October 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!

October 11, 2006

Drummer Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison, Steve Miller, Eddie Money, Bruce Springsteen) is 60.

Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates fame is 57.

On this day in 1969, a car crash in Chicago seriously injured blues legend Muddy Waters and killed three others.

On this day in 1975, the first Saturday Night Live show was broadcast with George Carlin as the first guest host. The ratings really took off the following week, spurred by the reunion of host Paul Simon with his former partner Art Garfunkel. Comparing those first shows to the current SNL should make us appreciate how lucky we were to watch a TV show when it was truly funny.

On this day in 1986, The Pretenders released the Top 10 hit "Don't Get Me Wrong" from their "Get Close" album.

Sir Elty Is Honored (To Be Selling)

A dozen select individuals, including Sir Elton John, ABC news anchor Peter Jennings and actor/automotive guru Tim Considine — were presented with Disney Legends Awards during a ceremony at The Walt Disney Company headquarters on Monday. The iconic diva/singer/songwriter/knight, who won an Oscar for his work on the Lion King soundtrack, was recognized for his musical contributions to the Disney legacy. Somehow tied in with that prestigious honor, Sir Elty will be the subject of a fitting tribute for a legacy kind of guy this Friday. In a one-hour special, QVC will air a live John concert from Las Vegas, featuring the peppy piano player performing cuts from his excellent new album, "The Captain & the Kid." He'll also be explaining the story behind the music and selling all kinds of crap with his name on it. God bless America!

KISS Be Marching

Halloween just got a whole lot scarier. In celebration of their KISSOLOGY DVD anthology, which is coming out on October 31st, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will be marching in New York City's legendary Halloween parade in Greenwich Village. Gosh — wonder what costumes they'll be wearing?

Bono Will Do Oprah

Bono will appear on Oprah Winfrey's talk show this Friday to promote his project Red, a new initiative spearheaded by One, The Campaign To Make Poverty History. They say that Red is not a charity, but "the simple idea that what we buy can change the world." Money raised from the sale of Red products will go towards the Global Fund and the ongoing campaign to fight HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa. Some notable sponsors are contributing red-themed — and hued — products, including American Express, Armani, Converse, Gap and Motorola. Bono says, "I'm calling it conscious commerce for people who are awake, people who think about their spending power."

Styx & Kids

A CD documenting Styx's May 2006 concert with Cleveland's Contemporary Youth Orchestra will be released on November 7th. "One With Everything" captures the boys performing with more than 170 teenage musicians and singers. A companion DVD featuring an interview and other bonus features is due out around the same date, while a TV special boasting footage from the show will premiere November 19th on HDNet and in December on PBS.

Quote Of The Week

It was George Bernard Shaw who said, "The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished."

More Coffee Now!

New research suggests that if you're facing an extra-long workday or a late-night study session, don't tank up on coffee early in the day. Consuming small doses of caffeine frequently, beginning halfway through the workday, translated to greater alertness, better mental performance and a decreased likelihood of dozing off.

Sugar Sugar

According to the latest edition of "Health" magazine, average Americans consume 20 teaspoons of sugar every day. At 16 calories each, the maximum recommended number of teaspoons of sugar, Americans should consume is 11. As a reference, there are 10-11 teaspoons of sugar in just one 12-ounce can of soda.

October 12, 2006

On this day in 1965, The Beatles recorded "This Bird Has Flown," which was later retitled "Norwegian Wood." During the session, George Harrison played a sitar for the first time on a Rock & Roll recording.

On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience was officially formed when guitarist-turned-bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell joined Hendrix in the studio.

On this day in 1975, Rod Stewart played his final gig with the Faces at Long Island's Nassau Coliseum.

On this day in 1994, MTV aired Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's "Unplugged" session, dubbed "Unledded." The London Metropolitan Orchestra and a group of Egyptian musicians provided the backing.

On this day in 1997, John Denver died at the age of 53 when his experimental plane crashed with him at the controls.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Electric Light Orchestra as well as more of Joe's conversation with Jeff Lynne.

SpongeBob Bowie Pants

David Bowie's acting career is going under (water). David has signed on to be a guest voice on an upcoming episode of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob Squarepants, portraying a character named Lord Royal Highness on the award winning cartoon series. "At last. I've hit the Holy Grail of animation gigs," the man once known as Ziggy Stardust says. "We, the family, are thrilled." His episode will air sometime next year.

