 December 1 - 10, 2006These 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! December 1, 2006
Singer Eric Bloom of Blue Oyster Cult is 62. 
On this day in 1957, The Ed Sullivan Show featured Buddy Holly & the Crickets and Sam Cooke's television debuts. On this day in 1968, Big Brother & the Holding Company performed for the last time with Janis Joplin, who then split for a solo career. On this day in 1970, Santana released the astounding "Abraxas" album. On this day in 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" in the States. On this day in 1972, The Edgar Winter Group released the album "They Only Come Out At Night." On this day in 1973, Aerosmith's "Dream On" peaked at #59 on the charts. On this day in 1976, the Eagles released the most successful album of their career, "Hotel California." On this day in 1980, Talking Heads began their big U.K. tour at London's Hammersmith Palais, supported by a very young Irish quartet who called themselves U2.   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. 
Selling LargeMembers of The Clash and Thin Lizzy joined Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and former Stones bassist Bill Wyman at the It's More Than Rock 'n' Roll auction in London on Wednesday. They saw the original Rolling Stones tongue artwork sell for $622,975, a Fender Stratocaster guitar owned by Jimi Hendrix go for $149,500 and the beige mohair stage suit John Lennon wore at the London Palladium in 1963 sell for $25,000. Those were just three of 160 lots that sold for a total of $2.14 million. As has become the norm at most of these events, a percentage of the profits went to the U.K. Cancer Research charity. Hamilton Returns (Briefly)Bassist Tom Hamilton, who has been recovering from throat cancer, joined his bandmates on stage at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Casino on Wednesday. Tom's appearance during "Back In The Saddle" was recorded for footage for an '07 NASCAR publicity campaign. He later returned to perform four more songs and appeared to be having a great time. Hamilton has been undergoing extensive radiation therapy which has kept him from playing with the band on this tour. David Hull has been filling in for him. Evidently Timing Is IrrelevantIt's about time! Rod Stewart's divorce from Rachel Hunter has been finalized seven years after the pair separated. The singer and the supermodel wed way back in 1990, and have two children together. No details of the financial settlement were revealed, but the legal action finally leaves Stewart free to marry girlfriend Penny Lancaster, with whom he has a one-year-old son. Classic Dylan To DVD"Don't Look Back," the classic 1967 Bob Dylan documentary shot during his 1965 English tour, will be released in a special double-DVD on February 27th. The brand new "65 Tour Deluxe Edition" will include the original movie plus two collectible books as well as "Bob Dylan 65 Revisited," a new film from "Don't Look Back" director D.A. Pennebaker featuring never-before-seen footage. A Billy Idol XmasWho would have thought Mr. Sneer could do it? But it's true! Billy Idol has recorded 17 Christmas songs, ranging from traditional carols to modern yuletide-themed tunes, for his "Happy Holidays" album. He says, "I wanted a selection that would please all, while still exploring the awe and mystery that is Christmas." No, really — that's what he said. You'll be hearing two or three of those songs on the annual Uncle Joe's Rocking Christmas Show on KLOS. Stay tuned! 
Quote Of The WeekIt 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."  L.A. Auto ShowToday! Today! (as well as next Tuesday and Thursday), 3pm - 7pm: 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!  Toys for KidsThis 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. Sunday's Orange County RegisterThis Sunday: Check out Ben Wener's feature piece, The Big Idea, in Sunday's Orange County Register. One of Joe's favorite writer/critics is tackling large projects like "Concept Albums" with a bit of input from Unc. This should be interesting! December 2, 2006
Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan alum Michael McDonald is 54.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles' "Hello Goodbye" entered the charts. December 3, 2006
Lovable, heavy metal clown Ozzy Osbourne is 58.
