night at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, the first installment of "A Look Back At The GRAMMYS" hosted by yer Uncle Joe Benson will feature interviews, acceptance speeches and stories from artists like Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Santana, The Rolling Stones and many more. Two separate two-hour programs will air on stations around the U.S. at various times over the next two weeks. (The second installment will air next Saturday evening at 7 on KLOS.) For those outside of Southern California, check your local listings for air times.

Felder's Benefit

Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder is organizing an all star benefit concert to help with the continuing recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina.  "Don Felder and Friends Rock Cerritos for Katrina" will take place at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts next Wednesday evening. So far, the line-up includes Alice Cooper, Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, Green Day drummer Tre Cool, No Doubt drummer Adrian Young and former Night Ranger frontman Jack Blades. Actor Dennis Quaid and comedian D.L. Hughley are also booked, and Cheech Marin (of Cheech & Chong fame) will emcee the event. Proceeds will support the relief funds established by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

More Playing

You can count on Bruce Springsteen to perform at the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8th. In addition, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will take part in a musical salute to the iconic Sly & The Family Stone. Who do you think will sign on next?

He's Organizing Fashion

Who else could have pulled this off? U2 frontman Bono has united with American Express and three fashion groups to introduce the new Product Red brand to raise funds to combat AIDS. During a news conference at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland yesterday, the Irishman introduced a new American Express Red Card with the slogan, "This card is designed to eliminate HIV in Africa." One percent of the money charged on the Red Card will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. As for the Product Red T-shirts, wraparound sunglasses and training shoes made from African mudcloth, Gap, Giorgio Armani and Converse will channel a portion of profits to the fund. The new Red Brand will be introduced in different markets at different times.

Finally: Keith's Chuck To DVD

The star-studded 1987 movie "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll" is finally headed to DVD. The concert film organized by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards showcased Chuck Berry's wild 60th birthday party/concert. Both the two-disc and four-disc editions will feature the original film, shot in St. Louis in 1986 with Eric Clapton among the guests on stage with Berry. Bonus extras include interviews with Berry, Bruce Springsteen, Roy Orbison, Little Richard, Bo Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis. The four-disc version will include a jam session between Berry, his keyboardist Johnnie Johnson, and Clapton, Richards and Etta James as well as additional interviews with rock pioneers and legends. Sorry — you'll have to wait for all this goodness until the DVD hits stores on June 27th.

Do We Really Need Another Musical?

First is was "Movin' Out," the dance-musical inspired by Billy Joel's music. For a minute or two, there was the lame Lennon musical. This week there's a dance production based on the music of Bruce Springsteen, his E Street wife, Patti Scialfa, and their bandmate Soozie Tyrell. If you want to see it, you better hurry — "Anytown: Stories of America" debuted Tuesday in New York and runs through Sunday.

Thursday afternoon: No "inside voices"
when Bobby Collins joined Uncle Joe
live on the KLOS Five O'Clock Funnies!

January 28, 2006

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his national television debut on "The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show" on CBS.

On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones recorded a five song demo with producer Glyn Johns, vainly hoping to interest a record label.

On this day in 1967, Buffalo Springfield released "For What It's Worth."

On this day in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made its first non-nightclub appearance opening for The Who at London's Saville Theater. No guitars were burned, but everyone had the time of their lives!

On this day in 1978, Van Halen unleashed "You Really Got Me," the first single from their self-titled debut album, and Kansas released "Dust In The Wind," the biggest song of their career.

On this day in 1978, the Doobie Brothers guest starred on What's Happening!!, yielding the infamous line, "Which Doobie you be?" Who said Seventies TV sitcoms lacked depth?

On this day in 1985, a Who's Who in the music world showed up at the legendary A&M Studios in Hollywood to "check their egos at the door" and record "We Are The World" to aid Ethiopian famine relief. The most casual of all was Bruce Springsteen, who parked his car in a public lot across the street and walked on in.

On this day in 2005, Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi died in London after a brief fight with stomach cancer at the age of 60.

January 29, 2006

On this day in 1977, the Eagles hit #1 with the "Hotel California" album, and the song "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith peaked at #10 on the charts.

On this day in 1979, Emerson, Lake & Palmer disbanded for the first time.

On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend. They split a year later.

On this day in 1992, blues great Willie Dixon died of heart failure in Burbank at the age of 76.