Daltrey Does CSI

As you know, Roger Daltrey's voice is heard at the opening of every CSI TV show. The Who's song "Who Are You" appears in the original CSI, "Won't Get Fooled Again" opens CSI: Miami and "Baba O'Riley" begins CSI: New York. Now, Daltrey's face will finally be seen on the popular crime drama that pays him and Pete Townshend such handsome licensing fees. He'll guest on the original CSI as a character the producers say is "a surprise role that will keep viewers guessing." In addition to appearing in several movies and many TV shows over the years, Roger recently finished filming the Extreme History series for the History Channel. Currently, The Who are on tour in support of their new album, "Endless Wire," which will be out on Halloween. They will perform at the Hollywood Bowl on November 4th and November 5th. That's Rock & Roll!

Chapman Still Waiting To Go To Hell

Mark David Chapman, the man who murdered John Lennon, has been denied parole in the same week that Lennon would have turned 66. The State of New York's Division of Parole ruled on Tuesday that, while Chapman has made "satisfactory institutional adjustment," he should remain in prison because of concerns "about the bizarre nature of this premeditated and violent crime." Yoko Ono had reportedly sent a DVD to the board pleading with them to not release her late husband's killer. Chapman shot Lennon to death on Dec. 8, 1980, and received a 20-years-to-life sentence in 1981. He is next eligible for parole in October 2008.

Macca's New DVD

Paul McCartney's "The Space Within US" DVD, due out on November 14th, will feature the former Beatle's two-hour Miami show from last September, soundcheck footage and his pre-concert film. Bonus material includes Macca's historic wake-up call to the International Space Station from his Anaheim show last November, and interviews with Sir Paulie and his band as well as with a variety of celebrities ranging from Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder to former President Bill Clinton. Want a sneak preview? Excerpts from the DVD will make up an hour-long A&E special airing on October 28th. Do you think there will be any lovey-dovey scenes with Mrs. M.?

All Hail The Band

The Allman Brothers Band, Bruce Hornsby and Gov't Mule are among the artists who reworked the music of The Band for an upcoming tribute album. You're going to have to wait to hear it, though — "Endless Highway: The Music of The Band" is scheduled for release on January 30th.

October 13, 2006

Rhyming Paul Simon is 65.
Keyboardist Robert Lamm of Chicago is 63.
The Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar, who has also worked with Montrose and Van Halen, is 59.

On this day in 1963, Beatlemania officially began when The Beatles appeared on the BBC's Sunday Night at the Palladium TV show. Some 15 million people watched the program, while thousands more crowded the streets around the London theater to get a glimpse of the band.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles began recording "You Can Wear My Diamond Ring," which soon became "Drive My Car."

On this day in 1968, John Lennon recorded "Julia," the last song for the "White" album and the only solo recording he ever made for The Beatles.

On this day in 1973, "Ramblin' Man" by the Allman Brothers Band peaked at #2 as "Free Ride" by the Edgar Winter Group topped out at #14 on the charts.

On this day in 1978, Led Zeppelin began rehearsing for what became their last album, 1979's "In Through the Out Door."

On this day in 1979, Supertramp released the "Take The Long Way Home" single.

On this day in 1994, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band's "Greatest Hits" album was released. It eventually sold over six million copies.

On Stage Tonight

Def Leppard and Journey are playing the Hollywood Bowl as Foreigner rocks the Canyon Club in Augora Hills.

On Stage Saturday

Def Leppard and Journey will be rocking the Hyundai Pavilion.

Airplane Christened

Legend has it that the original Jefferson Airplane was a roach clip made by splitting a paper match. But there's now an actual "Jefferson Airplane" — Virgin America Airlines' first new plane has been named after the legendary Sixties psychedelic band. Former Airplane singer Grace Slick was on hand Wednesday at the San Francisco International Airport for the aircraft's christening. She said she was pleased that her old band was being honored in such a way and noted that Jefferson Airplane is a much more appropriate name for a real aircraft than some of the other rock groups from that era, saying, "Grateful Dead would have been a bad name for an airplane." Still no word if there's a smoking section on board.

Stones vs. Jovi

The Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi will compete for the big prizes in two categories — Top Tour and Top Draw — at the 2006 Billboard Touring Awards on November 9th in New York. Other nominees include the Def Leppard/Journey bill for the Top Package honor. Another highlight of this year's awards will be the Legend Of Live for Sir Elton John and the Humanitarian Award for Music Rising, a musical instrument replacement fund founded by U2's The Edge, producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar chairman Henry Juszkiewicz, with MusiCares and the Guitar Center Foundation.

