 June 21 - 30, 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 21, 2006
The Kinks leader Ray Davies is 62. 
On this day in 1966, Britain's top session guitarist, Jimmy Page, made his live debut with The Yardbirds at a show at the Marquee Club in London. His transformation of that group into Led Zeppelin was just two years away. On this day in 1975, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple, the band he had carefully formed seven years earlier. On this day in 1981, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen put Steely Dan on a hiatus that lasted 13 years. On this day in 2001, blues legend John Lee Hooker died in his sleep at the age of 83. Hooker was perhaps the most influential of all the old bluesmen, with songs covered by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, The Doors and many more. 
Jovi/Sambora/Gore/L.A./SaturdayJersey icon Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora and former Vice President Al Gore will be hooking up at the Los Angeles Film Festival this Saturday. The Bon Jovi duo will play prior to a free screening of "An Inconvenient Truth," the 2000 Democratic presidential candidate's documentary about global warming. The Great Performance space in the California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles is the designated venue — stay tuned for show times. Happy Shopping!Now through Saturday, ItsOnlyRocknRoll.com is running an auction of rock memorabilia including John Lennon's suit from the film "A Hard Day's Night," a receipt signed by the five original Beatles (remember Stuart Sutcliffe?), handwritten prose from Jim Morrison and a spiral-bound notebook of Bruce Springsteen's handwritten lyrics from 1968. Invest wisely! Phil Be BusyFormer Genesis singer/drummer Phil Collins will be guesting on NBC's Today Show this Friday morning. Collins will perform a couple of his songs from the "Tarzan" Broadway musical with the fellow who plays Tarzan in the show. The former Brand X jazz fusion drummer will also play his classic songs "You Can't Hurry Love" and "True Colors" (sorry, no "Squonk" this time around). Cool deal, Mr. Phil — now please get that darned Genesis reunion back on track! Elty Sues The TaxmanWhen Sir Elton John thinks he's being overtaxed, he doesn't mess around. The singer has sued the Fulton County Tax Assessors Office over the value of his 12,000-square-foot condominium in Atlanta. The Tax Assessors say Elty's crash pad is worth $4.6 million — $900,000 more than the music icon thinks it's worth. Sure he'll save about $16,000 a year in taxes if he wins his suit, but his representative says money isn't the issue. Maybe he just had too many lawyers on retainer with nothing to do. A.I.C. Comp Finally ComingThe Alice In Chains reunion is going so well that a long-delayed, definitive double-CD compilation is now set for a July 25th release. "The Essential Alice in Chains," which was supposed to be released more than two years ago, will feature 28 songs in all. Revamping George's SecondThe late George Harrison's second solo album, "Living in the Material World," is getting a makeover. Originally issued in May 1973, the remastered/revamped album will be in stores on September 26th. The CD version will come with a 12-page booklet, including song lyrics and additional photos, while the limited edition CD/DVD set will contain a 40-page booklet. The DVD will also feature a mini-documentary that George commissioned chronicling the album's production, concert footage of Harrison performing "Give Me Love" with Eric Clapton in Japan in 1991, as well as outtakes and never before released archival visual material.  All Hail The Champions & Their Sponsors!Last night, the Miami Heat finished their four-game comeback to beat the mighty Dallas Mavericks for the 2006 NBA championship. Congrats to our beloved Shaquille O'Neal, the incredible Dwyane Wade, Coach Pat Riley and the rest of the team! Not only is this the Heat's first championship, but it also marked the first time a professional sports championship series was played at two venues with the same corporate name: the American Airlines Arena in Miami and the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Now, will the Maverick's loud owner, Mark Cuban, shoot off his mouth like he did after Game 5? That low class action resulted in a $250,000 fine — stay tuned! Summer Time!"Summer time, and the livin' is easy." This is the day we celebrate the Summer Solstice. Both the longest day and shortest night of the year, this marks the official changing of the seasons. "Solstice" is derived from two words: "sol" meaning "sun," and "sistere," meaning "to stand still." On the day of the solstice, the sun rises an imperceptible amount, in a sense, it "stands still." Scary, perhaps, but what an excuse to party! And when it comes to partying, who knew more than the ancients. An utterly astounding array of ancient cultures built their greatest architectural masterpieces, so that they aligned with the solstices and equinoxes. Stonehenge is a perfect marker of both winter and summer solstices. Native Americans created countless stone structures linked to equinoxes and solstices, including the 20-acre amphitheatre in Vermont called Calendar One and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming. Since the ancients, this time of year — between the planting and harvesting of the crops — has also been the traditional period for weddings. Besides fertility, planting seeds, gathering of herbs, pagan rituals and partying in Santa Barbara, Summer Solstice means so much more here in Southern California. OK, it primarily means bikini waxing and sunscreen, but it is meaningful none-the-less. Just be wary of that fertility thing! June 22, 2006
Todd Rundgren is 58.
