April 11 - 21, 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!

April 11, 2006

Richard Berry, who originally wrote and recorded "Louie Louie," would have been 79.
Guitarist Robert Fripp of King Crimson is 59.

On this day in 1956, James Brown debuted on the R&B charts with "Please, Please, Please."

On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan played his first professional gig. Gerde's Folk City in New York's Greenwich Village was the place, and "Blowin' in the Wind" was the highlight tune.

On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney came up with the idea for The Beatles' film "Magical Mystery Tour" after visiting The Beach Boys during sessions for the album "Smile." Unfortunately, with Beatles' manager Brian Epstein having died from an overdose recently, there was no one around to tell Paul that the film wasn't a good idea.

On this day in 1970, as The Beatles disintegrated, their single "Let It Be" hit #1.

On this day in 1970, guitarist Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac announced his departure from the original lineup in order to follow his religious beliefs.

On this day in 1981, "Don't Stand So Close To Me" by The Police peaked at #10.

On this day in 1992, "I Can't Dance" by Genesis peaked at #7 on the charts.

Tonight On TV

This should be interesting! The "American Idol" finalists will be/attempting to perform Queen songs on tonight's show. The added twist is that Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor — along with singer Paul Rodgers — will be on hand to show them how it's supposed to be done. How cool would it be for Queen + Paul Rodgers to perform "Tie Your Mother Down" in front of 30 million people?!?

New Who Soon For You

Who guitarist/songwriter/rock icon Pete Townshend reports that he and singer Roger Daltrey have finished an abridged, 11-minute version of the band's previously announced "mini opera," "The Glass Household." The recently finished six-song piece should be issued as a limited-edition disc in June, with the complete album due out in September. Backing Townshend and Daltrey in the studio are bassist Pino Palladino, longtime Who sideman/keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick and drummer Peter Huntington of Rachel Fuller's band (Pete's girlfriend). Longtime Who engineer Bob Pridden has been recording the sessions. The Who will play 19 European dates in June and July, and the first of three or four legs of a North American tour is expected to follow in September.

Adam Takes The Plunge (Sort Of)

Not one to fear commitments, U2 bassist Adam Clayton is finally going to marry his girlfriend of the last 10 years, Susie Smith. The couple will exchange vows "sometime" next year. Clayton has never been married, although he previously was engaged to British supermodel Naomi Campbell in 1993. [Bonus info: Susie Smith's name has been a regular feature in the band's album credits as she works for their management company. Hardcore fans also know she had a speaking part as the "Sinead O'Connor look-alike" in the U2 episode of "The Simpsons."]

T.P. Retires From Road (Or Not)

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' upcoming 30th anniversary tour might be the band's last. "I think we should do this tour and then put an end to doing national tours, and just play now and then where we want to play," he says. Kind of surprising that T.P. seems to have consulted with multiple-retiring-from-the-road-announcement folks like Elton John, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Cher and KISS instead of his old buddy Bob Dylan.

Gillan Goes Solo (Briefly)

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan is getting ready for the release of his solo album "Gillan's Inn," and he's also looking at a short tour to support it. He says, "I think Purple's shifting their calendar around, shifting some U.S. dates to next year, and if I get a month or so off for bad behavior this summer, I'm gonna be putting together some dates, and doing whatever I can." His new album is a kind of career retrospective, on which Ian re-recorded songs from throughout his 40-year history. It features guests players including guitarist Joe Satriani, singer Ronnie James Dio, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, and current and former members of Deep Purple. It comes out April 18th.

Naked vs. Nude

With this year's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in the history books, I thought we should clear this up once and for all. The words "naked" and "nude" are not the same. Naked implies unprotected. Nude means unclothed. Any questions? Try Googling it.

Quote Of The Week

It was French President Charles de Gaulle who said: "The graveyards are full of indispensable men."

How to Blow a Resume

According to an "Accountemps" survey of employers, resumes are getting worse and worse. Here are the Top 5 responses when execs were asked: "Which of the following is the single most common mistake that job seekers make on their resumes?"

#1. Typos or grammatical errors – 34%

#2. Including too much information – 22%

#3. Not listing achievements in former roles – 17%

#4. Poor layout and/or design – 17%

#5. Including too little info – 7%

April 12, 2006

Steppenwolf's head guy, John Kay is 62.
David Letterman turns a cranky 59.
Guitarist Pat Travers is 52.