On this day in 1965, Keith Richards' guitar accidentally touched his microphone while The Stones performed "The Last Time" in Sacramento. The resulting electric shock knocked Keef unconscious for seven minutes. Of course, the show went on and he never knew the difference. On this day in 1965, The Beatles began their last U.K. tour in Glasgow, Scotland, supported by The Moody Blues. The Fab Four were promoting the release of the single "We Can Work It Out" backed with "Day Tripper." Wow! On this day in 1968, NBC-TV aired the famed Elvis Presley comeback special. After years of making horrible movies, Presley proved he could still rock, improvising a set with his old rhythm section in a boxing ring, looking great in black leather and bringing the house down with his performance. Sadly, Las Vegas purgatory was right around the bend. On this day in 1971, a fire burned down the Montreux Casino in Switzerland during a Frank Zappa concert. Deep Purple witnessed the conflagration and immediately wrote "Smoke on the Water" about the catastrophe. Rock on! On this day in 1976, a giant inflatable pig was spotted floating over London's Battersea Power Station. It was only a prop being used for the album cover of Pink Floyd's "Animals" album. However, the balloon broke free of its moorings and drifted away, prompting the Civil Aviation Authority to issue a warning to pilots flying over London. No one really knows what happened to the big pig, but crop circles began showing up soon afterward! On this day in 1976, the Sex Pistols released "Anarchy in the U.K." — perhaps another reason for the existence of crop circles. On this day in 1979, a stampede of fans trying to get into a Who concert in Cincinnati left 11 people crushed to death. Regrettably, the band wasn't told of the incident until after the show. Although newsman Walter Cronkite blamed the incident on "a drug-crazed mob of kids," the venue's general (no reserved) seating policy was later identified as the cause of the problem. December 4, 2006
Byrds bassist Chris Hillman is 64.
On this day in 1965, The Byrds hit #1 with the song "Turn! Turn! Turn!" as Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds Of Silence" entered the charts. On this day in 1971, Sly & The Family Stone hit #1 with the song "Family Affair" as Santana's "Everybody's Everything" peaked at #12 and Van Morrison's "Wild Night" topped out at #28 on the charts. On this day in 1971, Badfinger released the song "Day After Day." On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney released his classic "Band on the Run" album in the States. It would go on to hit #1 four different times. On this day in 1976, Tommy Bolin, a brilliant guitarist with James Gang and Deep Purple, died of an overdose in Miami at the age of 25. On this day in 1980, two months after the death of drummer John Bonham, the surviving members of Led Zeppelin released a statement announcing their intent to break up. It read in part, "We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were." On this day in 1993, Frank Zappa died in L.A. of pancreatic cancer at age 52. Sunday's Orange County RegisterFamed O.C. music critic Ben Wener quoted Unc a number of times in his feature piece, The Big Idea, in Sunday's Orange County Register. Very interesting!
Top 10 Metal SingersFormer Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant has topped "Hit Parader" magazine's list of Top 100 All-Time Heavy Metal Vocalists. Other longtime performers also rank high on the tally. Judas Priest's Rob Halford came in second, followed by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Soundgarden's Chris Cornell, the late AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, the late Queen singer Freddie Mercury, Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson and Bad Company's Paul Rodgers at #9. Two Black Sabbath frontmen — Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio — came in at #8 and #10. How To Screw Your Greatest ArtistsLeave it to Great Britain to pull a great stunt to screw it's great artists. The U.K. Treasury has just refused to extend copyright privileges past the 50 year limit that's currently on the books. That means early Beatles and Rolling Stones recordings dating back to 1963, will go out of copyright in 2013, and surviving Beatles and Stones members will not be entitled to royalties. Song copyright laws in the U.S. are good for 95 years. God save the Queen! Pete & Joe Play For JimThe Who's Pete Townshend and the Eagles' Joe Walsh will be among the top artists paying tribute to late Traffic drummer/singer Jim Capaldi on January 21st in London. The Dear Mr. Fantasy event will feature appearances by Capaldi's Traffic bandmate Steve Winwood, former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, founding Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord and Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke. The show will benefit the U.K. Jubilee Action charity. P.J. JamsPearl Jam played a secret show last Thursday night as part of the opening festivities for the Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational surfing competition on the island of Oahu. About 300 people got to see the 15-song set, a mixture of Pearl Jam classics and covers like The Who's "Baba O'Riley" and Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World." The latter featured guest guitarist/legendary surfer Kelly Slater, a longtime friend of Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder. Earlier that day, Vedder took part in the annual Paddle Out ceremony along with Slater and other pro surfers. This coming Saturday, Pearl Jam opens for the last show of U2's Vertigo tour at Aloha Stadium. Neal/Jonathan/Tony Benefit AnimalsJourney guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain will be among the musicians taking part in the January 5th ARF Rocks benefit concert in Walnut Creek. Jeff Scott Soto, who's currently filling in as Journey's lead singer, and guitar icon Ronnie Montrose also will perform at the event, which benefits the Animal Rescue Foundation — a charity founded by baseball manager Tony La Russa Tracking The NeilsterEver wonder where Neil Young has played? An updated version of "Ghosts on the Road — Neil Young In Concert," a book that extensively details set lists and other information about most of the rock icon's performances since 1969, is due early next year. The first edition of the U.K. publication documented Young's concerts from 1969 to 1996, while the new version will cover his tours through 2006 along with updated information on shows discussed in the first book. That's a lot of info on a lot of jamming!
