August 1 - 10, 2006

These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!

August 1, 2006

Grateful Dead demi-god Jerry Garcia would have been 64.
Guitarist Tommy Bolin, who worked with Deep Purple and the James Gang, would have been 55.
Def Leppard singer Joe Elliot is 47.

On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" hit #1 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1969, the 3-day Atlantic City Pop Festival opened in New Jersey. Over 110,00 came out to hear Iron Butterfly, C.C.R., Jefferson Airplane, Little Richard, Janis Joplin, Santana and Joe Cocker perform.

On this day in 1971, George Harrison held his first Concert for Bangladesh at New York's Madison Square Garden. The concert, featuring Harrison, Ringo Starr, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, raised money to combat famine in the Southeast Asian nation — although they never saw that money for years and years due to legal problems.

On this day in 1981, MTV made its debut on America's television screens. The cable channel was launched in approximately 2.1 million homes, and the first video aired was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles. It was 10 full months before any of the V.J.s appeared in "Playboy," the final arbiter of success.

On this day in 1987, the #1 hit in the U.S. was "Shakedown." Bob Seger's song from the "Beverly Hills Cop II" soundtrack was also the Detroit rocker's first #1. Originally, the tune was supposed to be recorded by Glenn Frey, who contracted laryngitis. We can only assume Seger sent him flowers.

Axl Bails/Sebastian Sails

Even though Guns N' Roses' concerts have been starting at least an hour late throughout the band's European tour, now frontman Axl Rose isn't even making it to the end of the show. Sunday night he left the stage at London's Wembley Arena before the end of the band's main set. Former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach (and why was he there?) stepped in to sing the final two songs of the show. A statement from the GN'R camp reported that "low blood pressure and low blood sugar" were to blame for Rose's early exit. Hey — wasn't that Lindsey Lohan's excuse last week?

All Hail ZZ!

ZZ Top will be presented with the International Entertainment Buyers Association's Living Legend Award at a gala on October 17th in Nashville. The event will be part of the trade organization's annual iebaLIVE! conference. The IEBA's official web site praises the Top for their "hard-rocking power-trio approach to the blues," and cites their "superior musicianship... attitude, style and some devilishly funny songs" as reasons for their enduring popularity. No word of how much barbecue will be consumed at the gala, but you know that group of folks is going to be PARTYING!

Peter Saves The Day

Foreigner canceled three shows last week and one this week because singer Kelly Hansen has laryngitis. Peter Frampton will fill in for them tonight at the Clearfield County Fair in Pennsylvania. Foreigner and Hansen are slated to return to the road Thursday in Saratoga.

Scorps Be Working

The Scorpions will release their new album next May. The German boys are working with songwriter/producer Desmond Child, whose previous credits include Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, among many others. Before returning to the studio, the Scorps will finish a short European tour which includes a gig this Thursday at Germany's Wacken festival. That appearance will include a one-off reunion with former bandmembers Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth and Hermann Rarebell. And beer. Lots of beer and sausages.

Macca/Heather Update

Well if the British tabloid press says it's true, then it must be solid. They're saying that Sir Paul McCartney is catching on that his estranged wife, Heather Mills-McCartney, may be a "gold-digger"! According to Britain's "Sunday Mirror," in hopes of bringing about a quick and painless end to their marriage, the former Beatle offered Mills around $55 million from his personal fortune of about $1.8 billion. However, a "supposed friend" of McCartney's told the paper that the 38-year-old former model rejected the offer and has been stalling divorce proceedings. The Mirror reports Mills is pushing for a settlement figure closer to around $370 million. You may now return to your previously scheduled life.

Quote Of The Week

It was Andy Rooney who said: "Computers make it easier to do a lot of things, but most of the things they make it easier to do don't need to be done."

Blowing Grocery Shopping

From the latest issue of "Health" magazine, stats on how the "typical American consumer" shops for food:

* 12% of the groceries purchased by consumers weren't used, and only 7% of those groceries were bought because they were on sale.

* 30% of consumers admitted to buying groceries for a recipe that they never made.

I Scream, You Scream...

Also pulled from "Health" magazine:

* 44% of women and 30% of men feel guilty for eating ice cream.

* Americans eat an average of one ton of ice cream in their lifetimes.

* One ton is the approximate weight of a baby elephant.

Now, enjoy!