On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released "Exile on Main Street" — considered by many to be their finest album.

On this day in 1982, John Mellencamp released his "American Fool" album under the name John Cougar. The album was a huge success, enabling John to drop the "Cougar" name as soon as his contract ran out.

Queenly Idols Tonight

OK, except for two or three performances, last night's "American Idol" was excruciating. The eight finalists attempted to perform Queen songs, with most of them completely missing the power of the originals while butchering any semblance of tonality. Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor were taped last Monday while attempting to show the Idol contestants how it's supposed to be done. While they were polite in their commentary to all, Brian and Roger's highest praise clearly went to the amazing Paris Bennett who blew the crowd away with "Show Must Go On." Ultimately, the rest of the God-awful singing proved what a great singer Freddie Mercury truly was. Is there any possibility that Queen + Paul Rodgers will perform "Tie Your Mother Down" on tonight's episode in front of 30 million people?

Bruce's High School

Seems like it should have happened 20 years ago. But it finally came down last Thursday. Bruce Springsteen (Class of 1967) was one of eight people honored at the Freehold High School Hall of Fame's inaugural induction ceremony in his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey. Bruce's mom, Adele, accepted the honor on his behalf, and read a note saying that he could not attend the event because "he was working on a new record." Yeah, sure. How many times have we heard that one?

Elty's Closet Sale

Once again, Sir Elton John wants you to buy the shirt off his back. The 59-year-old superstar is selling over 10,000 articles of his personal clothing to help raise money for his AIDS foundation, including the polka dot suit John wore during his performance with Eminem at the 2001 GRAMMY Awards. Many of the clothes have barely been worn, and some have actually never been worn! Prices range from thousands of dollars for performance attire to $30 for Nike and Adidas sneakers. A temporary shop called Elton's Closet has been erected at the Rockefeller Center in New York. The sale ends Saturday.

Here Come Mark & Emmy Lou

Former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler has finally announced his North American mini-tour with country legend Emmylou Harris. The old friends will start things off June 19th in Toronto, and nine gigs later they'll wrap it up on June 30th in Berkeley. Yes, more shows could be added and they will be playing the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City on June 28th. The dates are in support of Harris and Knopfler's duets album, "All The Roadrunning," on which they've been occasionally working for about seven years. The album will finally be released on April 25th.

Stressing on Taxes

It's a given that the winter holiday season is the most stressful time for Americans. But a new Harris Poll says that U.S. adults consider preparing their taxes just about as stressful.

* 42% of respondents say that preparing their taxes is one of the most stressful things they'll do this year.

* When comparing which is most stressful, 49% of adults said that coping with the winter holidays is most stressful, while 40% responded preparing their taxes is most stressful.

* When respondents were asked what they would most feel like doing after filing their taxes, 37% chose eating out at a restaurant, compared with 25% who chose taking a vacation, 17% who chose sleeping and 10% who chose having a real stiff drink.

April 13, 2006

Bassist Jack Casady of the Jefferson Airplane is 62.
Lowell George, the crazy musical genius behind Little Feat, would have been 61.
"Mighty Max" Weinberg, The E Street Band's drummer, is 55.

On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded "Louie Louie." — the ultimate Rock & Roll song. They used one microphone hanging from the ceiling and, beside not being sure of the correct lyrics, the singer had a real bad sore throat. The result was a true classic!

On this day in 1964, The Beatles announced that their first film would be called "A Hard Day's Night."

On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded "Paperback Writer."

On this day in 1974, Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" hit #1 on the singles chart as he released the single "Daniel."

On this day in 2005, pioneering rock pianist Johnnie Johnson died in his sleep at the age of 80 in his St. Louis home. Not only did the legendary musician help Chuck Berry get his start in the early 1950s, he was the main inspiration for the song "Johnny B. Good."

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Sammy Hagar and Van Halen, as well as conversation with Sammy.

Another Classic Rock Idol

The last two nights of "American Idol" should have convinced anyone with ears that Freddie Mercury was one hell of a singer. Except for two or three performances, the eight finalists attempting to perform Queen songs produced excruciating listening. Next week won't be as demanding since Rod Stewart will be the next classic rocker to be featured on the most popular reality show ever. Fortunately for Roddy, he won't be auditioning, but the seven remaining finalists will turn in renditions of Stewart's music on next Tuesday night's show. Rod is also slated to take the stage for a performance on next Wednesday's results show.

