 May 1 - 10, 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! May 1, 2006
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles chart. On this day in 1966, The Beatles played their last live show for a paying audience. London's Wembley Arena was the venue, and others on the bill included The Rolling Stones and The Who. On this day in 1967, 32-year-old Elvis Presley married 21-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu seven years after they first met. You can do the math. On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones released the "Brown Sugar" single — the group's first release on its own Rolling Stones Records label. No word if the band ever got paid. On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones announced their upcoming tour by playing live on a flatbed truck driving down Fifth Avenue in New York City. 
Keef Really Bonks His HeadThe Rolling Stones' Keith Richards has been hospitalized for treatment of a mild concussion he suffered after falling 15 feet out of a palm tree. Word has it the 62-year-old rocker was on a holiday with his family at a luxurious resort on Wakaya, Fiji, when he and fellow Stone Ronnie Wood decided to explore the same tree. Half-way up Richards slipped and fell to the ground, severely banging his head in the process. Reports are that Keef made light of the scrape and moved on to a high-speed session on his jet-ski that ended with a crash. But two days later, still feeling the effects, he was flown from the resort to a facility in Auckland, New Zealand for observation. He was kept in the hospital as a precaution and is understood to have had brain scans. A visitor to the hospital said Richards was sitting up in bed — wearing a colorful striped beanie — with his wife by his side. Keef and Woody climbing a tree — those darn kids! Trick/Allmans SueCheap Trick and The Allman Brothers Band filed a suit in Manhattan last week, claiming Sony Music has failed to honor a contract requiring them to pay musicians half of the net revenue received from legally downloaded songs. With tracks usually selling for about 99-cents each, the bands claim they are getting about 4-and-a-half cents per song, rather than approximately 30-cents which they claim is rightfully theirs. They are seeking to have the suit declared a class action, which would cover all Sony artists that signed their deals between 1962 and 2002, and are asking for more than $25 million in damages. Roddy's Big D — FinallyRod Stewart and supermodel Rachel Hunter's divorce has been finalized after several years of legal wrangling. The couple's attorneys have been billing hundreds of hours since the two separated in January 1999. The singer now is engaged to model Penny Lancaster, with whom he has a young son. All Is Good In Rush-landRush drummer Neil Peart has posted a beautifully written story (http://www.neilpeart.net) detailing the band's recent efforts in writing new material for its next studio album. Five "song sketches," that frontman Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson composed to lyrics that Peart sent them earlier this year, blew him away. Neil says, "It was wonderful that after 30 years of working together, we could still find different paths to explore together." Let's just hope that the boys come up with 6 or 7 more by Summer!  Quote Of The WeekIt was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither." Just An ObservationIsn't it interesting how proudly some enjoy their freedom of speech, but object to it for people who disagree with them. Seven Basic Truths About Musicians
Q: What do you call a drummer in a three-piece suit?
Q: What's the difference between a guitar player and a large pizza?
Q: What do you call a beautiful woman on a trombonist's arm?
Q: How does a bass player's brain cell die?
Q: What do you call a piano player that only knows two chords?
Q: What do a guitar solo and premature ejaculation have in common?
Q: What will you never say about a banjo player? May 2, 2006
Bob Henrit, who played drums for The Kinks and Argent, is 61.
On this day in 1965, although he swore he would never allow the band to appear on his show again, Ed Sullivan featured The Rolling Stones for a second time. They performed "The Last Time," "Little Red Rooster," "Everybody Needs Somebody," and "2120 South Michigan Avenue." So many little girls wet their pants in excitement during The Stones' performance that the Ed Sullivan Theater had to be fumigated the next day. On this day in 1969, after several failed attempts, The Beatles finally recorded George Harrison's "Something" to their satisfaction. On this day in 1979, the movie version of The Who's "Quadrophenia" opened, and drummer Kenny Jones (of The Faces) played his first official gig as Keith Moon's replacement. On this day in 1992, Tom Petty released the song "Peace In L.A.", written and recorded the day before, in the wake of the April 29th Rodney King verdict and subsequent rioting. On this day in 2005, Cream — featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker — launched a four-night stand at London's Royal Albert Hall. The show marked the first time the three legends had performed together since Cream's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and the first time Cream had played in public since the band staged its farewell concerts at the venue in November 1968.