On this day in 1847, the doughnut was invented. On this day in 1968, The Jeff Beck Group debuted in New York City. Their lead singer, Rod Stewart, was so nervous he hid behind the speakers for the first few songs. No, there wasn't a young blonde back there with him, but we all know how he likes doughnuts.
Aerosmith/Motley Crue Is OfficialThe Aerosmith/Motley Crue tour is finally official. The boys are calling the co-headlining venture The Route Of All Evil Tour. So far, there are 27 dates scheduled between September 14th through November 24th, with the Hollywood Bowl penciled in for November 7th and the Hyundai Pavilion Of Glen Helen set for November 11th. Both acts will play for about 80 minutes or so, and Aerosmith's stage will feature a 70-foot ramp that extends into the audience. Both groups are working on new albums, with Aerosmith shooting for a Fall release and the Crue looking at early 2007. Trivia fans should know that this marks the first time the two legendary hard partying/hard rock bands will hit the road together. If they hadn't cleaned up their acts years ago, they'd be too dead to matter. Roger Paints Another WallFormer Pink Floyd bassist/singer Roger Waters left his mark yesterday by writing "tear down the wall" in red spray paint and marker pen on the concrete and razor-wire barrier being erected in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. "I've heard a lot about [the wall] but without being here you can't imagine how extraordinarily oppressive it is," he said. Waters will play at a "coexistence village" on Friday, a venue he requested after receiving criticism for initially planning to perform in Tel Aviv, Israel. Right so, Roger, right so! Skynyrd's Billy Takes A HiatusLynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player Billy Powell is taking a "hiatus" from the band after entering a Nashville drug and alcohol rehab center. "The band fully supports Billy's decision and wishes him a speedy recovery," reads the band's official statement. "[Skynyrd hopes] that he will re-join [them] on tour in the very near future." No word yet about who might fill in for Powell as the group continues on its lengthy U.S. tour, but you know they'll keep rocking. T.P.'s RockingTom Petty & the Heartbreakers' 30th anniversary tour rocked into New York's Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. The group kicked off its 22-song set with a series of classic tunes before performing "Saving Grace," the great first single from Petty's forthcoming "Highway Companion" album. The band also delivered a Yardbirds-inspired rendition of Muddy Waters' "I'm a Man," as well as versions of songs by Fleetwood Mac and Them. The evening's biggest highlight was the appearance of special guest Stevie Nicks who added her voice to "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" and "I Need To Know," and later returned to the stage to lend both co-lead and backing vocals. Still no Southland dates, but you know it's going to happen! A Cool Neil UpdateAlthough he'd deny it was a competition, Neil Young is in the running for the Artist of the Year trophy at the fifth annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony. The event will be held on September 22nd at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, where Neil performed the concerts filmed for his acclaimed "Heart Of Gold" documentary/movie. Meanwhile, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's impending Freedom of Speech '06 tour will definitely feature performances of material from Young's politically charged "Living With War" album. As David Crosby said, "We very much want to sing those songs!" Preston's ServicesJoe Cocker was among the high profile mourners at singer/keyboardist Billy Preston's funeral services held Tuesday in Inglewood. Cocker performed an incredible version of his 1974 hit "You Are So Beautiful," which was co-written by Preston. Attendees also listened to elegiac letters written by Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and others who worked with Preston. "I am deeply saddened to lose such a wonderful friend," wrote McCartney. "I love you Billy." Rest in peace. Time Waits For No One (Verb)So it turns out that the world really is obsessed with "time." The folks at the Oxford dictionary have announced that "time" is the most often used noun in the English language. "The" is the most commonly used word overall, followed by "be," "to," "of," and, "a," "in," "that," "have," and "I," according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary. The list of Top 15 nouns includes "time," "person," "year," "way," "day," "thing," "man," "world," "life," "hand," "part," "child," "eye," "woman" and "place." "War," at #49, trumped "peace," which did not make the Top 100. Darn (another word that didn't make the Top 100)! June 23, 2006
Original Beatle bassist Stuart Sutcliffe would have been 66.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney & Wings wrapped up their "Wings Over America" tour at The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood. Macca didn't tour the States for another 13 years — do you think it was something he ate backstage at the Forum? On this day in 1979, Supertramp's "Breakfast in America" album hit #1 just as The Knack's "My Sharona" entered the charts on its way to #1. On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" album entered the charts on its way to seven weeks at #1. On this day in 1984, Van Halen's all-time driving classic "Panama" entered the singles charts.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's conversation with Tommy Shaw and James J.Y. Young.