Is It The Money?

The headlines scream that The Beatles will be coming out with a new album this year. Yeah, sure. The reality is that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with legendary producer George Martin, are overseeing a compilation of songs (remixes, remasters, etc.) never before issued by the legendary group. The album will be part of a promotion for the upcoming multi-million-dollar Beatles-Cirque du Soleil show scheduled to open at The Mirage in Las Vegas later this year. McCartney and Starr have been working with Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, widows of the late John Lennon and George Harrison, on the collaboration with the creative team behind Cirque du Soleil. There is no specific release date for the "new" Beatles album, but it's expected to sells lots of copies and make lots of money when it arrives in stores sometime this Summer.

Federal Recognition

Material by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention, and Stevie Wonder are among the latest additions to the National Recording Registry. Jimi's 1967 debut album "Are You Experienced?" and Zappa's 1968 set "We're Only In It For The Money," along with Wonder's 1976 "Songs in the Key of Life," are part of the 2005 selections to be preserved in the Library of Congress. Good news for Paris Hilton fans: the National Recording Preservation Board will be accepting nominations for the 2006 list at its website (http://www.loc.gov/nrpb/) through the end of June.

R.E.M. Finally Acknowledged

Shouldn't this have taken place 15 or 20 years ago? R.E.M. will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 16th. The Athens-based band will be honored in the Group category at the 28th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Banquet in Atlanta. That same evening, Gregg Allman will be honored in the Performer category. (Though known for their Florida roots, the Allman Brothers Band was founded in 1969 in Macon.)

Alice In Chains

Alice In Chains has scheduled over two dozen European festival and headlining shows through July 2nd for its first tour since 1996. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney will be joined in Europe by vocalist William DuVall. William replaces the late Layne Staley, who died of a drug overdose in 2002. An additional vocalist is expected to be named, hopefully in time for the band's still unannounced mid-May North American club tour. Last month, the latest incarnation of Alice In Chains performed in Atlantic City, New Jersey as part of a VH1 "Decades Rock" episode devoted to Heart. That show will premiere on May 5th.

April 14, 2006

One-time guitar god Ritchie Blackmore, of Deep Purple and Rainbow, is 61.

On this day in 1963, The Beatles first met The Rolling Stones after The Stones' first set of the night at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, England. Keith Richard's first impression? He was blown away by The Beatles' long black leather coats. George Harrison's first impression? He was impressed by the unsigned band's rowdy performance.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles announced that they had changed the title of their second film from "Eight Arms to Hold You" to "Help!"

On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney and John Lennon recorded The Beatles song "The Ballad of John and Yoko" at Abbey Road Studios.

On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released the single "Tumblin' Dice" from the "Exile on Main Street" album.

On this day in 1979, Van Halen's "Van Halen II" blasted onto the album charts.

On this day in 1983, bassist Pete Farndon of The Pretenders, who had just been fired from the band because of his drug problem, died of a drug overdose at the age of 29.

On this day in 1987, Fleetwood Mac released their "Tango In The Night" album.

On this day in 1989, Tom Petty released his first solo project, "Full Moon Fever." It was a huge success, guaranteeing more T.P. solo efforts.

On this day in 1992, ZZ Top's album "Greatest Hits" was released.

Stones Are Coming

I've been saying this for weeks, and now the press is finally catching on. Of course it's not official, but The Rolling Stones will do another run of shows in North America on their A Bigger Bang tour — and that includes the Southland! The Rolling Stones Fan Club Of Europe, which has been extremely reliable in the past, reports the boys will be back in this part of the world about the time their DVD comes out this Fall. Better start saving your coins!

Jackson Has To Sell

Michael Jackson is close to making a deal to help him avert bankruptcy by refinancing his debts. The refinancing of hundreds of millions of dollars of loans will at some point require him to offer Sony part of his interest in a catalog that includes many of The Beatles' most-famous songs. Along with The Beatles tunes — which make up roughly two-thirds of his catalog's $500 million value — the much-desired collection also contains songs by a number of other classic rockers including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks.