August 2, 2006

Keyboardist Garth Hudson of The Band is 64.
Traffic drummer/singer Jim Capaldi would have been 62.

On this day in 1961, The Beatles began a regular booking at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Although the club was really just a basement, it played host to literally hundreds of aspiring bands from Northern England.

On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney produced Badfinger's Abbey Road recording session for "Come and Get It."

On this day in 1971, The Who released their incredible "Who's Next" album.

On this day in 1974, Steely Dan drummer Jim Hodder and guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter quit the group. Baxter soon joined The Doobie Brothers and Hodder reportedly went to work at Pink's Hot Dogs on La Brea. Their departures helped pave the way for Steely Dan to become a two-man studio project featuring Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.

On this day in 1975, Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album entered the charts as the band toured the States in two station wagons, opening for Loggins & Messina. It was the former blues band's first record with pop-oriented songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, which became, just 54 weeks later, the Mac's first #1 charting, multi-million selling album.

On this day 130 years ago (August 2, 1876), famed gunfighter/pistoleer/U.S. Frontier Scout & Marshall James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok was shot in the head and killed while playing poker in a Deadwood, South Dakota saloon. Wild Bill died holding a poker hand which consisted of the Ace of Clubs, the Ace of Spades, two black eights, and an odd card which some say was either the Queen of Hearts, the Queen of Spades or the Jack of Diamonds. The combination of two aces and two eights has since been known as a "Dead Man's Hand." Now shuffle 'em up again, my friend.

Tommy Clears The Neighborhood

It's probably not surprising that Motley Crue drummer/self-involved media star Tommy Lee decided to skip the congested freeways to get to a Nine Inch Nails concert in Irvine back on July 7th. So he did what any multi-millionaire rock star would do. He paid pilot David Keith Martz to land a helicopter on the street in front of Tommy's place in the Hollywood Hills to pick up Lee and two other passengers for the 50 mile flight. Two hours later, the party returned and landed again despite being warned by authorities not to do so. Ultimately, Martz was charged with one count each of reckless flying, landing an aircraft on a public road and landing an aircraft without a permit, and will be arraigned in Hollywood today. You gotta wonder if the tip Tommy left the guy included the services of a good lawyer.

Stevie's Bio

Here comes Stevie Nicks' story! Due for a January release, "Read Between My Lines: The Musical and Life Journey of Stevie Nicks" explores the singer's life both on and off the stage. Author Sandra Halliburton addresses the highs and lows of Nicks' career as a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac. She also delves into Nicks' personal life, including her drug abuse and recovery and her charitable work.

Billy & Bryan Do It Right

First they ate pasta and drank wine, then Billy Joel and Bryan Adams played a free concert before an audience of 500,000 outside of Rome's Colosseum. The Monday evening concert went over great with Joel even introducing one number in (rough) Italian by saying, "This song's as old as the Colosseum." At the end of Billy's set, Adams returned to the stage and the two performed three cover songs together, including a version of The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women." Then they ate more pasta and drank more wine.

Elty's Newest

Elton John has released the cover art and track list for his next studio album, "The Captain And The Kid" — a follow-up to "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" (a direct reference to Elton and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin). Due out in September, the album will feature a photo of Elton and Bernie on the cover (their first ever cover shot) as well as 10 new songs composed by the duo. Sir Elty is currently lining up a North American tour to support the album in September and October, but so far, no Southland dates. Stay tuned!

This Time Macca's Classical

Sir Paul McCartney will release his new classical project, "Ecce Cor Meum" on September 26th. Eight years in the making, "Ecce Cor Meum" (Latin for "Behold My Heart") will be McCartney's fourth classical album since 1991's "The Liverpool Oratorio." The new album, a four-movement oratorio that contains both English and Latin elements, is scored for choir and orchestra and was recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios between March 13th - 17th. Just don't hold your breath waiting for a supporting tour.

E.C.'s Photo Search

Got a call for assistance from the folks assembling a comprehensive Eric Clapton documentary to chronicle his life from The Yardbirds days through his Cream, Derek & The Dominos and solo eras in the Seventies. The producers have placed an open call on EricClapton.com for video material of Slow Hand pre-dating 1980. If you have any Clapton photos, film or video, contact them at ec_anthology@yahoo.com. They say you'll get your name in the credits and compensation if they use your material in the final product.

