 March 21 - 31, 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! March 21, 2006
Keyboardist J.S. Bach would have been 321. 
On this day in 1961, The Beatles played Liverpool's Cavern Club for the first time. On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "She Loves You" hit #1 as "I Saw Her Standing There" peaked at #14. So what did you accomplish today? On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their famous "bed-in" at The Amsterdam Hilton (later referred to in The Beatles song "Old Brown Shoe"). On this day in 1970, The Beatles "Let It Be" debuted at #6 as "Evil Ways" by Santana peaked at #9 and The Guess Who's "American Woman" entered the singles charts. On this day in 1980, Bob Seger's "Against the Wind" album hit #1. On this day in 1981, REO Speedwagon's "Keep On Lovin' You" hit #1, John Lennon's "Woman" peaked at #2 and Styx's "The Best Of Times" topped out at #3 on the pop singles chart. On this day in 1983, Pink Floyd released "The Final Cut," the last album of new studio material that featured Roger Waters. On this day in 1986, The Rolling Stones released their "Dirty Work" album. On this day in 1987, U2's "With Or Without You" entered the charts. On this day in 1991, Leo Fender, the inventor of the electric guitar, died at home at the age of 81. On this day in 1994, Bruce Springsteen won the Best Song Oscar for his "Streets of Philadelphia" from the movie "Philadelphia." It was the first song Springsteen had written specifically for a film. 
Ray Cancels/UnveilsThough he pulled out of his scheduled Thursday night concert, Kinks leader Ray Davies premiered footage from his documentary, "Other People's Lives," and played some songs from his new solo album of the same name during a South by Southwest presentation on Friday in Austin, Texas. Interspersing film clips and live songs, Davies presented a narrative about the eight-year path he took in making the album, including an arduous North American tour shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001 and a move to New Orleans, where he was shot by a mugger in January 2004. Ray said he hopes to finish the film soon and premiere it on television rather than in theaters. Why No V.H. In Hall?In a recent Japanese interview, Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony admits to being a little puzzled that the group hasn't been voted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame yet. "Maybe [they] are looking at the drama that this band has gone through and figured, 'Well, they don't deserve it yet'." You'll be able to see Michael playing with Sammy Hagar in their project band The Other Half on June 3rd at Glen Helen. Big Charity AuctionRare memorabilia from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Van Halen and many others will be up for bid on April 1st in a benefit for the cancer treatment center at Phoenix Children's Hospital. The "From Beatles to Zeppelin" auction features more than 200 items, including autographed albums, artist-used guitars and original artwork and photographs. The lots are on display at the Rock Star Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. Visit http://CBTechLive.com for more details. Jerry/Jimi/Neil On TVJerry Garcia's life story will be featured tonight on the Biography Channel's "Rock Icons Week." The focus shifts to Jimi Hendrix tomorrow night and Neil Young on Thursday. They should all be interesting no matter how sanitized they may be! Howe Gets BusyNo Southland dates are scheduled, but Yes guitarist Steve Howe will do a series of Stateside solo gigs next month. Meanwhile, Steve is selling a couple of really cool guitars from his private collection through an online auction at http://stevehowe.com. In other news, Yes drummer Alan White's side project White will release a self-titled debut album on April 18th.  Quote Of The WeekIt was the immortal Frank Zappa who said: "There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life." Random Animal Factoids* Cats can hear ultrasound. * An elephant may consume 500 pounds of hay and 60 gallons of water in a single day. * A giraffe can clean its ears with its tongue. (Easy there pal — I said a giraffe!) March 22, 2006
Emmy Award-winning actor William Shatner is 75.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan released his "Bringing It All Back Home" album, which contained his first electric guitar driven rock. Oh, the scandal! On this day in 1967, The Who played their first live gig in America, a 20-minute set at New York's Paramount Theater. On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti" was the #1 album in the United States. On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones began working in Munich, Germany on what eventually became the "Black and Blue" album. On this day in 1986, Heart's "These Dreams" hit #1 on the singles chart. On this day in 2005, Foghat guitarist Rod Price died after suffering a heart attack and falling down a stairway in his home. He was only 57.