Monday Morning WisdomBeing "over the hill" is much better than being under it. L.A. Auto ShowThis Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 3pm - 7pm: 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! December 5, 2006
Walt Disney would be 105 and not allowed to work at his own company.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "I Feel Fine" and "She's A Woman" entered the charts as "Time Is On My Side" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #6. On this day in 1968, Graham Nash officially left The Hollies to form Crosby, Stills & Nash. On this day in 1970, Badfinger's "No Matter What" peaked at #8 on the singles chart as "Share The Land" by the Guess Who topped out at #10. On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney released his classic "Band On The Run" album. On this day in 1981, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police peaked at #3 on the charts. On this day in 1987, R.E.M.'s song "The One I Love" peaked at #9 on the charts. On this day in 2003, Mick Jagger, famed frontman for The Rolling Stones, was officially knighted by Prince Charles. Instead of a top hat and tails, Sir Michael wore a long leather coat, a purplish scarf and running shoes. Sunday's Orange County RegisterFamed O.C. music critic Ben Wener quoted Unc a number of times in his feature piece, The Big Idea, in Sunday's Orange County Register. Very interesting!
Dick's Finally Selling ItFormer "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark is selling more than 900 pieces of his memorabilia collection at Guernsey's Auction House in New York today and tomorrow. Among the items is one of Paul McCartney's original four Hofner left-handed basses, one of Bruce Springsteen's electric guitars, a beaded glove worn by Michael Jackson and a suit John Lennon wore as a Beatle. Clark's even selling the microphone he used for 31 years as host of "American Bandstand," which is expected to bring in as much as $100,000. A portion of the profits from the auction will go to the T.J. Martell Foundation, which supports the fight against cancer, leukemia and AIDS. Stay tuned for the Top 10 Sale Items right after this! Bruce's SurpriseNot sure if the crowd was totally surprised, but they sure were pleased when Bruce Springsteen made an unscheduled appearance at one of the annual Light of Day concerts to benefit the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Saturday night, the Boss played several songs with the bands Marah and Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers at the Sayreville, New Jersey gig. Bruce has always helped his friend Bob Benjamin — the organizer of Light of Day — throughout the 25 years they've known each other. Imagine Piano Debuts In DallasThe "Imagine" piano is once again serving as a tool to promote peace. The famed instrument on which former Beatle John Lennon wrote the legendary anthem is making its first U.S. display as the centerpiece of a new anti-war exhibit at the Goss Gallery in Dallas, Texas. "Celebrating World Peace" is primarily a photography exhibit, presenting its message through the works of noted war photographers who have captured powerful images from combat zones around the world, including Vietnam, the Congo, Lebanon and Afghanistan. The exhibit will be open through January 13th. Van's Latest CompilationA 19-track compilation of Van Morrison's soundtrack songs will be out on February 13th. "Van Morrison at the Movies: The Soundtrack Hits" will feature both studio and live recordings by the singer/songwriter, and will include a previously unreleased version of "Moondance" from a 1986 concert in Los Angeles. Two of the album's cuts were recorded by Van's Sixties band Them. David Says Neil's EditingDavid Crosby says Neil Young is busy crafting a film about the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Freedom of Speech '06 tour. David says that the project goes beyond the typical concert film, saying it's more of a cultural documentary. If you want to skip the visual aspects of the project, Crosby says a CD is also in the works.
Quote Of The WeekIt was Abraham Lincoln who said: "People are just about as happy as they are willing to be."  Uncle Joe/KLOS Bumper Stickers!Go to any participating Yamaha Motorcycle and ATV dealer to pick-up your very own FREE, LIMITED edition, KLOS Uncle Joe Benson bumper sticker! Fill out the entry on the back of the sticker and you might win a brand new 42 inch PANASONIC PLASMA HIGH DEFINITION TV! Supplies are limited, so get on your bike and ride!! December 6, 2006
Guitarist Peter Buck of R.E.M. is 50.
