 July 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! July 11, 2006
Guitarist Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi is 47. 
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones released "Honky Tonk Women." On this day in 1969, David Bowie's single, "Space Oddity", was released to coincide with the first lunar landing. Producer Tony Visconti (who also worked with T. Rex and later The Moody Blues) disliked the song so much, he refused to produce it for his friend David. Instead Elton John's producer, Gus Dudgeon, stepped in and turned it into a classic. On this day in 1970, The Who released their version of "Summertime Blues." On this day in 1975, Gary Wright released his "The Dream Weaver" album as Fleetwood Mac released their first album with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, simply called "Fleetwood Mac." One of those albums went on to sell millions and millions and millions of copies. On this day in 1979, Neil Young's concert film "Rust Never Sleeps" debuted at the Bruin Theatre in Westwood as the album of the same name was released nationwide. On this day in 1987, "Alone" by Heart peaked at #1 on the charts. 
On StageBlues Traveler will be jamming at the House Of Blues in Anaheim tonight. Syd's GoneSinger/songwriter/guitarist Syd Barrett, the man who founded and named Pink Floyd, has died at the age of 60 from complications arising from diabetes. He formed Pink Floyd in 1965 with fellow students Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. Three years and one album later, he left the band after suffering a drug-induced mental breakdown, replaced by his boyhood friend, guitarist/singer David Gilmour. A devoted gardener, Barrett lived as a recluse at his Cambridgeshire, England home for more than 30 years. Regular royalty payments from Pink Floyd made his later years more comfortable. Artists from David Bowie to R.E.M. have acknowledged their debt to him, as have newer acts like Phish and Pearl Jam. In a statement, the Floyd's surviving members said: "Syd was the guiding light of the early band lineup and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire." Shine on you crazy diamond. Keith Downsizes Big AdventureTonight, The Rolling Stones will finally launch the European leg of their "A Bigger Bang" world tour in Milan. The trek was slated to begin six weeks ago, but was postponed after guitarist Keith Richards suffered a head injury while vacationing in Fiji. While everyone has been quite secretive regarding the circumstances surrounding Richards' accident, he's offering a correction to the original story: he says he didn't fall from a coconut tree! Keef told a press conference, "If you saw the tree you would understand the joke. It was a very little tree." Bandmates Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood concurred by indicating a tree less than half the height of Richards. At least that's what we think they were referring to. Pete & Rog Will TalkUnlike Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, The Who's Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey rarely do press conferences — and even more rarely do they do any press together. But this Thursday, the duo will be giving a satellite press conference to discuss their upcoming American tour and their first new album since before satellite press conferences were possible. Pete and Roger will "appear" at the New York press event via satellite from Berlin. No word if they'll be in the same room at the same time, but we'd all like to think so. Selling Jim's StuffA French music producer has decided to sell the last notebook used by Jim Morrison before his death 35 years ago. The notebook containing 20 pages of handwritten poems and lyrics, as well as a photograph of the 27-year-old singer, is expected to sell for about $180,000 at Cooper Owen's Music Legends sale at Abbey Road Studios in London on July 28th. Producer Philippe Dalecky, whose girlfriend was a friend of Morrison's lover, says that The Doors singer looked much older than his 27 years during his final days. While the star was "cool and collected" during their meetings, "his heart was the heart of an old man. He drank too much, he had too many drugs, you could see through the look in his eyes that he was kind of fed up." Buy Macca's First OneSir Paul McCartney's first guitar is up for sale. The Rex acoustic guitar is expected to fetch more than $200,000 at Cooper Owen's Music Legends auction at Abbey Road Studios on July 28th. Sir Paulie learned his first chords on the instrument, which was owned by his best school friend in Liverpool, Ian James. The instrument is accompanied by a photo taken by Macca of a young Mr. James playing the guitar in 1957, a photo of the former Beatle playing the guitar earlier this year and a letter of authenticity from the former Beatle. That letter says, in part: "The above guitar belonging to my old school pal Ian James was the first guitar I ever held. It was also the guitar on which I learned my first chords in his house at 43 Elswich Street, Liverpool 8." This is the guitar Paul played in his audition for 16-year-old John Lennon and his band, The Quarrymen, at a gig at St. Peter's Church Hall in Woolton, Liverpool, in July 1957. McCartney said: "I showed him a few more chords he didn't know. Ian James had taught me them, really. Then