Ringo's Gaming Hands

Former Beatle Ringo Starr first took up the game of chess in the mid-Sixties as The Fab Four were working on the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album. In tribute to his skill, Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison commissioned a special chess set with pieces based on Ringo's hands — the chess "men" were actually crafted from molds of the drummer's hand (and rings) in various poses to represent the different pieces. Asprey, the London-based jeweler who crafted the set in 1973, is showing the original board with the gold and silver-plated hand-shaped figurines at its new Tokyo location. But wait, there's more! Surprise! Surprise! — Asprey is also selling reproductions for just under $28,000. No word on how much Ringo is taking home.

Blind Faith Redux?

Nothing's been confirmed yet, but it looks like Eric Clapton may be following up last year's Cream reunion with a Blind Faith run. Word is that Clapton and Steve Winwood are planning to resurrect the supergroup, which released a single album and did one short tour in 1969 before breaking up. Because nothing's official (yet), it's unknown whether or not drummer Ginger Baker would be invited. The fourth Blind Faith member, bassist Rick Grech, definitely won't be involved — he died in 1990.

New/Old Nirvana

Live! Tonight! Sold Out!!, featuring footage from Nirvana's 1991-'92 Nevermind world tour, is being rereleased on DVD. Briefly released in 1994 on VHS by surviving Nirvana members Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl after Cobain's death in 1994, the film has been color corrected and digitally remastered in 5.1 surround sound. The updated version will also include five previously unreleased live songs from a 1991 performance in Amsterdam. You can own your very own DVD copy of "Live! Tonight! Sold Out!!" when it lands on store shelves on November 7th.

Triskaidekaphobia

The "fear of the number 13," and today is Friday the 13th. Here are some of the factoids and superstitions surrounding both the number 13 and Fridays in general.

All months whose first day falls on a Sunday will contain a Friday the 13th.

A maximum of three Friday the 13ths can appear in one year, but every year will have at least one.

In ancient times, Friday was the day of the pagan goddess Freya, and 13 was her sacred number, because the pagan calendar had 13 months. Christian monks considered anything having to do with goddesses to be unlucky, and anything having to do with pagans as being evil. When pagans worshipped Freya on Friday the 13th, the monks accused them of "devil worship."

The Bible points to Friday as being the day Eve gave Adam the apple.

For some, the number 13 is also considered to be unlucky because Jesus Christ was the 13th guest — in addition to his 12 Apostles — at the Last Supper, which took place on a Friday — the night before he was crucified.

Ancient Norsemen used 13 knots in the nooses they used to hang people.

In the 19th century, Lloyd's of London refused to insure any ship sailing on Friday the 13th. The U.S. Navy still won't launch ships on that date.

Hotels and office buildings often don't have a 13th floor. Many airports skip the 13th gate and airplanes have no 13th aisle.

The ill-fated Apollo 13 mission was launched at 13:13 military time, from launch pad #39 (that's 13 X 3), and had to be aborted on April 13, 1970.

October 14, 2006

Singer Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues is 60.

On this day in 1957, Elvis Presley released "Jailhouse Rock."

On this day in 1967, The Who released "I Can See For Miles" just as "Purple Haze" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience topped out at #65 on the charts. America just wasn't ready yet.

On this day in 1972, "You Wear It Well" by Rod Stewart peaked at #13 on the charts.

On this day in 1975, KISS released the live version of "Rock & Roll All Night."

On this day in 1977, Bing Crosby died from a heart attack at age 74.

On this day in 1978, Steely Dan's "Josie" peaked at #26 on the charts.

October 15, 2006

Chef Emeril Lagasse is a 'Bamming' 47.

On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first major concert, a benefit to help launch Europe's first underground newspaper, "The International Times." The show, at London's Roundhouse, was called "The International Times All-Night Rave," and it lasted almost as long as the newspaper.

On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin played their first concert ever (Surrey University was the site). Three days later they performed as "Jimmy Page's New Yardbirds" & confusing times indeed!

On this day in 1983, "Crumblin' Down" by John Mellencamp entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1988, Def Leppard set an impressive sales record when they became the first artists in chart history to sell seven million copies of two consecutive albums. Those albums were "Pyromania" and "Hysteria."