Here's What's Wrong With AerosmithNow it's official. After playing the opening gig of the tour and then canceling the next nine, Aerosmith has officially cancelled the second leg of its North American tour with Cheap Trick. Word is that singer Steven Tyler, who turns 58 on Sunday, will undergo throat surgery this week and be unable to sing for two to three months following the operation. Other than to say Steven doesn't have cancer, the band's management has declined to elaborate on his condition. Stones Serve One Millionth Japanese FanWhen The Rolling Stones complete a two-night stand at the Tokyo Dome this week, they will have played for a total of over one million fans in the Japanese venue. Though they started performing live in 1962, The Stones have only been playing in Japan since 1990. This week's gigs will be The Rolling Stones 22nd and 23rd at the Tokyo Dome — the most shows ever for the band at a single venue! The boys' two-week tour of Japan will be followed by a trip to Shanghai for their first-ever concert in mainland China on April 8th. Ringo's Coming To TownFormer Beatle Ringo Starr's ninth All Starr tour this Summer will stop at the Gibson Amphitheatre on June 24th, the Fantasy Springs Casino in Palm Springs on June 25th and the Pala Casino in Temecula on June 28th. This year's All Starr band includes vocalist Richard Marx, guitarist Billy Squier and Zombies/Argent keyboardist Rod Argent along with longtime Starr collaborators Mark Hudson, Edgar Winter and Sheila E. Styx/OrchestraIs it a one-off or a testing of the orchestral waters? Styx will perform with Cleveland's Contemporary Youth Orchestra on May 25th at the famed Blossom Music Center outside of Cleveland. In announcing that the orchestra will be learning Styx songs for the show, guitarist/singer James "J.Y." Young said: "The 2006 Styx line-up... has found a way to put the fun back in dysfunction. It's going to be a night of powerful music and powerful fun." Jimi/Neil On TVJimi Hendrix's life story will be featured tonight on the Biography Channel's "Rock Icons Week." The focus shifts to Neil Young tomorrow night. Both shows should be interesting to see no matter how sanitized they may be! Most Adventuresome Sex
The New Sex Institute claims to have conducted a five-year study to determine the most sexually adventurous states in the country. Well, you knew someone was going to do it eventually. Not that you'd necessarily want to commingle with residents from some of these places, here are the Top 10 Most Adventuresome: March 23, 2006
Singer/guitarist Ric Ocasek of The Cars is 57.
On this day 1958, George Harrison first played on stage with John Lennon and Paul McCartney as a member of the pre-Beatles group The Quarry Men (sometimes listed as The Quarrymen). They played at the cellar club called The Morgue in Broadgreen. On this day 1963, the Beach Boys released the single "Surfin' U.S.A." On this day 1979, Van Halen released their "Van Halen II" album. On this day 1983, ZZ Top released their most successful album, "Eliminator."  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of John Mellencamp as well as conversation with John and drummer Kenny Aronoff.
David In Environmentally Friendly 5.1David Gilmour will issue his new solo album, "On an Island," in the 5.1 Surround Sound format after his current mini-tour and his Summer holiday are over. On the goods-for-the-earth front, Columbia Records says that David's album is the first one they've issued under the environmentally friendly CarbonNeutral guidelines, which means the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the manufacture of the CD is balanced out by the reforestation or by implementation of energy-saving technologies. Future Forest, the CarbonNeutral program, evaluates what it takes to counteract the amount of carbon dioxide created by production of the CD and then puts money towards environmental preservation initiatives. How cool is that?!? The Trick ReboundsWhile Cheap Trick may have taken it in the shorts when Aerosmith was forced to cancel their tour with the Trick due to Steven Tyler's throat problems, the boys from Rockford are rebounding. Among the first Cheap Trick headlining tour dates to be announced are April 24th and 25th shows at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Rock on! Paul + Queen/No QueenBad Company's Paul Rodgers will follow his current North American tour fronting the Queen + Paul Rodgers with a handful of solo engagements. Paul says that although there are no official plans to record new material with Queen, "there's always the potential." Neil On TVOh Canada! The focus of the Biography Channel's "Rock Icons Week" shifts to Neil Young tonight. March 24, 2006
Bassist Dougie Thompson of Supertramp is 55.
On this day in 1962, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first performed together in public as Little Boy Blue & the Blue Boys. Can't imagine why that name didn't stick. On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" album entered the charts both in Britain and Stateside. It stayed on the U.S. "Billboard" album chart for over 700 weeks. On this day in 1974, The Doobie Brothers released their "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits" album, featuring the hit "Black Water."