Dog Days Indeed

The term "Dog Days" means the hottest days of Summer. The Ancient Romans believed that there was a period during the Summer when "the brightest star in the heavens, the dog star 'Sirius,' added its heat to the sun's, making those days a veritable inferno."

August 3, 2006

Tony Bennett is 80.
Metallica guitarist James Hetfield is 43.
Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland is 43.

On this day in 1963, The Beatles gave their 294th and final performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Their departure from the club also coincided with their first entry into the American singles charts with "From Me To You," although the song only reached #116.

On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones recorded "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow" in Los Angeles, where even that title seemed unusual.

On this day in 1968, The Doors scored their last #1 hit with "Hello, I Love You."

On this day in 1968, the first Newport Pop Festival opened to over 100,000 people (most without sunscreen) in Costa Mesa. Performers included Steppenwolf, Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead. The neighborhood just recovered last year.

On this day in 1973, in an extremely rare TV appearance, an Eagles gig at U.C.L.A. was featured on ABC's "In Concert."

Joe Says Eagles Should...

Did Joe Walsh talk about it with Jim Ladd on KLOS last night? On Monday, Joe said that, after nearly 30 years, the long-in-production new Eagles album should be ready before mid-2007. He says the guys have finally decided to finish turning the last three years worth of "basic tracks" into songs. He notes it's just a matter of self-discipline, saying, "We really need to just police ourselves and get in there and get it finished and put it out." The group has nothing to prove by issuing a new studio project, but it's something band members want to do. He explains, "We could rest on our laurels and play our catalog forever, but we're not a nostalgia band. We've got another record in us... It'll be nice to have some new songs to play, 'cause we're sick of the old ones!"

Paulie Bails

Word is that Sir Paul McCartney has not only dumped/been dumped by Heather Mills, he's also cut ties with her favorite charity. The divorcing Beatle has written the United Nations Association to say "under the circumstances," he can no longer support its Adopt-A-Minefield program, which helps clear land mines and supports survivors. The group had planned on his participation in its L.A. fund-raiser this Fall, but are now scrambling for a replacement. Thus far, Sir Elton John has turned them down.

Who Tweak Tour Dates

The Who is is tweaking their U.S. tour schedule. The band has changed its Hollywood Bowl date from November 5th to the 4th, and added a second Madison Square Garden show on September 19th. The upcoming North American road trip is technically the start of a 2006-2007 world tour which will be the band's first global trek in over 20 years. Baring more changes, the tour is slated to begin in Philadelphia on September 12th.

Crowes Tour/CD Update

The Black Crowes have added more dates to their U.S. tour, which will now run through a November 12th performance at the Love Ride in Castaic. Meanwhile, a double-CD companion set to the band's recently released "Freak'n'Roll... Into The Fog: The Black Crowes All Join Hands" concert DVD will hit stores on September 19th. The collection will feature 19 songs recorded during the Crowes' August 2005 multi-night run at San Francisco's Fillmore Auditorium.

Cooper's Foundation Will Rock

Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Foundation is working with Grand Canyon University in Phoenix to erect a $3 million teen activity center. The singer says that any kid between the ages of 12 and 18 will be welcome, but the goal is to serve at-risk youth. Cooper, who was born again in 1990 when he quit drinking, admits The Rock will be, "overtly Christian, but we're not going to beat you over the head with a Bible." Alice calls it "a sanctuary" where teens, "don't get shot, they don't get stabbed, they don't have to worry about somebody trying to sell them drugs." While the Rock is still in the design stage and Cooper hasn't yet secured all the funding for the $3 million facility, he is optimistic that construction will begin next year and they'll be ready to open by the end of 2007.

Madison Square Garden Honors George

The 35th anniversary of George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh was marked by the unveiling of a plaque at New York's Madison Square Garden. The former Beatles guitarist's widow, Olivia, was on hand for the unveiling at the venue where the 1971 star-studded UNICEF benefit show took place. George's plaque joins those honoring his former bandmate Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead on the venue's Walk of Fame.

Naming The Storms

With tropical storm Chris gaining strength, it might be time for a hurricane-naming review. There are only six lists of hurricane names, used in rotation, so hurricanes can have the same name every six years. Also, the list for each year includes one hurricane name for each letter of the alphabet except Q, U, X, Y, and Z.

August 4, 2006

On this day in 1970, The Doors singer, Jim Morrison, was charged with public drunkenness in L.A. when he was found passed out on the doorstep of an elderly woman's house. Authorities never officially said if she had turned down the Lizard King's advances.