October 16, 2006

Singer/bassist Fred Turner of Bachman-Turner Overdrive is 63.
Singer/guitarist Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead is 59.

On this day in 1793, during the French Revolution, Queen Marie Antoinette was beheaded — thus eliminating any chance at earning a backstage pass.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Yesterday" held at #1 for the second week in a row.

On this day in 1966, Grace Slick made her first appearance with the Jefferson Airplane at the Filmore West in San Francisco. She replaced Signe Toly Anderson, who left the band to have a baby.

Forget the club tour! On this date in 1968, Deep Purple made their American concert debut at The Forum in Los Angeles.

On this day in 1971, Santana released the song "Everybody's Everything."

On this day in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival announced that they were breaking up.

On this day in 1982, "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne peaked at #7 on the charts.

Trademarking His Macca

You would have thought he'd done it years ago, but Paul McCartney just got around to filing an application with Britain's Trademarks Registry this past Friday. If it's approved, it will give Sir Paulie the authorization to put his name on a wide variety of products, including formal and casual clothes, sports equipment, and food items. British law states that anyone has three months to file an objection with the registry. Just what kind of Macca sports equipment do you suppose he's thinking of trademarking?

Bono/Bush/Oprah/Nano

U2 frontman Bono and President Bush crossed paths while both were in Chicago on separate missions Thursday. The two had discussions on Air Force One at O'Hare Airport and reportedly talked about AIDS prevention. Bush was in town campaigning for embattled House Speaker Dennis Hastert while the Irish singer was in the Windy City to join Oprah Winfrey for shopping at a Gap store to promote his (Product) RED to raise money for the fight against AIDS in Africa. Meanwhile, Bono has designed a new iPod Nano to raise money for African women and children affected by HIV and AIDS. The (Product) RED special edition four-gigabyte Nano is housed in a red aluminum case and $10 of the $199 sale price will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS. Right so!

Metallica Name DVD (Sort Of)

You gotta think the boys in Metallica didn't spend much time finding a name for their new DVD. The fruit of their labor, "The Videos 1989 - 2004," will include every video clip the band has ever made, including "Mama Said," which has never been seen in North America, the theatrical version of "The Unforgiven" and the trailer for their documentary "Some Kind of Monster" — all in 5.1 surround sound. Look for the DVD in stores around December 5th.

New P. Jam Book

Just in time for the Holidays — 180 unreleased photographs of Pearl Jam taken early in their career! "5X1: Pearl Jam Through the Eye of Lance Mercer" really isn't just a picture book though. It includes written tributes from Bruce Springsteen, Cameron Crowe, Michael Stipe, Pete Townshend and more. It's available at PearlJam.com now. Meanwhile, the band is coming off a break to play a special gig this weekend at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit outside San Francisco.

All Hail Carlos & Deborah

The Commonwealth Club of California will be honoring guitar god Carlos Santana and his wife, Deborah, at an October 23rd ceremony in San Jose. As "leaders who have positively shaped our era," the couple will receive the Commonwealth Medallion Awards and discuss the challenges mankind faces in the impending future. Then everyone will pose for pictures and attack the buffet.

Quote Of The Week

It was Confucius who said, "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."

Three Curious Factoids

A cucumber is 96% water.

The WD in WD-40 stands for Water Displacer.

Bayer was advertising cough medicine containing heroin in 1898.

October 17, 2006

On this day in 1964, The Zombies released "She's Not There" as Manfred Mann's "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" hit #1.

On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin began their third U.S. tour at New York's Carnegie Hall as they released "Led Zeppelin II." Rock & Roll!

On this day in 1969, the American Federation of Musicians rescinded a four-year-old order banning The Kinks from playing in the U.S. The ban — which almost bankrupt the band — resulted from an unauthorized appearance on the television show "Hullabaloo" in 1966.

On this day in 1970, Eric Clapton released the song "After Midnight" as "All Right Now" by Free peaked at #4 on the charts.

On this day in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's last studio album with its original lineup, "Street Survivors," was released. The cover art showed the band members surrounded by flames. That artwork was quickly changed when three members of the group were killed in a plane crash, three days after the album's release.

On this day in 1979, Fleetwood Mac's double-album "Tusk" was released.

On this day in 1995, Sting's former financial adviser, convicted of bilking the singer to the tune of $9.4 million, was sentenced in a London court to six years in jail.