On Stage TonightZappa Plays Zappa – Tour de Frank featuring Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa with the help of various Mother's Of Invention alumni like drumming god Terry Bozzio and guitar god Steve Vai will be shredding at the Wiltern LG tonight. Also, The Tubes play the Canyon Club in Augora Hills tonight. On Stage Tomorrow NightFormer Beatle Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band play the Gibson Amphitheatre tomorrow (Saturday) night. On Stage SundayBob Weir & Rat Dog will be jamming at the Gibson Amphitheatre Sunday night. Platinum RingtonesBet you know someone whose phone rings to the melody of AC/DC's "Back in Black" or Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train." Those were among the first 39 songs to achieve platinum status in the Recording Industry Association of America's new ringtone tracking. Just like the R.I.A.A. does with albums, a ringtone is certified platinum when its sales reach one million. Now if we could just get those damn things turned off in movie theaters... Remastered & Lip Synced?Former lead singer Steve Perry has been busy behind the scenes supervising the remastering and repackaging of five of Journey's most successful albums. The new packages, expanded with a few bonus tracks and memorabilia-rich booklets, will be out on August 1st. 1978's "Infinity," which marked the debut of Steve Perry, and 1979's "Evolution" retain their original track lists, while 1980's "Departure" will include two bonus tracks. The multi-million-selling 1981 album "Escape" will include live versions of "Don't Stop Believin'," "Who's Crying Now" and "Open Arms" from the recent archival CD/DVD "Live in Houston," plus the studio track "La Raza Del Sol." The 1988 "Greatest Hits" compilation will now also include the 1996 single "When You Love a Woman." But back on the concert trail, the current version of Journey is beginning their Summer tour with Def Leppard under a cloud of speculation that frontman Steve Augeri has been lip synching while the rest of the band plays live. For some reason, the band hasn't offered an official response to the allegations yet. But let me say these two things: #1, Steve Augeri sure wasn't lip syncing when I was on stage with the band; #2, No one I've ever met (and I've met them all) is good enough to lip sync Journey music for an entire concert — Journey songs are intense vocal workouts. The only thing more stupid than suggesting that is buying into the story. Sea Chanteys IndeedU2's Bono, Sting and Lou Reed are part of the eclectic lineup who have lent their voices to "Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs & Chanteys" due out on August 22nd. The 43-track, two-disc project offers contemporary interpretations of traditional seafaring tunes as produced by Hal Willner, working from an idea hatched by director Gore Verbinski and actor Johnny Depp in the midst of shooting "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." A total of 60 songs were recorded in London, Dublin, New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. The 17 that didn't make this "Rogue's Gallery" compilation will likely see the light of day on a future companion album. Personally, I'd like to watch the Stinger say "Argh!" U2's World CupEven though the U.S. soccer team is out of the game, you can still see the World Cup ads with U2 at http://soccernet.com/onegame/ You will be moved. Guess Who/Not Guess WhoPrincipal Guess Who members Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings are enjoying performing together even though legal proceedings by their former bassist have blocked them from using the group's name. "We looked at each other and said, 'Nobody can sue us for using our own names,'" recalls Cummings. "'Let's just call it Bachman Cummings.'" The pair recently released a hits collection featuring Bachman's work with Bachman Turner Overdrive, Cummings' solo material, and their collaborative Guess Who classics. The boys will be on the road (north of the border) through the end of the month. You can check them out at http://bachmancummings.com/ June 24, 2006
Drummer/rock icon Mick Fleetwood is 65.