On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and his family were seriously injured when their rental car careened over a cliff on the Greek island of Rhodes.

On this day in 1979, Led Zeppelin played their first British gig in four years. Over 120,000 filled Knebworth Park to its limits to show their appreciation.

On this day in 1979, "Don't Bring Me Down" by the Electric Light Orchestra entered the charts.

On this day in 1980, John Lennon secretly began recording his comeback album, "Double Fantasy," in New York City.

On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released the song "Cover Me" as The Cars song "Drive" entered the charts.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Queen as well as conversation with all four members of the band.

On Stage Sunday

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson will be performing with an orchestra at beautiful Royce Hall on the UCLA campus Sunday evening. He's calling the event Ian Anderson Plays Orchestral Jethro Tull.

All Hail Sir Elty & The Edge!

Remember when Elton John criticized/trashed Madonna for lip-synching at her concerts? Well now he's finally being rewarded for his own, non-lip-synched performances with the Legend of Live Award on November 9th at the Billboard Touring Conference & Awards in New York City. (In just the last 15 years of his 36-year touring career, Sir Elty has played more than 600 shows, grossed nearly $600 million and entertained about 10 million concertgoers!) The annual Touring Awards also include a Humanitarian Award, which this year will honor Music Rising, U2 guitarist The Edge's musical-instrument replacement charity for musicians who lost instruments after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Get Well Greetings For Doug

Our old friend Doug Fieger, frontman of The Knack and a great rock historian, underwent surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center yesterday for removal of two brain tumors (ever the overachiever!). According to his doctor, the surgery was successful and Doug is expected to have a full recovery. We wish him the best!

New Petty Charts Well

Tom Petty's new solo album, "Highway Companion," debuted at #4 on the latest Billboard 200 chart, making it T.P.'s highest charting debut in his 30 year career. The disc also came in at #1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart. Meanwhile, Petty and The Heartbreakers were joined onstage by a special guest, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, at their recent Auburn, Washington show.

John's Out/Don's In

Do you think the snow bunnies will mind? Eagles singer/occasional drummer Don Henley has agreed to headline the September 3rd lineup of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival. An illness in original headliner John Mellencamp's band forced him to pull out of the gig.

Early Pretenders LPs Finally Reissued

Expanded versions of The Pretenders' first two albums, "Pretenders" and "Pretenders II," will finally be released on October 3rd. Those two albums — released in 1980 and 1981 — were the only ones to feature the classic original quartet of vocalist Chrissie Hynde, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon and drummer Martin Chambers. Both reissues will feature bonus discs with live cuts, demos and previously unreleased tracks. Of greatest interest to Southland fans is the bonus disc with the "Pretenders II" album. It will feature several songs that were originally released on a very limited edition promo release of "Pretenders Live at the Santa Monica Civic," a gig so intense that we thought the building was going to come down!

R.I.P. Kim McLagan

Former Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan's wife of 28 years, Kim McLagan, was killed in a traffic accident near Austin, Texas on Wednesday. The British beauty was prominent in the swinging London scene in the Sixties, and at 17 she married The Who's drummer, Keith Moon. Their stormy nine-year union ended in divorce in 1975. Three years later she tied the knot with McLagan. The couple, who lived in Los Angeles for many years, settled in Texas in the mid-Nineties. In addition to her husband, Kim is survived by Mandy Moon, her daughter from her first marriage.

Bamming In Space

Next week, the crew of the International Space Station will indulge in a meal especially prepared by my old friend, super chef Emeril Lagasse! The NASA-approved menu items include Emeril's Mardi Gras jambalaya, mashed potatoes with bacon, green beans with garlic, rice pudding and mixed fruit. The Food Network host will even talk to the station crew to hear how they enjoyed the meal — which was frozen and then launched into orbit for them. Bam indeed!

August 5, 2006

Guitarist Rick Derringer is 59.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles released the British version of "Revolver," considered by many to be the best album ever recorded.

On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd released their debut album, "Piper at the Gates of Dawn." No one ever said it was the best album ever recorded.

On this day in 1972, Eric Clapton's "Layla" single peaked at #10 as Chicago released "Saturday In The Park."

On this day in 1972, record mogul Clive Davis signed a young band called Aerosmith to CBS Records after seeing them play Max's Kansas City in New York City. After throwing one heck of a party with their $125,000 advance, the band went directly into debt.

