March 11 - 20, 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!

March 11, 2006

On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton recorded an episode of "MTV Unplugged." The resulting album, released over Slowhand's objection, became the best-selling album of his career. Lesson learned: Don't expect your guitar gods to know retail.

On this day in 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney became Sir Paul McCartney at the hand of his Queen. Shortly afterward, Ringo Starr and George Harrison began referring to their former bandmate as "His Holiness."

March 12, 2006

Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship is 65.
Singer extraordinaire James Taylor is 58.
Keyboardist Billy Payne of Little Feat and Badfinger drummer Mike Gribbins are both 57.

On this day in 1969, Beatle Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman.

At 9:30pm on this day in 1971, the Allman Brothers Band began recording their legendary "At the Fillmore East" album.

On this day in 1974, John Lennon and fellow songwriter Harry Nilsson were thrown out of the Troubadour in West Hollywood for being far, far, far too drunk. The stories and photos in the press brought to a head Lennon's troubled life when he and Yoko Ono were separated.

On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle" peaked at #2, Bob Seger's "Night Moves" peaked at #4, and Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" topped out at #10.

Vacation Time

Unc's taking a well-deserved break following last week's broadcast of his KLOS afternoon show from all over the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean. Photos of the adventure will be posted shortly!

March 13, 2006

Bassist Adam Clayton of U2 is a well-dressed 46.

On this day in 1852, Uncle Sam first appeared in a political cartoon.

On this day in 1935, Donald Duck made his crotchety debut.

On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds to play the blues with John Mayall. (Six months later he left Mayall's band.)

On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You" entered the U.S. singles charts as The Beatles hit #1 with "Eight Days A Week."

On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first gig at London's legendary Marquee Club (previous home to The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds and The Who).

Remember how I mentioned yesterday that in 1970, the Allman Brothers Band began recording the gig that became their live "At the Fillmore East" album? It was around 3am on this day in 1970 that they finished playing.

On this day in 1971, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's song "Lucky Man" entered the charts where, a few weeks later, it peaked at #48.

On this day in 1976, the Eagles' "Take It To The Limit" peaked at #4 as "Love Hurts" by Nazareth topped out at #8 and Foghat's "Slow Ride" charted at #20.

On/Not On Stage Tonight

The induction ceremonies for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tonight at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York could demonstrate the most ill will of all time. To no one's surprise, the surviving members of the iconic Sex Pistols made it clear that they would not attend, comparing the Hall to "urine in wine." For years, Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath has been criticizing the Hall as "totally irrelevant." To no one's surprise, none of the Sabs will perform at the event. Two of the prime members of Blondie won't be included either. After they unsuccessfully sued for being left out of the group's big 1999 reunion, lead singer Deborah Harry declared that neither bassist Nigel Harrison or guitarist Frank Infante (in-FON-tay) would be at the event. This year's inductees also include jazz great Miles Davis (who passed away years ago) and Lynyrd Skynyrd, who will definitely perform live and kick some butt. VH1 will air highlights of the ceremony beginning on March 21st.

Rolling Stone Anoints U2 As Tops

"Rolling Stone" magazine's fifth-annual list of music's biggest moneymakers confirms that touring is where the money is. U2 topped the 2005 list, taking in an estimated $154.2 million by selling out over 100 arena and stadium shows around the world. The Irish band's manager, Paul McGuinness, said it best: "The music business has changed. Our recording income is not insignificant, but it's less than we make from touring. The figures used to be closer together." The Rolling Stones, whose '05 touring was limited to 40 U.S. dates, came in at second, earning $92.5 million. The Eagles were #3 with $63.2 million, Paul McCartney was #4 with $56 million and Elton John scored #5 with $48.9 million) while Rod Stewart landed at #8 with $40.3 million. Sources say that top artists make between 15% and 25% in royalties on album sales, while they can receive 85% to 90% from their ticket sales. Artists with lengthy histories out-gross their younger, more fashionable counterparts on the road because "People want to see artists that they've seen before and who they know," says Rod Stewart's manager. "They want a show where they're going to hear things that are signposts of their life and experience." And it doesn't hurt that mature fans have more disposable income.