On this day in 1949, legendary blues balladeer Leadbelly (Huddy Ledbetter) died from Huntington's disease at the age of 61. On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "Mother's Little Helper" and "19th Nervous Breakdown" in RCA's Hollywood studios. On this day in 1965, The Beatles released their "Rubber Soul" album and the single "Day Tripper." On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded two takes of "When I'm 64," marking the first Abbey Road session for "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones put on a poorly organized free concert at California's Altamont Speedway supported by the Jefferson Airplane. While The Stones performed "Under My Thumb," a Hell's Angel killed a concert goer by stabbing him in the back. The era of Peace & Love was over. On this day in 1977, Jackson Browne released his classic "Running On Empty" album. On this day in 1986, practicing alcoholic and occasional drummer Ringo Starr agreed to be a pitchman for a wine cooler company, thus becoming the first Beatle to get into advertising. On this day in 1988, Rock & Roll icon Roy Orbison died from cardiac arrest at the age of 52.
Big Big Big Big Bucks SaleMonday's rock and pop memorabilia auction at Christie's in New York was a bucks-up affair! A Texas bookstore owner paid $192,000 for a page of Paul McCartney's working lyrics for The Beatles "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and another $168,000 for one of Jimi Hendrix's 1968 Fender Stratocasters. The same fellow paid $10,800 for the guitar's strap and $5,400 for a photo of Jimi with band members Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell posing with two topless blonds. However, the Texan collector lost the bidding for a black leather vest worn on stage by Hendrix to the Hard Rock Cafes, who paid $28,800 for it. Other memorabilia sold included a taped interview with John Lennon from 1974 which sold for almost $40,000, handwritten lyrics by reggae star Bob Marley which went for $72,000, and a handwritten poem by Doors singer Jim Morrison which sold for $50,400. Disappointingly for Britney Spears, a page from her school book sold for just $200. Hiccup In Dick's SaleThe Hofner bass guitar that supposedly once belonged to Paul McCartney was pulled from Dick Clark's pop culture memorabilia auction yesterday after its authenticity was challenged. The bass, which is also said to sport the former Beatle's autograph, was purported to be one Macca used in the Sixties as a member of the Fab Four. But a rep for Hofner claims the bass in question is a model the company didn't start making until 1978. In addition, a man who has spent two decades researching Beatles signatures says the autographs are forgeries, and the author of the musical equipment book "Beatles Gear" is also expressing doubts about the reported history of the instrument. Guernsey's Auction House president said his researchers didn't have enough time to investigate the matter before the sale, which is why the instrument was pulled. But he notes that if the McCartney connection to the Hofner can be verified, the bass could go up for bid at a future auction. Or not. Who UpdateThe Who's Pete Townshend recently asked the band's touring drummer, Zak Starkey, to become a full member of the group. But Ringo's son, who also works with Oasis, declined the offer. Only slightly deterred, Pete says, "The door is always open to this amazing musician. We will always try to make it possible for Zak to work with The Who in the future." Art Tour Follows Rock TourHaving just completed a tour in support of his second solo album, KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley will have his art displayed at two galleries in New Jersey early next year. Paul will make special appearances at the showing in Hackensack on February 9th and in Short Hills, New Jersey on February 10th. Both appearances are open to the public and free of charge. December 7, 2006
Song meister Harry Chapin would have been 64.
On this day in 1962, The Rolling Stones auditioned bass players at the World's End pub in Chelsea, London. Bill Wyman later said he got the job, in part, because he had real, functioning amplifiers that the band could use. On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones released their song "Waiting On A Friend." On this day in 1985, the song "My Hometown" by Bruce Springsteen entered the charts as Heart's "Heart" album hit #1. On this day in 1991, Nirvana's classic "Smells Like Teen Spirit" single was released.