January 30, 2006

Jefferson Airplane's founder, Marty Balin, is 64.
Steve Marriott, the cheeky singer for the Small Faces and Humble Pie, would have been 59.
The multi-talented singer/drummer for Genesis, and uber-solo artist, Phil Collins, is 55.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles did their last public performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corp. Building in London. They played 42 minutes before the cops shut it down. A portion of that performance showed up in the "Let It Be" movie, another portion on the album. And you know, it was just as chilly that day in London as it is here this morning.

On this day in 1971, "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.

On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's recording of the Kris Kristofferson song "Me and Bobby McGee" was released (four months after her death from a heroin overdose). It soon became her only #1 hit.

On this day in 1973, KISS performed together for the first time in makeup at Queens' Popcorn Club. Guitarist Paul Stanley later said that the makeup was inspired by the New York Dolls' outrageous appearance.

On this day in 1982, blues guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins died from cancer in Houston at the age of 79.

On this day in 1988, Aerosmith's "Angel" broke into the Top 40.

On this day in 1998, Sir Elton John received his knighthood from the real Queen of England.

Felder's Benefit

Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder has organized an all star benefit concert to help with the continuing recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina.  "Don Felder and Friends Rock Cerritos for Katrina" will take place at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts this Wednesday evening. The line-up includes Alice Cooper, Stephen Stills, Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, Green Day drummer Tre Cool, No Doubt drummer Adrian Young and former Night Ranger frontman Jack Blades. Actor Dennis Quaid and comedian D.L. Hughley are also booked, and Cheech Marin (of Cheech & Chong fame) will emcee the event. Proceeds will support the relief funds established by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Les Paul In Concert

He may be 90, but Les Paul is coming to town for the GRAMMYS and he's going to play! The electric guitar/multi-track recording pioneer — who rarely travels outside New York — is nominated for a GRAMMY and has agreed to attend a special all-star event on February 7th at the Gibson Amphitheatre. The evening is shaping up as one of the world's greatest gatherings of guitarists, many of whom also contributed to Paul's 2005 album, "American Made World Played." Among those already signed to perform are Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Journey's Neal Schon, Toto's Steve Lukather, Buddy Guy, Merle Haggard, Alison Krauss, Joe Satriani and Edgar Winter. Proceeds from the "Les Paul & Friends: 90th Birthday Salute" will benefit A Place Called Home, an organization that helps at-risk youth. Tickets are on sale now, and the list of guitarists is going to grow!

Queen + Paul Finale?

First, the facts: Last October, Queen + Paul Rodgers released "Return Of The Champions," a live album and DVD recorded during their European tour last year. The band's North American tour begins on March 3rd in Miami, and plays 23 dates before wrapping up on April 13th in Vancouver. Now, even though Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor have talked about continuing to work with the former Bad Company/Free singer, Paul Rodgers says that he expects the upcoming Queen + Paul Rodgers tour to mark the end of their collaboration: "People will ask, but we have no plans beyond this U.S. and Canadian tour... There are no plans, but it's lots of maybes." Is that a straight-from-the-hip comment, a ploy to sell more tickets or notice that someone wants more money? Stay tuned!

Gilmour's Band

When Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour brings his mini-solo tour to town in April in support of his "On An Island" album, half of his band will look very familiar to Floyd fans. Among the musicians backing Dave are Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright, longtime Floyd touring bassist Guy Pratt and Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanara. Considering that both David Crosby and Graham Nash contributed backing vocals to David's album, do you think they'll make a special appearance at his Kodak Theatre or Gibson Amphitheatre shows?

Palmer's Mini-Tour

Former Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer is emerging from the shadows to do his first North American solo tour ever. The semi-reclusive progressive rocker, accompanied by guitarist Paul Bielatowicz and bassist Stuart Clayton, will perform instrumental reinterpretations of his old band's classic work during the "Carl Palmer Celebrates the Music of ELP" mini-tour. So far, the tour runs from a May 31st concert in Massachusetts through a June 11th performance in Milwaukee.

The World Is Changing

It was Chris Rock who said, "You know the world is changing when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is Chinese, the Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the U. S. of arrogance, Germany doesn't want to go to war, and the three most powerful men in America are named 'Bush', 'Dick', and 'Colon'." Right so, brother Chris, right so

Top 10 Mid-Winter Factoids

1. 75% of Americans want to change their bodies in some way, while only 13% say they'd want to change their intelligence.