Roger's Troubling Conundrum

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters isn't canceling his upcoming concert in Israel. The Palestinian Association for Contemporary Art sent the bassist/songwriter a letter asking him to scrap his June 22nd performance in Tel Aviv because of the barriers Israel has erected in the West Bank. While Waters has been critical of the barriers, he says the actions of the Israeli government won't keep him from traveling to the country to perform for his fans. He said, "I would not rule out going to Israel because I disapprove of the foreign policy any more than I would refuse to play in the U.K. because I disapprove of Tony Blair's foreign policy." Waters' European Summer tour will begin in Lisbon, Portugal on June 2nd. No North American tour dates have been booked yet, but you can plan on seeing him in the Southland this Fall.

New Model Cars

You can count on The New Cars to announce details of their long-rumored 2006 U.S. tour with Blondie at a news conference tomorrow in Los Angeles. They will also release a new single, "Not Tonight," and perform on NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno." The newest version of The Cars features two original members (guitarist Elliot Easton and synth player Greg Hawkes) plus singer/guitarist Todd Rundgren, bassist Kasim Sulton (from Rundgren's solo band, Utopia) and former Tubes drummer Prairie Prince. Ric Ocasek, The Cars' chief songwriter and vocalist on many of their hits, won't be part of the upcoming tour, though he reportedly has given the reunion his blessing.

Sturgis Will Rock

The annual Sturgis biker fest will really be rocking this year! Aerosmith, Sammy Hagar, Steve Miller and Cheap Trick are among those who are on the line-up for the Rock 'n Rally festival August 6th through 10th in Sturgis, South Dakota. Also on the bill are Steppenwolf, 38 Special, Foghat, REO Speedwagon, Georgia Satellites and Keith Urban. The festival organizers are currently building a venue for the show that could seat up to 60,000. No word if they fully expect the 60,000 bikers to tear the place apart afterwards.

Sunday's Race Report

After leading the most laps yesterday, former NASCAR Champion/California Speedway winner Matt Kenseth lost the NASCAR Nextel Cup UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 in the last few hundred feet to SoCal native Jimmie Johnson. It was a thrilling finish to a race that, up until then, had been deadly dull, even for Las Vegas. As for Johnson, with two wins and a second place in the first three races of the year, you could say he's definitely off to a strong start!

March 14, 2006

Quincy Jones, a true musical genius, is 73.
Saxophonist Walter Parazaider of Chicago is 61.

On this day in 1964, as The Beatles' cover of "Twist And Shout" entered the charts, Billboard magazine reported that the Fab Four's records made up 60% of the singles market.

On this day in 1981, Genesis singer/drummer Phil Collins' first solo album, "Face Value," entered the charts. It eventually sold over four million copies — more than any Genesis album to that date!

On this day in 1981, Eric Clapton was admitted to a St. Paul, Minnesota hospital after a serious attack of bleeding ulcers. He was forced to cancel a 60-date U.S. tour and eventually quit drinking.

Posing In The Hall

Except for the inductions of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miles Davis and A&M Records' Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, there wasn't much love in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies last night at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York from Blondie, Black Sabbath and The Sex Pistols.

Metallica's James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich gave a heartfelt introduction to Black Sabbath. Then Ozzy mumbled/whined about not getting selected for eight years and allowed Metallica to play a couple Sab classics with more passion than the original recordings.

Lynyrd Skynyrd entered the Hall with class — and an epic 12-minute version of "Freebird." The band was welcomed to the Hall by Kid Rock, who paid special tribute to late band members Ronnie Van Zant, Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins and Steve Gaines. Skynyrd first performed "Sweet Home Alabama" with Kid Rock, then launched into "Freebird."

Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson inducted Blondie into the Hall, causing guitarist Chris Stein to say, "Shirley, wow. That put dents in my cynicism," before going on to thank his bandmates. Then, in one of the most awkward moments in Rock Hall induction history, former members Frank Infante and Nigel Harrison used their portion of the acceptance speech to question why they weren't invited to perform.

The Sex Pistols thankfully made good on their promise to skip the ceremony.

An edited version of the 2006 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air on VH1 next Tuesday.

David Scores In U.K.

David Gilmour's third solo album, "On an Island," debuted at #1 on the U.K. album chart yesterday, becoming David's first chart-topper in his own name. It's also the first Pink Floyd-related #1 since the band's live set, "Pulse," hit the top in June 1995. The singer/guitarist and his band, which includes Floyd colleague Richard Wright and Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera, started a sold-out European tour Friday in Dortmund, Germany. They'll hit the Southland next month.

