September 11 - 20, 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 11, 2006

Drummer Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead is 63.
Guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw of Styx is 53.
Multi-instrumentalist Moby is 41.

On this day in 1962, one week after their first recording sessions, The Beatles cut two Lennon/McCartney tunes, "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You." Producer George Martin insisted that session drummer Andy White sit in, on the chance that new percussionist Ringo Starr didn't work out. What ever happened to old Andy?

On this day in 1967, The Beatles climbed on a bus and began filming "The Magical Mystery Tour." If they had waited another day or two to figure out a storyline, the TV special might have made some sense.

On this day in 1969, the first bootleg record album turned up in stores in Los Angeles. "Great White Wonder" featured unreleased songs by Bob Dylan.

On this day in 1977, on Bing Crosby's personal invitation to appear as a special guest on his annual Christmas television special, David Bowie recorded duets of "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth" with the Binger.

On this day in 1982, John 'Cougar' Mellencamp's "American Fool" album hit #1 on the charts.

On this day in 1983, Pat Benatar released "Love Is A Battlefield."

U2 Super Bowl Halftime Show Replay

To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, NFL Total Access will re-air the 2002 Super Bowl halftime show this afternoon. That featured U2's incredibly moving performance of "Beautiful Day," "MLK" and "Where the Streets Have No Name" as the names of 9/11 victims scrolled on a floor-to-ceiling screen. Check your local listings for the exact time.

U2 & Rick & Green Day Be Workin'

With rumors swirling around U2's activities over the last few weeks, the band confirmed on Friday that it has been working on its next studio album in London with famed producer Rick Rubin since last month. And sometime in the very near future, U2 will be joined by Green Day to record a cover of Scottish punk band the Skids' "The Saints Are Coming" to benefit Music Rising, the instrument replacement fund co-founded by U2 guitarist The Edge in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Green Day's official statement says: "One year later, the devastation is still fresh in our minds, and we'd like to keep it in yours. New Orleans has always been a special city to us, being a hotbed of music and creativity, and it's hard to believe parts of the Gulf region still remain devastated. We feel that it's important to continue to raise awareness." And working in the studio with U2 doesn't suck either!

Roddy Says Maybe Faces

The Faces haven't played together in more than 30 years, but singer Rod Stewart says he would not rule out reforming the still-influential group for a special occasion. "It'd be great to put the band together for charity [or] a one-off event," adding that the group's surviving members — guitarist Ronnie Wood, keyboardist Ian McLagan and drummer Kenney Jones — are open to the idea, too. "Ronnie is always up for it. So's Ian and Kenney. We'd just need to find ourselves a bass player," he said, referring to Ronnie Lane, who died in 1997 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. For now, Stewart is focused on his next album, "Still the Same... Great Rock Classics of Our Time," due October 12th.

Cream DVD

The long-rumored, authorized DVD telling Cream's story, "Cream: Classic Artists," will finally be released on November 21st. The two-disc set covering the super group from its 1966 formation up to its 2005 reunion concerts will feature archival concert footage, previously unreleased audio tracks and recent interviews with the band's three members and others. It will be interesting to see how much (or how little) Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton agree on what did and didn't happen!

Crosby's Box

Sure, David Crosby's new autobiography will hit stores on November 7th, but his long-in-the-works box set has got our attention, too! The three-CD "Voyage" compilation is finally going to be released on November 21st. The collection will span Crosby's five-decade career and include solo material, Byrds tunes and songs he recorded with Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young. The compilation's third disc will feature 16 previously unissued tracks.

Lake Gets Canceled

Former Emerson, Lake & Palmer frontman Greg Lake has canceled his upcoming U.K. and U.S. tours. Greg says that he and his band were looking forward to hitting the road "up until the 11th hour," and claims he's been "badly let down" by the tour's U.K. promoters. Greg also promises that plans are being made to reschedule the dates for early 2007.

Quote of the Week

It was Albert Einstein who said: "I never think of the future – it comes soon enough."

September 11th

On this, the fifth anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, let us not forget the horror but continue to honor those cast into the role of heroes by fate. Take a moment to say a prayer for them and their families, and a prayer for your families and loved ones, as well as the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces fighting to protect our freedom around the world. God bless America.