I left. I felt I'd made a good impression, shown them how good I was." The 64-year-old James, a retired father-of-three, is selling the guitar to help fund his retirement. He Didn't Mean It That WayYes, Tom Petty said, "This is it for me... this is the last interview I'm doing for a long time" in a recent article in "Rolling Stone" magazine. But Petty has clarified the quote in a post on his website saying that he, "should have explained myself in more detail — I certainly intend to speak with the media in the future, especially concerning my new CD 'Highway Companion.'" Petty says he meant he'd been doing a lot of interviews leading up to the start of his tour last month, and his chat with "Rolling Stone" was the last one of those. He adds that the phrase "for a long time" just means that he doesn't plan to talk with the press while he's on the road. Petty's "Highway Companion" CD is due in stores on July 25th. He and The Heartbreakers wrapped up the first leg of their "Highway Companions" tour last week. They'll kick off the second leg of the tour in Portland on July 29th.  Quote of The WeekIt was Mike Konda who said: "The fastest way to succeed is to look as if you're playing by somebody else's rules, while quietly playing by your own." Knickers In A Twist?Americans do care about underwear. Consumers spend $13 billion annually on intimate apparel. Here's a couple of underhosen factoids gleaned from a new survey: * 32% of male respondents say they favor briefs, compared to 28% who wear boxer briefs and 25% who don boxers. Eight percent go with thongs or other styles. * Panties are preferred by 49% of the women polled, with thongs at 28%. Another 13% go with boy shorts, while 4% wear other styles. Six percent opt out of wearing anything down under. July 12, 2006
Comedic god/actor Bill Cosby is 69.
On this day in 1962, The Rollin' Stones played their first gig — the Marquee Jazz Club in London was the site. That first line-up included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, piano player Ian Stewart, bassist Dick Taylor and drummer Mick Avery (who later gained fame as a member of The Kinks). Drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman were recruited into the band by the end of the year. On this day in 1969, as his song "Lay Lady Lay" entered the Top 40, Bob Dylan learned that you can't go home again when he attended his high school reunion in Hibbing, Minnesota. He and his wife Sara were forced to leave after a drunken fool tried to pick a fight with the singer. On this day in 1969, Blind Faith made their U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City, well before they were ready to be seen by anyone. Singer/keyboardist Steve Winwood of Traffic, guitar-god Eric Clapton & drummer Ginger Baker of Cream, and bassist/violinist Ric Grech of Family barely survived as a group until the end of their first tour when they disbanded. Ultimately, they left us with a few beautiful songs from their only album. On this day in 1983, sax player Chris Wood of Traffic died at age 39.
On Stage TonightBlues Traveler will be jamming at the House Of Blues on Sunset and Lyle Lovette will be playing the Greek Theatre. Keef's "Christian" AlbumOur favorite rock icon, 62-year-old Keith Richards of The Rolling Stone, plays on a half-dozen tracks on the new "My Soul is a Witness" collection of African-American spirituals. Released without fanfare last month, the book and CD project is the brainchild of Keef's sister-in-law, concert vocalist Marsha Hansen. About half of the music was recorded at the guitarist's Connecticut home in 2001, including "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me" and "Rock In Jerusalem." Also performing on the album is former Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin and Bob Dylan drummer George Receli. The CD may be hard to find. Augsburg Books, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, initially printed only 2,500 copies. A second printing is on the way. Marsha says she didn't have to twist her in-law's arm to get his assistance: "His understanding of music is very deep — not just rock music. He's particularly intrigued by African-American music, roots music. She says her brother-in-law and his musical pals were easy to work with. "They just kind of picked up and played whatever I was singing, and the songs just grew out of whatever mood we were in," she said. "Sometimes my daughter and I would just harmonize on something, and Keith would decide, 'That sounds really good. Let's try that.' And then we'd go from there." Right so, ol' Keef — jamming with Jehovah! Sean's New OneSean Lennon has a new album on the way, and for each of the songs on "Friendly Fire," he has produced a short film. This is Sean's first release since his 1998 debut and he says: "There was a long period after the first album where I felt disillusioned with the machinery of the industry... "Friendly Fire" is an experiment to see what it might be like to do music more publicly again." Lindsay Lohan, Bijou Phillips and Carrie Fisher are among the many big names in the films. You can check out some of the material at http://CapitolRecords.net/SeanLennon. At Least They Didn't Take The BodyA commemorative plaque on the grave of legendary AC/DC frontman Bon Scott was stolen over the weekend on or about what would have been the singer's 60th birthday. The brass memorial, which was sanctioned by the National Trust of Australia, has been a popular tourist attraction since its unveiling five months ago in the Fremantle Cemetery in Palmyra, Australia. Hopefully they'll anchor the next one to something solid. Billy's Short RehabSure hope he stayed in long enough. Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell has rejoined his group after a stint at a rehabilitation center. The band is in the midst of a mini-tour with 3 Doors Down, so there will probably temptation around every corner. Really Bad Pick Up LinesTrying to meet a member of the opposite sex? A new list of (someone's idea) the top pick up lines has been published. Brace yourself — #1 on the list: "Was your father a thief? Because he stole the stars from the sky and put them in your eyes. Somehow "Didn't it hurt when you fell from heaven" ranked #2. And "You must be tired because you've been running through my mind all day" was right up there too! Even more good news: The list has been translated from English into Czech, French, Italian, Spanish and German by the Chambers publishing company. Now do us all a favor and remember to use a condom. July 13, 2006
Roger McGuinn, guitarist and singer for The Byrds, is 64.
On this day in 1968, Steppenwolf released "Born to Be Wild," the song responsible for the term "heavy metal." On this day in 1973, Queen released their self-titled debut album. On this day in 1985, over a billion-and-a-half people around the world witnessed the Live Aid concerts, held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia. The benefit raised money for the starving people of Africa. Bob Geldof, the former lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, organized the event. Live Aid performers included U2, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and a reunited Led Zeppelin, among others. The show ran 16 hours and raised over $100 million for the cause.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Jethro Tull as well as Joe's brand new conversation with Ian Anderson.
On Stage TonightBill Cosby is performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre tonight. No Mas CreamYou had to wonder how long it would last. But while we were breathlessly waiting for the announcement of a Cream reunion concert at the Hollywood Bowl this Fall, drummer Ginger Baker was busy popping a fuse. The wild percussionist says he'll never share a stage with singer/bassist Jack Bruce again. "When he's Dr. Jekyll, he's fine... it's when he's Mr. Hyde that he's not... The Albert Hall gig was like 1966 — wonderful! And the first night in New York, Jack became Mr. Hyde. He sort of took over, and he played so loud it was ridiculous... he shouted at me onstage and turned up his bass so loud that he deafened me!" Baker and Bruce's infamous drug-fueled clashes were one of the main reasons for the supergroup's 1968 breakup. No word on Eric Clapton's take on this episode of whining, but at least we know Slowhand and his latest solo band will be playing for us at The Bowl (Have they announced that date yet?). Alice Does MonkAlice Cooper will make a cameo appearance on the hilarious U.S.A. network detective series "Monk." Alice will play himself in the "Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike" episode this Friday night. This should be very entertaining! Bruce ExpandsStarting on October 1st, Bruce Springsteen is taking his Seeger Sessions band on a seven-week European Fall tour. During the last three shows of the group's just completed 18-date North American tour, they used a new song called "American Land" as the opener. Word is that an expanded edition of their "We Shall Overcome" album, subtitled "American Land," will come out on September 5th. Springsteen has also said that the new version of the album would also include "Bring 'Em Home," which they played every night during the tour's encore. Stay tuned for more details! Gene's Reality?Looks like Gene Simmons' reality TV series will finally begin airing next month. Just as "The Osbournes" offered a glimpse into Ozzy Osbourne's dysfunctional household, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" will reveal the personal life of the blood-spitting/non-drug using KISS bassist. Featuring rocker/businessman Simmons and his longtime girlfriend Shannon Tweed, as well as their teenage son Nick and daughter Sophie, topics will include Gene's meddling into his son's efforts to launch a rock band, Sophie starting to date, and Shannon wanting to have another baby. A&E will air two episodes of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" in back to back blocks beginning on August 7th. Big Apple/Big Easy DVDA double-DVD set documenting last September's From The Big Apple To The Big Easy benefit concert — which featured performances by John Fogerty, Elton John, Jimmy Buffett and others — will be released on August 22nd. All of the net proceeds from the collection will be donated to a variety of charities that benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Steve Miller & Unc In The O.C.!Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Uncle Joe will be hosting Steve Miller's concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Here's what it looked like last year July 14, 2006
Folk legend Woody Guthrie would have been 93.