Close To Downloadable Beatles

They haven't settled the Apple Records versus Apple Computer lawsuits yet, but The Beatles' music will soon be available in downloadable digital form. The band's catalog has been one of the most coveted — and least available — to users of iPods and other digital music players, but Neil Aspinall (the head of The Beatles' Apple Records) says that the music is being digitally re-mastered and, when the process is complete, The Fab Four's music will be made available online.

All Hail Hetfield

Metallica frontman James Hetfield will be presented with the prestigious Stevie Ray Vaughn Award at the second annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert at the Music Box theater in Hollywood on May 12th. He'll also do a special performance with Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo and two members of Alice in Chains — guitarist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney. Hetfield is receiving the award for his devotion to helping fellow addicts with the recovery process and for his support of the MusicCares MAP Fund.  MAP (Musicians Assistance Program) aids musicians with recovery and other health issues.

Burt & Randy Redux

Former Guess Who members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman are teaming up again. Cummings says that he and the guitarist have spent the last six months putting together Bachman/Cummings, and are "...gearing up for a big tour this Summer." A new album, called "The Bachman/Cummings Songbook," will serve as a retrospective of both of their careers. It includes tracks from the Guess Who as well as Cummings' solo work and songs from Bachman's days with Bachman Turner Overdrive. Details on the North American tour should be released soon after the album is released on April 25th.

Hot Rods In LaVerne

This Saturday (April 15th): The Uncle Joe's 300ZX race car will be on display at one of the coolest hot rod shows ever — the City of La Verne Cool Cruise on "D" Street in beautiful Old Town La Verne. Here are some fotos from last time.

Taxing Factoids

On February 25, 1913 the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, providing for an income tax. Here's the short form on taxing factoids.

#1. Americans pay over $30,000 in federal, state and local taxes every second of every day.

#2. In a lifetime, the average American files 42 income tax returns and spends 464 hours preparing those forms. The average American earns $1,235,720 in his lifetime, and of this sum pays $178,364 in taxes.

#3. The number of unclaimed tax refunds that are being held by the I.R.S.: 96,000. The amount of money that is waiting to be refunded: $62 million.

#4. The official manual of the Internal Revenue Service has been hailed as "the world's most confusing publication" — it is 38,000 pages long.

#5. In 1695, English law levied a tax on bachelors. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to inspire eligible Englishmen to choose a bride.

#6. In 1820, the state of Missouri levied a one-dollar tax on bachelors from ages 21 to 50 because they didn't have a wife.

#7. In 1702, Russia enacted a tax on men who sported beards.

#8. The sovereign countries with the lowest income tax in the world are Bahrain and Qatar. No matter what one's income is, it's not taxable. (It's nice to have all that oil in the ground, isn't it?)

April 15, 2006

Guitarist Dave Edmunds is 62.
Mike Chapman, who co-wrote glam anthems like Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz" with Nicky Chinn, and produced Blondie, The Knack and Pat Benatar, is 59.

On this day in 1966, Buffalo Springfield performed for the first time in public when they opened for the Byrds in San Bernardino. Little did anyone know that two years down the road Buffalo Springfield's Stephen Stills and Neil Young would join up with the Byrds' David Crosby in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

On this day in 1971, The Beatles won the Best Film Music (Original Song Score) Oscar for their film "Let It Be."

On this day in 1972, "Roundabout" by Yes peaked at #13 and Led Zeppelin's "Rock And Roll" topped out at #47 on the charts.

On this day in 1978, Kansas' "Dust In The Wind" peaked at #6 on the singles charts.

April 16, 2006

Foghat singer/guitarist "Lonesome Dave" Peverett would have been 63.
Gerry Rafferty of Stealer's Wheel and "Baker Street" fame is 59.

On this day in 1947, the first zoom lens was demonstrated to the public. (Would Rock & Roll be the same without it?)

On this day in 1972, the Electric Light Orchestra played their first live show. As Jeff Lynne told me, it was just barely so-so.

On this day in 1973, Queen played their first U.S. concert at Regis College in Denver. No one knew what to make of them!

On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released "Dreams," which soon became their first #1 hit.

April 17, 2006

On this day in 1960, Rock & Roll pioneer Eddie Cochran was killed and Gene Vincent was seriously injured in a London car crash.

On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones released their debut album, and the Ford Motor Company unveiled the first Mustang. Fortunately, both are still with us.