On this day in 1965, John Lennon released the follow-up to his first book, "In His Own Write." The title, "A Spaniard in the Works," was a play on the phrase "A Spanner (Wrench to us Americans) in the works." On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' classic album "Some Girls" entered the charts on its way to #1. On this day in 1984, Talking Heads premiered their classic concert movie "Stop Making Sense" directed by Jonathan Demme. On this day in 1996, Van Halen announced that Sammy Hagar had left the band, and that David Lee Roth had returned as a (very) temporary replacement. On this day in 1999, Eric Clapton auctioned off 100 of his guitars to raise money for his Crossroads Clinic in Antigua. The 1956 Fender Stratocaster on which he composed "Layla" fetched a (then) record price of $497,500. On this day in 2000, KISS began auctioning off costumes and props from their 25 years in show business. Last we checked, they still haven't left the building. June 25, 2006
Original Moody Blues bassist Clint Warwick is 64.
On this day in 1966, The Troggs' "Wild Thing" entered the American Top 40, scaring the bejesus out of melodic pop combos everywhere. It eventually peaked at #1. On this day in 1967, The Beatles performed "All You Need is Love" live on the first worldwide satellite television broadcast. Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Keith Moon, among others, were on hand to help (or be seen). On this day in 1969, guitarist Mick Taylor played his first gig as Brian Jones' replacement in The Rolling Stones. The Colosseum in Rome was the venue. On this day in 1984, Patti Scialfa joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as a back-up singer, four days before the "Born in the USA" world tour began. On this day in 1994, Boston's fourth album, "Walk On," entered the charts a mere eight years after the band's "Third Stage." On this day in 1994, Chet Helms, who founded and managed Big Brother & The Holding Company with Janis Joplin, died in San Francisco of complications from a stroke at age 62. It was Helms who staged the free concerts at Golden Gate Park that became the backdrop for the Summer of Love in 1967. Chet was also was instrumental in helping bands like the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Country Joe & The Fish develop the "San Francisco Sound." June 26, 2006
Chicago blues pioneer Big Bill Broonzy would have been 113.
On this day in 1963, John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote "She Loves You" in a hotel room in Newcastle, England. On this day in 1964, The Beatles released their "A Hard Day's Night" album, which was sold as either stereo or mono. In fact, only the instrumental tracks were issued in stereo or mono — The Beatles' songs were mixed in mono on both versions. On this day in 1973, British police raided Keith Richards' London home, where they discovered guns, ammunition and Chinese heroin. The Rolling Stones guitarist was immediately arrested with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg. On this day in 1973, singer Marsha Hunt named Mick Jagger in a paternity suit in London. Hunt claimed the Rolling Stone was the father of her then-two-year-old daughter. A blood test proved otherwise and the lawsuit against Jagger was dismissed.
On Stage TonightJonny Lang will be rocking the House Of Blues in Anaheim tonight. Slash Just Says NoGuns N' Roses fans who thought that guitarist Saul "Slash" Hudson might return for a reunion won't like this reality check. Slash says, "I don't know where [the rumors came] from, but I haven't dealt with Guns N' Roses any more than I have in the last 10 years. So, it's not really a thing with me. I have, in the foreseeable future, no re-involvement with that band whatsoever." Instead, the guitarist is fully involved in the upcoming second album from his multi-platinum new band, Velvet Revolver. Meanwhile, GN'R canceled a show last Wednesday in Switzerland after drummer Brian Mantia jetted home to be with his pregnant wife. The Gunners will continue with Frank Ferrer filling in until Mantia is ready to return. Aerosmith Fireworks/New MusicAerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will be headlining the Fourth of July Boston Pops concert — whatever that entails. We can all find out together because the Independence Day show will be nationally televised on CBS. Meanwhile, Perry says the group's new album will likely feature a few long forgotten tracks. The band has been combing its archives and has uncovered songs that for some reason never made it onto previous discs. He also reports that frontman Tyler's recent throat surgery hasn't caused any problems with the studio work, and suggests the procedure might have even made an improvement in the singer's vocal quality. Joe says, "his voice has this timbre that I haven't heard for years." Although the new album won't be released until next Spring, the boys will be doing the Route of All Evil tour with Motley Crue this Fall. You can expect their November Southland dates to be announced shortly. Rock Star CastThe cast has been selected for the second season of CBS' "Rock Star." A total of 15 singers (some with real talent) will compete to be the frontman for the new band, Supernova. The group is comprised of Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke. The winning singer of this edition of "Rock Star" will get the chance to record an original album with Supernova and tour with the band. The series will premiere on Wednesday July 5th. Elty Signs OnElton John will be among the artists performing at a July 2nd EuroPride Day concert called the Show. The event will be part of London's gay-pride festivities. "Elton wants to be celebrating EuroPride 2006 in London with the rest of us," says actor Ian McKellen, the Show's creative director. "He is one of the most generous stars in the world." Does that mean Sir Elty's foregoing his fee? Quote Of The WeekIt was Hunter S. Thompson who said: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." 10 Random Thoughts For A Summer's Eve* Why do psychics have to ask you for your name? * Remember, half the people you know are below average. * He who laughs last thinks slowest. * A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. * Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film. * Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. * If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments. * If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends? * What happens if you get scared half to death twice? * Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened. June 27, 2006
Captain Kangaroo, Bob Keeshan, would have been 79.