September 12, 2006

Original Foghat bassist Tony Stevens is 57.
Vocalist Gerry Beckley of America is 54.
Drumming god Neil Peart of Rush is 54.

On this day in 1966, The Monkees' TV show premiered on NBC.

On this day in 1987, The Cars' album "Door To Door" entered the U.S. charts.

On this day in 1990, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks announced that they would no longer perform with Fleetwood Mac. Two years later, they reunited with the group to sing at President Clinton's inauguration. Four years after that, they reunited for an MTV Unplugged special, which led to a #1 album and an immensely successful concert tour. Promises, promises, promises.

On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton's "Unplugged," the album he didn't think was worthy of releasing, entered the charts. "Unplugged" went on to win the Album of the Year Grammy Award, sell over 7 million copies and become Eric's most commercially successful release ever. So much for guitar god's judgmental skills!

Who Begin Again Tonight

The Who is launching its first North American tour in four years with a show in Philadelphia tonight. The 25-date leg of the tour includes two-night stands in New York and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as an appearance later this month at the Virgin Festival - United States in Baltimore. Guitarist Pete Townshend is looking forward to previewing the band's upcoming album, "Endless Wire," and the tour, saying: "New stuff challenges us, and our audience, to connect on a different level." The CD, due in stores on October 31st, is the band's first collection of new studio material in nearly 25 years. Meanwhile, The Who will perform Thursday on CBS' Late Show With David Letterman. Wonder if they'll break any equipment?

New Seger

Bob Seger's new album, "Face the Promise," is hitting stores. This is the Hall Of Famer's first collection of new studio material since 1995's "It's a Mystery." While there's talk of a late Fall tour, you can see Bob and his band on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" this Thursday evening.

Neal's Book/Rush's New Album

The newest book from Neil Peart, Rush's drummer/lyricist and today's birthday boy, is "Roadshow: Landscape With Drums." The entire book is based on the observations he made during one of his famous motorcycle trips across America. One thing Neil noticed during his travels this time was the increasing prevalence of religious billboards, which in turn is inspiring an exploration into issues of religion in his songwriting. Neil says, "The billboards seemed to be everywhere, promoting the power of evangelical Christianity and contrasting that with the power of fundamentalist religion all over the world... To me it ought to be your armor, something to protect you and something to console you in dark times. But it's more often being turned into a sword, and that's one big theme I'm messing with." He, bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson will regroup next month to wrap up pre-production so they'll be ready to hit the studio in November. The book is out now, and the new CD should be released early next year.

Pearl Jam Rejoin Bridge

Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor and the Dave Matthews Band will perform alongside Neil Young at the 20th anniversary Bridge School Benefit being held October 21st and 22nd at Shoreline Amphitheatre outside San Francisco. Featuring a different line-up every year, the event benefits the Bridge School for children with severe speech and physical disabilities, which Young and his wife Pegi founded. Three weeks before this year's Bridge School Benefit, Young will join Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Matthews at Farm Aid on September 30th in Camden, New Jersey. So far, Pearl Jam haven't signed on for that gig — but there's still time.

Eddie's Mouth

Evidently missing the limelight, Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen is shooting off his mouth about Sammy Hagar again, referring to Sammy's Van Halen-themed live outfit The Other Half — which also features VH bassist Michael Anthony — as a "cover band." Eddie also says that he would consider performing again with the band's original singer, David Lee Roth, but that his next project will be an album with brother Alex and son Wolfgang. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.

A New KISS Baby

KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley and his wife, Erin, welcomed Colin Michael — a bouncing 8 pounds, 6 ounces — into the world on Wednesday. Next up, Paul will be birthing a short U.S. tour in support of his upcoming solo album, "Live To Win." The gigs will run from an October 21st Atlanta date through a November 14th concert at the House Of Blues on Sunset.

The KLOS Blood Drive – Live!

This Thursday (September 14th), 2pm - 6pm: Celebrating the 25th Annual KLOS Blood Drive — Uncle Joe will be broadcasting his show from the brand new Red Cross Donor Center in Pomona. Don't worry — they'll keep him away from the needles and the cookies! Here's what last year's visit looked like.