On this day in 1972, Keith Richards became a father to a little girl when Anita Pallenberg gave birth to their daughter, Dandelion.

On this day in 1982, Stevie Nicks' "Edge Of Seventeen" peaked at #11 as Van Halen's cover of "(Oh) Pretty Woman" topped out at #12 on the charts and Toto released "Rosanna."

On this day in 1998, Linda McCartney died (at 56) of breast cancer.

Axl To Play

Guns N' Roses is scheduled to perform May 15th and 17th at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom as a warm-up for their European festival gigs. Tickets for the two shows go on sale this Friday at 10am Eastern. But will Axl really go through with it? Stay tuned!

U2 In Church

While it makes sense, this is the first time I've heard about it. Word is that U2's music has become very big on the religious circuit, and is being performed to great effect by choirs across the States. The Associated Press reports, for instance, that some of the Irish band's songs are being used at the Grace Episcopal Church in Providence, Rhode Island for a "U2 Eucharist," a communion service with U2's sound as the backdrop. Word is that the congregation is also given ear plugs (in case the music's too loud) and glow sticks. Religious glow sticks — God bless America!

New One From Neil

Neil Young has finished recording a new studio album called "Living With War." Filmmaker Jonathan Demme, who directed Neil's "Heart of Gold" concert flick, says the disc was completed in three days, and describes it as "a brilliant electric assault . . . on [George W.] Bush and the war in Iraq." Among the songs on the album is one called "Impeach the President." Hmmm... wonder what it's about?

Bruce's Public Rehearsals

Bruce Springsteen is rehearsing for his upcoming "Seeger Sessions" tour with a series of charity concerts. He'll start a four night run at the Asbury Park, New Jersey Convention Hall this Thursday, with three more gigs April 24th, 25th and 26th. Springsteen's hitting the road with his Seeger Sessions Band, a 17-piece ensemble with whom he recorded "The Seeger Sessions," a tribute album honoring folk legend Pete Seeger. The album will be out on April 25th, with a North American tour to follow some European dates.

Linda's Frozen Foods

The frozen vegetarian foods developed by the late Linda McCartney might soon be under new ownership. Word is that Nestle is prepping to make a bid for the line of vegetarian cuisine started by the one-time Beatle wife. The Heinz company currently owns the Linda McCartney brand, which it purchased from United Biscuits in 1999. Linda McCartney began creating her own line of frozen meatless meals in 1991, just after the publication of her cookbook "Linda McCartney's Home Cooking: Quick, Easy, and Economical Vegetarian Dishes for Today." Today marks the eighth anniversary of her death. Linda, who was also an accomplished photographer, died of breast cancer in Tucson, Arizona on this day in 1998. She was just 56.

A Little Piggy Factoid

Why was the guinea pig named that? Because it squeals and grunts a bit. They were first sold as a cheap novelty in England for a guinea. Currently, there are no guinea pigs left in the wild: South Americans domesticated them 3,000 years ago.

April 18, 2006

Doors/Janis Joplin producer Paul Rothchild would have been 71 today.

On this day in 1970, "The Letter" by Joe Cocker entered the charts as Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" peaked at #3 and Badfinger's "Come and Get It" topped out at #7 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1981, after recording 11 albums in 13 years, Yes announced they were splitting up. Within two years, they re-formed for the hugely successful "90125" album and tour.

On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton's "Crossroads" box set was released. Its overwhelming commercial and artistic success paved the way for many other artists' compilations — most of which were extremely inferior.

Roddy On Idol

How many of his 27 Billboard Top 10 hits will Rod Stewart bring to the American Idol stage tonight and tomorrow? Well none, actually. Tonight, he'll watch (hopefully without cringing) as the seven finalists try to sing some of the classic songs Roddy's covered on his four "Great American Songbook" releases. Tomorrow night, Stewart himself will take the stage to perform "The Way You Look Tonight." You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives.

Here Comes Bruce

Yesterday morning, he teased the tour. Yesterday afternoon Bruce Springsteen officially announced his U.S. concert swing in support of his upcoming covers disc, "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions." The 18-date tour, featuring a 17-member backing band, will start on May 27th in Boston, hit our Greek Theatre on June 5th and wrap up in New Jersey on June 26th. But will Bruce cuss out Bob Dylan for going electric just like Pete Seeger did at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival? Only time will tell.