On this day in 1949, Gene Autry recorded "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' self-titled debut album entered the British charts, two months after it was released. On this day in 1970, seven weeks after the Kent State Massacre that it was written about, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's blistering "Ohio" was released. On this day in 1970, the English band Smile changed their name to Queen. On this day in 1971, the legendary Fillmore East in New York City closed. Performers on the last night included The Allman Brothers Band, The Beach Boys, J. Geils Band and Mountain. On this day in 1976, John Lennon finally received his green card. On this day in 1977, Led Zeppelin played the last of seven legendary nights at the Forum in Los Angeles. On this day in 1978, at a special ceremony, UNICEF named Kansas as its first musical ambassadors of goodwill. The band was extremely surprised! On this day in 1989, occasional Eagle Don Henley released his classic "The End of the Innocence" solo album. On this day in 1989, The Who performed the rock opera, "Tommy" in its entirety for the first time in 19 years at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The revived show raised money for a children's charity as well as the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. On this day in 1993, Lyle Lovett married Julia Roberts — you go boy! On this day in 2002, rock's greatest bass player, John Entwistle of The Who, died in his sleep from a heart attack in Las Vegas on the eve of the band's North American tour. He was 57 years old.
On Stage TonightJonny Lang will be rocking the House Of Blues in Anaheim again tonight. Axl BitesGuns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose was arrested in Stockholm early this morning after allegedly biting a security guard in the leg outside his hotel. Rose, who performed in Stockholm's Globe Arena last night, was being held on suspicion of attacking and threatening the guard, as well as causing damage to the Berns Hotel where the alleged scuffle took place around 8am. Authorities say Rose "was deemed too intoxicated to be questioned right away" and would face questioning after he sobers up. A prosecutor will then decide whether to press charges against him. One of the police officers who helped arrest Rose was quoted by the daily Aftonbladet Web site as saying that the singer acted aggressively toward police and had to be "handcuffed and restrained" in the hotel. No word on the whereabouts of Axl's day care provider during the fracas. Keef's A Pirate's DaddyAfter months of rumors and speculation, Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards is absent from the second "Pirates of the Caribbean" film, hitting theaters in 10 days. But director Gore Verbinski says Keef will definitely be in the third installment of the series. Gore said, "It was actually Johnny's (Depp) idea to put Keith in the film, because all of his sort of observational work was done on Keith for his character. So, we've written a little cameo and Keith has scheduled us into his tour and it's going to be a lot of fun." They say they'll shoot Keith's part in September... or will it be in November when The Stones are rumored to return to the Southland? "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" will sail into theaters on July 7th. The third installment of the franchise — "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" — is expected to be released next May. KISS Coffeehouse #1KISS' Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the first KISS Coffeehouse today in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Grand Opening gala will also include a performance by a KISS tribute group and a KISS-style fireworks display. My favorites on the menu include Demon Dark Roast, the KISS Army Blend, Room Service and KISS Unplugged. Sounds like Rock & Roll to me! Planty Plays For LoveFormer Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant performed some songs by his old band, several by the legendary Sixties psychedelic rockers Love and a few other cover tunes at a benefit concert for ailing Love frontman Arthur Lee last Friday in New York. Plant was joined onstage by Ian Hunter (of Mott The Hoople fame) for a rendition of the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved." Hunter and E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren were among the other musicians who played their own sets during the event. Will there be a DVD before KLOS' Gary Moore plays the music on A Whole Lotta Led? Stay tuned! More Berry Than Ever BeforeThe classic concert film "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll" is finally out on DVD today. The star-studded 1987 movie showcasing Chuck Berry's 60th birthday party is available as two-disc and four-disc editions. Put together by Rolling Stone Keith Richards, the 1986 St. Louis concert featured Eric Clapton, Chuck's