September 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!

September 1, 2006

On this day in 1976, "More Than A Feeling" by Boston entered the charts.

On this day in 1979, U2 released their first record, the "U2-3" EP.

On this day in 1979, INXS made their live debut at the Oceanview Hotel in Sydney, Australia. Before they scored their first American Top 40 hit four years later, they averaged over 250 gigs a year in Australia's many pubs and clubs.

Live On The Air!

Friday! Friday!, 2pm - 6pm: Yer Unc will broadcast his KLOS afternoon show "live" from the brand new main stage in the Fan Zone at the California Speedway in Fontana. Here are a few photos of the last racing broadcast he did.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Eric Clapton and Cream, as well as conversation with Eric.

On Stage

John Fogerty (my guest on-the-air Thursday afternoon) will be rocking the Greek Theatre on Saturday.

Freddie's Still Irritating The Neighbors

Even though Queen frontman Freddie Mercury passed away 15 years ago, he's still sparking controversy in his homeland. Muslim leaders in Zanzibar, Tanzania want to stop the owner of a local Freddie Mercury-themed restaurant from throwing a party tomorrow in honor of what would have been the singer's 60th birthday next Tuesday. Members of a national Islamic association have written a letter to the country's culture minister asking that the event be cancelled, claiming that while Mercury was born in Zanzibar he was educated and raised outside Tanzania and his lifestyle as a gay Western rock star would not meet the approval of many Muslims. Meanwhile, there's a disturbing rumor that Queen + Paul Rodgers will open for KISS next year. Hmm...

Tyler TV

In 2003, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler "appeared" as himself in a voice over for the CBS-TV comedy "Two and a Half Men." Three years later, Steven's finally in front of the camera. The rascally singer will be playing himself on the September 28th episode of the Charlie Sheen star vehicle. The show has cast Tyler as "Charlie's famous Malibu neighbor" who plays loud music and causes "problems" for Charlie. Doesn't sound like a stretch for either Steven or Charlie, does it?

Eddie's Porn Songs Exposed

Two of the songs composed by Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen for the upcoming adult movie "Sacred Sin" have leaked onto the Internet. The first track, "Catherine," features some intricate fret-play over a soft piano melody, before pounding drums enter midway through the tune. The second cut, "Rise," is a "thrusting rock" number (whatever that means). The "Sacred Sin" DVD featuring Eddie's tunes (but not his naked bod) will be available on September 13th.

Lindsey's Getting Ready

Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham is about to release his first solo album in nearly 15 years. "Under the Skin" is due out on October 3rd. Lindsey says that while his new songs are musically very sparse — "basically no drums, very little bass" — the lyrical content reveals his overall sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. He's calling this phase "the best time in my life," and credits his wife and three young children for his upbeat and serene attitude. Buckingham's planning to hit the road behind "Under the Skin," after which he'll put together another "more rocking" album for release sometime next year.

Quote Of The Week

It was Napoleon Bonaparte who observed that "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."

NASCAR Nextel Cup

This Saturday & Sunday: J.B. will again be announcing at the NASCAR Nextel Cup Sony HD 500 under the lights at the California Speedway in Fontana. Look for him to be all over the brand new Fan Zone during the daylight hours and in the announcers' booth after dark! Here are a few photos of the February event.

September 2, 2006

Keyboardist Steve Porcaro of Toto is 49.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles released Paul McCartney's "Yesterday."

On this day in 1970, Phil Collins answered an ad in Britain's "Melody Maker" magazine and found himself at an audition for the drummer's slot in Genesis. Phil got the job, and 5 years later, when Peter Gabriel left the band, Phil became the group's lead vocalist.

On this day in 1972, The Doobie Brothers released "Listen To The Music" as "Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)" by The Hollies peaked at #2 on the charts.

On this day in 1978, Aerosmith entered the charts with "Come Together" as "Surrender" by Cheap Trick peaked at #62.

On this day in 1978, former-Beatle George Harrison married Olivia Trinidad Arias in Henley-on-Thames, England. She was born in Mexico and raised in America, and they met in 1974 when she worked as a secretary for his Dark Horse Records Company in Los Angeles.

On this day in 1988, the Amnesty International "Human Rights Now!" tour began with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Peter Gabriel and Sting headlining the shows.