Ladd Helps Bono (Sort Of)U2's Bono has been named one of the 100 People Who Shape Our World by "Time Magazine." He is listed among the "heroes and pioneers" within the list of "100 men and women whose power, talent or moral example is transforming our world." The list also includes George Clooney, Ellen DeGeneres, Angelina Jolie and 96 more. Good thing for Bono that Jim Ladd pulled himself out of the competition this year! Beatles/Apple Suit UpdateThe judge in The Beatles' trademark infringement case is expected to announce his decision next Monday. The Fab Four's Apple Corps faced off against Apple Computer in a London court last month, claiming the technology giant is breaking a 1991 agreement concerning when and how it can apply "Apple" to its services. But Apple Computer's attorney argued that the company wasn't in violation of the pact, noting it's only using the name and logo to identify its cyber store and downloading services, not the music it's selling. REO's RecordingREO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin says the vocals have been finished on nine songs for the band's upcoming studio album. In a real switch, even longtime Speedwagon bassist Bruce Hall has done a lead vocal. A release date and real title for the album, currently called "The Brotherhood," has yet to be established. Stay tuned! Really Separating Family/WorkWord is that former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and his second wife, Perla, filed for divorce last week in Los Angeles. The couple, who married in October 2001, have two sons — London, who was born in August 2002, and Cash, who will turn 2 in June. Perla recently has been serving as the manager of Slash's current band, Velvet Revolver. Fraser's One-OffFormer Free bassist Andy Fraser is slated to film two shows for an upcoming DVD release at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater in Temecula this Thursday. The sets will include hits he's written for Free, including "All Right Now," and other people, such as Robert Palmer's "Every Kind of People." Fraser's spent several years out of the limelight, dealing with a variety of medical struggles. His lone public appearance since the mid-Eighties was with former bandmate Paul Rodgers for Paul's Woodstock '94 performance.  Hot Rods & Nitro!This Saturday (May 6th), 11am - 1pm: Uncle Joe will be hanging with the KLOS Cool Patrol at the Goodguys 9th Pomona Nitro Nationals at the Fairplex in Pomona! Here's what last year's gig looked like! Beatles ScreeningThis Saturday (May 6th), 2pm - 5pm: Following the screening of The Beatles first movie, "A Hard Day's Night," on the big screen at Glendale's historic Alex Theatre, Uncle Joe will be hosting a panel discussion called The Recording Of The Beatles. Two very special guests, famed producer/Beatles engineer Ken Scott and "Recording The Beatles" author Brian Kehew, will be featured. May 3, 2006
The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, is 73.