keyboardist Johnnie Johnson and Linda Rondstadt, among others. Bonus material includes vintage Berry concert footage shot in the Fifties and interviews with Berry and his family, Bruce Springsteen, Roy Orbison, Little Richard, Bo Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis. The four-disc version also includes a jam session and Berry's first filmed discussion — with The Band's Robbie Robertson — about his time in prison. Famed Producer DiesCelebrated music producer and arranger Arif Mardin died Sunday in New York at age 74 after a year-long bout with pancreatic cancer. During his more than 40 years in the music business the Turkish-born Mardin worked with numerous artists of various genres, including Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Phil Collins, the Bee Gees and Billy Joel. Some of Mardin's last sessions were with jazz newcomer Norah Jones, whose breakthrough 2002 album "Come Away With Me" earned him four of his 11 GRAMMY Awards. June 28, 2006
On this day in 1969, Crosby, Stills & Nash's debut album entered the charts as Stephen Stills was reconnecting with his Buffalo Springfield bandmate, Neil Young. Neil was, of course, talked into joining CS&N shortly thereafter. On this day in 1975, The Eagles' "One of These Nights" album entered the charts on its way to five weeks at #1. On this day in 1975, David Bowie released the song he cowrote with John Lennon, "Fame." It finally hit #1 on the charts on September 20th (real fame took a lot more time back in those days). On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton and Elton John co-headlined a concert at London's Wembley Stadium. The event marked Elton's first public outing since undergoing painful hair transplants. Oh, the courage he demonstrated!
On Stage TonightGuitar god Mark Knopfler and singing goddess Emmy Lou Harris are playing the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight. Axl Bites/We BarfIf you like your 44-year-old rock stars fat and mega-drunk while rolling around expensive hotel lobbies occasionally biting policemen on the leg at 8 in the morning, we've got your boy! After Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose sobered up in a Stockholm jail yesterday, he paid damages, fines and restitution and went on his way. Still no word on the whereabouts of Axl's day care provider during the fracas, but it's possible they were watching World Cup soccer hooligans demonstrating how rampaging is meant to be done! Doors Finally Get StarThe Doors will finally receive their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year. The legendary L.A. group is among the 23 latest recipients who will be presented with the special honor, which recognizes significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Doors guitarist Robby Krieger will be featured playing with Particle on the jam band's upcoming concert DVD, "Transformations: Live," and a companion two-CD set, both of which are due out July 18th. L.A. Love Benefit Tonight"A Labor of Love," the L.A. benefit concert to help the ailing Love frontman Arthur Lee will take place tonight at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go. Former Love guitarist Johnny Echols will team up with Baby Lemonade — the renamed, revamped modern-day version of Love — to headline the show. The Chambers Brothers' Willie Chambers is also slated to participate. This is the third recent fundraiser for the former Love singer. Lee is battling leukemia without health insurance, and his rapidly mounting medical bills have grown into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Echols also took part in a Lee benefit show featuring Robert Plant in New York last Friday, while another fundraiser was held in Dublin earlier this month. In addition, a fourth benefit is in the works for sometime in August in Kansas City, Missouri. Gillan's Wish Comes TrueRemember when Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan told me he wanted to do a solo tour this year behind his new album called "Gillan's Inn"? Wouldn't you know that Ian has just filled a gap in Deep Purple's itinerary with a month-long run of North American dates. These will be the smallest venues that the legendary singer has played in many, many years, but he says he's looking forward to it: "Gillan's Inn is not about arenas, it's not about amphitheaters. Gillan's Inn is a pub, where you can see the white's of everyone's eyes — don't shoot, 'till they get right up close, and then let go." You can see for yourself on September 13th when he hits the House Of Blues on Sunset and on September 14th when he rocks the House Of Blues in Anaheim. R.I.P. Hatchet AxemanOriginal Molly Hatchet guitarist Duane Roland died last week at age 53 of natural causes at his St. Augustine, Florida home. Duane was part of the hard charging Southern Rock group's three-guitar attack from 1976 until 1990. June 29, 2006
Deep Purple's drummer, Ian Paice, is 58.