On this day in 1978, "Miss You" by The Rolling Stones hit #1 as "I Need To Know" by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers peaked at #41 on the charts.

On this day in 1983, David Crosby was sentenced to five years in a Texas jail for drug and gun possession after sleeping through most of his trial.

On this day in 1992, Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro died of cardiac arrest at his Hidden Hills home. He was only 38 years old.

August 7, 2006

Bassist Andy Fraser of the band Free (the guy who wrote the riff to "Alright Now") is 54.
Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson is 48.

On this day in 1965, The Beach Boys' "California Girls" entered the charts as "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" by Herman's Hermits peaked at #1. They don't write 'em like that anymore, do they?

On this day in 1970, Fleetwood Mac welcomed singer/keyboardist Christine McVie into the band. The new wife of bass player John McVie had previously worked with Chicken Shack. Her stint with the Mac lasted twice as long as the marriage.

On this day in 1976, Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown" entered the charts as "Last Child" by Aerosmith peaked at #21.

On this day in 1982, "Hurts So Good" by John 'Cougar' Mellencamp peaked at #2 on the charts. John used the money earned from that hit single to hire lawyers to remove the tag 'Cougar' from his name forever.

Skynyrd Update

Since no one's in rehab or the hospital right now, that must mean Lynyrd Skynyrd is touring. You can see for yourself when the special concert they filmed for VH1 Classic's Decades Rock Live! series airs for the first time on September 1st. In other Skynyrd news, their classic song "Gimme' Three Steps" is one of 13 tracks on "My Name Is Earl: The Album," a compilation of songs heard on the hit NBC sitcom that's due in stores on September 19th.

Another Aero 'Best Of' For Xmas

Talk about buying time and fulfilling contractual obligations! Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler says that the band will release another "Best Of" compilation by Christmas, and they may actually throw in a new track to sweeten the deal. After that the group will focus on its next studio album targeted for an early 2007 release. And Steven says he'd also like to see the Hall Of Famerso play some of their classic albums in their entirety (ala Cheap Trick) at a future series of gigs. Sounds good to me!

Metallica Lullabies

Metallica had a big hit with their song "Enter Sandman," but it seems like a stretch to say that the band's music could help rock babies to sleep. But somebody's done the stretching for them — several Metallica songs like "Master of Puppets" have been reworked as instrumentals featuring glockenspiel, vibraphone and harps. (Sure hope they didn't do "Kill 'Em All"!) "Lullaby Renditions of Metallica" is just one of several new albums in the "Rockabye Baby!" series. Upcoming releases will feature lullaby versions of music by Nirvana, Pink Floyd, the Eagles, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Queens of the Stone Age.

E.C.'s 20-year-old Concert DVD

They must have had trouble getting the performance rights cleared. A DVD documenting Eric Clapton's 1986 Montreux Jazz Festival performance will finally be released on September 19th. "Live at Montreux 1986" will boast 16 performances by Eric and his band which included Phil Collins on drums. Meanwhile, a 1998 version of the song "Boogie Chillen'" featuring Clapton will appear on "Hooker," a four-CD retrospective of the work of late blues legend John Lee Hooker. The box set, due on October 31st, will also include Hooker's collaborations with Van Morrison, Carlos Santana and Jimmie Vaughan (but not Phil Collins).

Peter Moves Real Slow

Sure it only took 15 years to finish, but former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel has finally completed his "Big Blue Ball" album. He decribed the project this way: "The idea was to put rock musicians together with musicians from all over the world and see what happened. We ran the studio like a dating service with a 24-hour cafe." The actual recording stretched out over three years in a series of week-long residential sessions at Peter's Real World studios in the early Nineties. "But the tapes were left in a mess and it's taken this long to sort out." Recorded by several different singers with a mix of western, African and Asian musicians, "Big Blue Ball" collection will be released this Fall. "The size of the cast means it's not something you can tour," Gabriel says. "But if it sells, maybe we can record a follow-up." Hmmm... wonder if the record company has scheduled any releases for 2021 yet?

R.I.P. Arthur Lee

Singer/guitarist Arthur Lee of the seminal psychedelic L.A. band Love died Thursday (8/3) in Memphis after battling leukemia. He was 61. Lee formed Love in 1965 and recorded three albums with the group's original lineup, including 1968's psychedelic classic "Forever Changes," frequently voted one of the greatest albums of all time. He formed several subsequent lineups of Love over the years but never quite recaptured the magic of his early recordings, when the band was the leading light of a Los Angeles scene that included The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Doors. However, Love's early material proved perennially influential, with acts as big as Led Zeppelin citing Lee as an inspiration.