On Stage TonightThe Pretenders wrap up their Southland concert dates at the House Of Blues in Anaheim tonight. Graham & Jim PlayGraham Nash and Jim Messina of Loggins & Messina are teaming up for a benefit concert for the Algalita Marine Research Foundation and Watershed Expo 2006 tonight. The acoustic performance will take place at the Playhouse Theater in the Hermosa Beach Community Center in Hermosa Beach. The two will also take part in a fundraising reception after the show. Based in Long Beach, the Algalita Marine Research Foundation works to preserve aquatic environments. The two-day Watershed Expo 2006, a free educational event about the role of watersheds in the ecosystem, opens today at the Hermosa Beach Community Center. Jones Biopic Opens"Stoned," the new movie dramatizing the life and death of founding Rolling Stones member Brian Jones, is opening in select theaters today. The long-in-production film delves into Jones' turbulent life, which was fraught with drug abuse, indiscriminate sexual encounters and intra-band fighting. When frontmen Mick Jagger and Keith Richards eventually kicked Jones out of the group, it was Richards who told him. They also brought drummer Charlie Watts with them to deliver the news, figuring that Jones was much less likely to throw a punch at Watts because he respected him as an older, wiser, jazz musician. Less than a month after his ouster from the group, Jones was discovered dead in his swimming pool at his home in England. He was 27 years old. Oops — hope I didn't blow the ending of the film for you! Elty's LatestPreviews for "Lestat," the latest Broadway musical from Elton John and his first done in collaboration with his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, will begin tomorrow on Sir Elty's 59th birthday. The theatrical interpretation of Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" had its world premiere in San Francisco in December, and ended that six-week run to bad reviews from both critics and theatergoers. The negative critiques caused producers to postpone the Broadway staging by two weeks to revamp the project. A charity performance of "Lestat" will be held on April 17th, and the show will formally open on Broadway on April 25th. Meanwhile, Elton has added about two-dozen new dates for his Las Vegas-based production, "The Red Piano," beginning on March 28th and running through October. The Vegas show was initially set to have 75 performances in three years, but proved so popular than John has agreed to do more a lot more shows each year through 2008. More StyxStyx has added a couple of Southland dates to their ever-growing Summer tour. You'll be able to see the boys at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar on June 23rd and the Key Club at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon on Sunday June 25th. Coop's Guitarist GoneLongtime Alice Cooper guitarist Ryan Roxie has left the band to take more time to be with his family. When Alice begins his new tour on May 1st, Roxie will be replaced by Keri Kelli, a former member of Slash's Snakepit. Factoid of the WeekendIn ancient Egypt (3,000 years ago), a smooth and hairless body was the standard of beauty for men as well as women. Now you know. March 25, 2006
Soul goddess Aretha Franklin is 64.
On this day in 1960, Roy Orbison recorded "Only the Lonely" and Ray Charles recorded "Georgia on My Mind." So, what have you done today? On this day in 1967, The Doors' incredible debut album entered the charts. March 26, 2006
Vocalist Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and keyboardist Richard Tandy of the Electric Light Orchestra are both 58.
On this day in 1965, Jeff Beck, as recommended by Jimmy Page, officially replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds. Thus did The Yardbirds encompass the holy trinity of British rock guitar gods (and who knew that they all grew up within 15 miles of each other!). On this day in 1975, The Who's film "Tommy," directed by Ken Russell, debuted in London. March 27, 2006
Keyboardist Tony Banks of Genesis is 56.
On this day in 1965, "The Last Time" by The Rolling Stones and The Who's classic "I Can't Explain" both entered the charts. Good Lord! On this day in 1971, "What Is Life" by George Harrison peaked at #10 on the singles charts. On this day in 1979, Eric Clapton finally married George Harrison's ex-wife, Patti Boyd, in Tucson, Arizona. On this day in 1981, the album "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" by AC/DC was finally released in the States. On this day in 1986, Sammy Hagar played his first gig with Van Halen. On this day in 1987, U2 filmed the "rooftop" video for "Where The Streets Have No Name" in downtown Los Angeles.
