 June 11 - 20, 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! June 11, 2006
Drummer Frank Beard (the only member of ZZ Top without a beard) is 57. 
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' song "Paint It Black" hit #1. On this day in 1969, David Bowie re-released his single "Space Oddity" to cash in on the Apollo 11 lunar landing. On this day in 1977, "Telephone Line" by E.L.O. entered the charts. On this day in 1983, Bryan Adams released the song "Cuts Like A Knife." June 12, 2006
Singer Brad Delp of Boston is 55.
On this day in 1963, The Beach Boys recorded "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Surfer Girl." On this day in 1965, The Beatles were awarded the M.B.E., "Most Excellent Order of the British Empire." On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" entered the American charts exactly one month after they recorded it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It went on to become the biggest song of the Sixties. On this day in 1982, over 750,000 saw Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt play at the first No Nukes concert in New York's Central Park. On this day in 1982, The Clash's "Combat Rock" album entered the U.S. charts. On this day in 1998, John Fogerty canceled the first date of his U.S. tour (in Chicago) because it conflicted with Game 5 of the NBA Finals (Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz) and he knew everyone wanted to see the game. On this day in 2002, Sir Paul McCartney and former model Heather Mills married in Ireland. 
New Seger!After years of working at a leisurely pace behind the scenes, Bob Seger says he's just about finished his long-awaited studio album "Face the Promise." Bob's first full-length studio effort in 11 years is scheduled for a September 12th release. The first single, "Wait for Me," is due out shortly after July 4th. Seger says he's still making final decisions on songs and sequence, but the album will likely include the title track, which he calls a "big, storming rocker," and a duet with fellow Detroiter Kid Rock on Vince Gill's Merle Haggard tribute, "Real Mean Bottle." Bob still hasn't made a firm decision about touring, but has discussed getting a version of his Silver Bullet Band together for rehearsals before committing to dates. He last toured in 1996, supporting the previous year's "It's a Mystery." Rush UpdateRush continues to work on the group's next studio album. Singer/bassist Geddy Lee says he and guitarist Alex Lifeson are, "just having a blast" as they work on the new material. The boys are shooting for an early 2007 release date with a tour launching next Spring. Roth's New RoleSounds like David Lee Roth will be playing Nashville's Country Music Festival on July 4th. Organizers are contemplating adding the former Van Halen frontman to the show since he currently appears to be promoting the new bluegrass album "Strummin' With the Devil: The Southern Side of Van Halen." The recently released tribute disc offers countrified remakes of the band's hits and D.L.R. (who has nothing else to do) contributed vocals to two tracks on the album. If he's confirmed for the Nashville show, he'd perform a set of rock and bluegrass. If this doesn't work out, look for Diamond Dave to release a Christian music album in time for Christmas. Sammy's New OneSammy Hagar's latest album, "Livin' It Up," has finally been scheduled for an August 1st release. The Red Rocker currently is supporting the disc with a U.S. tour that features a set of Van Halen songs with his former bandmate Michael Anthony. Here are a few fotos of their Hyundai Pavilion stop. Stax Hails StonesThe Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis is honoring The Rolling Stones' role in soul music's legacy with a photography exhibit. Rolling Stones 40 × 20, a career-spanning selection of images by various photographers, will run through August 26th.  Quote Of The WeekIt was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said: "It takes less time to do a thing right than explain why you did it wrong." Household Challenges
A new survey by Scott Tissue and Towels found the #1 challenge for households is finding enough space for everyday necessities. Here's the entire Top 10 Household Challenges: June 13, 2006
Original Heart guitarist Howard Leese is 54.
On this day in 1958, Frank Zappa graduated from Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, California. On this day in 1969, former John Mayall guitarist Mick Taylor officially replaced Brian Jones in The Rolling Stones. On this day in 1970, The Beatles hit #1 for the last time with Paul McCartney's "The Long And Winding Road" on the singles charts and "Let It Be" on the album charts On this day in 1981, "The Waiting" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers peaked at #19 on the charts. On this day in 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released the album "Texas Flood." On this day in 1987, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 entered the charts on its way to #1.