On this day in 1999, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band played the first rock concert at L.A.'s brand-new Staples Center. The state-of-the-art acoustics allowed at least a full one-third of the audience to hear the show.

Songwriters Hall of Fame

Led Zeppelin's four members, The Kinks' Ray Davies, Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, Lou Reed and The Band's Robbie Robertson are among the 2007 nominees for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the Performer/Songwriters category. No word on when the winners will be announced, but the induction ceremony always takes place in early June.

Davies Ill

Hall Of Famer Ray Davies of The Kinks has postponed his Fall U.K. solo tour until next year because of ill health. At this point, no one seems to have a clue what's wrong, but knowing the British press, all kinds of stories will be forthcoming soon. Stay tuned!

Mucho KISS ALIVE!

The first three editions of the "KISS ALIVE!" series have been bundled with the previously unreleased "KISS ALIVE!: The Millennium Concert" recorded in Vancouver on December 31, 1999. The new "KISS ALIVE! 1975-2000" compilation will be out on November 21st — just in time for the Holidays! The package will also include, for the first time ever, the single version of "Rock And Roll All Nite" on "Alive II" and "Take It Off" on "Alive III." Sounds like a pretty good reason for another tour!

Ronnie's Story

The late Ronnie Lane was best known Stateside as the bassist with Small Faces and Faces, but he also had one of Britain's first real mobile recording studios and was a much-loved/respected character in the London music scene. On October 31st, a documentary called "The Passing Show: The Life & Music of Ronnie Lane" will be released. It features live footage of Lane performing with his two most famous bands, as well as interviews with Eric Clapton, The Who's Pete Townshend and former Small Faces/Faces/Who drummer Kenney Jones, among others.

October 18, 2006

Chuck Berry, the Grandaddy of Rock & Roll, is 80.
Guitarist Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon is 57.
Drummer Keith Knudsen of the Doobie Brothers would have been 54.

On this day in 1957, Paul McCartney made his live debut with the Quarrymen at the New Clubmoor Hall in Liverpool, England. Besides Macca, the line-up included John Lennon, Eric Griffiths, Colin Hanton and Len Garry. Any idea what ever happened to those others guys?

On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience played their first gig (in front of 14,500 deafened and confused Parisians) just six days after forming.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles released their first single not written by Lennon & McCartney — George Harrison's "Something."

When Is Eric Coming?

So you ask, "When will Eric Clapton play the Southland?" Yer Unc says, "Look at when Slowhand rescheduled his September 23rd Detroit show which was cancelled due to illness." The answer, Grasshopper, is April 5th of next year — and you know he's not going to play just that one date next Spring!

Jackson, Graham & Bill

On November 1st, Jackson Browne and Graham Nash will participate in a Democratic Party rally and fundraiser in San Francisco headlined by former President Bill Clinton. No word on a follow-up tour, but you never know.

See The Doors In The Doors

With numerous events on tap to mark The Doors' 40th anniversary, the boys are going to be busy! On November 8th, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore will take part in a ceremony to unveil a plaque that commemorates the group at The Whiskey-A-Go-Go. That same day Manzarek, Krieger and Densmore will meet fans and autograph copies of their new book "The Doors By The Doors" with each band member stationed at a different doorway on a block of the Sunset Strip that's considered to be "significant" to the group. Rock & Roll!

A Wee Bonolulu Contest

U2 will launch an Internet scavenger hunt on Monday, with the winner receiving an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii to catch the "Vertigo" tour finale in Honolulu on December 9th.  The competition, dubbed "Hunt The Lyric," begins with clues posted on U2.com leading fans to other websites. Each move will feature one highlighted letter, which combined with the other clues will provide the answer to a question. The winner will be announced November 6th. And just in case you missed the announcement, the December 9th Bonolulu show at Aloha Stadium will feature an opening set from Pearl Jam!