Deadbeat Psychic Weasels

A team of "renowned psychics" will attempt to make contact with the spirit of John Lennon during a séance in a 90-minute pay-per-view special debuting April 24th on the iN DEMAND network. "The Spirit of John Lennon" will include a spirit-channeling medium in India who will try to receive new music from the late Beatles star, a medium in New York attempting to reach Lennon's spirit in front of the site of his 1980 murder and former Lennon associates who will discuss the validity of the contact. Further proof that there is a special place in hell for certain types of vermin.

U2 Optimistic

During an Australian television interview yesterday, U2 frontman Bono said that the band will soon reschedule its recently canceled concerts. "[The] good news is... we are coming back, looks like November," the singer said. He again declined to reveal why the shows were nixed, although reports have speculated that the reason was because guitarist the Edge's daughter is battling leukemia. Besides Australia, U2 postponed gigs in New Zealand, Japan and Hawaii.

Mick/Chris/Dave/Ray

Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood, Yes bassist Chris Squire's side project the Syn and Dave Mason are among the artists who will perform tonight at a Los Angeles benefit show headlined by veteran songwriter Ray Kennedy. The gig will be filmed for the upcoming television pilot "In One Room With Ray Kennedy." Proceeds from the event will aid the Guitar Center Music Foundation, a charity that supports music education in public schools.

Going Racing

J.B. will be driving the Jim Sleeper-prepared Uncle Joe's Nissan 300ZX this weekend in the Cal-Club SCCA March Motor Madness road races at Buttonwillow Raceway north of Bakersfield. Neither Joe nor the car have turned a lap since last Summer's monster race at the California Speedway, so this should be interesting!

March 15, 2006

The Ides Of March Rock & Roll B-day Boys

Blues guitar legend Lightnin' Hopkins would have been 94.
Bassist Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead is 66.
Beach Boy Mike Love is 65.
Superflake Sly Stone is 63.
Legendary guitarist & producer Ry Cooder is 59.

On this day in 1975, The Doobie Brothers' "Black Water" hit #1 and ELO's "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" peaked at #9 as Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" broke into the Top 100 singles chart.

On this day in 1980, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Refugee" peaked at #15 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1986, The Rolling Stones' "Harlem Shuffle" and Van Halen's "Why Can't This Be Love" oth broke into the Top 40.

On this day in 1999, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

On this day in 2004, the late George Harrison, Traffic, ZZ Top, Bob Seger and Jackson Browne were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

A Picnic Concert!

With a name like "a picnic concert," you just know it has to be British! Eric Clapton, The Who's Roger Daltrey, Queen's Roger Taylor and one-time Pink Floyd bandmates Roger Waters and Nick Mason will make special guest appearances at a benefit "picnic concert" May 20th at Highclere Castle in Newbury, England. The big names will be special performers in the Band du Lac, a group featuring Procol Harum's Gary Brooker, Genesis' Mike Rutherford and former Squeeze member Paul Carrack. Proceeds from the show will aid the Countryside Alliance, a U.K. organization that promotes rural recreation. Yes, plenty of ale will be served, but there's no confirmation that Yogi Bear will be on site.

New Cars

It's official! The New Cars, fronted by Todd Rundgren, are really happening! The new group also features former Cars guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes, Utopia bassist Kasim Sulton and former Tubes drummer Prairie Prince. Rundgren says The New Cars are aware of the legacy the group must uphold. He says that the group is looking to, "pay homage to The Cars" while giving fans a chance to "re-experience" those songs in concert. The shows will include a mix of Cars hits and Rundgren's previous work as well as new material by the new band. The group will issue the album "The New Cars: It's Alive," a mix of new live recordings with previously unreleased studio tracks, on May 9th. Three days later they'll kick off their "Road Rage Tour 2006" with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Blondie somewhere in Texas or Mississippi. Your best chance to see them will be on May 20th at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City.

Trick/Aerosmith News

Cheap Trick will release their new album "Rockford," named after their home town, on June 6th. Word is that the collection of songs really rocks. Meanwhile, Aerosmith, the Trick's current tour-mates, canceled their fifth gig in a week. Unofficial word is that Steven Tyler's unspecified health problems are the reason for the cancelations. Gosh, kinda sounds like the old days, doesn't it?

Ray Saunters Into Town

Ray Davies of The Kinks is headed to Austin, Texas for the annual South by Southwest music festival/conference. He's scheduled to show clips from a movie he's working on about New Orleans, play a few songs for whoever will listen and then do a question-and-answer session with conference attendees. Ray is currently on a casual tour behind his first solo album, "Other People's Lives."

