November 21 - 30, 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!
November 21, 2006
New Orleans boogie woogie piano legend Dr. John is 66.
On this day in 1967, The Who released their tribute to British pirate radio, "The Who Sell Out" album.
On this day in 1974, Jefferson Starship is reunited (for the first time) with singer Marty Balin on stage at San Francisco's Winterland.
On this day in 1980, Eagle Don Henley was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of marijuana, cocaine, and Quaaludes after paramedics treated a 16-year-old girl suffering from drug intoxication at his Los Angeles home. A truly great song, "Dirty Laundry," later resulted.
On this day in 1988, Pink Floyd released their live "Delicate Sound of Thunder" album.
New/Old Beatles Today
The brilliant soundtrack to the Cirque du Soleil Beatles-based production "Love" arrives in stores today. The band's longtime producer, George Martin, teamed up with his son Giles to assemble the music by using The Beatles original master tapes to essentially "create a new Beatles album." The so-called "new" Beatles album includes 37 songs in 26 tracks, with some tunes noted as transition pieces and others presented in various combined forms. Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have both praised the work. Cirque du Soleil performs "Love" at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
E.C./Cale/On Stage?
Word is that Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale have been talking about doing some shows together early next year. The two masters just released an album called "The Road To Escondido," recorded at J.J.'s home in Escondido, and Clapton is said to be working on the reclusive Cale to join him on stage. So far, the most solid rumored date is a yet-to-be-announced late February/early March stop in the San Diego area. Of course Eric purposely hasn't announced any Southland shows — yet. Stay tuned!
Woodie & The Pres.
As you know, The Rolling Stones played at Bill Clinton's 60th birthday bash last month at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Word is that former President Clinton has chosen Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood to paint his portrait, which will be hung in the Clinton Library. Wood has already sold two of his pieces to Clinton, but this one could be his masterpiece!
Hendrix Sale Stopped
A Manhattan judge has ruled that the multi-million dollar sale of Jimi Hendrix's song rights by the estate of his former manager, Michael Jeffrey, can not go through at this time. The rights had been sold to an anonymous buyer last month, which prompted immediate legal action by Hendrix's relatives. The dispute goes back to 1973 when Jeffrey was given the rights to Hendrix's 33 master recordings contingent on a $50,000 payment to the singer's family. The payment was never made, so now lawyers from around the world are billing everyone associated with the fiasco.
Cooper's Pudding
It will be a special treat! This year's edition of the annual Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding fund-raiser in Phoenix will feature Alice performing with the surviving original members of the Alice Cooper band: guitarist Michael Bruce, drummer Neil Smith and bassist Dennis Dunaway. Among the others on the bill for the December 16th gig are Tommy Shaw of Styx and Nightranger's Jack Blade (currently recording as Shaw/Blades), Stephen Stills and former Eagle Don Felder as well as Danny Seraphine of Chicago and Ace Young of American Idol. All proceeds from the show go to Cooper's Solid Rock Foundation.
New/Old Yes
Yes will release a special 5-CD box set on December 5th. The first four discs will include 1994's "Talk" album, 1997's "Open Your Eyes" album, 1999's "Ladder" album and 2001's "Magnification" in their entirety. The final disc will include a never before seen performance from the 2003 Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. And it's out just in time for Christmas giving!
November 22, 2006
Foghat lead guitarist Rod Price would have been 59.
E Street Band guitarist Little Steven Van Zandt is 58.
Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth is 56.
On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" entered the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1970, Elvis Presley met President Richard Nixon at the White House and received a Drug Enforcement Agency badge. Kind of ironic since one of them was high and the other was a crook.
On this day in 1976, Nazareth's cover of "Love Hurts" entered the charts.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale, as well as conversation with the two legends.
On Stage Tonight
Ladies and gentlemen — The Rolling Stones! Tonight at Dodger Stadium!
Here Comes Clapton
Remember to act surprised when you hear that Eric Clapton will return to North America in late February! The new tour leg will kick off on February 28th in Dallas, hit the Staples Center in downtown L.A. on March 15th and the Honda Center in Anaheim on March 17th. Slowhand will still be backed by a group that includes Allman Brothers Band guitarist Derek Trucks... but will we get J.J. Cale as well?!?