Good Ol' Big Ol' Festival

Heart, the Steve Miller Band and the Doobie Brothers will be among the many acts playing at the 2006 Moondance Jam festival in Walker, Minnesota. The four-day camping-and-music event, running July 12th through the 15th, will also include performances by John Kay & Steppenwolf, Alice Cooper, former Santana/Journey singer/keyboardist Gregg Rolie, Ted Nugent and whatever line-up is currently touring as The Guess Who. Does anybody remember just how big the mosquitoes in Minnesota are in mid-July?

Waters/Politics

Former Pink Floyd bassist/singer Roger Waters is moving his Israeli concert after protests from Palestinian groups. The June 22nd show was originally slated to take place in Tel Aviv, but will now take place in the mixed Jewish-Arab town of Nevah Shalom. Waters, an outspoken critic of the dividing wall Israel's government is building to separate Palestinian villages, hopes the show will promote a nonviolent solution to the country's civil strife. Waters is slated to launch his tour in Berlin on June 8th, and wrap it up in Magny-Cours, France on July 14th. His set lists will include a complete presentation of the legendary Pink Floyd album "Dark Side of the Moon." Waters is expected to bring his show Stateside later this year.

Howe Whines

Yes guitarist Steve Howe says the band's planned 2005 hiatus has extended into 2006 because at least one member isn't ready to rejoin the group. "The majority of us would be just happy to go out and tour," says the guitar whiz who is currently on a brief U.S. solo trek. "There has to be a Yes." Makes you wonder whether it was singer Jon Anderson or keyboardist Rick Wakeman who didn't get a Christmas card from the Howe family.

Dio/Iommi

Evidently the entire Osbourne clan was out of the country. While Ronnie James Dio was recently in the U.K. promoting his new "Holy Diver Live" album, he hooked up with Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi. The two reportedly spent time working on material for the upcoming "Black Sabbath - The Dio Years" box set.

April 19, 2006

On this day in 1968, John Lennon, George Harrison and their wives left the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India two weeks before their study was complete. Fellow Beatles Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney had actually split several days earlier.

On this day in 1969, Steppenwolf's "Rock Me" peaked at #10 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1974, guitarist Ron Wood played his first live show with The Rolling Stones.

On this day in 1975, Elton John fired his longtime bassist, Dee Murray, and drummer, Nigel Olsson, the day before his album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" was released. A few years later, after he cleared his head, Sir Diva rehired the boys.

On this day in 1980, Van Halen's third album, "Women & Children First," blasted onto the charts.

On this day in 1980, Brian Johnson replaced the late Bon Scott as AC/DC's lead singer. Within two weeks, the band was recording their classic "Back In Black" album.

On this day in 1980, the Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why" peaked at #8 on the singles chart.

On Stage Tonight

Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour plays the Kodak Theatre tonight.

Roddy Will Rock Again

This evening, Mr. Rod Stewart himself will take the American Idol stage to perform "The Way You Look Tonight," then hang around as another amateur is tossed off the show. Having spent the last several years in the world of pop standards with his "Great American Songbook" collection, Roddy calls his "Idol" appearance, "a great way to put the lid on it," adding "I'm going to go back to doing rock songs." Right on, Rodster!

Gilmour's Schedule

After David Gilmour finishes his U.S. mini-tour at the Kodak Theatre tonight and the Gibson Amphitheatre tomorrow night, he'll be heading back home to jolly old England. It is there that his May 29th and 30th concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall will be captured for a DVD release. The film will be directed by David Mallet, who previously helmed the Pink Floyd guitarist's 2002 "David Gilmour in Concert" DVD. Meanwhile, David and Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright will be performing on NBC's Tonight Show With Jay Leno tomorrow evening.

Elty's Clothes Sell Well

The Elton John AIDS Foundation is over $700,000 further ahead than they were at this time last week, thanks to the five-day sale in New York of clothing that once belonged to the pop star and his partner, David Furnish. The veteran superstar put roughly 10,000 articles of clothing — most of it his own — up for sale for his annual fundraising event. Items up for sale included designer wear from Louis Vuitton and Versace, as well as the garish yellow with pink polka dots suit John wore for his performance with rapper Eminem at the 2001 GRAMMY Awards.