Return Of The Sting

Sting will resume his Broken Music tour this Spring. The '05 version of the tour saw the singing jazzer stripping his band down to a four-piece setup and revisiting Police material he hadn't performed in years. The new mini-tour will begin at the Rock in Rio Festival in Lisbon on June 4th and run through a July 26th Moscow gig. The coolest news about the shows is that Paul McCartney's touring drummer, Abe Laboriel Jr., will be joining the Stinger on stage. No word if Abe will also be part of Sting's previously announced April 29th appearance at the annual Tiger Jam in Las Vegas, but we can all hope so!

March 16, 2006

Nancy Wilson of Heart is 52.

On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd began recording their debut album, "Piper at the Gates of Dawn," at Abbey Road studios.

On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" hit #1 on the singles chart just over three months after his death in a plane crash.

On this day in 1991, Van Halen's Eddie Van Halen and wife Valerie Bertinelli became parents to son Wolfgang.

On this day in 1991, Styx's "Show Me The Way" peaked at #3 on the singles chart.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Doobie Brothers as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist/singers Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston, singer keyboardist Michael McDonald and drummer Keith Knudsen.

What's Wrong With Aerosmith?

Aerosmith launched the second half of its Rockin' the Joint tour earlier this month, but so far has only played one of the last six scheduled shows. The group has cancelled performances in Pensacola, Florida; Lexington, Kentucky; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Hershey and Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania as well as tomorrow night's East Lansing, Michigan show. On top of that, none of the shows will be rescheduled. While stories have circulated that frontman Steven Tyler has been sick, no one from the band is talking. Health permitting, Aerosmith and Cheap Trick's next show will be in Montreal on Sunday.

Top 10 For Dave

It's a Top 10 for your 60th, Mr. G.! Pink Floyd singer/guitarist David Gilmour new solo album, "On an Island," debuted at #6 on the "Billboard" charts this week. Across the ocean, David's third solo release in 30 years debuted at #1 in the United Kingdom, Italy and Norway!

A Queenly Making-Of

Next up in the Classic Albums DVD series will be an in-depth look behind-the-scenes at the recording of Queen's first platinum album, 1975's "A Night At The Opera." The DVD will contain a thorough cut-by-cut run through of all 12 tracks, a new interview with Brian May, archival performance footage, interviews with Freddie Mercury as well as brand new acoustic performances of "'39" and "Love Of My Life" by May and a special drum and acoustic demonstration of "I'm In Love With My Car" by Roger Taylor. The "Queen: The Making of A Night At The Opera" DVD will hit shelves next Tuesday.

New/Old Grand Funk

A remastered version of Grand Funk Railroad's "Greatest Hits" will be out on April 4th. The new package will feature new liner notes and a slightly different track listing from the trio's "Classic Masters" compilation, which is now out of print. The reconstituted Grand Funk has 11 appearances booked between March 23rd and October 1st, with a stop at the L.A. County Fair likely to happen around September 29th.

Blind Faith DVD

We waited 35 years for this? Guitar god Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker of Cream, singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood of Traffic and bassist/violinist Ric Grech of Family formed one of Britain's first super-groups in 1969. Calling themselves Blind Faith, the group was doomed from the start by inept management. But lo and behold, 35 years after the fact, a DVD documenting the short-lived band's concert debut in Hyde Park will be released in the U.K. on April 10th and Stateside one month later. And a short debut it was: "London Hyde Park 1969" features Blind Faith's entire 40-minute set, as well as archival footage of the band members performing with their pre-Blind Faith groups, including the Spencer Davis Group.

Sad Situation For Phil

Former Genesis singer/drummer Phil Collins has separated from his wife, Orianne. The two will keep residences in Switzerland so he can remain close to his young sons. Collins and Orianne Cevey tied the knot in July 1999, in what was the workaholic pop star's third marriage. Their son Nicholas will turn five next month, while Matthew celebrated his first birthday in December.

March 17, 2006

Jefferson Airplane/Starship founding member/guitarist Paul Kantner is 65.

Guitarist Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy is 55. (Note: The band was Irish, but Scott was from Santa Monica.)

Guitarist/pseudo-singer Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins fame is 39.

On this day in 1967, The Grateful Dead released its self-titled debut album but no one outside of San Francisco knew what to do with it.