On Stage TonightDonald Fagan plays the Wiltern LG tonight. Carlos Does The BowlCarlos Santana isn't touring the States this Spring or Summer, but he will headline opening night of the Hollywood Bowl's Summer concert season on June 23rd. Also on the bill for that auspicious occasion are the renowned classical pianist Andre Watts and the percussion performance artists Blue Man Group. Wonder if Carlos has ever played the blues while painted blue? Pagey Wins AnotherGuitar god Jimmy Page has taken the top honors in "Total Guitar" magazine's list of "Ultimate Guitar Solos." Readers of the British publication (the best selling guitar magazine in all of Europe) picked Jimmy's work in Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" as the best solo of all time. The "Total Guitar" editor says that the choice isn't surprising because the guitar work in the song is, "brilliantly structured." Other guitar solos to make the list include Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption," Jimi Hendrix's workout in "Voodoo Child," Don Felder and Joe Walsh's dueling leads in the Eagles' "Hotel California" and Brian May's classic in Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Allmans Peakin'While fans of the Allman Brothers Band have long treasured its annual residency at New York's Beacon Theatre, they might remember this year's stand as the best yet. Since opening the 14-night stand on March 9th with an appearance by longtime Howlin' Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin, the Allmans have welcomed a parade of guests, including Taj Mahal, Mountain's Leslie West, former ABB/current Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell and jazzman Bernard Purdie. On March 13th, exactly 35 years after the recording of the band's legendary album "At Fillmore East," the Allmans upped the ante and performed that album's set in its entirety and then came back for a second lengthy jamming set. They boys wrapped their Beacon stand with a special guest appearance by blues guitarist John Hammond, not the heavily rumored Eric Clapton, but the raves are still reverberating! Do you think they'll release a special DVD of the highlights? Rodgers Is BookingWith the Queen + Paul Rodgers tour finishing on April 13th in Vancouver, Paul is lining up dates for his solo band. You can plan on a fresh dose of Bad Company classics on June 11th at the Key Club At Morongo in Cabazon. Fantasy Camp Goes EastLooking for a little East Coast action? Here's the line-up for this Summer's New York City Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp: Jon Anderson of Yes, George Thorogood, Levon Helm of The Band, blues virtuoso Dr. John, guitar god Joe Satriani and drummer Max Weinberg of E Street Band fame. Those renowned musicians will join Fantasy Camp regulars Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke and Michael Lardie of Great White August 13th through the 17th. The Camp finale battle of the bands will take place at B.B. King's N.Y.C. nightclub. Registration info is available at http://RockandRollFantasyCamp.com. Quote Of The WeekIt was Wyatt Earp who said: "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything." Factoid of the WeekAntarctica is the only continent without reptiles or snakes. One could only assume that this indicates a total lack of commercial radio. March 28, 2006
Keyboardist John Evan, whose odd little blues group later struck fame and fortune as Jethro Tull, is 58.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles released the single "Can't Buy Me Love" backed with "You Can't Do That." On this day in 1967, Van Morrison recorded the song "Brown Eyed Girl" in two or three takes at A&R Studios in New York. On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's cover of Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock" entered the charts as John Lennon's "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)" peaked at #3. On this day in 1973, Led Zeppelin released the classic "Houses of the Holy" album. On this day in 1981, John Lennon's "Watching The Wheels" entered the singles charts. On this day in 1986, Bob Seger released his "Like A Rock" album. On this day in 1992, "Tears in Heaven," the song Eric Clapton wrote for his late son, peaked at #2 on the singles chart almost a year to the day the four-year-old died. On this day in 1996, singer/drummer Phil Collins announced he was leaving Genesis. In an interesting twist, his announcement came 20 years to the day of his live debut replacing Peter Gabriel as Genesis' singer.