On Stage TonightChicago and Huey Lewis & The News are playing at the beautiful Greek Theatre tonight. Crue/Aerosmith Finally OfficialJust like everyone expected, Motley Crue and Aerosmith will team up for a Fall U.S. tour starting September 23rd in New Jersey. Assuming they'll be on the road until Christmas, you can expect more dates to be announced soon. The Who Fire It UpThe Who performed their first show since last year's Live 8 last Wednesday at the Hedgestock Festival in Knebworth, England. London's "Sunday Times" reported that the group hardly showed their age, saying: "(Pete) Townshend is pogo-ing like a three-year-old in need of Ritalin and (Roger) Daltrey is hurling his microphone into improbable arcs and catching it every time." In true Who/punk spirit Townshend admonished the crowd of high powered business types by screaming "Turn yer mobiles off!" The week long "networking" festival was financed and attended by various financial groups, including hedge fund managers, bankers and corporate lawyers. The event raised $3.4 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity. At Least No One Died (This Time)Guns N' Roses actually began playing a little early Sunday night at the U.K. Download Festival and singer Axl Rose also brought his old bandmate Izzy Stradlin onstage to play "Patience", "Night Train" and "I Used To Love Her." But Axl also left the stage for extended periods two different times, causing the 75,000 fans to get soccer-rowdy. Perhaps he was consulting his lawyers. The band's last appearance at the festival in 1988 ended when a crowd of 107,000 surged toward the stage, crushing two fans to death. Zappa Plays ZappaThe complex music of Frank Zappa is once again emanating from the stage — the Zappa Plays Zappa – Tour de Frank is on the road! Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa are bringing their father's work back to life for the first time since his death in December 1993. They're doing it with the help of Mother's Of Invention alumni like drumming god Terry Bozzio and guitar god Steve Vai. You can watch in awe at the House of Blues in Anaheim on June 22nd and at the Wiltern LG on June 23rd. TasteFest Draws Davies & BurdenKinks frontman Ray Davies and Eric Burdon & The Animals have joined the line-up at the 2006 Comerica TasteFest June 30th through July 4th in Detroit. The 18th annual free street fair will also feature a selection of international cuisine from more than 40 Detroit-area restaurants — heavy on the BBQ ribs! New DylanWord is that Bob Dylan's new album will be called "Modern Times" and should hit stores in late August. Bob will be doing a handful of European dates leading up to the album's release and the next leg of his tour-that-never-ends. June 14, 2006
Keyboardist Rod Argent of The Zombies and Argent is 61.
On this day in 1965 in London, Paul McCartney recorded "Yesterday." On this day in 1969, The Beatles topped the British charts with their first stereo single, "The Ballad of John and Yoko." Ironically, only Paul McCartney and John Lennon played on the song. On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen headlined the No Nukes concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Like its Central Park counterpart two days earlier, there were several guest stars, including Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills and Bonnie Raitt. On this day in 2005, a life-sized chocolate statue of Elton John was unveiled in London. It had been commissioned by the Cadbury company as part of the chocolatier's 100th anniversary celebration. Please supply your own punchline here.
On Stage TonightThe Black Crowes will be rocking the beautiful Greek Theatre tonight. Ronnie Down/Not OutWord from London is that Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood checked himself into The Priory alcohol rehabilitation clinic last night for the second time in just over a year. He was last treated in April 2005 and succeeded in staying sober for much of the band's recent tour. However, he was spotted drinking heavily earlier this month at his 59th birthday celebrations. As for his ability to join the band to kick off tour dates in Spain on July 11th, his spokesman says, "Ronnie needs some rest but he will definitely be fit for the first night of the European tour." The A Bigger Bang tour has already been delayed by two months after Keith Richards suffered head injuries when he fell out of a tree in Fiji (or was hit by a coconut) in April. New Cars BrokenThe New Cars tour is stalled. Original Cars guitarist Elliot Easton broke his collarbone last week when he was tossed from his bunk on the bus as the band was traveling to one of its shows. He actually played four shows with the broken clavicle before the severity of the break required him to undergo extensive surgery Monday. The one-off band, also featuring original Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes as well as singer Todd Rundgren, bassist Kasim Sultan and drummer Prairie Prince, has had to suspend its road trip. So far, three dates have been cancelled as the boys await Elliot's recovery. No More BlackmoreDeep Purple co-founder/guitar whiz Ritchie Blackmore has denied rumors that he will rejoin the band for its July 15th performance at the 40th Annual Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Blackmore says that neither his former bandmates nor the event's organizers have contacted him, and he has no plans to participate in the concert. Blackmore, who now plays with the renaissance folk rock group Blackmore's Night, left Deep Purple in 1993. Some in the Purple camp feel that Ritchie started the reunion rumors himself. If so, it doesn't appear that anybody was buying into it. A Grand Funk DVDA limited-edition expanded version of Grand Funk Railroad's recently released "Greatest Hits" album will be paired with a DVD of previously unreleased material for an August 15th release. The DVD will include a trio of concert performances, a vintage TV appearance and a 1973 promotional film. Will Carlin Take On Right Wing Porn?This evening's installment of NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" could be a barn burner. The show has booked both conservative commentator Anne Coulter and anti-establishment comedian George Carlin. Coulter is purposely stirring up strong feelings with her book "Godless: The Church of Liberalism," in which she attacks the four New Jersey widows who pushed for an independent commission to investigate the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Her most heinous quote is: "I've never seen people enjoying their husbands' deaths so much." Carlin was booked on the show because he provides one of the character voices in Pixar's new hit animated film, "Cars," but George has never backed away from attacking right wing porn. How uncomfortable do you think Jay will look tonight? June 15, 2006
Singer Harry Nilsson would have been 65.