Monster Truck Madness

This Thursday (September 14th), 8pm: Grunting, fire-breathing Monster Trucks leaping through the air in front of the main grandstand at the L.A. County Fair! While the Bounty Hunter and Jurassic Attack might not be poetic, when you're talking heavy horsepower, you know yer Unc will be there.

Sand Sports Super Show

This Saturday (September 16th), 11am - 1pm: So who doesn't like a little sand in their sports? It's time for an Uncle Joe Meet & Greet at the biggest off-road show in the land — the Sand Sports Super Show at the Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa! Here are some photos from the past.

Benatar!

This Sunday (September 17th), 8pm: After an official KLOS Cool Patrol Uncle Joe Meet & Greet (starting at 6pm), J.B. will be introducing his old friends Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on the L.A. County Fair's main stage! Here's what it looked like last time they played the Fair.

September 13, 2006

Vocalist David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears is 65.
Bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera of Chicago is 62.
Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey (who now drums with The Who) is 41.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles released the song "Yesterday." While the song was credited as a Lennon/McCartney composition, it was written entirely by and recorded solely by Paul McCartney. It hit #1 on October 9th, 1965, and has since become the most recorded song in the history of recorded music.

On this day in 1969, John Lennon debuted his Plastic Ono Band, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, at a Toronto "Peace" concert. A semi-professional recording of the gig was later released as "Live Peace in Toronto."

On this day in 1969, Santana's self-titled debut album entered the charts.

On this day in 1980, Mark Knopfler's brother David left Dire Straits. The brothers, along with drummer Pick Withers and bassist John Illsley, had formed the band three years earlier.

On Stage Tonight

Famed singer Ian Gillan of Deep Purple will be rocking the House Of Blues on Sunset with his solo band tonight — be sure to say hi for yer Unc!

U.K. Hall Of Fame

Led Zeppelin, Rod Stewart, Beach Boys star Brian Wilson and the late Dusty Springfield will be inducted into the U.K. Music Hall Of Fame on November 14th. Famed Beatles producer Sir George Martin will also receive a special honor to recognize "his exceptional contribution to British music." Among the acts already inducted are The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, The Kinks, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Marley and Queen, among others. The most notable difference between the U.K. Music Hall Of Fame and the American Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame is that one is located in Cleveland and uses a weird-ass selection process while the other spells some words — like "honoured" — in a most archaic manner.

Toonish Stones

The Rolling Stones are going the cartoon route with "Ruby Tuesday," an animated film featuring 12 of their songs set to begin production later this year. Mick Jagger's Jagged Films is co-producing the project. The film will be written and directed by Paul and Gaetan Brizzi, best known for their animated "Firebird Suite" segment of "Fantasia 2000." The "Ruby Tuesday" story is described as "a Faustian tale of a single mother searching for happiness in New York." One can only guess how Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood might fit into a storyline like that!

The Scariest Halloween Ever

On this Halloween, Vh1 Classic will release the first in a series of KISSology DVD sets featuring rare, historical footage of KISS. "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" will feature six hours of rare video footage — much of it from the band's own personal archives. The set features more than 70 live performances, and the band themselves wrote the liner notes. Now that's really scary!

Lick A Beatle

Well, maybe they're the self-sticking kind. The United Kingdom's Royal Mail service has announced that a set of Beatles-themed postage stamps will go on sale next January. The stamps will feature classic Fab Four album covers such as "Revolver," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Abbey Road," "Let It Be" and "With the Beatles." As recently as last year, members of the royal family were the only living people allowed to appear on U.K. stamps. You can supply your own punchline here.

Roddy Speaks Up For Macca

Rod Stewart is among those voicing support for Paul McCartney regarding the former Beatle's pending divorce from Heather Mills. At last week's GQ Awards in London, the one-time Faces frontman expressed his sympathy to Macca. Stewart admitted that he, "wasn't prepared for it at all" several years ago when his then-wife, Rachel Hunter, left him. He said he felt like he'd been hit by a bolt of lightning, and added that he "grew up a lot after that." Stewart and Hunter's nine-year marriage ended in 1999, although they only recently formalized their divorce. Stewart's since become involved with model Penny Lancaster. The two have been engaged for 18 months, and celebrated the birth of their first child together last November.