Quote Of The Week

It was the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus who said: "We should look for someone to eat and drink with before we look for something to eat and drink."

Three Quickies

There are only four words in the English language which end in '-dous': tremendous, horrendous, stupendous and hazardous.

The average person will spend two weeks over their lifetime waiting for the traffic light to change.

If we had the same mortality rate now as in 1900, more than half the people in the world today would not be alive.

August 8, 2006

The Edge (Dave Evans), U2's guitarist, is 45.

On this day in 1964, The Animals' soulful cover of the traditional blues song "The House of the Rising Sun" entered the charts, marking the first time most American kids ever heard a blues song.

On this day in 1964, "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles peaked at #53.

On this day in 1966, on the same day that their incredible "Revolver" album was released, The Beatles were banned in South Africa because of John Lennon's infamous remark about the group being more popular than Jesus Christ.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles posed for the famous picture which was used on their "Abbey Road" album. A policeman had to hold up traffic for several minutes at 10am as the band was photographed crossing the street in single file in front of the Abbey Road Studios. It was a hot day in London, so Paul McCartney walked barefoot. Later, when the "Paul is dead" hoax broke around the world, his walking barefoot was seen as a clue that Paul was, in fact, dead (in some countries, corpses are buried without shoes). The late Sixties/early Seventies were full of sketchy clues like that, you know.

On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released "Looking Out My Back Door" as "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young peaked at #14 on the charts.

On this day in 1970, Janis Joplin bought a headstone for her idol and inspiration, blues legend Bessie Smith, who had been buried in an unmarked grave. Joplin used to sing many of Smith's songs when she was with Big Brother & The Holding Company.

On this day in 1976, Boston's self-titled first album was released and became the fastest-selling debut ever.

On this day in 1987, U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" hit #1 on the charts.

Stage Sinks Gilmour Shows

Just before his band's sound check last Friday afternoon, Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour was forced to call off his two Venice, Italy concerts. Officials discovered that one of the columns supporting the stage in St. Mark's Square was unable to hold the weight of the lights and other stage equipment, so — as a testament to the quality of modern Italian workmanship — they blew off the entire weekend. The concerts have been rescheduled for next weekend.

Stones To Churchill Downs

Of course you knew that The Rolling Stones would add dates to their Fall North American tour, but did you think for a moment that their first new gig would be at the home of the Kentucky Derby? The newly announced Churchill Downs Stones concert in Louisville, Kentucky is scheduled for September 29th. And don't be surprised if a Hawaiian date around Thanksgiving Day is announced soon. Stay tuned!

Marty Finally Resurfaces

After taking a hiatus from the Jefferson Starship for much of 2005 and 2006 because of an ongoing family health crisis, singer Marty Balin is set to perform at three of the band's shows this month. Marty and Jefferson Starship guitarist Slick Aguilar will be the opening act for this Friday and Saturday's New York City gigs, as well as the Sunday show in beautiful Patchogue, NY. Seeing as Balin isn't scheduled to take part in the group's headlining sets, it seems likely that he won't get into any arguments with guitarist Paul Kantner — this time.

Carlos/Tutu's B-day

Carlos Santana and his wife Deborah will co-chair the U.S. edition of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 75th birthday festivities on September 18th in Beverly Hills. The event will benefit the Artists for a New South Africa organization, which seeks to fight the African AIDS crisis and supports human rights and democracy in South Africa.

Cobain Documentary

A new documentary about Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain will make its world premiere at this year's Toronto Film Festival sometime between September 7th and 16th. "About A Son" will reportedly feature material from previously unreleased interviews with Cobain by Michael Azerrad, who has also authored a book about the band. No word on if "About A Son" will receive a general theatrical release.

Lindsey's Solo

Fleetwood Mac guitarist/singer Lindsey Buckingham will release his third solo album, "Under The Skin," on October 3rd (his 59th birthday). Just after the album's release, Lindsey will do four or five weeks worth of touring to support the acoustic album. As a reference point, his last solo album was 1992's "Out of the Cradle."