Praising/Releasing Love

Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are praising the work of George and Giles Martin on the soundtrack to the stage show "Love." The legendary producer and his son put together the disc for the Cirque du Soleil production based on The Fab Four's music. The so-called "new" Beatles album will be released as a DVD-Audio/DVD-Video hybrid on November 21st. It includes 37 songs in 26 tracks, with some tunes noted as transition pieces and others presented in various combined forms. McCartney calls the project "kind of magical," noting it provides a reunion of sorts because, "suddenly there's John and George with me and Ringo." Starr describes the material as "powerful," adding that he, "even heard things I'd forgotten we'd recorded." Cirque du Soleil performs "Love" at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Big Bruce Bio Out

A biography of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, written with the cooperation of the musicians, is now officially available. "Greetings From E Street: The Story Of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band" opens with the stories of the Sixties groups the future E Streeters played in, then traces their careers through the band's 1999-2000 reunion tour. There are more than 200 pictures and documents in the book, as well as backstage stories and other inside information. The author, Robert Santelli, was a former music critic for the "Asbury Park Press" who's known the guys and has been writing about them for over 30 years — in fact, he teamed up with drummer Max Weinberg on his book "The Big Beat" and with The Boss on his book "Songs."

Three More Curious Factoids

The animal responsible for the most human deaths worldwide is the mosquito.

The four taste zones on your tongue are bitter (back), sour (back sides), salty (front sides) and sweet (front).

The name for Oz in "The Wizard of Oz" was thought up when the creator, Frank Baum, looked at his filing cabinet and saw A-N, and O-Z, hence "Oz."

October 19, 2006

Guitarist/singer Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers is 58.

On this day in 1966, The Yardbirds, featuring Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page on lead guitars, arrived in New York City for their first American tour. After two shows, Beck left, forcing Page to handle all the guitar parts himself. When the group folded upon its return to England, Jimmy inherited the band's name, hired new personnel and changed the group's moniker to Led Zeppelin. For some reason, that really irritated Jeff.

On this day in 1968, Small Faces singer/guitarist Steve Marriott asked singer/guitarist Peter Frampton of The Herd to sit in with the band for a show in London. That marked the beginning of the highly successful Humble Pie, which Marriott and Frampton soon left their respective bands to form.

On this day in 1979, Journey released "Evolution," with Steve Perry behind the mic. The album was so named because the band felt it best described how their sound was changing.

Roddy Hits #1

Rod Stewart's "Still the Same... Great Rock Classics of Our Time" debuted at #1 on the latest Billboard 200 chart! That marks the fourth time Roddy has topped the album list. For that accomplishment, Stewart got to perform on today's edition of The Martha Stewart Show — living large!

Big Money Grab Gets Big Ugly

Court documents allegedly filed on behalf of Heather Mills McCartney claim that her estranged husband, Sir Paul McCartney, was often drunk or high and, on at least one occasion, choked Mills. The papers, which were leaked to the British press on Tuesday, reportedly were submitted by Mills McCartney's lawyers in response to divorce proceedings launched by the former Beatle. A statement issued by his lawyers says McCartney would "very much like to respond in public" about the charges allegedly made in court papers filed by Heather Mills, but instead will fight the allegations "vigorously and appropriately" in court. A spokesman for Mills says she is "shocked" by the release of the court documents, which are supposed to be kept private. Legal experts say McCartney could lose up to a quarter of his $1.6 billion fortune to Mills, a settlement that would equal approximately $1 million for each week the couple was married. Still no word on how her German soft porn pictures/tapes will figure into this mess, but as long as there's billable hours involved...

Genesis Yes Or No

When not gushing over the latest McCartney divorce rumors, several British papers have taken up the rumor that Genesis is going to reform 10 years after frontman Phil Collins left. Even though Phil just denied that a tour is in the works, word in London says that Collins, guitarist Mike Rutherford and keyboardist Tony Banks have agreed to take part in a major tour. Genesis sold over 130 million albums in the Seventies and Eighties, despite losing singer Peter Gabriel in 1975. The papers are saying that specific details of the tour and "long term plans" including possible new material would be announced in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

I Sue/You Sue

U2's Bono appeared in a Dublin courtroom on Tuesday to testify against the band's former stylist, whom they claim has been selling memorabilia that belongs to the band. Lola Cashman is appealing a 2005 ruling that she was to return to the group items she has tried to auction off — including the Stetson hat Bono wore on the cover of the "Rattle and Hum" album — which she claims were given to her as gifts. On the stand, Bono described the case as futile and embarrassing. "We have tried to avoid this bizarre situation for many years," he said. "She likes this. We don't. There isn't much of a case here from our point of view. It's our stuff, she has it, and a lot more beside. We want our stuff back. We want her to stop selling it." The singer said Ms. Cashman was an "eccentric" who used to wear the band's clothing but was tolerated for her styling talent. She left after nine months but was discovered to have belongings from the band in 1992. In 2002, she put some of the items up for sale at Christie's. Sounds like a real prize, doesn't she?