Mikey Steps OutFormer Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony will take part in Glendora's annual Art in the Village event on Friday. While there's no word on his Hot Sauces being served, Mike will put a wide selection of his bass guitars on display. He has also posted an online holiday message to his fans, saying: "You guys are the reason I still love to go on tour. As long as you want to hear the songs, I'll be out there bashing away." Right so, Mikey! Bono Offers JobMalawi resident Yohane Banda, whose young boy was recently adopted by Madonna, reportedly has a job offer from U2's lead singer. Bono reportedly offered Yohane a job at Edun, the clothing label run by the singer's wife, Ali Hewson. Bono says, "We're trying to get jobs to Africa, then people will be able to keep their children." The Edun label is a "socially conscious clothing company" that hopes to provide employment in developing areas of the world. Meanwhile, Madonna is facing a court battle to adopt Yohane's 14-month-old son David. Her plan has been opposed by 67 human rights groups who say that Madonna was given preferential treatment. She denies the allegations — through "her people," of course. Attack On Strawberry Fields Music BanA music ban that covers the Strawberry Fields John Lennon memorial site in New York's Central Park is under attack by the New York Civil Liberties Union. Signs surrounding Strawberry Fields announce it is a "Quiet Zone" and that "Musical instruments are not allowed." With the anniversary of Lennon's death coming up tomorrow, the NYCLU submitted a formal request to Parks Commissioner Benepe yesterday asking for authorization to allow music in the remembrance event honoring the iconic musician. Stay tuned! One Cool KeyboardA very special vintage Fairlight CMI keyboard has been put on the block to benefit the Witness human rights organization co-founded by Peter Gabriel. But this isn't just any vintage keyboard once used on stage by Gabriel — this Fairlight's keys have been signed by 43 celebrity musicians, composers and producers including Gabriel, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, U2's Bono, former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, Stevie Wonder, Mark Knopfler, Sir George Martin, Brian Wilson, Steve Winwood, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Lindsey Buckingham and more. The instrument — a highly prized collectors' item since it was discontinued in the late Eighties — will be sold during a live auction Monday at a New York charity event. It's expected to bring in over $100,000. Stay tuned! Heart Bio ComingBiographer Jake Brown will release "Heart – In The Studio" next June. The book will feature a chapter-by-chapter account of the recording of the entire Heart catalog which Ann and Nancy Wilson made famous over their 25+ year career. In addition to interviews with band members, all of the band's producers also contributed stories — and some of those could be real interesting! L.A. Auto ShowThis Thursday and Friday, 3pm - 7pm: 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! December 8, 2006
Singer/iconic bad boy Jim Morrison of The Doors would have been 63.
On this day in 1979, the Eagles' "The Long Run" entered the singles chart as AC/DC's "Highway To Hell" peaked at #47. On this day in 1980, John Lennon was murdered at the age of 40 in New York City. On this day in 1995, four months after the death of the iconic Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead officially called it quits. On this day in 1998, Bruce Springsteen announced that he would tour with The E Street Band for the first time in nearly a decade. 
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Journey and Steve Perry, as well as Joe's brand new conversation with Steve and Steve's latest recording.
GRAMMY Noms AnnouncedNeil Young and Bob Dylan each will vie for three honors — including Best Rock Song and Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance — at the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 11th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Peter Frampton are among the multiple nominees. Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne and Mark Knopfler have been nominated for one award apiece. The ceremony will air live on CBS-TV. A Saturday Tribute To SandyMore than 15 acts will pay tribute Saturday to The Runaways drummer Sandy West, who died in October of lung cancer. The all-ages show at the Knitting Factory will be co-hosted by former Runaways lead singer Cherie Currie. Also on the bill are The Bangles, The Donnas, The Adolescents, famed drummers Carmine and Vinnie Appice and Michael Des Barres. Although the show is not billed as a fundraiser, all the acts are playing for free and any money left over after expenses will go to the Citrus Valley Hospice program through the newly established Sandy West Foundation. Brit's Still Sticking It To ArtistsOn Wednesday, the British government rejected an extension of their copyright law on sound recordings beyond the existing 50-year limit. Thursday, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters and Peter Gabriel joined more than 4,000 musicians in an appeal to overturn the ruling, calling for "fair play for musicians" in