On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" album entered the American charts. Little did anyone know of the impact it would have.

On this day in 1973, The Moody Blues' "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)" peaked at #12 on the pop singles chart.

On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive released the "Bachman Turner Overdrive 2" album featuring "Let It Roll" and "Takin' Care of Business."

On this day in 1979, Bad Company released the song "Rock & Roll Fantasy" and Styx released "Renegade."

On this day in 1990, former Traffic and Blind Faith bassist Rick Grech died of a drug overdose at the age of 43.

Rock Star II

True, it worked for INXS — but they already had a very deep catalogue of great rock songs. Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke have formed a new band, Supernova, and will use the CBS reality show "Rock Star" to find a lead singer. The show will premiere this Summer. Once a singer has been selected, Supernova will hit the studio to record an album that will be released in the Fall. A world tour will follow in early 2007. Guitarist Dave Navarro and actress Brooke Burns will return as the show's hosts. Wonder if they thought of auditioning a songwriter?

Dusty Plays The Cards

ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill will be playing in the upcoming "Rock-n-Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament" on VH1 Classic. The event will pit six rockers against one another in a charity card match at Harrah's Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The winner gets to choose the organization that'll receive the winnings, serve as a VH1 Classic programmer for a day and appear as an on-air host. He or she will also receive a seat in the North American Poker Tour Invitational in L.A. this September. You can look for the VH1 show to debut in June.

A Stones Auction For Kids

Talk about a wide price range — a customized Mercedes-Benz R-Class and a Fender Telecaster guitar, both autographed by The Rolling Stones, will be auctioned off online to raise money for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentoring program. The distinctively designed luxury automobile boasts a Stones-themed paint job and seats bearing the band's lips-and-tongue logo, among many other special features. Both items will be up for bid on eBay from April 10th through April 20th.

Ringo's Latest

Former Beatle Ringo Starr has recruited Billy Squier, Edgar Winter and Zombies/Argent keyboardist Rod Argent for the ninth installment of the All Starr Band tour. The group will also include Richard Marx and Sheila E. for a series of North American dates that should start with a June 14th concert in Canada. Stay tuned for the full itinerary!

The Latest Floydian Twist

Even though Roger Waters once fired Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright from the band, Roger has asked Rick to join him and Floyd drummer Nick Mason at his July 14th performance of "The Dark Side of the Moon" in Nevers, France. Do you think that he's surprised that so far there has been no reply?

St. Patty's Factoids

In 461, St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, died. He was originally a pig farmer in England who was carried off to Ireland as a slave. Once there, he introduced Christianity to Ireland. The actual date of his death was uncertain. Historians knew it was either March 8th or 9th, so as a compromise, they added the dates together, making the 17th the official holiday date.

Legend has it that Saint Patrick was responsible for driving out all the snakes from Ireland by beating on his drum, thereby banishing snakes forever from the country. Of course, since the snake was an important symbol of paganism, this might be a more figurative tale than what actually transpired, symbolizing Saint Patrick's mission of ridding Ireland of paganism.

The truth is, St. Patrick wasn't Irish, he was British. And his color wasn't green, it was blue. Some historians think that there actually might have been TWO Saint Patricks, but neither of them looked like Bono or wore sunglasses like his. As they say in Dublin, right so and slainte (slan-cha)!

March 18, 2006

Drummer John Hartman of the Doobie Brothers is 56.

On this day in 1965, a British gas station owner refused to let The Rolling Stones use his facilities. So the long-haired hooligans took the matter into their own hands, and were arrested for urinating in public. Well after the publicity died down, Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards and bassist Bill Wyman were fined $8 each.

On this day in 1972, Neil Young topped the charts with "Heart of Gold," his only solo single to break into the Top 30.

On this day in 1978, California Jam 2 drew an estimated 250,000 fans to the Ontario Motor Speedway (the site were the Ontario Mills Outlet Mall is now located). Santana, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent and Foreigner headlined, and a live double album was issued later that Fall. To further commemorate the event, the Inland Empire birth rate spiked in December 1978.

March 19, 2006

On this day in 1974, the revamped Jefferson Airplane began their first tour under the name Jefferson Starship. The line-up included singer/guitarist Paul Kantner, singer Grace Slick, drummer Johnny Barbata, keyboardist David Freiberg, bassist Peter Kaukonen, guitarist Craig Chaquico and violinist Papa John Creach.