August 9, 2006

On this day in 1973, guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Seiwell told Paul McCartney they didn't want to go to Africa to record the album that became "Band On The Run." Because of that, this also marks the day they officially left Paul's band Wings.

On this day in 1995, Grateful Dead icon Jerry Garcia died of a heart attack at the age of 53. He was in drug rehab at the time.

On Stage Tonight

Boz Scaggs is playing the Wiltern LG today.

Guess What – He Changed The Locks!

Police were called to Paul McCartney's London home on Monday evening after a person — reportedly Heather Mills McCartney's body guard — was found on the premises. Heather apparently arrived at the house with the couple's daughter Beatrice for an arranged visit, but was unable to get in because the locks had been changed. So her guard scaled the wall. McCartney's staff, fearing the lunk was an intruder, called police. After speaking with Mills, police determined that no offenses had taken place. Meanwhile, Sir Paulie hired the lawyer who represented Prince Charles and Heather retained the attorney who represented Princess Diana in their royal divorce 10 years ago. In addition, McCartney froze their joint bank account and had sent a "legal letter" to his wife to complain after three bottles of cleaning fluid were taken from his Sussex home to clean Mills' nearby office (pinching the pennies!). Topping that was word that Macca just fired seven people from the New York offices of MPL Communications, his lucrative music publishing house, because of their connections to Heather. Sounds like a TV mini-series that's writing itself, doesn't it?

Rocking Down Those Canuck Highways

A new Canadian survey found that classic rock tunes are the preferred cruising songs in the great white north, and that two thirds of the drivers sing along with the rockers. "Chart Magazine" managing editor Aaron Brophy says it makes sense that the older songs would be the favorites, explaining, "There are loads of great car songs, but to be a driving classic, the song needs to stand the test of time." It's not surprising that Canadian Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69" was the top pick, but what about The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive, eh?

Canada's Top 7 Driving Songs:
1. Bryan Adams: "Summer of '69"
2. Queen: "Bohemian Rhapsody"
3. Steppenwolf: "Born to be Wild"
4. The Rolling Stones: "It's Only Rock and Roll"
5. The Beatles: "Drive My Car"
6. Tom Petty: "Free Falling"
7. Golden Earring: "Radar Love"

Woodie's Big Comp

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has put together a collection of music that spans his 40+ year career. "Ronnie Wood Anthology: The Essential Crossexion" contains one disc of Woodie's solo work — including an unreleased duet with Rod Stewart — and a second disc of his favorite work with The Jeff Beck Group, The Faces, The Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart. You can pick up the whole compilation — including Ronnie's own artwork — on September 26th.

Taking A Money Tip From Stones

The Rolling Stones raked in $152.5 million last year but — thanks to offshore investing — paid only 1.6% in taxes. Avoiding high British taxes is the reason the legendary group has had all of its finances handled in the Netherlands since 1972. True, The Stones have always kept their financial information close to the vest, but the aging rockers have been working on their wills and Dutch law requires certain information be made public as part of the process. Meanwhile, U2 have begun moving their multi-million dollar business empire to Holland from Ireland, using the same Dutch financial institution used by The Rolling Stones. The man who masterminded The Stones' virtually tax-free Dutch companies has become a director of U2 Limited, which owns all the U2 master tapes. Holland's virtual tax-free status is a great attraction for big players such as the Stones and U2 because there is no direct tax on royalties, unlike in most other countries. That, along with a place to hang out in Amsterdam, makes for a sound business decision!

Lou, Todd & Garth

Talk about three guys you'd never expect to see together! Lou Reed, Todd Rundgren and The Band's keyboardist, Garth Hudson, have contributed to an upcoming tribute to renowned musicologist Harry Smith, who created the influential 1952 "Anthology of American Folk Music" album series. The two-CD/two-DVD set, "The Harry Smith Project: Anthology of American Folk Music Revisited," will feature audio and video footage from concerts in London, Los Angeles and Brooklyn. The package is due out on October 24th.

Full Moon/Grunion Run

Yes, this is the last full moon of Summer overhead. In addition to howling at it like an animal, you may want to check out http://www.Grunion.Org — I hear there's a lot to be said for slithering around on the beach!

Benny Parson's Address

Even though he gave up smoking almost 30 years ago, famed NASCAR driver/NBC race announcer Benny Parsons is fighting lung cancer. Several people have asked where they can send Benny a card, and word is it's best to send well-wishes via e-mail to bp@goprn.com. In all of my years of announcing at race tracks and dealing with race drivers, Benny's been one of the coolest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. So please say a little prayer for him.