On this day in 1989, Aerosmith's "Love In An Elevator" entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1995, Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and Museum opened with a seven-hour concert that included Chuck Berry, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Al Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Allman Brothers Band, George Clinton, Melissa Etheridge, John Mellencamp, Little Richard and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. The show was great, but parking was a real bitch.

September 3, 2006

Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer is 58.

On this day in 1977, Heart's "Barracuda" peaked at #11 on the charts.

On this day in 1982, the first three-day US Festival, financed by Apple Computer's Steve Wozniak, kicked off where the Glen Helen Hyundai Pavilion is now located. Over 400,000 people showed up to hear Fleetwood Mac, The Police, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, The Cars, the Grateful Dead, Talking Heads and Pat Benatar, among others. It is said that on most hot September evenings, you can still hear lost souls looking for their cars in the hillsides around Devore.

September 4, 2006

Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers is 57.

On this day in 1962, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr recorded together for the first time at EMI's St. John Studio. The Beatles made a 6-song demo that included "Love Me Do" and "P.S., I Love You." In the process, producer George Martin made them redo "Love Me Do" 16 times. What was he thinking?

On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Help!" peaked at #1 on the charts as Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" peaked at #2.

On this day in 1965, The Who had their equipment van stolen outside the Battersea Dog's Home in England while they were inside purchasing a guard dog.

On this day in 1970, George Harrison released "My Sweet Lord."

On this day in 1971, "Riders On The Storm" by The Doors peaked at #14 on the charts.

On this day in 1976, Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album hit #1 after 54 weeks on the charts.

On this day in 1982, the song "Abracadabra" by the Steve Miller Band peaked at #1 on the charts.

On this day in 1987, Pink Floyd released their "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason" album.

September 4th Historicals

On this day in 1781, Spanish settlers founded Los Angeles. Too bad half of them got stuck in traffic and missed the ceremony.

On this day in 1833, 10-year-old Barney Flaherty became the first newspaper boy when he was hired by the "New York Daily Sun." Unfortunately, the "Daily Sun" was purchased by the "Chicago Tribune," which reduced local content by 50% and cut overhead by firing Barney and 70% of the other "Sun" employees. Barney did okay, though, actually doubling his salary at the "L.A. Times" until the "Tribune" bought them and cut local content by 50% and staffing by 70%.

On this day in 1888, George Eastman patented his new roll-film camera and copyrighted the "Kodak" servicemark. Although it's hard to picture so many years later, the developers actually lost George's first two rolls of film. (It would have been worse if they had been the rolls with pictures of his assistant's girlfriend.)

Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a yearly national tribute to the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5th, 1882 in New York City. Two years later, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, and New York's Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. On June 28th, 1894 The U.S. Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a Federal legal holiday. The big back-to-school sales and end-of-year model close-out automobile sales evolved around the holiday weekend many, many years later.

September 5, 2006

Singer Freddie Mercury of Queen would have been 60.
Drummer Buddy Miles (who worked with Hendrix, among many others) is 60.

On this day in 1964, Manfred Mann released the #1 charting "Do Wah Diddy" just as The Animals' cover of "House of the Rising Sun" hit #1.

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones flew into Los Angeles just to record their #1 single "Get Off of My Cloud."

On this day in 1970, Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" album entered the charts, eventually peaking at #2.

On this day in 1981, "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" by Stevie Nicks with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers peaked at #3, "Urgent" by Foreigner peaked at #4, "Fire And Ice" by Pat Benatar peaked at #17 on the charts.

On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen joined The Pretenders onstage at Perkin's Palace in Pasadena to cover the Jackie Wilson classic "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher."

Clearing The KISS Air

We've got real KISS news as well as more KISS merchandising hype for you today. In a statement posted on KISS' official website Friday, singer/guitarist Paul Stanley dismissed rumors that the band would tour next year with Queen + Paul Rodgers. "While the guys and I are huge fans and friends of Queen and Paul Rodgers, and touring together would be great," says Stanley, "no KISS tour plans with or without Queen are currently in the works." The rumors stemmed from recent comments by (surprise!) KISS bassist Gene Simmons. Paul checked in with the truth because his "Live to Win" solo album will be released on October 24th, he'll head out on tour in November and he didn't need the distraction of the KISS/Queen hoo-hah.