On this day in 1976, Free guitarist Paul Kossoff died on a London-to-New York plane flight of a heart attack. The 26-year-old had been troubled with heart disease most of his life.

On this day in 1982, 25-year-old Southern California guitar legend Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane crash while touring with Ozzy Osbourne.

On this day in 1983, U2's album "War" made its first appearance in the American charts. But the Irish band had to wait until 1987 to score a major hit song in the U.S., when "With Or Without You" reached #1.

March 20, 2006

Drumming legend Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 56.
Blues guitarist Jimmy Vaughan is 55.

On this day in 1964, John Lennon's first book, "In His Own Write," was published.

On this day in 1968, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Richie Furay and Jim Messina were arrested at a private residence in Los Angeles and charged with "being in a place where it is suspected marijuana is being used." While the others had to pay small fines for the misdemeanor, Clapton (the world's reigning guitar god), was found innocent.

On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married at the Rock of Gibraltar.

On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's "Me And Bobby McGee" hit #1 on the pop singles chart.

On this day in 1972, T. Rex released the "Electric Warrior" album, which included the hit "Bang A Gong (Get It On.)"

On this day in 1982, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'N Roll" hit #1 on the pop singles charts for the first of seven weeks.

On this day in 1991, Eric Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, fell to his death from a 53rd story window in midtown Manhattan. The song "Tears in Heaven" was written in his memory.

New/New Who

Pete Townshend says The Who will release an 11-minute-long "maxi-single" in June that will feature music from their next album — a mini-opera callled "The Glass Household." The project was inspired by Pete's serialized novella "The Boy Who Heard Music," which he has been posting on his web site for several months. So far, the Pete-ster's "completed 10 songs [for "Household"], two of which [are] full length and quite complex, the rest shorter, punchier or simple and ballad-like." An excited Roger Daltrey describes the songs as "about spirit and emotion," and identified "Black Widow's Eyes" as a "haunting" song about the Stockholm syndrome. The singer says he's amazed at the volume of material Townshend has produced and how driven the guitarist seems to be at the present, adding, "I've always felt that he was the kind of writer who would write his best stuff at the age he is now. His skills have caught up with his intellect." Rock on!

What's Wrong With Aerosmith, #9

Aerosmith has cancelled another show! The group was supposed to play in Montreal last night, but the show was scrapped. While no official reason has been given, stories have been circulating that frontman Steven Tyler is battling a lingering throat ailment. The Boston-based band launched the second leg of its North American tour with Cheap Trick in Florida on March 2nd. Every show since then has been cancelled. While we're all getting a little concerned for Steven, how much do you think this is costing Cheap Trick?

New Petty Getting Close

Tom Petty is planning on a June release for his new solo album, "Highway Companion." He says the album is "a really nice collection of songs [that has] an underlying theme of time and what it does to you." Tom and his band The Heartbreakers will tour extensively this year, with dates concentrated in the June-July and September-October time frames. They'll be doing a bunch of shows with Pearl Jam as well as some with John Mayer and The Strokes, among others. Director Peter Bogdonavich is also following T.P. around for a film due later this year. Sounds like T.P.'s a busy, busy guy!

Eric's Unconfirmed

First, the facts: Eric Clapton — the guy who announced he was retiring from touring just a couple of years ago — starts a full European tour on May 5th. And his late Summer/early Fall U.S. tour hasn't even been announced or confirmed yet. But we know his band will feature Allman Brothers Band guitar whiz Derek Trucks! Stand by for more unconfirmed details!

More New/Old Beatles

April 11th is the date for the release of The Beatles' "Capitol Albums Volume 2," the companion to a 2004 collection that featured the group's first four U.S. album releases. The new edition sports "The Early Beatles," "Beatles VI," the "Help!" soundtrack and the American pressing of "Rubber Soul," all of which were originally released in 1965. As with the first boxed set, each song is presented in both stereo and mono mixes — and of the 92 individual tracks, 82 are appearing in versions previously unreleased on CD. "The Early Beatles" boasts the stereo debut of "Twist and Shout," "Please Please Me" and "A Taste of Honey," as well as the first CD appearances of the 1963 simulated stereo mixes of "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You." The "Help!" soundtrack includes five instrumentals from the film, plus five of George Martin's original 1965 stereo mixes. "Rubber Soul" also offers the first CD appearance of Martin's 1965 stereo mixes. Rock On!