2. Americans eat almost one million tons of potato chips each year.

3. The can opener was invented 44 years after canned food. In fact, until they came along, the thick-walled metal storage canisters had to be busted open with a hammer and chisel or bayonet.

4. If you pour a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death.

5. The 'spot' on 7UP comes from its inventor who had red eyes. He was albino.

6. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.

7. The 57 on Heinz ketchup bottles represents the varieties of pickles the company once had.

8. Coffee is the world's second largest item of international commerce. Petroleum is the first.

9. M&Ms are named after Frank Mars, the candy maker, and his business associate, Bruce Murrie.

10. The original lollypop (lollipop) was named after a racehorse, Lolly Pop, in the early 1900's.

January 31, 2006

Guitarist Terry Kath of Chicago would have been 60.
John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) of the Sex Pistols is a very cranky 50.

On this day in 1967, Jack Bruce of Cream and lyricist Peter Brown wrote "Sunshine Of Your Love" at about 5:30am ("It's getting near dawn...").

On this day in 1970, "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.

Floyd Say Forget It

Rumors of new collaborations between Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright have been cropping up on a regular basis ever since the quartet put aside their differences to perform at last Summer's Live 8 event. That show marked Waters' first stage appearance with Pink Floyd in nearly a quarter of a century. The most recent rumors surfaced in British tabloids over the weekend saying that the band would play several nights at London's Royal Albert Hall this Fall. But Gilmour immediately issued a statement declaring, "Nick, Richard, Roger and I are telling fans directly that this is not happening. We are also asking the various parties who are fabricating these stories to desist, if only for the sake of the fans." Considering that Pink Floyd has had at least one album on the American charts without interruption for 32 years, I think the group's popularity will keep those rumors going for a long time to come!

Richest Brits of '05

It's the usual suspects at the top of the list: U2 (while technically Irish, not British), Sir Elton John, The Rolling Stones and Sir Paul McCartney are among the top earning British rock and pop stars of 2005 according to "OK!" magazine. Other classic rockers in the Top 10 include Rod Stewart and the Osbourne family. Be warned, this is a Brit list so the figures are approximate and reflect "estimated" earnings for the year.
1. Coldplay: $65.4 million
2. U2: $61.9 million
3. Elton John: $53 million
4. The Rolling Stones: $49.5 million
5. Paul McCartney: $44.2 million

Cool Stuff/Cool Cause

The GRAMMY Foundation's charity online auction is open at eBay.com/GRAMMY now through February 16th. Memorabilia from artists like Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Anthony Kiedis, B.B. King, Paul McCartney and Tom Petty are up for sale. You can also win the chance to go on stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd and sing backup vocals on "Sweet Home Alabama!" All the proceeds will benefit the GRAMMY Foundation, established in 1989 to "cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture." Now, go on line and buy, buy, buy!

Macca's School Is Growing

England's Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, a school co-founded by Paul McCartney in 1996, may be going global. McCartney helped establish LIPA to train young people interested in the entertainment field, and word is that branches of the academy are close to opening in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. More Macca everywhere!

Cult Grows/Crows

So much for denials of a reunion! The Cult have officially confirmed a 20-date tour that starts in March and includes dates at the Key Club Morongo in Cabazon on March 5th and The Henry Fonda Theater in L.A. on March 7th. Without directly referencing the tension between himself and guitarist Billy Duffy that fueled the band's lengthy breaks, singer Ian Astbury has said that, "The eco-world cannot exist without its predators. Out in the wild it takes all types to make the system work. The Cult needs the world, the world needs The Cult. We never really go away — everything must have its season and our season is upon us again." Damn! No doubt that that boy has been working with former Doors' Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger!

Stolen Stones Strat Recovered

A Fender Stratocaster autographed by all five members of The Rolling Stones, sold for $13,000 in a fund raiser for an Australian charity for cancer-stricken children and then stolen from the charity's office, has just been recovered. Two weeks ago, the thief broke into the Challenge charity's Melbourne office and took the guitar signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Ron Wood. The instrument suffered chipping and damage, and Keith's signature was smudged by the thief's lousy guitar playing technique. The Stones will offer a replacement when they tour Australia in April, but the buyer still wants the original. As for the thief, authorities say "he is going to be charged. He is a serial offender." Do you suppose they'll smudge him?