Fogerty/Football/Football
John Fogerty will be taking to the field(s) on Thanksgiving Day. The former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman will perform during halftime of the Detroit Lions/Miami Dolphins game in Detroit, then he and his hearty band will hop a plane to Kansas City to rock the intermission of the Chiefs/Denver Broncos game. Wonder which venue will serve the best ribs?
Daltrey On CSI
Who frontman Roger Daltrey makes a guest appearance on Thursday night's "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" on CBS. Details about the singer's character are unknown, but the producers call it "a surprise role that will keep viewers guessing." I'm guessing he won't be swinging a microphone around his head like he does on stage.
U.K. Hall Of Fame On TV
VH1 Classic will air an extended look at the recent U.K. Music Hall of Fame ceremony this Friday night, while a shorter, two-hour version of the show will debut on VH1 the next night. The event, which took place on November 14th in London, featured the induction of Led Zeppelin, Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi and Beatles producer George Martin, among others.
Bridge School On iTunes
iTunes has posted a deep archive of Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit Concert performances to raise money for the Northern California haven for children with profound developmental and educational challenges. The tracks include Young performing with folks like Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Lou Reed, R.E.M. and Don Henley. The all-acoustic format also resulted in an intriguing change of pace for others like Metallica, Green Day and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The archive will continue to grow, with more material being added as soon as next month, according to Neil's wife Pegi, a guiding hand behind the concert franchise.
Big Bucks Memorabilia In U.K.
A guitar played by Beatle George Harrison in 1963 is expected to fetch more than $200,000 at the Cooper Owen Music Legend in London on November 30th — the fifth anniversary of the musician's death. John Lennon's hand-painted psychedelic shirt, designed by Mick Jagger's brother Chris, is expected to sell for around $90,000. Included in the nearly 300 pieces of rock and pop memorabilia is a "Sgt Pepper" album sleeve signed by all four Beatles, estimated to be worth $80,000. Unreleased demo recordings by The Rolling Stones and a rough version of the very first Mick Jagger and Keith Richards composition will also be included in the collection — just in time for Christmas giving!
Big Bucks Memorabilia In N.Y.C.
Handwritten Beatles lyrics and a Jimi Hendrix guitar are a few of the items that will be auctioned off early next month at Christie's in New York. The original handwritten lyrics to The Beatles' "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is expected to gain the highest bid of the auction — somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000. A Fender guitar played by Jimi Hendrix for two years before he died is expected to sell for between $80,000 and $120,000. Other nuggets up for bid include love letters and personal notes from Bob Dylan as well as a previously-unheard, 60-minute taped interview with John Lennon recorded in 1974.
Tidbits & Giblets
Ever since Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863, Thanksgiving has been a time to remember all the good things we have in life. It's also a good time to overeat in the company of family and friends. Here's some T-day T-Facts to digest:
1. U.S. turkey consumption has increased over 230% since 1970.
2. Of the 300 million turkeys raised annually, 45 million are consumed at Thanksgiving.
3. A full-grown domestic turkey averages 3,500 feathers.
4. Turkeys lived, died and were eaten almost 10 million years ago.
5. Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, nearby flocks of turkeys would drop dead.
6. A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour, and they can burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.
7. Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clicking noise.
8. Turkeys can see in color, and their heads change colors when they become excited.
9. The average person consumes between 2,000 and 2,500 calories each day. Researchers estimate that once Thanksgiving Day is over, the average American will have gobbled up over 4,000 calories.
10. Because Americans like white meat so much, turkeys are bred to produce large breasts. Our domesticated turkeys have such large chests that the male, "tom turkey" is not able to fertilize the eggs of the female, "hen turkeys" in the natural mating position. Sadly for today's "tom turkeys," turkey eggs are fertilized by artificial insemination for the hatchery.
11. The number of hours you can leave a turkey out without risking salmonella poisoning: Two.
12. Degrees Fahrenheit a turkey has to reach to kill harmful bacteria: 180.
13. Degrees Fahrenheit the stuffing should reach: 165.
14. Just remember that the person who cooks Thanksgiving dinner gets to put their tired feet up at the end of the evening and watch someone else do the dishes!
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
November 23, 2006
Pianist (and occasional Grateful Dead sideman) Bruce Hornsby is 52.
On this day in 1991, U2's "Mysterious Ways" entered the singles charts.
November 24, 2006
Booker T. & the MG's bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn is 65.