On this day in 1969, "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts. On this day in 1971, at a gig in Denmark, Led Zeppelin played "Four Sticks" live for the first and only time in their career. On this day in 1971, multi-platinum album selling Grand Funk Railroad, who were notorious for refusing to talk to the press, chose New York to finally hold their first ever press conference. The press demonstrated their respect for the well-spoken, swell-playin' trio when just six journalists showed up. And truthfully, five of them came solely for the free food. On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney began his first coast-to-coast tour of America with his new band, Wings, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Plant Books One For LeeFormer Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and Mott The Hoople frontman Ian Hunter are among the musicians set to perform at a June 23rd New York benefit concert for Arthur Lee of the critically lauded Sixties group Love. Lee, whose band has long been cited as an influence by Plant, has leukemia and is in need of financial assistance for his medical expenses. A Southland benefit is also being set-up, so stay tuned! Dylan In The HallBob Dylan's early days will be the focus of an upcoming exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "Bob Dylan's American Journey 1956-1966" will explore the first decade of the legend's career through personal artifacts, music and film. The singer/songwriter's 1949 Martin 00-19 guitar, concert posters and handbills, typed and handwritten lyric sheets and photographs are among the more than 150 items going on display. The exhibit marks the first time the Rock Hall has dedicated a display to Dylan. "Bob Dylan's American Journey 1956-1966" is scheduled to run from May 20th through September 4th. A Quickie For StephenWhile the buzz about the upcoming Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Freedom of Speech '06 tour is building, Stephen Stills says his brief solo tour in support of his 2005 "Man Alive!" album should really be a crowd pleaser. "I'm out there for 45 minutes by myself with a songbook, and basically the vibe of the crowd is going to tell me which ones to play," he says. Stephen (and his 300-tune song list) starts his 6-date mini-tour tonight in Minneapolis, and will hit the Southland after the CSN&Y tour. After that, he'll release a solo concert DVD in time for Christmas. Yoko's Selling More JohnYoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, has agreed to license drawings and writings by the late Beatle for two new product lines. The "I Am a Dreamer" brand will offer artwork that Lennon drew for his son Sean for use in children's clothing, toys and more. The "This Is My Story" line will feature various sketches by the rock legend for a variety of items, including textiles, furniture and bedding. Ono will personally approve all of the licensed products... and sign the checks. Bono/Jesse HelmsRemember yesterday's story about U2's Bono named as one of the 100 People Who Shape Our World by "Time Magazine" for fighting against AIDS and poverty in Africa? What a surprise to see where the well-written tribute came from — former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms, one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate! Helms wrote, "I had met enough people to quickly figure out who is genuine and who is there for show. I knew as soon as I met Bono that he was genuine... he didn't have any agenda other than doing all he could to help people in desperate need... (Bono) helped me understand the scope of the tragedy in Africa, especially the pain it is bringing to infants and children and their families." Helms added, "I admire Bono's dedication and his willingness to make decisions. There is no pretense about him. In fact, he has opened himself up to criticism because he has been willing to work with anyone to find help for these children." Amazing indeed! Divorce WatchYesterday the story was about Slash's marriage coming apart. Today word is that former "Baywatch" star Donna D'Errico is ending her nine-year marriage with Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx. No reason for the split has been given. The couple separated in 2000, but reconciled, following Sixx's stay in rehab. D'Errico and Sixx have two children together. May 4, 2006
Surf guitar god Dick Dale is 69.
On this day in 1970, four students protesting the Vietnam war were killed and 11 more were wounded by National Guard troops at Kent State University. In reaction, massive anti-war protests swept the country and Neil Young wrote and immediately recorded "Ohio" with Crosby, Stills & Nash. On this day in 1974, Grand Funk Railroad's cover of "The Loco-Motion" hit #1 on the singles chart. On this day in 1985, Don Henley's "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" peaked at #9 as Foreigner's "That Was Yesterday" topped out at #12 on the singles chart. On this day in 1987, blues guitarist Paul Butterfield died of a drug overdose at his Los Angeles home. He was only 44. On this day in 2005, Bruce Springsteen's "Devils and Dust" debuted at #1 on the "Billboard Top 200 Albums" chart. 
 This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Melissa Etheridge, John Fogerty, Bob Seger and Bon Jovi among others, as well as Joe's extensive conversation with super drummer Kenny Aronoff.