Orchestral Styx

The performance Styx did with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO) of Cleveland last May 25th in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio is about to be released. "The One With Everything: Styx & The Contemporary Youth Orchestra" CD will come out on November 7th, while the DVD will follow on November 21st. You should also expect a PBS special airing around those two dates to be announced soon. The CYO consists of a 115-piece orchestra and a 50-person chorus, with all the members aged 13 to 19 — kind of like Styx in the early days.

October 20, 2006

Tom Petty is 56.

On this day in 1964, overexcited fans were arrested during The Rolling Stones' first concert at the Olympia in Paris. The stampeding fans broke windows at the theater before 150 people were arrested.

On this day in 1977, just days after releasing their "Street Survivors" album, three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd died in a fiery plane crash near Gillsburg, Mississippi. Ronnie Van Zant, along with Steve and Cassie Gaines were killed in that crash which, after investigation, turned out to be caused by the plane running out of gas.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Police as well as Joe's brand new conversation with drummer Stewart Copeland.

On Stage Tonight

Sammy Hagar & The Wabos with special guest John Lovitz will be rocking the Red Rocktober party at the Gibson Amphitheatre as Bob Dylan swings at the Forum tonight.

On Stage Saturday

Bob Dylan will be swinging at the Long Beach Arena Saturday night.

Bridge School Benefit This Weekend

Neil Young's 20th annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts will take place at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View tomorrow and Sunday. Former Beach Boy Brian Wilson is joining a line up that's heavy with modern rockers, including longtime participants Pearl Jam and the Dave Matthews Band. Proceeds from the acoustic shows will go to the Bridge School, a special educational facility that helps children with severe speech and learning disabilities. Young's two sons both went to the Bridge School.

What If No One Cares

Reports are floating around that say Axl Rose threw a listening party for Guns N' Roses' long-awaited "Chinese Democracy" album late last month. Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach — never before sited as an arbiter of musicality for his generation — says the disc is "f**king epic... bad ass with killer screams, killer guitar riffs [and] a totally modern sound." Meanwhile, G&R's manager insists that "Chinese Democracy" will come out this year, although he maintains that it may be issued without a release date being announced. Ah! The old "surprise 'em" routine — kinda like getting your car egged!

Peter Says No (Sort Of)

For a major event that hasn't been announced, the long-in-discussion Genesis reunion tour sure is getting a lot of ink. When asked about the chance of it happening, former singer/founding member Peter Gabriel said: "It's not that I've ruled it out, but I've got some new material that I'll be working on." Gabriel also says he's "very happy" for former drummer/singer Phil Collins, guitarist Mike Rutherford and keyboardist Tony Banks, who haven't officially confirmed any thing. When he first addressed the subject of a reunion last November, Collins said original guitarist Steve Hackett would also be approached about coming on board. Considering Hackett releases solo albums three or four times quicker than Gabriel, it's unlikely he'd try to use the old "I've got some new material that I'll be working on" excuse to get out of the gig.

Sue Me/Sue You Blues #493

Art for art's sake, money for God's sake. John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, is suing the EMI Group and its Capitol Records subsidiary for more than $10 million worth of her late husband's royalties she claims she is owed. In court papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court yesterday, Ono alleges that the London-based EMI, quote, "abused the nearly half-century-old relationship of trust and confidence by willfully and knowingly under reporting royalties." The Beatles also sued EMI in 1979 and again in 1987 over royalty issues. In both instances they eventually reached an undisclosed settlement.

Grand Marshal Billy

Being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 by The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards was certainly one special honor, but next weekend ZZ Top singer/guitarist Billy F. Gibbons will be the Grand Marshal of the Sixth Annual ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway! Known worldwide as an avid collector of cars and guitars, Billy says "If you think of it, an NHRA race is really the ultimate hot rod show, with some bad hot rods flying down the quarter-mile, and having it in Las Vegas only makes it that much better... a great excuse to come out to the desert and get my horsepower fix." Right so!

Ric Says Yes/No

Founding Cars frontman Ric Ocasek says putting together the just released Cars Unlocked – The Live Performances DVD/CD package helped him gain perspective on the band and its history. He wryly says that, "This project confirmed that we'd picked a good place to stop." As for the New Cars, Ric maintains, "I'd always said I didn't want to be one of those bands that came back after the fact."