Drummer Pete Best, who was replaced in The Beatles by Ringo Starr, is 65 and perhaps still just a bit bitter about the whole thing.
Lee "Do You Know What I Mean" Michaels is 61.
Blondie drummer Clem Burke is 51.
Chris Hayes, guitarist with Huey Lewis & the News, is 49.
On this day in 1964, having just changed their name from the High Numbers, The Who played the first night of their new residency at the Marquee club advertised as "The Who - Maximum R&B!"
On this day in 1966, The Beatles began sessions for the follow-up to their "Revolver" album by recording tracks that eventually evolved into "Strawberry Fields Forever."
On this day in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released their single "Merry Xmas (War Is Over)" in England.
On this day in 1985, blues/rock pioneer Big Joe Turner died from a heart attack at age 74.
On this day in 1991, Queen's Freddie Mercury died from AIDS complications at age 45, and KISS drummer Eric Carr died of cancer at age 41.
On this day in 1993, blues guitarist Albert Collins died in Las Vegas at age 61 of liver cancer.
November 25, 2006
Drummer Bev Bevan of the Electric Light Orchestra is 62.
On this day in 1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience made their first U.K. appearance. The show was at the Bag O'Nails club in London, just two days before Jimi's 24th birthday.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles released their incredible "White Album" Stateside.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon returned his M.B.E. to Queen Elizabeth with a note stating "Your Majesty, I am returning this M.B.E. in protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against 'Cold Turkey' slipping down the charts. With love, John Lennon of Bag." Unfortunately, Her Majesty's response is lost to history.
On this day in 1974, Genesis released their classic "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" album, the last with singer Peter Gabriel.
On this day in 1976, The Band held a Thanksgiving farewell concert that attracted guest performers Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell, among others. The whole gig was immortalized in the film "The Last Waltz."
On this day in 1984, Bob Geldof gathered up a veritable who's who of British pop royalty (including Duran Duran, Bananarama, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and U2) to record "Do They Know It's Christmas." Under the name Band Aid, the song was then released to benefit victims of the Ethiopian Famine.
On this day in 1989, Aerosmith's "Janie's Got A Gun" entered the charts.
November 26, 2006
Temptress/songstress/dancer Tina Turner is 68.
Fleetwood Mac's founding member/bassist John McVie is 61.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles recorded "Please Please Me."
On this day in 1968, Cream gave its last concert at Royal Albert Hall in London. At the end of the show, the crowd of 10,000 chanted "God save the Cream." Soon after, guitar god Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker rejoined to form Blind Faith. Unfortunately, no one ever chanted "God save Blind Faith."
On this day in 1969, John Lennon participated in his last session with The Beatles, finishing the B-side "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)." What a way to go!
On this day in 1983, "Crumblin' Down" by John Cougar Mellencamp peaked at #9 as Genesis' "That's All" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1988, "Desire" by U2 peaked at #3 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1988, Def Leppard's album "Hysteria" logged its 62nd week in the Top 10 album charts.
November 27, 2006
Martial arts god Bruce Lee would have been 66.
Guitar god Jimi Hendrix would have been 64.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones opened their legendary four-night stand at Madison Square Garden. Recordings of the first two shows later became their classic live album, "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out."
On this day in 1970, former Beatle George Harrison released his solo album "All Things Must Pass." Produced by Phil Spector and engineered by Ken Scott, it featured lots of noted players like Eric Clapton, Dave Mason, Ringo Starr and Peter Frampton.
On this day in 1971, "Led Zeppelin IV," one of the greatest Rock albums ever, entered the U.S. charts at #36.
On this day in 1971, Don McLean's "American Pie" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1995, The Beatles' "Anthology I" set a first-week sales record, selling 1.2 million copies in the U.S.
On Stage Tonight
Alice In Chains will be rocking the Wiltern LG tonight!
The Highest Grossing Tour Of All Time
A balance (of sorts) has returned to the cosmos. The Rolling Stones have set a new record for the highest grossing tour of all time. Even though health issues disrupted their schedule, The Stones' A Bigger Bang tour has grossed $437 million in 110 shows since the Fall 2005. That record does not include the free concert in front of two million fans on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in February. Although they did it with much cheaper ticket prices, the previous record (over $377 million) belonged to U2's Vertigo Tour which ran from March 28, 2005 through March 2nd of this year, plus 10 stadium-sized makeup shows this month. If The Stones continue touring throughout next year as expected, they'll easily pass $500 million in gross earnings before they return to the Southland (again). Here's to their continued good health!