On this day in 1967, The Who began their first full-scale U.S. tour. As the opening act for Herman's Hermits, they really didn't go over all that well. On this day in 1979, "Dance The Night Away" by Van Halen peaked at #15 on the charts. On this day in 1982, Pink Floyd's film version of "The Wall," directed by Alan Parker, premiered in London. Maybe he understood it. Maybe he didn't.
On Stage TonightSteve Miller will be rocking the Pacific Amphitheatre tonight as Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo do the first of two nights at the Canyon Club. On Stage Tomorrow NightPat Benatar & Neil Giraldo wrap up a two night stand at the Canyon Club (Hangface is opening the show both nights — see if you recognize the bass voice in their song "Freak Show"!). On Stage Sunday NightRay Davies of The Kinks is doing a rare show at the Wiltern Theatre (Hangface is opening for them). Here Comes The Who!It's official! As part of the band's first extensive world tour in over two decades, The Who kicks off its Fall North American tour on September 12th in Philadelphia. The first 17 dates were announced yesterday by guitarist Pete Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey via satellite from Berlin. The duo also performed acoustic versions of the new song "Mike Post Theme" and the classic "Won't Get Fooled Again." The tour will coincide with the release of The Who's first new album since 1982's "It's Hard," which is tentatively titled "Who 2" and is due out on October 23rd. The boys are planning on a handful of special shows, which may include complete performances of "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia." Some dates may also be held in smaller venues (like The Stones' gig at The Wiltern). "Pete's music, for me, is still a driving force in my life," Daltrey said, adding that the new songs have "the Townshend magic." Pete said: "For the first time in 25 years we are returning to the U.S.A. with great live music — the entire catalog of our old stuff — and new music. We have a great new video show, a new Mini-Opera and plans to do some special shows with special themes... I don't think I've ever looked forward to a tour as much as this one. Roger and I are both fit and well, ready to rock." Every ticket sold for the tour will include a free Virtual Ticket membership in The Who Tour club for an insider's look at everything from rehearsals and preparations to audio and video streams, downloads, set lists, news and more. After the North American tour wraps in December, The Who will make its first-ever appearance in South America early next year, followed by visits to the Far East, Australia and, in late Spring, Europe again (note the similarity to The Rolling Stones' itinerary!). Oh, the first Southland date? November 5th at the Hollywood Bowl. Stay tuned to KLOS for on-sale details! Keef Tried To Bring The BoysGod bless Keith Richards — he really tried to bring his Rolling Stones bandmates along on the pirate ship! Keef, who's now back on the road with the group after recovering from brain surgery in May, will play the father of Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow when the final shooting of the third (and last) installment of the series begins next month. Sources close to the project said that, "Keith wanted Mick Jagger, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts to be in it too. He was hoping they could be this vile pirate crew but the script doesn't allow for it. He was disappointed but he still wasn't going to pass up on the chance to play pirates with Johnny." Arrrgh! What a lame-ass way to say no one was bright enough to write The Rolling Stones into a pirate movie! The Stones (complete with their usual pirate-like swagger) are rocking Vienna tonight. Stills Falls/Cuts HandStephen Stills took a bad fall during Tuesday night's Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young concert in Toronto. The 61-year-old singer/guitarist took a tumble during the last song of the set, Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World." The incident brought the show to an abrupt end, as Stills was helped up and off the stage and the group passed on giving any encores. A cut on his hand required a few stitches, but won't affect the tour which rolls into Winnipeg tonight. CSNY's Freedom Of Speech tour will hit the Southland on July 30th and 31st. Another Brit PollWhen real news slows down or gets too depressing, the Brits love to invent polls. So it came to pass that Britain's excellent "Q" magazine asked readers for the top singles and albums of the Eighties. Here's a sample of the results.