On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were found guilty of trumped-up drug charges in London. The British music scene would never be the same. On this day in 1968, Pink Floyd's second album, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was released and they headlined at the first-ever large scale free rock concert in London's Hyde Park. Jethro Tull and T-Rex were also in the show's line-up. On this day in 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its last concert together on the final day of the three-day Denver Pop Festival at Mile High Stadium (an appropriate name indeed). On this day in 1974, Neal Peart replaced original Rush drummer John Rutsey as the band was about to leave on their first big tour. On this day in 1975, bassist/lyricist Roger Waters spit on the audience during a Pink Floyd show. He later said that experience inspired the multi-million selling "The Wall" album. Maybe good manners don't really matter after all. On this day in 1978, Peter Frampton survived a Bahamian car crash, although his career took a pretty severe hit. On this day in 1979, Little Feat leader (and master musician) Lowell George died of a heart attack at the age of 34. On this day in 1998, George Harrison announced that he had been receiving radiation treatment for throat cancer caused by smoking.
On Stage TonightMelissa Etheridge is playing the first of two nights at the Long Beach Terrace Theater while Wide Spread Panic begins a three-night run at the Wiltern LG tonight. See The Who (Sort Of)You can watch The Who's Sunday concert at London's Hyde Park live via the Web and at Hard Rock Cafes around the world, including our own Hard Rock in Hollywood. The Webcast will also be available for a 99 cent download at http://Thewholive.tv, with all proceeds going toward Pete Townshend's Double O charity. While the band has made several tracks from each show on its European tour available on the Web, Sunday's gig will mark the first time an entire live set has been offered. Pete says, "It is hoped that this Who world tour will generate an extraordinary seven — or even eight — figure sum for charitable organizations, and that Who fans everywhere can feel rightly proud that they are the principle benefactors in this circle of good will." Rush Is RockingRush drummer/lyricist Neil Peart says that the trio has made significant progress on their next album. "By the end of May, we had eight songs that we all liked, and I had worked out drum parts for six of them," the drum god says on his web site. To keep his chops in tune, Neil also contributed some serious percussion to three new tracks by modern rockers Vertical Horizon. In other news, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson will be featured in the debut episode of the Golf Channel's "Personal Lessons," premiering Monday. Petty's Cool With PeppersNot a big surprise that Tom Petty says he won't pursue legal action against the Red Hot Chili Peppers over the group's current single, "Dani California." Many of his fans see the song as a rip-off of Petty's 1993 hit, "Mary Jane's Last Dance." "I seriously doubt that there is any negative intent there," Petty says of the Peppers' tune. "If someone took my song note for note and stole it maliciously, then maybe. But I don't believe in lawsuits much." God knows he had to suffer through enough of them early in his career to secure his rights. Joe Perry Really Does It RightAerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry has given a group of West African musicians a place to play tomorrow night. The Refugee All Stars are a group of musicians from Sierra Leone who, like many of their countrymen, wound up in refugee camps in neighboring Guinea because of the civil war that raged for more than 10 years. Perry described a moving documentary that he and his wife saw last Winter: "We saw this film about this band called the Refugee All Stars, who through the trials and tribulations — and tribulations being a euphemism for some of the most horrendous conditions you can imagine — managed to have a band while they were actually living in a refugee camp. They had some dates open, and they needed a sponsor to get up and play in Woodstock, and my wife and I just said, 'How much will it be?' They told us, and we wrote the check." Thanks to the Perrys, the "The Refugee All Stars" film will be shown again in Woodstock tonight and the band will perform tomorrow (Friday) at the Unitarian Universalist Church in the town. Joe hasn't met the group yet, but he plans to be at the gig. Right so, Joe! [For more information about the band and the documentary, go to http://refugeeallstars.org.] Quote Of The WeekIt was Hunter S. Thompson who said: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." What Women Really Want
Woman's Day" magazine and AOL teamed up to find out what women really want? Here are highlights of the poll: * After a bad day, 54% of women want a hug from their partner, 21% want their partner to listen to their problems, 18% want their partner to make dinner and put the kids to bed. 7% just want their partner to fix them a drink. * 35% of women say physical intimacy is missing from their relationship while 27% say conversation is missing, 22% say time alone is missing and 16% are happy with their relationship. * Women want men to help out around the house. 31% want them to take out the trash, 30% to cook, 23% to do laundry and 16% say nothing — they'd rather do the chores themselves. * 64% of women say they want to be with a man who is poor and attractive rather than rich and unattractive. * 54% of women would rather marry a man that makes them laugh, like Will Ferrell. * 10% of those polled prefer to marry a man who has washboard abs, like Matthew McConaughey or Jim Ladd. June 30, 2006
Former Dire Straits rhythm guitarist Hal Lindes is 56.