Genesis Selling Gangbusters
Europeans are evidently quite excited to see Genesis' Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks reform for the Turn It On Again reunion tour! All 100,000 tickets for the boys' U.K. comeback gigs sold out in just 90 minutes, and fans in Germany and the Netherlands bought almost 400,000 tickets in just 40 minutes. The 20-date European tour — 15 years after the trio last performed together — kicks off in Finland on June 11th and ends with a free gig in front of the Colosseum in Rome on July 14th. You can expect an announcement on their Fall Stateside tour any day now!
Hints Of The Dan
Steely Dan are apparently planning to hit the road next year on what they may call the Heavy Rollers tour. Singer/keyboardist Donald Fagen and guitarist Walter Becker only booked one official 2007 date so far — a January 19th gig in Santa Ynez — but there are serious rumblings of a full scale tour. While there's nothing official on the tour or new music, it also sounds like the Dan have been recording new material in the Miami area.
Ian's Big Book
Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan has officially released his brand new coffee-table book — "Smoke This! The Warblings, Rants, Philosophies and Musings From the Singer of Deep Purple." The paperback publication features stories from Gillan's life on the road and in the studio, plus song lyrics, poems and more than 200 photographs. No word on the inclusion of any naughty bits, but you know Ian has some stories!
Macca's Hometown Celebration (Sort Of)
Liverpool, England has been selected as the 2008 European Capital of Culture host city, and officials say they are close to signing former Beatle Paul McCartney to perform next May on the opening night of the year-long celebration. But if Liverpool launches its Capital of Culture festivities with a concert featuring "Paul McCartney And Friends," just who might the "friends" be? Former Liverpudlian/Beatle Ringo Starr hasn't shared the stage with Sir Paulie since the 2002 George Harrison tribute, "The Concert for George," nor have the two played together in Liverpool since their Beatle days. Stay tuned!
Daltrey On CSI
Who frontman Roger Daltrey's guest appearance on Thursday night's "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" was most impressive. You didn't really recognize him until the last segment, and he did a great job!
The Return Of Cream
It proved to be one of KCET's most successful fundraisers, so now the PBS station will rebroadcast "Great Performances: Cream – The Reunion Concert" with KLOS' Uncle Joe and Cynthia Fox co-hosting the pledge breaks. This Monday night at 8 — be there or be square! (Here are a few snapshots.)
Quote Of The Week
It was Ogden Nash who said, "Middle age is when you've met so many people that every new person you meet reminds you of someone else."
November 28, 2006
Wry songmeister Randy Newman is 63.
Drummer Matt Cameron of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam is 44.
On this day in 1964, the iconic "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones released the "Let It Bleed" album.
On this day in 1970, "See Me, Feel Me" by The Who peaked at #12 on the singles charts as Elton John released "Your Song."
On this day in 1970, George Harrison released the song "My Sweet Lord."
On this day in 1974, John Lennon joined Elton John onstage at New York's Madison Square Garden. Lennon had promised Elton that if his song "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night," which featured Elton's playing, reached the top of the U.S. chart, he would appear onstage with him. The two old friends performed three songs together on that Thanksgiving night concert, including: "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night," "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds." Sadly, it would be the final concert appearance of Lennon's career.
On this day in 1980, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's album "The River" hit #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1981, "Waiting For A Girl Like You" by Foreigner peaked at #2 on the singles charts as "No Reply At All" by Genesis topped out at #29.
On this day in 1992, Bon Jovi's song "Keep The Faith" topped out at #29 on the singles chart.
On Stage Tonight
Alice In Chains will be rocking the Wiltern LG as Gregg Allman performs at the Canyon Club in Augora Hills tonight!
Digital Beatles?
Anyone who has heard the new Beatles "Love" album knows how amazing the digitized remastered music sounds. Now, how long before we get the whole catalog? "Fortune" magazine reports that iTunes is close to sealing a deal that would bring The Beatles' catalog online for the first time. Among the talking points of the deal is the discussion between Apple Computer and Apple Records over Apple Computer becoming the exclusive online music store for the Beatles for a limited time, how long that exclusivity would last, and whether the Beatles would allow their music to be used in an iPod commercial. Stay tuned!