Top 10 singles of the Eighties, according to readers of "Q" magazine:
Top 10 albums of the Eighties, according to readers of "Q" magazine: Steve Miller & Unc In The O.C.!Tonight! Tonight! Uncle Joe will be hosting Steve Miller's concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Here's what it looked like last year You Looking at Me?The eyes of animated characters on children's cereal boxes always look downwards. This allows children walking through the aisles of the grocery stores to make eye contact with the cereal character. July 15, 2006
Linda Ronstadt is 60.
On this day in 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia, was killed in a car accident in Liverpool, England. She was only 34, and he just 17. On this day in 1967, Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl" entered the singles chart. On this day in 1968, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their self-titled debut album. On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their fifth album, "Cosmo's Factory." Most fans still consider it to be their best. On this day in 1989, Don Henley's "The End Of The Innocence" album entered the charts. On this day in 1989, Pink Floyd performed on a floating stage in Venice, Italy. Unfortunately, the partying audience of 200,000 damaged many of the city's bridges and caused marble to crumble from centuries-old buildings. July 16, 2006
Percussionist Stewart Copeland of The Police is 54.
On this day in 1966, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton formed the first bonafide supergroup. They chose the name Cream because they were considered to be Britain's best rock musicians (the "Cream" of the crop). It wasn't until later that someone suggested the moniker "Grouchy Egomaniacs." On this day in 1969, The Who released the song "I'm Free." On this day in 1976, Loggins & Messina broke up when Kenny Loggins sensed a successful solo career was right around the corner. On this day in 1981, songwriter/storyteller Harry Chapin was killed in an auto accident on New York's Long Island Expressway. On this day in 1996, Styx drummer John Panozzo died of bleeding ulcers and cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 47. July 17, 2006
Guitarist/group leader Spencer Davis is 66.
On this day in 1917, the British royal family changed their surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor, adopted from their largest castle (especially for the royals, bearing a German surname during World War I was considered in bad taste). On this day in 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience opened for The Monkees in Forest Hills, New York. What were they thinking?!? On this day in 1968, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" movie premiered in London. What were they smoking?! On this day in 1971, Creedence Clearwater Revival's final Top 10 hit, "Sweet Hitch-Hiker," entered the charts. On this day in 1971, The Who released "Won't Get Fooled Again" and Rod Stewart released "Reason To Believe." On this day in 1976, Heart's "Magic Man" entered the U.S. singles chart. On this day in 1996, Chas Chandler, the bass player for The Animals who later became Jimi Hendrix's manager, died in a British hospital at the age of 57. He had been undergoing tests related to an aortic aneurysm.
Heart Hits The RoadHeart is back on the road — Ann & Nancy Wilson and company launched their Summer tour Saturday in Minnesota. The group has 13 more shows booked, with more stops possible. With their longtime bassist Mike Inez doing a reunion tour with his former band, Alice In Chains, Ric Markmann (who's also worked with Chris Cornell) will be taking his place on the Summer tour. You'll have a chance to see the band when yer Uncle Joe hosts their September 9th gig at the L.A. County Fair! Ozzy Officially Un-Retires (Again)You didn't really buy into Ozzy Osbourne's promise last year to give up performing at Ozzfest, did you? "I wanted to retire... but that lasted half a year," he says. "I was bored to death, and I wanted to come back on the road again." Meanwhile, two more of Osbourne's 13 scheduled Ozzfest appearances have been moved from the main stage to the second stage — perhaps that means that he is taking it easier! Hard Rock ParkThe company behind the Hard Rock Café continues to grow during its 35th year of business. Last week, construction began on a rock-themed amusement park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The groundbreaking for the Hard Rock Park had, among many things, a "Mount Rockmore" sand sculpture featuring the heads of Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon. The park is expected to open in Spring 2008. War Interrupts D.P.The Deep Purple concert scheduled for July 27th in Lebanon has been canceled in the wake of the military action that Israel recently launched against the country. Purple's gig was to have been part of the Baalbeck International Festival, described as "the oldest and most prestigious event in the Middle East." The band will now finish its European tour on July 24th in Athens. The closest they'll get to the Southland is when singer Ian Gillan and his solo band play the House Of Blues on Sunset and in Anaheim on September 13th and 14th. In the Flesh/In the FlashMore Pink Floyd-related material is on the way. On the heels of the release of the band's long awaited DVD "Pulse" comes word that former Floyd bassist Roger Waters will be reissuing his solo concert album and DVD "In the Flesh Live." The material was taped at Rogers' show in Portland six years ago, and features numerous Pink Floyd hits, including "Comfortably Numb," "Wish You Were Here" and "Another Brick in the Wall." While the two-CD set originally arrived