Helping Out With A Ticket AuctionTickets for concerts by a variety of artists will be auctioned off to benefit the Music Rising campaign to replace instruments and equipment lost by Gulf Coast musicians in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The initiative was co-founded by U2 guitarist The Edge, producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar chairman Henry Juszkiewicz. The ticket auction will run throughout the month of April. Fans can bid on premium tickets to more than 80 concerts, including Queensryche, Nine Inch Nails, Def Leppard/Journey, New Cars/Blondie, Melissa Etheridge, Sammy Hagar and many others. Most auctions will also include an Epiphone guitar, provided by Gibson, autographed by one or more of the show's performing artists. New auctions are expected to launch each Saturday throughout the month of April. Fans can visit Ticketmaster.com for information about the auctions. Invest Like MaccaTaking a lesson from Sir Paul McCartney on investing in what you know, Bono's private equity company Elevation Partners is in the running for ownership of a stake of the Nirvana catalog. Kurt Cobain's widow, the infamous Courtney Love, currently owns all the rights to the music, which is worth more than $100 million. Courtney is selling a 25% share because she feels that the full responsibility of the songs has been too much. Bono's group may be in for some stiff competition: the Sanctuary music group and Chrysalis media group are also in the running. John's NotebookA 10-page school exercise book hand-illustrated by a 12-year-old John Lennon is expected to sell for around $175,000 during an April 19th Cooper Owen auction in London. Other items of Beatles-related memorabilia include John's personal logbook from a 1980 trip to Bermuda and his christening bracelet. Def/JourneyAs rumored, Journey will be co-headlining with Def Leppard this Summer. The current schedule has the boys starting in New Jersey on June 23rd and finishing 10 weeks later in Seattle. There are no Southland dates — yet. What Sleep?In a new survey on sleep, 34% of Americans say the quality of their sleep was better five years ago. Among the other findings: 29% of women say they prefer to get a good night's sleep over finding $50 in a coat pocket, which was picked by 26%. Another 20% of the women prefer "romance," 17% prefer receiving a massage and 12% say they would rather enjoy a good meal. Of the men polled, 33% say they prefer "romance," but getting a good night's sleep came in second. 19% of men would rather find a $50 bill in a coat pocket, 12% would rather enjoy a good meal and 8% say they would prefer a massage. 49% prefer a medium pillow; 29% want a soft pillow and 20% a firm one. 73% of men and 62% percent of women prefer to sleep with someone and 31% have a pet that sleeps with them regularly. March 29, 2006
Vocalist Bobby Kimball of Toto is 59.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles began recording one of their most famous songs at Abbey Road Studios in London under the working title of "Bad Finger Boogie" — by the time it was completed, it was known as "With A Little Help From My Friends." On this day in 1968, the original Fleetwood Mac, featuring Peter Green, released "Black Magic Woman" in Britain. The song wasn't a pop hit in the U.S. until Santana released their version two years later. On this day in 1972, Jackson Browne began working on his first album. On this day in 2005, Neil Young had surgery for a brain aneurysm in a New York hospital.
Mellencamp/BasketballJohn Mellencamp will be playing to 100,000 fans in Indianapolis on Sunday as part of the NCAA Championships. Mellencamp's song "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." has been used in TV ads to promote the NCAA tournament, but John told the Indianapolis "Herald-Times," "I still don't think it's right to use your songs to sell products... but I also don't think we should be over in Iraq, and nobody seems to care about that, either." Last weekend, Mellencamp saw his ad air back-to-back with one his wife, model Elaine Irwin, made for Revlon. This caused him to remark: "Let's face it, we're just sales people from here on out." You gotta wonder if he just figured that out. Apple vs. Apple AgainThe Beatles' record label, Apple Corps, is suing Apple Computer Inc., claiming its iTunes online music store is a violation of a 1991 agreement between the two companies. The 1991 pact came after a long-running trademark fight over the "apple" logo and decreed that neither party would tread on the other's toes — which Apple Corps claims Apple Computer has by entering the music business. Apple Computer says the two sides have a different interpretation of the agreement, "and will need to ask a court to resolve this dispute." The trial will be heard by Judge Martin Mann, who confessed during pretrial hearings that he owns an iPod. Rock on, Judge Martin! Stripping For Bowie & The StingerDavid Bowie's said to be looking into investing in a proposed Manhattan burlesque club with Sting. Ivan Kane, the owner of Forty Deuce"gentlemen's club" in Hollywood and Las Vegas, has approached Bowie and the Stinger about financing his expansion into New York City. Kane describes his nightclubs as "classy lounges" where women are, "pushing the envelope in terms of sexuality, decadence and voyeurism." Sounds like the earliest phases of Bowie's career! All Hail CSN!Crosby, Stills & Nash will receive the 2006 BMI Icon Award at the performing rights organization's 54th Annual BMI Pop Awards at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 16th. The BMI Pop Awards recognize the most performed rock and pop songs of the previous year, and also pay tribute to noteworthy songwriters and artists with the Icon Award. Icon honorees are composer/performers who have made, quote, "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." Paul Simon, former Beach Boy Brian Wilson, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Richard, Van Morrison and Isaac Hayes have also earned Icon Awards. Used Celeb Shoes For SaleOver 85 celebrities, including former Beatles Paul McCartney (size 9.5) and Ringo Starr (size 7.5), have donated footwear to an online auction to benefit the Mines Advisory Group. Queen's Brian May (size 8), Alice Cooper (size 7.5), Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood (size 12) and The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde (size UK 6) have all given pairs of shoes, scandals or boots to the fund-raiser, which will run until Sunday. The Mines Advisory Group is currently helping clear land mines in 13 countries. Check them out at http://www.magclearsmines.org/ Note: It is unknown if the stated shoe sizes are U.S. or U.K., so don't jump to conclusions on the size of your fave celeb's tootsies. That said, Mick Fleetwood is a large lad! Evaluate This!