a full-page advertisement in the "Financial Times." Without a change in the archaic law, the catalog of The Beatles could be up for grabs in 2012 and 2013. The British Phonographic Industry is continuing to lobby for a copyright extension to 95 years, the same as in the United States. Ultimately, the final decision lies with the European Commission. Paul + Queen/Tour/Album?Former Free/Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers and Queen could be touring next Summer with some new songs. The trio first hooked up about two years ago, and toured the States earlier this year. Over the last several weeks, the boys have been working in the studio. Queen guitarist Brian May says he's happy with the progress so far, "The tracks seem to be coming out very well, so we'll have to think about whether this is an entire album, or whether it's just a few tracks, and there's a possibility we'll go out on tour next Summer as well. We're thinking about that." As long as you keep recording while you're thinking, Brian! Seminoles Buy Hard Rock EmpireThe Seminole Tribe of Florida beat out 70 bidders to purchase the Hard Rock café, hotel and casino business for $965 million. A Tribe spokesman said at yesterday's press conference at Manhattan's Times Square Hard Rock Cafe, "Our ancestors sold Manhattan for trinkets. Today with the acquisition of the Hard Rock Cafes we're going to buy Manhattan back one hamburger at a time." The Seminole Tribe has about 3,000 members and has already owned and operated two Hard Rock hotel-casinos in Florida. Hard Rock's worldwide portfolio includes 124 Hard Rock Cafes, four Hard Rock Hotels, two Hard Rock Casino Hotels, two Hard Rock Live concert venues and equity stakes in three unbranded hotels. Dick's Stuff SellsFifty years after his first appearance on the TV show that became known as "American Bandstand," Dick Clark has let go of his microphone. The iconic host auctioned off several items from his personal collection of musical memorabilia, including a microphone he first used on July 9, 1956 — his first day on the Rock & Roll show that made him famous. The mic went for $33,000 Wednesday at Guernsey's auction house in New York. One of Madonna's bustiers went for $11,400, a cape belonging to Elvis Presley sold for $24,000, and one of Bob Dylan's harmonicas went for $18,000. Lithographs that John Lennon gave his wife Yoko Ono as a wedding gift were sold for $54,000. Much of the profit from the combined sales are going to the T.J. Martell Foundation, a music industry charity that raises money for research on cancer and AIDS. December 9, 2006
The Band's bassist and co-lead singer, Rick Danko, would have been 63.
On this day in 1967, Cream's classic "Disraeli Gears" album entered the charts. On this day in 1972, Elton John released his "Crocodile Rock" single. On this day in 1974, John Lennon stopped by the broadcast booth during the "Monday Night Football" game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Redskins. While he was there, another guest, Ronald Reagan, explained the rules of football to him. On this day in 1992, bassist Bill Wyman formally announced he was leaving The Rolling Stones. Since then, he has flown on airplanes only three times. On this day in 1995, The Beatles "Anthology Vol. 1" became the group's 16th #1 charting album — 24 years after they broke up! December 10, 2006
Yer Uncle Joe is looking for a cake with a whole lotta candles on it today!!
On this day in 1965, the Warlocks played their first gig under the name Grateful Dead at the second San Francisco Mime Troupe Appeal Party at the Fillmore Auditorium. On this day in 1966, the Beach Boys hit #1 with the song "Good Vibrations." On this day in 1967, guitarist/song meister Steve Miller shocked the music industry when his hitherto unknown Blues Band signed with Capitol Records for a (then) whopping $750,000. Steve soon dropped the "Blues" portion of his group's name and eventually returned Capitol's investment with hits like "The Joker" and "Fly Like An Eagle." On this day in 1967, soul singing legend Otis Redding and four members of the R&B group the Bar-Kays were killed when their tour plane crashed into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. Redding was just 26, and his posthumous single "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" hit #1 soon after his death. On this day in 1976, the live, triple-album set "Wings Over America" by Paul McCartney & Wings was released. On this day in 1983, Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield" peaked at #5 as John Mellencamp released his fourth Top 10 hit, "Pink Houses." On this day in 1984, the single "Do They Know It's Christmas" entered the U.K. charts at #1. It had been recorded by Band Aid, a group of musicians gathered by Boomtown Rats singer Bob Geldof to raise funds for the starving people in Ethiopia. The success of the effort lead directly to the huge Live Aid concerts and "We Are The World" single. On this day in 1988, Van Halen's song "Finish What Ya Started" peaked at #13 on the charts. On this day in 1999, bassist Rick Danko of The Band, died in his sleep in Woodstock, New York after celebrating his 56th birthday. |
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