in stores in 2000 and DVD was released a year later, now the two will be repackaged together and sold under the name "In the Flash." However, you can forgo the combo pack and buy just the CD or the DVD edition of the original "In the Flesh Live." The combined CD/DVD will come out on August 22nd, while Waters' North American tour begins September 6th. Warren's Mule JammingGov't Mule, the jam band fronted by Allman Brothers Band ace guitarist Warren Haynes, will release a new album titled "High & Mighty" on August 22nd. Warren says, "We took the interplay that happens onstage and utilized it to create something magical in the studio." The Mule start a U.S. tour on July 28th. So far, no Southland dates are scheduled. Steve Miller & Unc In The O.C.!Friday night: Reconfirmed as the Mayor of Swingtown, Uncle Joe hosted Steve Miller's concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Fotos will be posted shortly! Quote Of The WeekIt was Woody Allen who said: "If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative." It's Only MoneyA dime has 118 ridges around the edge. If you had $10 billion in one-dollar bills and spent one every second, it would take 317 years to spend them all. July 18, 2006
"Screaming" Jay Hawkins would have been 77 (the exact number of children he's believed to have fathered).
On this day in 1953, Elvis Presley made his first recording, "My Happiness," as a gift for his mother. On this day in 1960, Elvis Presley's "It's Now Or Never" was released. That evening marked Jim Ladd's first karaoke performance of said song in front of real people. Fortunately, Jim later made bail. On this day in 1964, The Beatles album "A Hard Days Night" was released. It yielded two #1 hits, the title track and "Can't Buy Me Love." On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones first hit single, a rockin' cover of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away," peaked at #48 in the States. On this day in 1981, Journey released "Who's Crying Now" as Santana's song "Winning" peaked at #17 on the charts.
A Petty Bonus Round (Or Two)Fans who pre-order Tom Petty's upcoming "Highway Companion" album via iTunes will also receive bonus live versions of the album cuts "Square One" and "Saving Grace," as well as the video for the latter track. To further promote the release of "Highway Companion" next Tuesday, Petty and his Heartbreakers will perform a couple of songs this Thursday on NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" before heading back out on the concert trail next week. Macca's Getting OnPaul McCartney is working to put his separation from wife Heather Mills behind him. Word is that the former Beatle hosted a "moving on" party Saturday night at his home in North London. Ringo Starr's wife, Barbara Bach, and George Harrison's widow, Olivia, were said to be among the guests, along with McCartney's three children with his first wife, Linda. He reportedly hosted the party as a way of showing his appreciation to those who've stood by him and offered their support as he's gone through the separation. McCartney and Mills announced they were splitting in May, after nearly four years of marriage. Wolfgang's VaultRare vintage live material from classic rock greats could be coming out soon on CDs and DVDs. The man who bought the late Bill Graham's audio and film archives is planning to meet with legal representatives for Led Zeppelin, The Who and other major British rock artists this week in an effort to get permission to release the material. Businessman Bill Sagan currently owns the monumental collection of rock and pop memorabilia, which includes concert posters, tickets, and other artifacts along with the audio recordings and film footage. Through his website, Wolfgang's Vault, Sagan has been selling some items and offering listening access to a great number of tapes. Of the more than 7,000 concerts in the collection, only a few have been released officially or as bootlegs. Graham was diligent in documenting shows he staged between the mid-Sixties and the mid-Seventies. Most performers found the legendary promoter to be artist-friendly, so even more reclusive stars such as Frank Zappa and Bob Dylan allowed him to tape or film their concerts. The Graham collection includes thousands of hours of footage from a wide variety of artists, ranging from the Jefferson Airplane to the Sex Pistols to The Rolling Stones. Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Elton John and Tom Petty are just a few of the other numerous classic artists in the archives. Who/Chili Peppers/Virgin FestThe Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Who will headline 16 bands at the U.S. version of the Virgin Festival, presented by Virgin Mobile on September 23rd at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The Canadian version of the Virgin Fest, featuring a different line-up, will visit Toronto on September 9th and 10th. The Baltimore and Toronto events mark the first time the long standing U.K. festival has left the British shores. This year's U.K. edition — sans The Who or Chili Peppers — will be held on August 19th and 20th. Mark & Emmy Lou's DVDMark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris' June 26th gig at the Gibson Amphitheatre was filmed for an upcoming DVD expected to be released in late October. Judging by KLOS listeners' accounts, the show was quite magical.  Steve Miller & Uncle Joe In The O.C.Last Friday night: Reconfirmed as the Mayor of Swingtown, J.B. hosted Steve Miller's sold out concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Here are a few shots of what it looked like! July 19, 2006
Guitarists Bernie Leadon of the Eagles and Brian May of Queen are 59.