While these may accurately describe people you and I work for, they are actual quotes taken from Federal Government employee performance evaluations. 2. "This employee is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definite won't be." 3. "Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap." 4. "This young lady has delusions of adequacy." 5. "He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them." 6. "This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot." 7. "This employee should go far, and the sooner he starts, the better." 8. "A gross ignoramus: 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus." 9. "This man's drinking has not interfered with his work." 10. "He's been working with glue too much." 11. "He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room." 12. "When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell." 13. "A photographic memory but with the lens cover glued on." 14. "A prime candidate for natural de-selection." 15. "Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming." 16. "If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week." 17. "If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean." 18. "It's hard to believe he beat out 1,000,000 other sperm." 19. "One neuron short of a synapse." 20. "The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead" March 30, 2006
Drummer Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues is 65.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles shot the photo for the cover of their "Sgt. Pepper" album. On this day in 1968, David Bowie made his debut with the Lindsay Kemp mime troupe in the show "Pierrot in Turquoise." It sucked. On this day in 1974, the Ramones played their first live show at the Performance Studio on East 23rd Street in New York. At least some of the 30 people in the audience paid to be there. On this day in 1976, the Sex Pistols performed their first show for a group of 50 at London's 100 Club. It's not clear if anyone paid to be there. On this day in 1977, the Eagles' "Hotel California" hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. On this day in 1982, the Doobie Brothers announced their break-up. On this day in 1994, Pink Floyd released their final studio album, "The Division Bell."
Two Different Jovi BitsBon Jovi's Richie Sambora, who is officially splitting with wife Heather Locklear, broke his left arm when he fell in his Los Angeles home last week. Richie's injury won't force any cancellations on the band's upcoming tour. He'll play in a sling when the boys hit Japan on April 8th and he should be fully healed in time for the European leg of the "Have a Nice Day" tour in May. Meanwhile, Jon Bon Jovi will be profiled on ABC's "20/20" this Friday night. Among other things revealed in the story, Jon says his biggest success is his family life rather than selling more than a hundred-million albums. Yeah, but the money doesn't suck, does it Jon? James Gang Rides AgainThe James Gang, Joe Walsh's legendary pre-Eagles band, is scheduling a series of late Summer concerts — their first "tour" since Walsh left in 1971. Although no official announcement has been made, you can plan to see the trio on September 5th at the Gibson Amphitheater — just don't get in my way! Who Finalized In EuropeThe Who have finalized their European Summer tour with 25 dates, beginning June 18th in Brighton, England and wrapping up July 30th in Benidorm, Spain. Now we can expect them to start announcing U.S. dates. Beatles Art ChangeBe aware: The cover of The Beatles' forthcoming "Capitol Albums, Vol. 2" box set will feature a photo altered to remove the cigarettes that the Fab Four were holding. Sting's Booking/RecordingSting will be joined by Sheryl Crow and James Taylor for his 2006 Rainforest Benefit on May 19th at New York's Carnegie Hall. As you'd expect, additional performers will be announced closer to the annual fundraiser. Meanwhile, The Sting himself is in Italy recording a new album inspired by the work of 16th-century British troubadour and lute player, John Dowland. You gotta wonder if the demand for lute players will skyrocket when the album is finally released later this year. Mellencamp's RecordingIt's official. John Mellencamp is working on a follow-up to his 2003 "Trouble No More" album. John is expected to mount a major tour to support his next disc, but says he's hoping to avoid playing large outdoor venues when he hits the road. Not many artists are able to make a choice like that.  Super Chevy This Weekend!This Saturday from 11am - 1pm: An Uncle Joe Meet & Greet surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of hot rodded Chevys! Join Unc and the KLOS Cool Patrol right in the middle of the 3-day Super Chevy Hot Rod Show and Drag Race at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona. 1995 Super Chevy race winner, NHRA Division 7 Super Gas Champion Randy Balough, will kick the wow factor up a notch with his Uncle Joe's Racing Super Gas Corvette! Only a fool would miss this event! March 31, 2006
Guitarist Mick Ralphs of Bad Company is 58.