Elty To Top Diana Bill?
Word from England is that Prince William and Prince Harry want to have control over how the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death is handled. Under prime consideration is a charity pop concert at Wembley Stadium on July 1st, her 46th birthday. Family friend Sir Elton John would headline the worldwide televised event, which may also feature Sting, Phil Collins and Beyonce, among others. Proceeds would go to causes favored by Princess Diana. Stay tuned!
No Ward In H&H
In case you were worried, Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward won't be joining bandmates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler in their Heaven And Hell project, which also features former Sabbath frontman Ronnie James Dio. Drummer extraordinaire Vinny Appice, who played with Sabbath during the Eighties and Nineties, will be behind the kit on Heaven and Hell's upcoming tour, and also will be heard on the new tunes that will appear on the trek's companion album, the "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years compilation."
Plant's New Box
Former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant is helping pioneer a new type of music collection — the digital box set. His new 10-CD set, "Nine Lives," is also available at iTunes with "interactive liner notes, an extensive documentary, artwork and mobile content." As with the physical-world version of "Nine Lives," the digital version features all nine Plant solo albums remastered with bonus tracks, a compilation of 20 solo videos, an interview with Robert, rare bonus footage and extensive liner notes. But the digital box set also features a new documentary about the singer, cell phone ring-tones and more. Sounds like the golden rock god has become a digital god as well!
Xmas Shows Without Xmas Music
VH1 Classic is about to air special Christmas concerts by The Kinks and Rod Stewart on U.S. television for the first time. The 1977 Kinks holiday gig will premiere on December 7th, while the Stewart Christmas Eve 1976 performance will air on December 21st. The shows, which both were filmed at London venues, are taken from the archives of legendary BBC series The Old Grey Whistle Test. Unfortunately it seems that neither artist did any Christmas music, but they sure looked good on camera!

L.A. Auto Show
This Friday, next Tuesday and next Thursday: New dates — new cars! Like a kid in a candy shop, Unc will be playing on the air from the newly rescheduled and revamped L.A. Auto Show!! Will he get his hand smacked or find the car of his dreams? See what happened last time!
November 29, 2006
Blues legend John Mayall is 73.
Guitarist Barry Goudreau of the original Boston line-up is 55.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles released the "I Want to Hold Your Hand" single in the U.K. Over the next three days, it sold over a million copies!
On this day in 1986, Bruce Springsteen entered the U.S. album charts at #1 with his "Live 1975-1985" box set. It was the fourth time in chart history that an album made its chart debut at #1, and the first time a box set had ever done so. Soon after, "Live 1975-1985" became the most successful box set ever, eventually selling over 13 million copies.
On this day in 2001, former Beatle George Harrison succumbed to cancer at age 58.
On Stage Tonight
The Trans Siberian Orchestra will be rocking the Forum in Inglewood tonight!
New Eagles (Sort Of)
Anybody remember how much Wal-Mart paid to sign the Eagles? The legendary band's first Wal-Mart-exclusive product features the previously released "2005 Farewell I Tour: Live From Melbourne" DVD plus a nifty bonus disc. That bonus disc includes three new recordings: the totally new "Fast Company" and "Do Something" as well as a new studio version of "No More Cloudy Days," a recent tune that the band played on the "Farewell I Tour." Do you suppose this means we'll have to wait even longer for a new Eagles album?
G&R Cancel Another One
Oops — there goes another one! Guns N' Roses canceled last night's show in Milwaukee because frontman Axl Rose is battling strep throat and an ear infection. Axl was quoted as saying (in a raspy voice), "The doctor told me... that the only way not to jeopardize the balance of the tour is immediate rest. We are sorry to miss the fans in Milwaukee." GN'R expect to return to the stage Friday in Ames, Iowa. You really must remember to act surprised every time this happens, and please do not inquire as to how many tickets were sold.
Selling Syd's Place
The home where the eccentric Syd Barrett retreated after dropping out of Pink Floyd in 1968 will be sold in a special auction today. After departing the band he formed, Syd lived a solitary life at the 1930s house, writing, gardening and painting a number of unusual art pieces, some of which will be included in the auction. The house and more Barrett estate material will be part of the Cheffin Auctioneers' Fine Art Sale being held today and tomorrow in Cambridge, England.