On this day in 1954, Sun Records released the first Elvis Presley single, "That's Alright (Mama)." On this day in 1966, The Monkees recorded their TV theme song. On this day in 1980, Billy Joel hit #1 for the first time with "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." On this day in 1980, the stage adaptation of "The Elephant Man," starring David Bowie, opened in Denver. The non-musical part gave Bowie his first dramatic stage role, and when the show eventually moved to Broadway, fans could see The Thin White Duke on The Great White Way!
On Stage TonightSteely Dan and Michael McDonald will be playing the Verizon Wirelesss Amphitheatre in Irvine tonight as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are rocking the Grove in Anaheim. Top Touring ActsThe Rolling Stones and Billy Joel are among the top touring acts of the first half of the year. The Stones came in second on Pollstar.com's mid-year tally, having earned $52.5 million and sold more than 309,500 tickets. The "Piano Man" came in third, selling nearly twice as many tickets as The Stones for $47.2 million. Bon Jovi was seventh on the list, earning $32.7 million while selling 424,459 tickets. Aerosmith's abbreviated Spring tour landed them 12th place, earning $21.8 million and selling just under 234,000 tickets. And who came in at #1? Madonna's grind on the cross pulled in $54.3 million with 291,621 tickets sold — those were some high-priced tickets! Ray/Kinks/No KinksGranted, no one ever thought he'd turn down a good paycheck, so what's the hang up? The singer/songwriter/group leader of The Kinks, Ray Davies says he'd be open to a Kinks reunion. While he's currently promoting his solo album, "Other People's Lives," he says he'd welcome an invitation to re-team with his former band mates. Strangely enough, he almost seems to expect it, saying he's, "still waiting for the call to say let's get together and play." Davies admits he misses the band and that it's "difficult to live without them. I think I'm still in a bit of a delayed shock for not having them around." The elder of the Davies brothers will wrap up his North American trek Saturday in Texas. Maybe if they have telephones there, he can call the rest of The Kinks about a reunion — and maybe one or two of them will be willing to talk to him! Jovi Goes Country/Does KingDo you suppose he's tired of rocking, or is rocking tired of him? Jon Bon Jovi is telling any media that will listen, "I'd like to get two or three [country] artists to do duets with. I'd like to give a couple of Nashville songwriters a chance to shine, and [guitarist] Richie [Sambora] and I would [also] write a few songs." OK, that's nice. Meanwhile, Bon Jovi will be interviewed and perform in-studio tonight on CNN's "Larry King Live." Stewart's FilmRemember the film former Police drummer Stewart Copeland debuted at the Sundance Festival — the one culled from 50 hours of Super 8 film he shot while The Police were at the height of their popularity? Well, word is that Stewart has sold his directorial debut to Showtime. The documentary "Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out" will premiere on August 6th. Bountiful Buffett ReleasesHere comes the Jimmy Buffett! First up will be his "Live at Wrigley Field" DVD, filmed last September during the partying icon's two-night stand at the legendary Chicago baseball park. The two-disc set will be the first full concert that Jimmy's released on DVD. It will include the performance of the national anthem by ukulele player Jake Shimabakuro along with Buffett's renditions of Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" and Steve Goodman's "City of New Orleans," which he sang from the bleachers. Of course there will be lots of additional bonus material when the package is released on August 1st. Two weeks later, the DVD of Buffett's feature film production, "Hoot," will be released. And his new studio album, "Party at the End of the World," is expected in the Fall. You may now resume your previously scheduled lives. July 20, 2006
Bassist John Lodge of The Moody Blues is 61.