They're Drilling Keef!Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards' head injury might have been more severe than we knew. There are reports that Keef has a brain hemorrhage as a result of his recent accident, and doctors need to drill into his skull to drain blood from his brain. The 62-year-old rock god was released from an Auckland, New Zealand hospital on Tuesday after five days of treatment (and God knows how much Jack Daniels). His doctors say he is bouncing back quickly and is expected to make a complete recovery. The Stones are to resume their "A Bigger Bang" world tour on May 27th in Barcelona — but if Keith's head is shaved, where will he hang his ornaments from? Prince Of Darkness/Prince Of EnglandOzzy Osbourne will gear up for this Summer's Ozzfest by performing at the star-studded Prince's Trust 30th Birthday concert on May 20th at the Tower of London. Prince Charles and several other members of the British royal family will attend the benefit event. "I have met lots of young people helped by the Prince's Trust and been inspired by all of them," Osbourne says of the charity, which helps provide financial aid and mentoring programs for young people in the United Kingdom. The Nuge Finds A JobTed Nugent will be kicking off the National Rifle Association's annual conference again this year. He'll perform the national anthem and make a presentation for the attendees on May 18th. Tedly will spend the rest of May and June on his RockGod tour, about which he modestly crows, "Enjoy the virtuosity or simply come to lose weight and get nuts! Ya can't do this in France!" Who EP/LP Named/Dates SetIt's official! The abbreviated version of The Who's upcoming mini-opera will be called "Wire & Glass," and should be out by mid-June. Guitarist/rock god Pete Townshend says: "This new release is the first truly creative piece from the Who for nearly 25 years and I don't want to muddle anything. This is good music," he writes. Townshend hopes to complete recording for the full-length album, "The Glass Household," by the end of this month. The album should be ready for release in the middle of September — right about the time The Who play here! Bowie Quits (Sort Of)Were you wondering whatever happened to David Bowie? After his heart surgery two years ago, David says that he's become "fed up" with the music industry and plans on spending time away from the limelight. The Thin White Duke (who has retired a number of times over his lengthy career) says, "I'm taking a year off — no touring, no albums." He also wants everyone to know that he is currently enjoying a leisurely lifestyle in New York. "I go for a walk every morning, and I watch a ton of movies. One day, I watched three Woody Allen movies in a row." Hey, it could have been worse. It could have been three Jerry Lewis movies in a row! Def/Journey Book MoreJourney and Def Leppard have added 15 more shows to their three-month Summer tour, making it a 48-date trek. August 19th is the date they'll be playing at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. May 5, 2006
Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward is 58.
On this day in 1968, Buffalo Springfield performed their last gig together in Long Beach.
On StageJoe Satriani and his hot little band will be rocking the Wiltern LG Saturday night, and the latest version of Foreigner will be playing the House Of Blues in Anaheim on Sunday. Heart On TV TonightAnn and Nancy Wilson and their band Heart will be feted tonight on the VH1 Classic Decades Rock Live concert special. Guitarist Nancy Wilson says she's humbled by the event: "You know, to be hailed for your career in rock music... it's more fun when you get to play the show too, you know, instead of like, sit there and be, you know, politely nod and get embarrassed. So, we get to just participate in a lot of wild rock songs and a couple of ballads." A key viewing tip: look for the recently reformed Alice In Chains to shine in the tribute! Stone's 1000thRolling Stone magazine's 1000th issue is on newsstands today. It's front cover is a three-dimensional take on the classic "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album cover with hundreds of pop-culture luminaries from the late Sixties to the present day in place of The Beatles's choices. The back cover is also 3-D, and features an ad for Target, which reportedly paid $1.5 million for the spread. G&R/StonesSeventeen years after their first stint opening for The Rolling Stones, Guns 'N Roses have been tapped to open for the English rock legends at two