Mega Freddie Releases

How appropriate that on Queen singer Freddie Mercury's 60th birthday, "The Very Best of Freddie Mercury Solo" is being released. Of course the double CD package includes a bonus CD of rare or unheard tracks. But wait — there's more! Also out today is the double DVD set, "Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs" that features "The Untold Story," a collection of his solo videos as well as Freddie's last interview. And good old iTunes has also made the "Freddie Mercury Video Album I" available for download. But wait, there's even more! The book "Freddie Mercury: A Life, In His Own Words" will be released next Monday and the "Freddie Mercury – Talking To David Wigg" Audio Book will be available for download on http://www.queenonline.com on September 13th. One thing is for sure: If Freddie were still with us, he'd be one tired dude from doing all the PR for his many, many releases!

Learning Simon's Tricks

The "Lessons From A Legend" DVD series teaches all aspects of a Rock & Roll band: guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals, songwriting and — with the new "Lessons From A Legend: Simon Kirke" DVD — drums. The Simon Kirke DVD provides a private lesson allowing you to play along with him as he teaches you to play classic rock hits from his bands Bad Company and Free. As they say, the DVD series provides an unprecedented opportunity to play along with the artists and hear intimate stories about the bands and the songs that made them rock stars. Actually, it's the "intimate stories" part that should make us all a little uncomfortable.

A Big Ol' Bruce Book

This should be the best Springsteen book yet. "Greetings From E Street," a collective biography of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, will be published in October. The book, written by Robert Santelli with the cooperation of the group's members, will include more than 200 photos, as well as handwritten notes, souvenirs and documents spanning the band's 30-plus-year career. If Santelli's name seems familiar, it's because he worked with Springsteen on the Boss' 2003 book, "Songs," and with E Street drummer Max Weinberg on his excellent 1991 book, "The Big Beat."

Morrison Returns (Sort Of)

Former Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell has recorded a song called "Woman in the Window" that features a long-lost vocal track of late Doors legend Jim Morrison reciting an original poem. The tune will surface early next year on the debut album from Farrell's Satellite Party project. "[It's] a little down-tempo, a little chill," Farrell says of his backing music for the song. "I want this to be on the radio." Wonder if he asked Jim about it?

Steve Irwin, R.I.P.

There are very few people who can transcend generation gaps and international borders through their sheer strength of personality and enthusiasm. Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, was one of those rare characters. Seen by many as the Evel Knievel of the animal world, tempting death by wrestling man-eating crocodiles and grappling with deadly snakes, Steve appeared immortal, always one step ahead of every animal he encountered. In truth, he was also one of the most passionate conservationists on the planet. A very genuine, colorful and extremely likeable person, he was loved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world (just ask anyone with kids). On Monday, he was working on a documentary called "Ocean's Deadliest" with Philippe Cousteau (Jacques' grandson) when he paused to gather footage of a stingray for an Animal Planet special to be hosted by his 8-year-old daughter, Bindi Sue. The 44-year-old was killed almost instantly while snorkeling alongside and above a stingray in shallow water. Rays have a poisonous barb on the end of their tails, and this stingray's barb went straight through Steve's ribcage and into his heart. In addition to his wife Teri and daughter, Irwin is survived by his 2-year-old son, Bob. Word is that the Australian government is preparing a state funeral, and televised tributes (including one by his friend Jay Leno) will be appearing over the next few days. He definitely left the world even more aware of animals than ever before. Rest in peace, Crocodile Hunter.

September 6, 2006

Bassist/songwriter/singer Roger Waters of Pink Floyd is 62.

On this day in 1968, Eric Clapton recorded his guitar solo on The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" as a favor to his friend George Harrison.

On this day in 1976, Fleetwood Mac's "Fleetwood Mac" album topped the U.S. album charts for the first time after being on those charts for 54 weeks.

On this day in 1990, Tom Fogerty, brother of John and a founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, died at the age of 48.

On this day in 1994, pianist Nicky Hopkins died at age 50. Following his performance on The Rolling Stones' "Their Satanic Majesties Request," he became an in-demand session player with appearances on albums by The Who, The Kinks, Steve Miller, John Lennon and Rod Stewart, among many others.

On Stage Tonight

The original James Gang, featuring Joe Walsh, Jimmy Fox and Dale Peters, will be rocking the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight!

Seger's Emerging

Bob Seger says his 2004 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame helped motivate him to finish his long-in-the-works "Face The Promise" album, due out next Tuesday. "I started working harder... I wanted to make sure to leave some blood on the page," he says. Bob will play for the first time on NBC's Tonight Show With Jay Leno next Thursday.