Black Crowes Are Coming

The Black Crowes will be joined by Robert Randolph & The Family Band as well as the Drive-By Truckers on a nine-week Summer tour that will kick off on June 10th in Seattle. Before they end their run on August 12th at Colorado's famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you can count on at least one Southland gig (June 14th, venue TBA). After an extensive hiatus, the Crowes reunited to tour in 2005. The group now consists of vocalist Chris Robinson and his brother Rich on guitar, drummer Steve Gorman, keyboardist Eddie Hawrysch, bassist Sven Pipien and guitarist Marc Ford. The Robinson brothers are in the midst of their Brothers of a Feather acoustic tour, which runs through next Wednesday at the Roxy on Sunset Boulevard.

April 20, 2006

Keyboardist Craig Frost, who worked with Detroit-based artists like Grand Funk and Bob Seger, is 57.

On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the vocals for Paul McCartney's song "Eleanor Rigby" — none of the Fab Four played any instruments on the tune.

On this day in 1968, Deep Purple played their first concert ever. Denmark was the place, "Deaf in Denmark" was the result.

On this day in 1991, Small Faces/Humble Pie singer/guitarist Steve Marriott died in a fire at his home in London. He was just 44.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Warren Zevon and Fleetwood Mac, as well as Joe's in-depth conversation with producer Greg Ladanyi.

On Stage Tonight

Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour finishes his U.S. mini-tour at the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight.

On TV Today/Tonight

This morning, Toto will be playing a song from their new album, "Falling In Between," on the syndicated Live with Regis and Kelly. Tonight, Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour and Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright will be performing on NBC's Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

Cirque du Beatles

Guess they were closer to being ready than we thought. Cirque du Soleil officials announced details yesterday morning on the new Las Vegas production based on the musical legacy of The Beatles. Preview performances of "The Beatles LOVE" will start on June 2nd, with the gala premiere set for June 30th at The Mirage casino's custom-built theater. The show will feature 360-degree seating, panoramic surround sound and 100-foot digital, moving images, as well as Cirque du Soleil's usual mix of aerial performance, extreme sports and freestyle dance. It's a joint partnership of the Beatles Apple Corps and Cirque du Soleil, with music produced from The Beatles archives by original producer Sir George Martin and his son Giles. As you suspected all along, tickets for "LOVE" are now on sale.

Bruce On TV

Bruce Springsteen will perform live on ABC's "Good Morning America" next Tuesday, April 25. In his one and only television appearance in support of his new album "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions," Mr. Springsteen and his 17-piece Seeger Sessions Band will perform two songs. In addition, "GMA" co-anchor Robin Roberts will travel to Springsteen's rehearsal studio in Asbury Park, New Jersey for an in-depth interview as he prepares for his upcoming tour.

Now Frampton's A Busy Boy

After taking it easy last year, Peter Frampton is going to be a busy boy this Summer. Starting with a show this Saturday in Las Vegas, he's booked for almost every weekend through November 4th when he'll rock the Cerritos Center For Performing Arts.

All Star DVD

A DVD documenting a June 2005 benefit concert by the one-off British all star group Band du Lac will be released on June 13th. "One Night Only Live" — featuring guest appearances by Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Queen's Roger Taylor — was filmed in Surrey, England, at a charity gig for the Heart and Stroke Trust Endeavour. The two-hour disc includes 23 performances, as well as interviews with some of the participating musicians. Right so!

John & Willie

Through they're skipping the Southland, John Fogerty will be doing a month-long mini-tour with Willie Nelson this Summer. The two legends will be co-headlining from July 27th through an August 27th concert in Phoenix. In other news, Fogerty's long awaited live DVD, "The Long Road Home - In Concert," will finally be out on June 13th. The disc was meant to be a companion piece to John's retrospective CD released last November.

What NFL Quarterback Joe Theisman Said

"The word 'genius' isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."

What Albert Einstein Said

"What I see depends on where I'm at."

Grand Prix Party!

Uncle Joe Benson has been part of the 32nd Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach every April since 1986. This year he kicked things off with a Friday broadcast from Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company on Turn Two of the race course. On Saturday & Sunday mornings, he rolled through lengthy "20th Anniversary" Uncle Joe Meet & Greets at the KLOS Cool Patrol booth, where the Uncle Joe's Nissan 300ZX race car was on display all three days. Here are just a few photos!