On this day in 1968, actress Jane Asher told a BBC TV reporter that her engagement to Paul McCartney was off. Paul was watching the television with some friends at the time, so he found out about the breakup at the same time as millions of other Britons. On this day in 1969, contrary to anything Timothy Leary later said, Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon. On this day in 1974, Joey Ramone moved out from behind the drums to become the vocalist and frontman for The Ramones. Gabba, gabba, hey! This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of the Steve Miller Band on the 30th anniversary of "Fly Like An Eagle" as well as Joe's brand new conversation with Steve.
On TV TonightTom Petty & The Heartbreakers will be the musical guest on NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" tonight, performing "Saving Grace " from Tom's soon-to-be-released solo album, "Highway Companion." T.P. and the boys will head back out on the concert trail next week. Mellencamp: Quayle No/Charles YesFormer Vice President Dan Quayle walked out of John Mellencamp's show at Harrah's Casino in Lake Tahoe last Friday night. Dan made a hasty exit after Mellencamp dedicated his song "Walk Tall" to "all the poor people who've been ignored by the current administration." Quayle said, via a statement: "Well, I think Mellencamp's performance was not very good to begin with, and the comment put it over the top.'' Mellencamp responded via his publicist, saying: "I wasn't aware that Dan Quayle was at the show the other night, but had I known, I certainly wouldn't have changed a word. I still feel there are many people left behind by this administration. Not talking about problems doesn't make them go away. It's kind of telling that he chose to walk out as I was doing a song about tolerance." The incident took place during the American Century Championship golf tournament, which was also attended by NBA great, Charles Barkley. Barkley was quoted in TravelGolf.com as siding with Mellencamp's comments, and went on to attack the administration despite the fact that he was once a card-carrying Republican. On that matter, Barkley said: "I was a Republican until they lost their minds." Right so, Charles and Johnny! Keef Pardoned In ArkansasFinally — 31 years after the fact, the state of Arkansas is going to pardon Keith Richards for being a reckless driver! On July 3rd, the Arkansas Parole Board approved an application for clemency submitted on behalf of Richards, the 62-year-old guitarist for The Rolling Stones, by Gov. Mike Huckabee. It seems that Keef was arrested on July 5, 1975, as he, bandmate Ron Wood (surprise!), a security guard and a "fan" traveled from Memphis to Dallas. The group had stopped in Fordyce, Arkansas for lunch, then got back on the road with Richards driving. A Fordyce police officer saw the car swerve — Richards said later he bent to adjust the radio — and stopped the vehicle. The cops said they smelled marijuana (!!) and Richards was charged with reckless driving and possession of a concealed knife. (Taking the fall, the fan was charged with possession of a controlled substance.) The knife charge was dropped, Richards pleaded guilty to reckless driving and paid a $162.50 fine to get the hell out of there. During a Stones concert in Little Rock this past March, Richards asked whether anyone in the audience was from Fordyce, adding, "I used to know the chief of police there." Now he'll get to know the Governor! No Mas Led CaddyYou won't be hearing Led Zeppelin's "Rock & Roll" during Cadillac commercials any more. General Motors is unveiling a new ad campaign this month, and it won't have a central theme song. Auto industry sources say that Cadillac will now target younger, more affluent people who might normally buy a luxury car from a foreign automaker, and that Led Zeppelin's music no longer fit the profile. No word on how Jimmy Page and Robert Plant will get by without those royalties. Hard Rock BenefitAlternative versions of songs by Bruce Springsteen and Aerosmith are among the 12 tracks included on "Serve," a benefit compilation that's being sold at Hard Rock Cafes and via the Hard Rock's website. Proceeds raised by the CD will aid the World Hunger Year organization's Artists Against Hunger & Poverty initiative. Included on the disc is a string-heavy mix of Bruce's "Secret Garden" and an acoustic rendition of Aerosmith's "Jaded," as well as other rare and unreleased tunes by various artists. Need A Vacation?
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