Rare R.E.M. Reunion

To celebrate being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 16th in Atlanta, R.E.M. will perform three songs with original drummer Bill Berry. Bill has only played three times with his colleagues since exiting the band after a brain aneurysm in 1997. The most prominent gig was at R.E.M. guitar tech Dewitt Burton's October 2005 wedding where the boys played a seven-song set of classic early material. This past April, Berry joined vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills to perform R.E.M.'s famed "Country Feedback" at an Athens, Georgia show by Buck's side band, Minus 5. Following next weekend's Hall of Fame induction, the band (sans Berry) will end a year-long hiatus and hit the studio to begin work on the follow-up to their 2004 album, "Around the Sun." In the meantime, R.E.M.'s first five years will be celebrated with "And I Feel Fine," a great CD/DVD package due out next Tuesday.

Mick's Role Reduction

The sitcom formerly known as "Let's Rob Mick Jagger" is now only vaguely about robbing Mick Jagger. In fact, the show has been renamed "Knights of Prosperity" and rather than Jagger making recurring appearances in the show, he's only going to make one brief cameo in the first episode. The sans Jagger show will premiere on ABC-TV on October 17th. Do you suppose money had something to do with the Mickster's reduced role?

Selling Syd's Place

The late Syd Barrett's home is up for sale. The house in Cambridge, England that the former Pink Floyd member called home for the last 25 years before his death in July will hit the auction block in November. Barrett's sister, Rosemary, says Syd "loved the peace and quiet of the house," that he would redecorate often and that he built some of the furniture himself. She describes his use of the home, saying he'd listen to music in the back room and draw and paint in the front room. In addition to the home itself, some of Barrett's artwork will also be included in the Cheffin Auctioneers' Fine Art Sale in Cambridge on November 29th and 30th.

Yoko Opens Home Film Vault

Yoko Ono allowed the directors of the latest documentary about John Lennon, "The U.S. vs John Lennon," to rifle through her home movies, wedding pictures and unfinished films for their project. The film focuses on the period between 1966 and 1976 when Lennon was an anti-war activist and had trouble qualifying for U.S. citizenship. Yoko says, "Of all the documentaries that have been made about John, this is the one he would have loved." The documentary is scheduled to premiere at The Venice Film Festival this week, and opens in New York and L.A. a week from Friday.

Quote Of The Week

It was Winston Churchill who said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

Heart!

Saturday September 9th, 8pm: After an official KLOS Cool Patrol Uncle Joe Meet & Greet, J.B. will be introducing his old friends Heart on the L.A. County Fair's main stage!

September 7, 2006

Rock & Roll icon Buddy Holly would have been 70.
Chrissie Hynde, leader of The Pretenders, is 55.
Keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers is 53.

On this day in 1976, the New York State Supreme Court ruled that George Harrison "subconsciously plagiarized" The Chiffon's 1963 hit "He's So Fine" in his 1970 hit "My Sweet Lord." Harrison had to pay $587,000 to ABKCO Music, a company owned, ironically, by The Beatles' former business manager, Allen Klein.

On this day in 1978, drummer Keith Moon of The Who died at the age of 31. Ironically, he overdosed on a drug prescribed to help keep his alcoholism in control.

On this day in 2003, singer/songwriter/icon Warren Zevon died from lung cancer in Los Angeles at the age of 56.

Bob's #1!

For the first time in 30 years, Bob Dylan is #1 on The Billboard 200! His great new album, "Modern Times," is not only the legendary songwriter's first album to reach the top since "Desire" in 1976, it's also his highest debuting album and his best sales week since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991. "Modern Times" is Dylan's third consecutive Top 10 studio set, following 1997's "Time Out of Mind" and 2001's "Love & Theft." Only two other Dylan albums ever hit #1: 1974's "Planet Waves" and the 1975 classic "Blood on the Tracks." Right so!

More Trouble In Crowes Camp

Those darn Black Crowes sure have trouble holding onto their staff! Just days before the launch of a new tour, longtime guitarist Marc Ford became the second musician to leave the group in a week. While longtime keyboardist Eddie Hawrysch was fired (for the second time) last week under a cloud of drug-related rumors, Marc left on his own (for the second time), saying "all the difficult work he has done to gain his longest period of sobriety ever was in jeopardy while touring." Guitarist Paul Stacey has stepped into the breach for the Fall tour, but the search for a permanent replacement is underway. In the midst of all the line-up changes, head Crowes Chris and Rich Robinson are working on a new album due out next year. Maybe they should also be looking for a H.R. director.