On this day in 1956, John Lennon first met Paul McCartney at a church dinner in Liverpool, England. He soon invited Macca to join his group The Quarrymen. On this day in 1966, Capitol Records released The Beatles "Yesterday & Today" album, featuring the band wearing butcher's aprons on the front cover surrounded by decapitated baby dolls. Paul McCartney later said it was the Fab Four's comment on the American record label's mishandling of the music. But when Capitol quickly withdrew the sleeve, it became one of the most valued Beatles collectibles. On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix held his first session at his long overdo, way over budget Electric Ladyland Studio in New York. On this day in 1987, the photo shoot for the cover of Pink Floyd's "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" took place in Saunton Sands, England. The project included 800 rented beds, which 30 hired hands moved onto the beach for the image.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Boston as well as Joe's brand new conversation with group leader Tom Scholz.
Ringo For PaulieAs Sir Paul McCartney goes through his extremely high-profile split with wife Heather Mills, he can count on another former Beatle to be there for him. Ringo Starr says, "I talked to him three weeks ago and I just said, 'I'm here if you need me.' That's all you can be." The drummer can also understand what McCartney is going through. He and his first wife, Maureen, divorced in 1975 after a 10-year marriage. But these days Starr is happily married to his second wife Barbara Bach — the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in April. Starr also says he plans to attend the June 30th opening of "Love," Cirque du Soleil's Fab Four-themed Las Vegas production. Jackson ReturnsAs he has for the last few years, Jackson Browne has signed on to perform at a benefit concert at Santa Monica High School. Proceeds from the June 30th gig will go to Artists for the Arts and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District's music programs. Right so, Jackson! Must Be More Who HypeThe Who officially kick off their European tour this Saturday in Leeds. Pete says that he and Roger have taken a cue from The Rolling Stones and will include some hardcore rarities for die-hard fans in this year's setlist — songs like "I'm A Boy," "The Seeker," "Getting In Tune," "Bargain" and "Pure And Easy" as well as a few never-performed numbers. Later this Summer, the band will release a six-track mini-opera, "Wire & Glass." Then late this Fall, they'll debut their first new studio album in 24 years, tentatively titled "Who2." The Who's still to-be-announced U.S. tour will be split into two legs, running from September 7th to October 10th and then from November 5th through December 5th. Rock & Roll! Sweating Like A...With the temperature hitting 111 degrees yesterday, is it any wonder that Phoenix has held onto its crown as the nation's sweatiest city? Old Spice's Fifth Annual Top-100 Sweatiest Cities list ranks Phoenix as the #1 spot for the third time in four years. Officials say the average Phoenix resident produces 26 ounces of sweat per hour in the Summer. But because of its low humidity, Phoenix only came in fourth on the list of Top 10 Most Uncomfortable Cities. It followed Miami, Corpus Christi, Texas and Orlando, Florida. San Francisco was deemed to be the country's least sweaty city, albeit the city with the worst parking. June 16, 2006
Drummer extraordinaire Doane Perry of Jethro Tull is 52.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan recorded "Like a Rolling Stone" for his classic "Highway 61 Revisited" album. Bob and his band — featuring Al Kooper playing an electric organ for the first time in his life and some of blues guitar legend Mike Bloomfield's most understated playing ever — nailed the song on the fourth of 14 takes, the only time they made it all the way through the number. On this day in 1967, at the height of "The Summer of Love," The Monterey Pop Festival kicked off in Monterey, California. The media coverage given to Janis Joplin, The Who and Jimi Hendrix during the three-day festival helped turn them into international stars. On this day in 1979, Bad Company's "Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy" peaked at #13 on the charts. On this day in 1982, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott of The Pretenders died from a cocaine overdose at age 25. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Boston as well as Joe's brand new conversation with group leader Tom Scholz.