Picture A Beatle (Or Four)

A Beatles photography exhibit, breathlessly described as the most comprehensive ever, will open at the San Francisco Art Exchange on Saturday. "The Long and Winding Road – The Life and Times of John, Paul, George & Ringo" will feature more than 100 pictures of the Fab Four by more than 20 photographers, including both familiar images and never-before-seen shots. Sure, the show is scheduled to run through October — but will it hit the Southland?

September 14, 2006

Guitarist Steve Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been 57.

On this day in 1968, The Beatles released "Hey Jude," their first single on their own Apple Records label. Backed with "Revolution," it almost immediately hit #1.

On this day in 1968, The Who's Pete Townshend told "Rolling Stone" magazine of his plans to write a "rock opera" about a deaf, dumb and blind boy. The project became "Tommy," one of Townshend's most successful musical projects. Aside from the original recording, the piece was also re-recorded by a symphony orchestra, turned into a feature film with an accompanying soundtrack and presented as a successful Broadway production.

On this day in 1969, Genesis, which consisted of Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips and John Mahew, played their first paid gig at a cottage in Surrey, England owned by Gabriel's former Sunday school teacher. Although they didn't really go over all that well, they still decided to stick with it.

On TV Tonight

The Who will rock on CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman this evening, while Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band will perform on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. While Seger's been in the business for more than 40 years, has sold nearly 50 million records and is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he's never before made a national network TV appearance. Next up, Bob will visit with the ladies of ABC's The View on September 28th.

Keith's Filming

Before The Rolling Stones kick off their latest North American tour next Wednesday, Keith Richards is currently filming his role as Johnny Depp's father in the third Pirates Of The Caribbean movie. "Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End" is on target for a May 2007 release, and it is entirely possible that The Stones will still be touring then.

U2/Abbey Road

It's official! U2 has been recording at Abbey Road Studios in London, the famed facility where most of The Beatles material was recorded. The band is recording their new album with superstar producer Rick Rubin. So far, Sir Paul McCartney and Beatles producer Sir George Martin have stopped by for a chat. Two days later, the Irish lads laid down a track that singer Bono describes as "one that could take the roof off!" Even drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. agrees, saying that the vibe is really good so far. Check out http://U2.com for a constantly updated description of the ongoing activities in the famed Studio #2.

A Timely Who Update

The Who kicked off their first U.S. tour in four years Tuesday night in Philadelphia by launching the show with their classic "I Can't Explain" and "The Seeker." Every reviewer at the show was blown away by the shear power Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey brought to the stage. They are again backed by veteran keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick, drummer Zak Starkey and bassist Pino Palladino as well as Townshend's brother Simon on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. The entire experience will hit the Hollywood Bowl on November 4th and 5th. The boys have fleshed out their North American tour's second leg with the addition of 14 dates running through a December 11th show in Ohio. Interestingly, The Pretenders (whose leader Chrissie Hynde is from Ohio) have been tapped to open the new gigs.

Eric's Ears

Reports out of the U.K. say that Eric Clapton is dealing with hearing issues related to loud music. E.C. has told the press, "My hearing isn't ruined, but if I stop and listen, I've got whistling all the time, which I suppose is a mild (case of) tinnitus." Clapton said his problems are likely due to the extremely powerful amplifiers he used as a member of Cream. Others who've admitted to Rock & Roll related hearing damage include Who leaders Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey as well as Genesis frontman/drummer/soundtrack god Phil Collins. Clapton kicks off his latest North American tour on Saturday in Minnesota.

R.E.M. Hit The Club

The original four members of R.E.M. are going for it! The foursome has made only a very few live appearances since drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997. But this week, Bill, vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills have reconvened to rehearse for a three-song performance at their Saturday induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Atlanta. At the same time, they've been recording in an Athens, Georgia studio with producer David Barbe for an as-yet-unannounced purpose, and they turned up Tuesday night at the city's venerable 40-Watt Club to join several local acts in performances of R.E.M. classics. That Bill is going to be one tuckered out drummer by the time he returns to his farm next week!