August 10, 2006

Leo Fender, inventor of all those electric guitars, would have been 97.
Jethro Tull's head guy, Ian Anderson, is 59.
INXS drummer Jon Farriss is 45.

On this day in 1976, Elton John opened the first of seven shows at Madison Square Garden. That run broke the house record set the previous summer by The Rolling Stones, and marked the absolute peak of his staggering popularity.

On this day in 1995, Bob Dylan released his classic statement about the death of The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia, who died the day before. Bob said, "He's the very spirit personified of whatever is Muddy River country at its core and screams up into the spheres... There's a lot of spaces and advances between The Carter Family, Buddy Holly and, say, Ornette Coleman, a lot of universes, but he filled them all without being a member of any school... There's no way to convey the loss. It just digs down really deep." That's exactly what Bob said.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Fleetwood Mac as well as conversation with Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie.

Stones/Beacon/Bill's B-day

It's long been rumored that The Rolling Stones would play two shows around Halloween at the famous Beacon Theatre in New York City — home of the Allman Brothers Band's annual "Peakin' At The Beacon" multi-week run. Now "official" word has leaked out that The Stones will play a private benefit concert at the trippy Beacon on October 29th. Renowned director Martin Scorsese will film the performance and the small hall will be filled with 2,800 folks (including body guards) who paid $2,000 each to get in. The gig will mark the culmination of over two months of festivities celebrating the 60th birthday of the 42nd President of the United States Of America — Bill Clinton. Keef and Bill together at the Beacon... sure hope someone cleans up the restrooms before then!

Neil & Geddy Out/Alex & Lawyers In

A judge has ruled that Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson can still sue the Naples, Florida Ritz-Carlton and the Collier County sheriff's deputies involved in his New Year's Eve 2003-2004 brawl, but his bandmates can't. Singer/bassist Geddy Lee and drummer/lyricist Neil Peart were seeking damages, claiming Lifeson's injuries adversely affected the band's business. Alex's suit is expected to go to trial in early February.

Honors To Ray

Kinks frontman/co-founder Ray Davies will be honored with the prestigious BMI Icon award during the performing rights organization's annual London awards, to be held on October 3rd. The Icon accolade is bestowed to BMI songwriters and artists who have had "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." Previous recipients include Steve Winwood and Van Morrison. Davies' songwriting talents were also celebrated with the PRS award for outstanding contribution to British music during the annual Ivor Novello Awards in May. Earlier this year, at the BMI Pop Awards in Beverly Hills, Crosby, Stills & Nash received the U.S. BMI Icon honor.

T.P./Black Crowes/Vegoose

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Black Crowes, Widespread Panic and the Jack White/Brendan Benson side project The Raconteurs lead the line-up for the second Vegoose festival running October 27th - 31st throughout Las Vegas. The main show will be held October 28th - 29th at the Sam Boyd Stadium just outside the city. The Rhythm Devils — featuring the Dead's Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzman with Steve Kimock and Phish's Mike Gordon — will also be playing at one of the venues. The event, which debuted in Vegas last year, is produced by the creators of the world famous Bonnaroo Festival.

Bigger Bruce Bumped To October

Originally targeted for a September 5th release, the expanded edition of Bruce Springsteen's latest album, "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions – American Land Edition," will now arrive on October 3rd. The new version includes "American Land," a Springsteen original that debuted at the tail end of a recent North American tour as well as studio versions of Blind Alfred Reed's "How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live" and Pete Seeger's "Bring 'Em Home" with modified lyrics by Springsteen, plus "Buffalo Gals" and "How Can I Keep From Singing." The new release also includes an extended version of the behind-the-scenes documentary on the album's creation, new videos and live footage from June shows in Los Angeles and Concord, California. In a nod to fans that have already purchased the album, the bonus tracks on the new version will be available as single-song downloads via iTunes.

Saving The Hedgehogs

Queen guitarist Brian May has pledged thousands of dollars to save hedgehogs in the Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands off the northwestern coast of Scotland. The creatures currently are being gathered and killed because of the threat they pose to the nests of rare birds on the Uist islands. May's donations are helping to fund reward money distributed to locals who rescue hedgehogs from the hunt. Wonder if they keep the refugee hedgehogs in a hutch by the hedgerow?