On StageChicago and Huey Lewis & The News play the Verizon Amphitheatre tonight while INXS rocks the Greek Theatre tonight and tomorrow. Rockers Join HankAerosmith's Joe Perry, Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen and The E Street Band's Steven Van Zandt and Clarence Clemons were among the musicians who performed alongside country star Hank Williams Jr. during the recent filming of a video that will open ESPN's "Monday Night Football" games this season. The video of the all-star band will premiere on September 11th. Bruce's Union WoesBruce Springsteen upset a musicians union in Milwaukee earlier this week when he played a concert at the city's non-union Bradley Center. Springsteen's touring in support of his "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" album, featuring the music of pro-union folk singer Pete Seeger. The coordinator of the local chapter of a union of musicians, actors and stage hands called the performance, "bafflingly ironic and somewhat infuriating." He also said, "We're not really protesting... We just want people to know Springsteen's taking the music of a very pro-union campaign into a venue like that." Right — and the person in Milwaukee to pay a 17-piece band like Bruce's was... Glen Miller? T.P. Set To ReleaseTom Petty's "Highway Companion" — his first solo release since 1994's "Wildflowers" — will be in stores on July 25th. Petty played most of the instruments on "Highway Companion" himself, although Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell provided the lead guitar parts and co-producer Jeff Lynne (of ELO and The Traveling Wilburys) chipped in on keyboards, bass and backing vocals. The first single, "Saving Grace," can be streamed from Petty's Web site. Tom and his Heartbreakers just launched a tour, with Southland dates expected to be announced real soon. Lots O' Live JoelHighlights from Billy Joel's record-setting 12-night stand at New York's Madison Square Garden have been complied on a new album. The two-disc, 32-track "12 Gardens Live" includes performances of all his hits as well as at least one reference to his tendency to drive into trees. Operatic Debut DelayedThe world premiere of the theatrical production of Roger Waters' opera "ça Ira," which originally had been scheduled for July 7th in Poznan, Poland, has been pushed back to August 25th. They say the delay is due to production changes — including the addition of a third stage and extra cast members — that the former Pink Floyd mastermind and his show director Janusz Jozefowicz are making. Father's DayFather's Day is a relatively new institution, which became an official holiday only 34 years ago. While it isn't as widely celebrated as Mother's Day, Father's Day is the fifth-largest card-sending occasion in America, with over 85 million greeting cards exchanged. The first Father's Day was observed on June 19th, 1910 — the third Sunday in June. Many famous people supported Father's Day and attempted to secure official recognition for the holiday including William Jennings Bryan, Woodrow Wilson and Calvin Coolidge. But it wasn't until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. Happy Father's Day! Dad's Time
In an annual Father's Day survey by CareerBuilder.com, 44% of working dads say they would take a pay cut to spend more time with their kids. Among the other findings: June 17, 2006
Barry Manilow may not be Rock & Roll, but he is 60.
On this day in 1966, Beatle Paul McCartney bought himself a remote farm in Kintyre, Scotland. He later wrote "Mull of Kintyre" about it. On this day in 1966, guitarist Peter Green joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. In less than a year, Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie left Mayall's band to form Fleetwood Mac. On this day in 1972, David Bowie's landmark "Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars" album entered the American charts. Although it only peaked at #75, it spent 72 weeks on the charts and influenced the sound of rock albums and songwriting for years to come. On this day in 1978, Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" album, the highly anticipated follow-up to 1975's "Born to Run," entered the charts. On this day in 1980, Led Zeppelin began their final tour in Dortmund, Germany. June 18, 2006
Sir Paul McCartney is 64.
On this day in 1967, Big Brother & The Holding Company, featuring Janis Joplin, performed a second set at the Monterey Pop Festival so that D.A. Pennebaker could film them for his documentary. Then, after The Who won a backstage argument with Jimi Hendrix over who would close the festival, Hendrix played an incendiary set that saw him light his guitar on fire. History was made, and The Who's Pete Townshend was even more pissed! On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's song "Dreams" hit #1. On this day in 1980, goofy behavior spread all across the good old U.S. of A. when the "The Blues Brothers" movie premiered, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. June 19, 2006
Singer Ann Wilson of Heart is 56.