German shows: July 10th in Nurnberg and two days later in Leipzig. The dates will come in the middle of GNR's European tour, which begins May 27th in Lisbon. As for GNR's eternally delayed new album, "Chinese Democracy," no release date is in the offing. Does Vegas even care enough to lay odds on its release? Hendrix Hoax ConfirmedThe business entity that oversees Jimi Hendrix's musical legacy, Experience Hendrix, has scored another legal victory in halting the unauthorized use of recordings of the late guitar god. This past Wednesday, a London court ordered Purple Haze Records and one John Hillman to refrain from distributing any of Jimi's music — in a recently announced movie or otherwise. Meanwhile, filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has denied reports that he is going to direct a Hendrix biopic — with or without Jimi's half-brother Leon Hendrix. A Queenly ExtensionThe Queen musical "We Will Rock You" will go on longer than expected at London's Dominion Theatre. While the production had been set to close on October 7th, it will now run at least until April of next year. Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor are scheduled to attend a May 11th celebration of the extension, as well as the musical's fourth anniversary at the venue. No word on singer Paul Rodgers' whereabouts that night, but we'll keep our eye out for him! Billy's Latest Live ReleaseAlthough the details aren't complete yet, Billy Joel's "12 Gardens Live" double-CD concert album chronicling his record-breaking 12-night sell-out run at New York's Madison Square Garden is due out on June 13th. The shows were part of Joel's first major tour in eight years. Fortunately, he didn't drive into any trees — this time. Cinco de MayoThe Mexican holiday known as "Cinco de Mayo" is widely misconstrued in this country, even by people of Mexican descent. Although Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 15, 1810, it was 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the day in 1862 that 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City. When the battle was over, the Mexicans had won a great victory which kept Napoleon III from supplying the American Confederate rebels for another year, thus allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. That huge U.S. army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War. That's why Cinco de Mayo should be a party that celebrates freedom and liberty. But most people don't seem to care about the origin and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo, they simply see it as an opportunity to go out and get drunk on Mexican beer at reduced prices. Oddly enough, Cinco de Mayo has become more of a Chicano holiday than a Mexican one, and is celebrated on a much larger scale here in the States than it is in Mexico. No matter the reasoning, I personally propose a toast to freedom and liberty! That would be with a strawberry margarita, of course! May 6, 2006
Detroit rocker Bob Seger is 61.
On this day in 1957, Chuck Berry recorded "Rock and Roll Music." On this day in 1965, Rolling Stone Keith Richards woke up in a Clearwater, Florida hotel room and discovered that he had composed the "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" riff on his tape recorder while he slept. May 7, 2006
Drummer Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads is 55.
On this day in 1968, piano player/singer Reginald Dwight changed his name to Elton John. On this day in 1977, the Eagles' "Hotel California" album and song were #1. On this day in 1998, singer Steve Perry, who was suffering from degenerative hip problems, left Journey when the band decided to tour without him. May 8, 2006
Blues great Robert Johnson would have been 95, if he hadn't made a pact with the devil at the crossroads and then been killed at 27. Convicted child pornographer/rock star Gary Glitter is now 66. Yardbirds bassist Paul Samwell-Smith is 63. Drummer Alex Van Halen is 53.
On this day in 1956, Alfred E. Newman first appeared in "Mad" magazine asking the classic question "What, me worry?" On this day in 1965, the so-called British Invasion reached its zenith when nine of the songs in the Billboard Top 10 were by British artists. On this day in 1976, "Show Me The Way" by Peter Frampton peaked at #6 and Steve Miller's "Take The Money And Run" entered the charts on its way to #11. On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Get a Grip" entered the Billboard Top 200 album chart at #1, making it the group's highest-debuting and highest-charting album.