Sorry... You Can't Have That Name

Looks like Tommy Lee and company are going to have to find a new name for their band. Supernova is taken. The original Supernova, which formed in 1989, filed suit against producers of the CBS TV show Rock Star: Supernova to stop the television band from performing or recording under the name. Final word on the name came down earlier this week when Judge John Houston of San Diego ruled in favor of the original Supernova. The Rock Star band featuring Lee, Jason Newsted and Gilby Clarke, have just selected a new lead singer and are scheduled to begin a tour December 31st in Las Vegas with Dave Navarro's new band The Panic Channel opening for the entire tour.

Quote of the Week

It was Albert Einstein who said: "I never think of the future – it comes soon enough."

The KLOS Blood Drive – Live!

Oops! Technical problems have cancelled this afternoon's remote broadcast — sorry! Here's what Joe's stop in Pomona looked like last year.

Monster Truck Madness

Tonight @ 8pm! Grunting, fire-breathing Monster Trucks leaping through the air in front of the main grandstand at the L.A. County Fair! While the Bounty Hunter and Jurassic Attack might not be poetic, when you're talking heavy horsepower, you know yer Unc will be there.

September 15, 2006

Legendary Blues shouter Big Joe Turner, the inspiration to Elvis Presley and Little Richard who topped the charts with "Shake, Rattle and Roll" in 1954, would have been 95.

Keyboardist Rick Wakeman of Yes is 57.

On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded their classic "Louie Louie" using just one microphone in a small room. That's Rock & Roll!

On this day in 1963, The Beatles began their third U.K. tour supporting Roy Orbison. By the end of the 21-date tour, the Fab Four was headlining.

On this day in 1968, The Doors' album "Waiting For The Sun" hit #1.

On this day in 1973, "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" by Elton John peaked at #12 on the charts.

On this day in 1975, Pink Floyd released their classic "Wish You Were Here" album.

On this day in 1980, David Bowie made his Broadway debut playing the lead role in "The Elephant Man."

On this day in 2004, Johnny Ramone, guitarist and co-founder of the seminal punk band The Ramones, died in Los Angeles at age 55. He had been fighting a five-year battle with prostate cancer.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Foreigner as well as more of Joe's conversation with group leader Mick Jones, singer Lou Gramm and A&R guru John Kalodner.

On Stage

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo will be rocking the L.A. County Fair Sunday evening.

U2 & Green Day Live!

U2 and Green Day will debut their collaborative cover of Scottish punk band the Skids' "The Saints Are Coming" during a live performance on September 25th at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The show will serve as the official reopening of the venue prior to the New Orleans Saints' Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons. Afterward, the performance will be available for purchase, with proceeds to benefit the instrument replacement fund, Music Rising, co-founded by U2 guitarist The Edge.

Lennon Movie Opens

The new documentary "The U.S. vs John Lennon" opens today in Los Angeles and New York. The film focuses on Lennon's life and work from 1966 to 1976, when he transitioned with The Beatles from a touring pop star to a studio-based performer, and then to a solo artist when the group split. Personally, his marriage to wife Cynthia ended, his relationship with Yoko Ono blossomed, his political activism developed and his battles with U.S. authorities began. The movie tells John's story using archival film clips and his music along with interviews with both people who knew him and political figures from the time. But Ono, who contributed to the project, says the film doesn't paint her late husband as "a saint." "The U.S. vs John Lennon" is expected to see wider release later this month.

Eric's Newest

Guitar god Eric Clapton has covered a number of Oklahoman guitarist/songwriter J.J. Cale's songs, like "After Midnight" and "Cocaine." Eric has also credited Cale as the singular influence over his style as a solo artist. After years of mutual admiration and friendship, Clapton and Cale have teamed up to create an album, "The Road to Escondido." Both guitarists jointly wrote, produced and recorded the album, covering everything from blues to rock to country and folk. Although the album isn't due out until November 7th, you can expect to hear the song "Ride the River" on KLOS in the next week or so.

Of Course Mas Stones!