On this day in 1965, both The Kinks and Moody Blues played their first American gigs at New York's Academy of Music. Bad news for both bands: they were in trouble with the New York City Musicians Union and revoked work visas were right around the corner. On this day in 1976, Blue Oyster Cult's outstanding "Agents of Fortune" album entered the charts as "Don't Fear the Reaper" was about to become their biggest hit. On this day in 1982, Fleetwood Mac's song "Hold Me" entered the charts on its way to #4. On this day in 1997, Bobby Helms, best known for "Jingle Bell Rock," died from emphysema and asthma at the age of 63.
The Power Of The StonesThe Rolling Stones are the most powerful musical act in the world, according to "Forbes" magazine's 2006 Celebrity 100 list. The band finished #2 overall — behind actor Tom Cruise and in front of Oprah Winfrey — based on earnings and media visibility during the past year. U2 rolled in at #4, Bruce Springsteen was #11, Paul McCartney #14 and Elton John #16. No word yet on Jim Ladd's reaction to missing the cut again this year, but you can be sure he'll have something to say this evening! The Who LaunchedThe Who is officially back on the road! The boys kicked off their new tour over the weekend at Leeds University in Britain, recreating their legendary 1970 show at the school that became one of the best-ever live albums, "Live at Leeds." The 1970 gig came after The Who's triumphant appearance at Woodstock and featured the last complete live performance of the rock opera "Tommy" for almost 20 years. Singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, the two surviving original members, also unveiled a plaque at the university to commemorate the gig. Their 2006 world tour will cover Europe this Summer, then move Stateside in September. Purple Play The World CupLast Friday, Deep Purple played a concert outside the Croatian soccer team's hotel in Germany to get the team pumped up for their Saturday World Cup match against Japan. Explaining the rationale behind having one of the world's legendary hard rock bands play a motivational concert, the Croatian team treasurer (no, they didn't do it for free!) said: "Music gets the rhythm process going and the blood stream running. Not only will the team hear and see it (the concert), they can be part of it." Since they played to a 0-0 tie with Japan, you gotta wonder if being deafened affected their playing! New Cars CancelA great headline, but lousy news for the band. The remainder of The New Cars Road Rage Tour with Blondie has been officially canceled in the wake of guitarist Elliot Easton's surgery last Monday. Easton broke his collarbone on June 4th after falling out of his bunk on the band's tour bus when the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle. There is a possibility that some dates will be rescheduled. Or not. Mark & EmmylouMark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame has finally returned to the U.S. stage. He and the legendary Emmylou Harris recently completed a set of dates overseas, and they're now launching the nine-date North American leg of their tour. Tonight, the duo will do their lone Canadian show in Toronto. They'll eventually play the Gibson Amphitheatre on June 28th. Honors To Ozzy, Sharon & The EaglesThe Eagles received a Lifetime Achievement Award while Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne were honored with a Silver Clef award for their contribution to the U.K. music industry at last week's ceremony in London. The Silver Clef awards are held annually to raise funds for Nordoff Robbins, which provides music therapy for adults and children. On collecting their award, Sharon Osbourne said: "We're all touched by music. We get married to music, we cry to music, we make love to music — if you can find a two-minute song, that is," she added, smiling at her husband. You're right — that's too much information! Glitter Out Of NFLAlthough his appeal to the courts was denied last week, you have to figure that Seventies British Glam rocker Gary Glitter still got off easy with a three-year jail sentence for sexually abusing children in Vietnam. But Stateside, after years of waffling on the subject of Glitter's pedophilia, the NFL has finally asked teams to avoid playing his "Rock and Roll Part Two" song on game day. Hmm... we're still in favor of a public hanging as a righteous choice... Not Just Another Damned AnniversaryAs you history buffs may recall, it was on June 19, 1846, at Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey that the New York Club baseball team beat the Knickerbockers, 23-1. On that date, another baseball tradition began: The New York Club pitcher, James Whyte Davis, was fined 6 cents for swearing at the umpire. That bastard! June 20, 2006
Guitar god Chet Atkins would have been 82.
On this day in 1969, the 3-day Newport '69 Festival began in Northridge. An estimated 150,000 made it in to hear Jimi Hendrix, Jethro Tull, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Steppenwolf and others. Hendrix received $125,000 for his appearance — the highest fee ever paid to a single rock act for one appearance at that time. Do you know anyone born in the Southland in March 1970? Their folks were probably at the festival! On this day in 1970, Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" entered the charts.