New/Old Dead
You can celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Grateful Dead's legendary 1976 New Year's Eve concert with a three-disc commemorative CD "Live At The Cow Palace" on January 23rd. If you don't want to wait, the band's complete 22-song Cow Palace performance will be streamed on the Grateful Dead web site on December 31st and January 1st.
Mr. Joel's Successful Return
You could say that he returned with a vengeance. Earlier this year, Billy Joel returned to the road as a solo headliner for the first time since 1998. He grossed $50 million from 37 shows, including a record-setting run of 12 sellouts at New York's Madison Square Garden. He's just concluded a sold-out Australian tour and will hit Japan this week. After the holidays, Billy will sing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLI in Miami on February 4th, and then start a 4-week Southern tour in Jacksonville. That leaves April to count all the money.
Toys for Kids
This Sunday, 10am - 2pm: Unc will return as the Grand Marshall for the 18th Annual Pomona Valley Harley Owners Group Toy Run at the Elks Lodge at 1150 W. 4th St. in Ontario. (Mountain Ave. south off the 10 – right on 4th – one block to the Lodge.) The line-up includes the KLOS Cool Patrol, bike games, raffles, food, music and – of course – a motorcycle show all to help kids at Christmas! Here's what it looked like last year.
November 30, 2006
Mark Twain would have been 171 and still acerbic.
Sir Winston Churchill would have been 132.
Ageless Rock & Roll TV impresario Dick Clark is very alive and 77 — no, really!
Bassist Roger Glover of Deep Purple is 61.
The icon of sneering, Billy Idol, is 51.
On this day in 1977, veteran crooner Bing Crosby hosted his 42nd Christmas special on TV. David Bowie was his most notable guest, and the two performed a duet of "The Little Drummer Boy"/"Peace on Earth," which was then released as a single. You'll hear that duet and three more hours of Rock & Roll Christmas songs when 95.5 KLOS airs Uncle Joe's Rockin' Christmas Show later next month!
On this day in 1979, Pink Floyd released their classic double album "The Wall."
On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne released his "Speak Of The Devil" album.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of KISS as well as Joe's new conversation with guitarist/singer Paul Stanley.
Lovin' The Beatles
The Beatles 10th album since 1994 hits the Billboard 200 chart this week at #4! "Love," which features new variations of classic Beatles material, is the soundtrack for the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show of the same name.
Syd's Stuff Sells Big
The first results of the auction of founding Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett's estate are stunning. Ten of Syd's paintings brought in more than $100,000. A cream leather armchair with a stain on the headrest fetched $2,000. And the former rock star's artificial Christmas tree sold for $1,500. So far, the Cheffins auctioneers have sold 77 items from Syd's home in Cambridge, England. His family has designated a portion of the proceeds to go to educational development within the art world. Sale of the house is next.
Joe Jagger's Funeral
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and drummer Charlie Watts were among the mourners joining frontman Mick Jagger at the funeral of his father, Joe, held Tuesday in Richmond, England. Other attendees at the service included Mick's extremely diverse extended family such as his current partner, L'Wren Scott, his former wives Jerry Hall and Bianca Jagger, one-time girlfriend Marsha Hunt and most of his offspring. Joe Jagger died November 11th at age 93.
Cool Charity Auction
Guitars autographed by Tom Petty, U2's The Edge, Slash and Sting are among the items up for bid in the online GRAMMY Charity Holiday Auction, which runs for another week. VIP tickets to see Aerosmith in concert and signed memorabilia by KISS, Rod Stewart and Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood are also up for grabs. Proceeds will go toward MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation. Check out http://www.grammy.com/holiday/ for more details.
Osbourne To Grill Osbourne
Jack Osbourne's first interview on his new U.K. TV show about how heavy drug users cope after years of abuse — Ozzy Osbourne! IrelandOn-Line says Jack will question Ozzy on the darkest days of his addictions. Jack also plans to speak to Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. No word yet as to when or where the interview will air, but this should be very interesting!
Gillan's Bassist Shot
Rodney Appleby, the bassist for Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan's solo band, was shot in the jaw on Saturday in Buffalo. The assailant is a neighbor who accused Rodney of stealing his dogs. "The neighbor [is] now in jail charged with attempted murder and Rodney is nursing a swollen jaw," Gillan reports. Appleby is expected to recover in time for Gillan's Australian tour in January.
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