Yer Unc has been saying this for weeks and weeks, but now guitarist Ronnie Wood has mentioned it to the press. You can expect The Rolling Stones to continue their never-ending Bigger Bang tour next year. Ronnie said, "We're gonna have a well-needed break over Christmas, and then we'll go back out, probably, next year." He specifically mentioned, "We'll probably do some Europe; we owe them some dates," he adds, referring to a handful of shows canceled to allow guitarist Keith Richards time to recover from a skull injury. Wood says he's "loving where [the band] is, musically," and is especially looking forward to reconvening with Richards, who will be coming to rehearsals straight from filming for the third installment of Disney's Pirates Of The Caribbean series.

NASCAR Nextel Cup

September 1 - 3: As he has for every major race since the track opened in 1997, J.B. spent the 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 — and calling the races from the announcers' booth after dark. Here are some screaming photos of the event!

September 16, 2006

Blues legend B.B. King is 81.
Drummer Kenney Jones, of The Who and Small Faces, is 58.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers original (and current) bassist Ron Blair is 58.

On this day in 1955, Play-Doh was introduced.

On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album began its 19th week on the charts at #1.

On this day in 1977, Marc Bolan, the man who was T. Rex, died in a car crash at the age of 28.

On this day in 1978, Styx released "Blue Collar Man" as "Just What I Needed" by The Cars peaked at #27 on the charts.

On this day in 1978, The Grateful Dead became the first Western rock band to headline a concert at the foot of the famous Pyramids near Cairo, Egypt. Far out!

September 17, 2006

Hank Williams would have been 83.
Lol Creme of 10cc is 59.
Singer Fee Waybill of The Tubes is 56.

On this day in 1967, The Doors performed "Light My Fire" and "People are Strange" on the Ed Sullivan Show. Even though Sullivan told Jim Morrison to change or omit the line "Girl, we couldn't get much higher" in "Light My Fire," Jimbo sang it anyway (that scalawag!).

On this day in 1967, The Who performed on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." Not realizing that the crew had already set a charge under his riser, Keith Moon set a flash explosion in his drum kit. When the explosion went off at the end of "My Generation," it was so loud that it damaged guitarist Pete Townshend's ears.

On this day in 1997, a reunited Fleetwood Mac launched its first tour in more than a decade.

September 18, 2006

Guitarist Kerry Livgren of Kansas is 57.
Drummer Michael Hossack of The Doobie Brothers is 56.

On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix died at the age of 27 in London. Some contend that if Hendrix had been put into an upright position in the ambulance rather than left lying on his back, he would not have suffocated on his own vomit. Some say if the nearest hospital had admitted blacks, he could have been saved. Others feel he was overdosed as part of a bad business deal.

Jovi/Oprah/Katrina

It should be worth checking out Jon Bon Jovi's appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show this Wednesday. The program will feature footage of the singer traveling down to Houma, Louisiana to see how the $1 million donation he and his band contributed to Oprah's Angel Network last September was put to use to aid the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts. Let's hope they bypassed any government intervention.

Making Motley's Movie

Pre-production has reportedly begun on the Motley Crue biopic which is based on the band's 2001 book "The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band." The film, which tells the story of the band's rise and stumbles, complete with all the ups and downs on tour and off as well as in the studio and out, will shoot on location in Los Angeles. Hopefully no groupies will be hurt (again).

Great Cause/Weird Line-up

They're calling it An All-Star Tribute to San Francisco Music, Past & Future to celebrate San Francisco's rich history and future in popular music with a once-in-a lifetime benefit concert at The Warfield in San Francisco on October 6th. In reality, it's a benefit concert to raise funds for Bay Area music education and musician disaster relief. The requisite silent auction will featuring historic Bay Area music memorabilia, including a Grateful Dead package, a Steve Miller package, a Green Day package, a Rolling Stones package and many more. Notably, the tribute is an invitation-only event, but limited reserved seating is being offered to industry professionals who make donations to The Recording Academy's MusiCares charity to benefit musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina and other natural and personal disasters. As for the line-up: Steve Miller is a natural, as is Robbie Krieger of The Doors. But adding Scott Weiland, Matt Sorum, Stephan Jenkins, Steve Jones, Mark McGrath, Chester Bennington and more to the show — just what part of the Bay area did those guys come from?