Keef's Skull Drilled/Tour PostponedRolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards had surgery today in New Zealand to relieve pressure in his head following an April 27th fall. Keef was "up and talking" soon after surgery at The Ascot Hospital in Auckland, but was expected to take several weeks to recuperate. The official statement says: "Last week Keith was under observation in Auckland following a fall in Fiji and was feeling well after being examined by doctors last week. However, after complaining of headaches yesterday, doctors thought it prudent to move ahead with a small operation to remove the pressure." The Stones' European tour, which was scheduled to start in Barcelona later this month, will be postponed until June, with details to follow. News reports have variously claimed that the 62-year-old rock icon fell out of a palm tree or from a jet ski. Pretty mild stuff compared to his escapades of the past 40 years, but let's all say a prayer for him! Beatles/Apple Suit OverApple Corps, The Beatles' record company, has lost the big trademark infringement court battle it brought against Apple Computer. Apple Corps, owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison, had accused the computer company of breaching the terms of a 1991 trademark agreement over the "apple" trademark. The label claimed that the computer maker's push into the digital music business with the iTunes Music Store violated the agreement. This morning in London's High Court, Justice Edward Mann ruled that the computer firm used the apple logo in association with its store, not the music, and so was not a breach. Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs said: "We are glad to put this disagreement behind us. We have always loved The Beatles, and hopefully we can now work together to get them on the iTunes Music Store." That sure would be one quick and easy way for Apple Corps to pay the legal bills! A Dark Side MilestonePink Floyd's legendary "Dark Side of the Moon" album is marking a milestone. It has far surpassed any other LP in terms of the number of weeks logged on a Billboard chart. With the current listing, "Dark Side of the Moon" is spending its 1,500th week on a chart — that's over 28-and-a-half years! Santana's TourSantana's finally putting together a North American tour. The legendary guitarist and his band have announced nine shows throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada as part of the "July/August 2006 Europe, Japan, and U.S. West Coast Tour." The West Coast swing includes a July 31st gig at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. Quote Of The WeekIt was Lawrence Clark Powell (after whom UCLA's Powell Library is named) who said, "Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow." The Real Reason So Many Marriages Fail
According to wedding planners and DJs interviewed by "InStyle" magazine, here are the Top 10 most popular tunes played at wedding receptions: May 9, 2006
Guitarist Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco fame is 62.
On this day in 1785, Joseph Bramah patented the beer-pump handle, thus assuring the eventual existence of bar bands. On this day in 1962, The Beatles signed their first recording contract with EMI Records, beginning one of the most famous and successful careers in recording history. On this day in 1970, The Guess Who's "American Woman/No Sugar Tonight" hit #1 as "Woodstock" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young peaked at #11 on the charts. On this day in 1974, Bruce Springsteen opened for Bonnie Raitt in Boston, and Bonnie allowed Bruce to perform his traditional two-hour set in its entirety. In the audience was critic and future Bruce manager Jon Landau, who wrote the next day, "I saw rock & roll's future and its name is Bruce Springsteen." Though true, it took Springsteen years to live that quote down.
Roger & Robert Join InTwo rock gods — Who singer Roger Daltrey, Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant — have joined Emerson, Lake & Palmer singer/guitarist Greg Lake, Argent singer/guitarist Russ Ballard and Pete Townshend's brother Simon Townshend for a British charity show taking place this evening in London. Daltrey will sing with a band called the RD Crusaders, which is led by British media mogul Richard Desmond. The Who frontman said, "We were talking about ways we could raise funds for charity and I said to Richard that I would sing in any band that he put together." The event at the Old Billingsgate Fish Market will raise money for two U.K. children's charities: the Evelina Children's Hospital Appeal and Camp Simcha. To date, the RD Crusaders have raised over $1.8 million for charity since they started in 2003. Trick Play IndyCheap Trick will be rocking the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 13th during the first day of qualifying for this year's Indianapolis 500. The Rockford boys will warm up for the Indy gig with a performance tomorrow night on NBC's Late Night With Conan O'Brien. Scorpions Just For YouDid you realize that the Scorpions are only doing four North American dates this Summer? The German lads have two California shows lined up, including a June 30th date at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa as part of the Orange County