On this day in 1956, Chuck Berry's classic "Roll Over Beethoven" entered the singles chart for the first time. On this day in 1975, Gregg Allman married Cher four days after she divorced Sonny Bono. Ten days later, she divorced Allman too. On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen kicked off his "Born In The U.S.A." tour in Minnesota as "Dancing in the Dark" peaked at #2 on the singles charts. On this day in 1989, the surviving Beatles sued for an injunction against Dave Clark, formerly of The Dave Clark Five, banning him from selling copies of the old Ready Steady Go! TV show featuring The Beatles. The case was eventually settled out of court. On this day in 2001, guitar god Chet Atkins died at the age of 77 in Nashville from complications of cancer. Chet was THE most recorded solo instrumentalist in history, with more than 75 albums of guitar instrumentals to his credit and more than 75 million albums sold worldwide. He played on hundreds of hit records, including those of Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Sr. and the Everly Brothers. He collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and Sir Paul McCartney. His business acumen and guitar style influenced generations of country and rock musicians alike. How deep was his influence? Remember the first time you ever saw a picture of The Beatles performing? That was a Chet Atkins model Gretsch guitar George Harrison was playing. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Kansas as well as more of Joe's conversation with original members Phil Ehart, Steve Walsh, Richard Williams and Kerry Livgren.
On Stage TonightMelissa Etheridge is playing her final night at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, Wide Spread Panic will be jamming their second night of three at the Wiltern LG, and the Scorpions will be rocking the Pacific Amphitheater tonight. On Stage TomorrowJackson Browne will headline the annual Concert To Support Arts Education at Santa Monica High as Melissa Etheridge hits the Greek Theatre and Wide Spread Panic finishes their three-night run at the Wiltern LG. Jimmy & Jeff Pull OutLed Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and his former Yardbirds bandmate Jeff Beck have pulled out of their scheduled appearances tonight at the 40th Annual Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. The guitar gods were to be part of a star-studded tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records. Pagey was to perform on the same bill as former bandmate Robert Plant, but had to withdraw due to an unspecified "surgical procedure" (sounds British, doesn't it?). Beck was to perform with Bette Midler, who ran into last minute scheduling problems. Stevie Nicks and Steve Winwood (no slouches themselves) will be filling in. "LOVE" Premiere TonightFormer Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, and George Harrison's widow, Olivia, are expected to attend tonight's opening performance of the new Cirque du Soleil show, "The Beatles LOVE." The production at the Sigfried & Roy Theater at The Mirage in Las Vegas is based on the music of the Fab Four, and is the first time the group has authorized its original work to be used in a theatrical context. For what it's worth, Sigfried and Roy are also expected to be at tonight's performance. See The Who (Sort Of)You can watch The Who's Sunday concert at London's Hyde Park live via the Web and at Hard Rock Cafes around the world, including our own Hard Rock in Hollywood. The Webcast will also be available for a 99 cent download at http://Thewholive.tv, with all proceeds going toward Pete Townshend's Double O charity. While the band has made several tracks from each show on its European tour available on the Web, Sunday's gig will mark the first time an entire live set has been offered. Pete says, "It is hoped that this Who world tour will generate an extraordinary seven — or even eight — figure sum for charitable organizations, and that Who fans everywhere can feel rightly proud that they are the principle benefactors in this circle of good will." Tyler/Perry/Fourth/BeyondThere was a time when Steven Tyler and Joe Perry would more likely have been associated with a fifth than the Fourth, but this year the former "Toxic Twins" will perform several Aerosmith songs with the Boston Pops for a July 4th concert. The event will air live on CBS-TV and will be hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife Robin, who are not expected to sing. Aerosmith is nearing completion on the first phase of work on its new studio album, which should be out in the late Spring or early Summer next year. Perry says, "We're winding down the recording next week to start focusing on the (co-headlining) Motley Crue tour and how we'll present that." Once that tour wraps in December, Aerosmith will return to the studio to finish the album and prepare for a Summer 2007 tour. |
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