Did Bob Really Borrow?

We're thinking that getting PR for unknown poets must be a cut throat business. The latest ploy involves Bob Dylan being accused of lifting passages from the work of 19th-century American poet Henry Timrod to use in song lyrics for Bob's incredible new "Modern Times" album. The guy who wrote a 2004 Timrod biography — Walter Brian Cisco — says, "No doubt about it, there has been some borrowing going on." If true, this wouldn't be the first time Dylan has utilized outside sources for lyrical ideas. Nor is it the first time someone we've never heard of made accusations involving Bob and some other poet we've never heard of. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.

Quote Of The Week

It was Elvis Presley who said: "I never met anybody who learned by talking."

Mid-September Historical Factoids (Sort Of)

The total number of Americans killed in the Civil War is greater than the combined total of Americans killed in all other wars.

The Union ironclad, Monitor, was the first U.S. ship to have a flush toilet.

Queen Victoria was the last teenager to rule England.

The average major league baseball lasts 7 pitches (even in a Dodger game).

September 19, 2006

Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles, would have been 72.
Today is also my Mom's birthday. She says she's 29, and who am I to question that?

On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' song "It's All Over Now" peaked at #26 on the charts.

On this day in 1969, "Down On The Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival was released.

On this day in 1970, The Rolling Stones released their classic live album, "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out."

On this day in 1973, Gram Parsons, credited as the father of Country Rock and a member of The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers, died from a drug overdose at the age of 26. His coffin was later stolen by two associates and taken to Joshua Tree where it was set on fire. Now that was a Rock & Roll wake!

On this day in 1974, Max Weinberg made his live debut as the drummer in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band at the Main Point in Philadelphia.

On this day in 1976, "Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1979, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and several others played the first of five "No Nukes" concerts in New York City.

On this day in 1987, Aerosmith's "Permanent Vacation" entered the album chart as R.E.M.'s "The One I Love" entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1987, Pink Floyd released their "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" album, their first following the departure of Roger Waters.

On Stage Tonight

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo will be playing the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills tonight.

Original Beatles Basement Honored

A mere 44 years after the first-ever Beatles gig took place, the Brits have suddenly decided to make the site a landmark worthy of preservation. The Casbah Coffee Club was set up by the mother of original Beatles drummer Pete Best in the coal bin in the basement of her Liverpool home (and doesn't that scream Rock & Roll?). Pete, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison first performed there as the Quarrymen in 1959, and continued playing at the venue until it closed in 1962. Paintings by the foursome still decorate the walls of the preserved space. Once the landmark status is fully certified, you'll no doubt be able to see for yourself (for a reasonable fee!).

ZZ Jumps

In a major surprise to many fans, ZZ Top has parted ways with longtime manager Bill Ham of Lone Wolf Management. Bill has worked with guitarist Billy F. Gibbons since the late Sixties. Billy, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard have been off the road since completing a tour last November, ostensibly to record a new album. Notably, the Hall Of Famers also split from their longterm record label. The band members haven't offered any explanation for their decisions, nor have they revealed their plans for the future — but you know they will!

INXS Tear Ligaments/Split Record Label

While guitarist Tim Farriss recovers from his surgery to repair torn knee ligaments, the reconstituted INXS has canceled its remaining concert dates and formally split from its North American record label. The group roared back onto the charts last year with the album "Switch," which featured new frontman JD Fortune. The single "Pretty Vegas" opened at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest debut of the band's career. Stay tuned!

Yoko's Setting Lennon B-day Tributes

This year, Yoko Ono will mark John Lennon's 66th birthday by issuing two $50,000 grants from the LennonOno Grant for Peace foundation. One will go to the Medecins Sans Frontieres and the other to the Centre for Constitutional Rights. Plus an Imagine Peace Tower is set to be constructed in Reykjavik. Stay tuned!

Carlos Releases Montreux

It took a while, but the three-DVD Carlos Santana Presents Blues at Montreux 2004 set capturing a multi-artist blues concert organized by Carlos Santana for the 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival will finally be issued on October 17th. The compilation includes sets by Bobby Parker, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Buddy Guy with guest appearances by Carlos.