Fair. Before that actually takes place, the Scorps will rock their hometown of Hanover, Germany on June 7th as part of the opening ceremonies for the 2006 World Cup soccer championship. Sounds like a kick! Sting/Jovi Join InSting and Jon Bon Jovi have agreed to record performances and vignettes for the JCPenney Jam – The Concert for America's Kids. The all-star benefit for the JCPenney Afterschool Fund will be filmed on June 14th at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for a CBS-TV special that will air on August 22nd. Bon's PlaqueA plaque commemorating the late AC/DC singer Bon Scott was unveiled Saturday in his birthplace of Kirriemuir, Scotland. Fans came from as far away as Hungary to honor the singer, who died in 1980. Scott lived in Kirriemuir until the age of 6, when he moved with his family to Australia. The fact that it took 26 years to come up with a plaque says a lot about Bon's standing in the community, but better late than never. May 10, 2006
Solo artists Dave Mason and Donovan, and songwriter Graham Gouldman of 10cc are all 60 today. Now that could be one interesting party. Bassist and world-class deadbeat Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols would have been 49. Bono, the voice of U2 (and some say his generation), is 46.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones did their first professional recording session in London for Decca Records (who casually rejected the results). On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their first attempt on Keith Richards' song "Satisfaction" at Chess Studios in Chicago. Two days later, they got it right in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones appeared in separate courts facing separate drug charges. On this day in 1974, Eric Clapton recorded his cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." On this day in 1974, Led Zeppelin threw a party celebrating the launch of their Swan Song record label at the Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The bash ended with the guests tossing food, china and other guests at one another. Don't believe me? Ask your mom! On this day in 1978, with Brian Jones long dead and Keith Richards cleaned up for the first time in years, The Rolling Stones released the biggest hit of the Summer of '78, "Miss You."
Another Short-Lived RetirementDavid Bowie — who just announced another sabbatical from recording and touring — has booked a gig. Next May, the Thin White Duke will headline his first New York City show in four years. David has taken on the role of "curator" of the High Line Festival, which is named for the abandoned elevated train tracks next to the location where the event will be taking place. Over the course of 10 days next May, musicians, artists and filmmakers will show off their work at the Festival, with an emphasis on artists that are "unique and original to New York." Sure hope none of them decide to retire again in the near future! U2 Tops AgainEven though their Vertigo World Tour has ended and 2006 isn't even half over, U2 is at the top of the chart for selling concert tickets this year. Bono and the gang ranked #1 in Pollstar's recent Top 100 World Tours chart for the first quarter of 2006. Bon Jovi and Nickelback were second and third. Another E.C. Reissue ComingEric Clapton's 1970 self-titled solo debut album will be reissued in an expanded double-disc format on May 23rd. In addition to the original album, the set features a second disc with a previously unreleased alternate mix by Clapton collaborator Delaney Bramlett. Clapton will spend the Summer on tour in Europe, and will hit the States this Fall. No word on Delaney Bramlett's whereabouts, but you can be sure he's having fun! Aerosmith's Engineer Passes OnPaul Caruso — who engineered Aerosmith's last two albums and co-produced and played drums on guitarist Joe Perry's 2005 self-titled solo album — collapsed and died at the age of 50 in his Massachusetts home last Wednesday. A grieving Perry said, "I'm in shock about it... He was a good friend and a great musician." Here Comes Mom's DayIn honor of Mother's Day Sunday, "Elegant Bride" magazine conducted a poll that revealed some interesting conclusions. Thirty-five percent of respondents said their mother most closely resembles TV mom Marion Cunningham (Marion Ross on "Happy Days"), followed by Carol Brady (Florence Henderson on "The Brady Bunch") with 27%. Here are other highlights of the poll: * Coming in after Marion Cunningham and Carol Brady, 22% chose Sharon Osbourne ("The Osbournes) as the fictional mom that most closely resembles their mother, followed by Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon on "Sex and The City"). Hard to believe no one chose Courtney Love as resembling their mom. * 72% said they were going to be a different kind of wife than their own mother in "some aspects, but not all," while 15% said their mother "was perfect and I want to be just like her." Thirteen percent said they were going to be a different kind of wife because their mother wasn't a great role model. * Asked to describe the relationship between their mother and their fiancé, 54% said best friends, 44% said they tolerate each other and 2% said they don't get along. |
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