Van Halen Brothers Resurface!Eddie and Alex Van Halen made an ultra-rare public appearance Saturday night when they joined country star Kenny Chesney's show at the Home Depot Center in Carson. The rocking brothers joined in with Kenny's band on performances of Van Halen's "Jump" and The Kinks' "You Really Got Me." This wasn't a one-shot flirtation with Rock & Roll for Chesney (who really kicks major butt in concert). He and former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar co-wrote and recorded the song "One Sip," which will appear on Sammy's forthcoming solo album, "Livin' It Up." Bonnaroo For YouAfter four years of being known as the biggest jam-band party in the world, Tennessee's 2006 Bonnaroo festival raised the bar last weekend. With a sell-out crowd of 80,000 dancing in the fields, the first night saw Tom Petty welcome Stevie Nicks to the behemoth main stage. Their mini-set included performances of their hit Eighties duet "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" and the Petty staple "I Need to Know," sung by Nicks. In addition, during their two-hour-plus set, Petty and his Heartbreakers covered the pre-Nicks Fleetwood Mac rocker "Oh Well." The second day's mightiest jam came after midnight when one-half of Phish reunited. Singer/vocalist Trey Anastasio and bassman Mike Gordon teamed with the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh (among others) for a cover of the Dead's "Casey Jones." Lesh and his latest group of musical Friends opened their headlining set on the third night with an epic rendering of the Dead favorite "Uncle John's Band," followed by "Fire on the Mountain" and a Joan Osborne-sung take on Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." They also did a soulful reading of The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" before closing out the event with Lesh's signature Dead tune, "Box of Rain." That was one behemoth Rock & Roll show! Miller's RecordingWith a freshly remastered 30th anniversary edition of "Fly Like an Eagle" out next Tuesday, Steve Miller is looking forward to having fun on this Summer's tour. The "Fly Like an Eagle" anniversary edition features three outtakes, plus a DVD containing an interview with Miller and a concert taped in September 2005 with guests Joe Satriani and George Thorogood. Meanwhile, the guitar master's next recording project is a collaboration with the University of Southern California Jazz Band taking place next week in Capitol Records' famous Studio A in Los Angeles. Miller performed with the ensemble in April and plans big band arrangements of some of his hits ("Living in the U.S.A.," "Fly Like an Eagle," "The Joker," "Nature Boy") as well as covers of songs by Stevie Wonder, among others. He hopes to release it later this year or early next. "These kids really surprised me," Steve says. "They've had classical training, jazz training, but they all play by ear, too. They can do blues. They can do jazz. They can do Nine Inch Nails — anything they want to. Anything they hear, they can play it. Their ideas are fresh, their playing is energetic and their control was amazing. I'm really looking forward to recording with them." Metallica ReportMetallica drummer Lars Ulrich says that the group's new album will be released next Summer or early Fall. He explained, "I think we've realized that the creative process works a little slower for us than it used to, and we're OK with that. It's not a bad thing, unless, of course, you're waiting for a record." Ulrich added that the band is now far more relaxed than the turbulent state in which it recorded 2003's "St. Anger." Metallica is currently on a European festival tour. Tony White ReduxTony Joe White — the legendary Southern singer/songwriter responsible for "Rainy Night in Georgia," "Polk Salad Annie" and many others — has some big time friends helping him out on his new album, "Uncovered." Eric Clapton played guitar and provided vocals on an updated version of White's "Did Somebody Make a Fool Out of You," while former Doobie Brother/Steely Dan singer Michael McDonald and guitar god Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame guested on two different songs. Late country great Waylon Jennings can be heard on "Shakin' the Blues" from one of his last recording sessions before his death in 2002, and the legendary J.J. Cale added two verses to another White song. "Uncovered" will be released on September 5th, about the same time Tony's supporting tour will kick off. Quote Of The WeekIt was Roy H. Williams who said: "Lives, like money, are spent. What are you buying with yours?" Computer BugsIn 1945, when an early computer at Harvard malfunctioned, early software engineer Grace Hopper found a moth in one of the circuits and removed it, thereby restoring the machine to working order. Ever since, when something goes wrong with a computer, it is said to have a bug in it. Note: At the time of her death in 1992, Ms. Hopper held the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. (http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/hopper.html) |
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