Kenny Got Married

Kenny Wayne Shepherd married his 26-year-old sweetheart Hannah this past Saturday. Of course her dad, Oscar-winner Mel Gibson, walked her down the aisle. No stories have emerged from the party, so everything must have gone beautifully!

September 20, 2006

Bassist Chuck Panozzo of Styx is 57.
Drummer John Panozzo of Styx would have been 57.

On this day in 1971, guitarist Peter Frampton left Humble Pie for a solo career. Five years later he finally made it.

On this day in 1973, Neil Young & Crazy Horse played the opening show at L.A.'s newest rock & roll nightclub, The Roxy.

On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen released his "Born To Run" album and single. Springsteen's two previous albums had failed to make a significant commercial impression, but the "Born to Run" album went all the way to #3 and remained on the charts for 60 weeks.

On this day in 1983, the first ARMS Benefit Concert to raise money for research to fight Multiple Sclerosis, which former Faces bass player Ronnie Lane suffered from, was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Among the performers were Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Steve Winwood.

On Stage Tonight

Candlebox will be rocking the House Of Blues on Sunset tonight.

Seger About To Tour

Stand by for an official announcement that Bob Seger appear on CBS's Late Show With David Letterman next Wednesday (September 27th) AND that Bob — along with his The Silver Bullet Band — will return to the road for the first time in more than 10 years! Word is that Seger passed his physical on Monday and has been given the go-ahead to rock. The first leg of the arena tour (all East Coast and Midwest dates) will begin in early November and run through most of December. You can expect him to head back out again in January (eventually hitting the Southland in early 2007). Bob says that he practices with his band up to six days a week, warming up his voice daily, which he said is necessary now more than ever because he is 61. "Joni Mitchell told me my voice is just gonna keep getting lower and lower," he said. When you get older, he pointed out, "everything sinks a little bit." Seger's excellent new album, "Face the Promise," is his first since 1995's "It's a Mystery."

Gators Be Praising T.P.

This is a big week for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. The band returns to their Gainesville, Florida home for a show tomorrow night (which will air on KLOS at 10pm). This will be the Hall Of Famers' first appearance in Gainesville in 13 years, and Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan will present them with the Key to the City after declaring tomorrow as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Day. Petty will also receive the University Of Florida's Distinguished Achievement Award for demonstrated leadership and other exemplary accomplishments (none involving Florida Gators cheerleaders). The hometown show will also be filmed for a 2-hour TV special. Hope they've all got a rest day set up for Friday!

Honor To The Who

The Who will be presented with the Freddie Mercury Lifetime Achievement in Live Music honor at the inaugural Vodafone Live Music Awards on October 11th in London. The band has also been nominated in the Best Live Return category, along with Pink Floyd and two other acts we don't care about. As you would expect, U2 will vie for a pair of awards — Best International Live Act and Best Show Production.

Gregg Can't Sit Still

Seems like as soon as The Allman Brothers Band come off the road, Gregg Allman heads back out by himself! After being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame this past Saturday, Gregory announced his side group — Gregg Allman & Friends — will be playing from October 13th through January 12th. Honeytribe — a group fronted by Gregg's son Devon — will open several shows including the tour's Southland stops on November 22nd at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, November 28th at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills and on December 5th at the Galaxy in Santa Ana.

Rhythm Devils Rolling

The Rhythm Devils — a group centered on Grateful Dead drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann — will be using a short U.S. tour to prep themselves for the Vegoose 2006 music festival in Las Vegas. The warm-up gigs will roll from October 17th through October 28th. If you make the journey to see them (there won't be any Southland shows), you can expect to hear variations on various Grateful Dead tunes as well as new songs written for them by longtime Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. And a drum line — don't forget the drum line!

Bull X MotoRodeo!

Tomorrow! (Thursday), 8pm: Unc will be hosting the L.A. County Fair's first-ever Bull X MotoRodeo in front of the main grandstand. With six professional bull riders, two freestyle big air quads, an off-road truck long-jump contest and a monster truck wheelie contest, let's just hope Joe doesn't try to do anything more than talk on the mic!