Macca Is Brit Man Of The Year

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney won the Man Of The Year title at the U.K. version of GQ magazine's Man Of The Year 2006 awards, held Tuesday in London. Noting that Macca has rarely been out of the U.K. press following his increasingly acrimonious divorce from Heather Mills, the GQ editor declared, "Paul McCartney is not only one of our greatest living legends, he's also probably the most dignified." He further observed that, "Paul McCartney turned 64, produced one of his best albums in years, orchestrated the 90-minute Las Vegas Beatles spectacular, "Love," finished a record-breaking tour of America, and this month releases his fourth full-length classical work, "Behold My Heart." Plus, this year he has been embraced by the Great British public like no time before." Other winners included Rod Stewart, who was given the Outstanding Achievement award.

Cars Documented

"The Cars Unlocked," a long awaited documentary on the Boston-based band, will be released on October 17th as a DVD/CD package. Produced by The Cars' main songwriter, Ric Ocasek, "The Cars Unlocked" includes 20 previously unreleased live clips as well as never-before-seen behind the scenes footage. The CD includes 14 live tracks, making it the band's first concert album. Ocasek says, "The backstage stuff is stuff in hotel rooms and dressing rooms. I think it will be a nice insight into what the Cars were really like. There's interviews, video outtakes, kind of just hamming it up and some nice club things that probably people wouldn't have gotten to see, from way back. I think it's the most comprehensive thing that's ever been put out on The Cars." As the song says, "Let's Go!"

All Hail The Art Director

Time magazine has named Willie Williams — the man responsible for designing U2's live shows — as the 2006 Innovator: Forging the Future. The article beautifully describes Willie: "He has turned concrete caverns into spaces that drip with mood. And when the music starts, Williams, who pioneered the integration of video and light into a single element, turns the sets into an extravaganza that enhances but never competes with the sound." Willie has been designing U2's shows since the Eighties. I think we all know who will (creatively) be asking Bono and the boys for a raise real soon!

September 8, 2006

Bassist/vocalist Benjamin Orr of The Cars would have been 59.

On this day in 1962, "Monster Mash" by Bobby Pickett entered the Hot 100 chart at #85.

On this day in 1965, Variety ran an ad that read, "Madness! Parts available for four insane boys age 17 to 21." 437 young men, including Charles Manson and Stephen Stills, applied for the roles, but the parts were taken by Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, Mike Nesmith and Davy Jones. The quartet became The Monkees and their TV series began airing in September 1966. Before the end of that year, the manufactured band had sold over 8 million albums.

On this day in 1973, The Rolling Stones next #1 single, "Angie," entered the chart.

On this day in 1976, President Gerald Ford's son, Stephen, invited Peter Frampton, his manager and his girlfriend to the White House. They were given a tour of the Presidential home and spent part of the afternoon in the First Family's living quarters, watching television with the President.

On this day in 1979, "Don't Bring Me Down" by ELO peaked at #4, "Let's Go" by The Cars peaked at #14 while "Goodbye Stranger" by Supertramp topped out at #15 on the charts.

On this day in 1988, Elton John auctioned off his private collection of stage costumes and memorabilia. The assortment netted more than $6 million for charity, including $16,000 brought by one particular pair of glasses.

On this day in 1990, the song "Suicide Blonde" by INXS entered the charts.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Grand Funk Railroad and conversation with singer/guitarist Mark Farner.

Lindsey's A Productive Guy

Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist Lindsey Buckingham's Fall tour to support his acoustic album, "Under the Skin," will run from October 6th through November 18th. Southland stops will include a November 3rd show at The Grove of Anaheim and a November 10th gig at The Wiltern LG. Lindsey's first solo album in 14 years — most of which was written on the road during the Mac's 2003/2004 "Say You Will" tour — is due out on October 3rd. Lindsey recorded two of the tracks with the Fleetwood Mac rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, and did most of the tracks by himself. The guitarist has also worked up eight other songs for another new record, which will focus more on electric guitar-driven rock. As for the status of Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham says he and the other band members are all up for future touring but unsure if any recording is in the cards.