On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix torched his guitar on stage for the first time, at a concert at Finsbury Park, England. On this day in 1972, America's self-titled debut album hit #1. On this day in 1976, Led Zeppelin's "Presence" album was released. On this day in 1998, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant released their "Walking Into Clarksdale" album.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Whitesnake and Deep Purple, as well as Joe's brand new conversation with singer David Coverdale.
Rock Star AuditionsFinal auditions for the second season of "Rock Star" are talking place at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles today from 10am to 4pm. This Summer's "Rock Star" will find a frontman/frontwoman for the new band Supernova, formed by drummer Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and guitarist Gilby Clarke, who once played with Guns N' Roses. No word on the minimum number of tattoos required to be considered for the job. Beck Hot Rods/TV/H.O.B.Guitar god Jeff Beck was featured on the Speed Channel's "Car Crazy" program last night, talking about his love of hot rods. The interview was done last autumn at Beck's home in the U.K., and the show will repeat all weekend long. Beck actually kicking off a six-show mini tour in Tempe tonight. Jeff will be playing the House Of Blues in West Hollywood next Wednesday night — and you know every L.A. guitarist of note will be on hand! Free Mellencamp (Sort Of)John Mellencamp will be headlining a free concert in downtown Indianapolis this weekend in conjunction with the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four. CBS Sports has been using a newly recorded version of John's 1986 hit "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." as the theme for its NCAA coverage. As many as 100,000 music and sports fans are expected to attend Sunday's show, which will also feature Collective Soul and "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood. Finally: New/Old DefFirst they announced a co-headlining Summer tour with Journey. Now Def Leppard has announced that their new album, "YEAH!", will hit store shelves on May 23rd. The band recorded 14 cover songs in tribute to their musical heroes of the late Sixties and Seventies: The Kinks, Badfinger, T. Rex, David Bowie, Sweet, Roxy Music, Free, Thin Lizzy and six more. Rock on! Bye Bye SteppenwolfGuitarist/singer John Kay has officially announced that — coinciding with his band's 40th anniversary — Steppenwolf will be doing its final tour next year. John Kay & Steppenwolf's 2006 itinerary currently is mapped out through an August 20th Canadian gig. So far there are no Southland dates, but with more gigs will be added for the next few weeks. It will be early next year before their final trek is mapped out. The Royal Dan"The Royal Dan," Steely Dan tribute album, will be released on May 9th. The compilation includes instrumental versions of 10 Steely Dan songs featuring several ace guitarists including Deep Purple's Steve Morse, Toto's Steve Lukather and Steely Dan session veteran Elliott Randall. Jackson/Graham/Bonnie For JohnEven four part harmony occasionally gets political. Jackson Browne, Graham Nash and Bonnie Raitt are lending their personal support to the New York congressional campaign of John Hall, the co-founder of the group Orleans. The four musicians were among the core artists who put together the New York City No Nukes concerts back in 1979. April Fool's DayAs you know, tomorrow is April Fool's Day. Personally, I live by Mark Twain's observation, "Without fools, the rest of us could not succeed." Just the same, here's a primer on this 'Holiday.' In sixteenth-century France, the start of the New Year was observed on April 1st. It was celebrated in much the same way as it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night. But in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the New Year began on January 1st. Communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people didn't receive the news for several years. As for the more obstinate folks, they refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st. Eventually, the general populace labeled these people as "fools." They were subject to ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes. Over time, this kind of harassment evolved into a tradition of prank playing on the first day of April. By the eighteenth century, the tradition had spread to England and Scotland, and was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international funfest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families. Around the world these days, April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but one on which we must remain forever vigilant. Now come on mate, pull my finger. |
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