Jovi Fashions/Writes

Besides holing up with some country songwriters from Nashville, Jon Bon Jovi has teamed up with fashion designer Kenneth Cole to create a limited-edition clothing line. Proceeds from the sale of the garments — which will be available in Kenneth Cole New York and Saks Fifth Avenue stores in November — will benefit HELP USA, a national organization to aid the homeless. On the other hand, the songwriting session will result in a new album. The proceeds from that endeavor will benefit the Jon Bon Jovi retirement fund.

Mucho KISS

Official word is that brand new hand-painted KISS masks, retailing for about $99, will be in retail stores by mid-September — just in time for Halloween! Also, for less committed KISS fans, four different "KISS E-Z Makeup FX" kits will also hit shelves, retailing for about $15 each. But wait — there's more! KISS Fragrances will finally be available at outlets like Dillards, Ulta and Gottchalks on September 11th. Meanwhile, the ever popular "Rock And Roll All Night" is now part of Hallmark's new line of sound cards! What a wonderful time to be alive!

Ozzy's Progressing (Sort Of)

Since the instrumental tracks for Ozzy Osbourne's new studio album are finished, that means the Ozz-man's longtime guitarist/producer, Zakk Wylde, has finished the bulk of his job. Now, Zakk says, "It's just a matter of the boss singing his balls off, and then it's all good to go." The album is expected out in February, and a tour featuring Wylde's band Black Label Society and Osbourne should be under way by then.

Honoring James Again (Sort Of)

Highlights from the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit concert honoring James Taylor will be released on DVD on October 3rd. Included from the February 6th event are performances by Bruce Springsteen, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Sting. In addition, the edited show will be aired as a PBS-TV special on November 29th.

NASCAR Nextel Cup

As he has for every major race since the track opened in 1997, J.B. spent last weekend announcing at the California Speedway. Starting with a broadcast of his Friday afternoon KLOS show from the big stage in the brand new Fan Zone, Unc worked his way through the weekend as the Fan Zone's Master of Ceremonies — emceeing concert performances and doing interviews in the daylight hours, then switching to calling the races from the announcers' booth after dark. Photos will be posted shortly!

September 9, 2006

Otis Redding, one of the greatest soul singers of all time, would have been 66.
Keyboardist Billy Preston, who worked with The Beatles and Eric Clapton, among many others, would have been 61.
Eurythmic Dave Stewart is 54.

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," shown only from the waist up so that his gyrating pelvis wouldn't corrupt the nation's youth.

On this day in 1968, during one of the 17 takes that The Beatles recorded of "Helter Skelter," Paul McCartney played bass while lying on his back.

On this day in 1971, John Lennon released his second solo album, "Imagine."

On this day in 1972, "Witchy Woman" by the Eagles entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1973, The Rolling Stones released "Angie," which eventually became one of their biggest selling singles, going all the way to #1.

On this day in 1978, The Who released "Who Are You," their last album recorded with Keith Moon, and The Rolling Stones released their "Beast of Burden" single.

On this day in 1978, a very young U2 supported The Stranglers at Dublin's Top Hat Ballroom. The Stranglers took up both dressing rooms, leaving Bono and company to dress behind the speakers. Note: In all the years since, The Stranglers were never invited to open for U2.

On this day in 1981, Journey's "Escape" album hit #1.

On this day in 1981, both Sting and Phil Collins made their first live solo appearances at Amnesty International's fund-raising "Secret Policeman's Other Ball" in London.

September 10, 2006

Vocalist Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night is 64.
Guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith is 56.

On this day in 1964, Rod Stewart made his professional recording debut, covering the old blues track "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl." After finishing his vocal, Rod reportedly ran out of the studio looking for a tall, leggy blonde. The bassist on the session, John Paul Jones, later became a cornerstone of Led Zeppelin, at which point all the tall leggy blondes came looking for him — but that's a different story for a different time.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles' "Revolver" album hit #1 on the American chart, where it stayed for six weeks.

On this day in 1975, Pink Floyd's album "Wish You Were Here" and KISS' album "KISS Alive" were both released.

On this day in 1980, The Rolling Stones' single "She's So Cold" was released.

On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released the "If Anyone Falls" single.

On this day in 1988, "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses peaked at #1, "Simply Irresistible" by Robert Palmer peaked at #2 and "When It's Love" by Van Halen peaked at #5 on the charts.

On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton kicked off an American tour with Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler playing in his band.