 December 11 - 20, 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 11, 2006
Drummer Chester Thompson of Genesis is 58. 
On this day in 1957, 22-year-old rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis married the daughter of his bass player. The bride, 13-year-old Myra Gale Brown, was also Jerry Lee's second cousin. And, to be perfectly honest, Jerry was still married to his second wife at the time. Oh, those were the days! On this day in 1965, The Yardbirds' groundbreaking song "I'm A Man" peaked at #17 on the charts. On this day in 1972, Genesis made their American concert debut at Boston's Brandeis University. On this day in 1973, a film crew shot footage of Jimmy Page climbing a mountain for the Led Zeppelin film "The Song Remains the Same" behind his home on Loch Ness, Scotland. Page explained, "I wanted to get a full moon in the shot and it came up in December." Truly art for art's sake. On this day in 1977, Bob Seger's song "Night Moves" entered the charts. On this day in 1982, the Pretenders released the song "Back On The Chain Gang" as Pat Benatar's "Shadows Of The Night" peaked at #13 on the charts. 
Bonolulu A SuccessU2 singer Bono made a dramatic entrance with an American flag at the band's 131st and final stop on its Vertigo tour at Honolulu's Aloha Stadium Saturday night. The Irish superstars — with 20 GRAMMY Awards and more than 150 million albums sold worldwide — took the stage after a tight, hour-long set by Pearl Jam in a rare opening slot. U2's 24-song set and first two encores were filled with songs that have been staples on this last leg of the world tour. But the final encore of the tour was a big surprise. After U2 played their latest single, "Window In The Skies," Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong came out to join in on "The Saints Are Coming," a song he and his bandmates did with U2 when the New Orleans Saints returned to the devastated gulf city and its Louisiana Superdome last September. Right after that, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Mike McCready joined in for a revised rendition of Neil Young's "Rockin' In the Free World." The final song of the tour and the night was a gentle "All I Want Is You." Right so boys — now don't stay away too long! Paul + Queen/Maybe/Tour/AlbumFormer 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! 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! 
Quote Of The WeekIt was "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" author Douglas Adams who said: "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended 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 12, 2006
Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts is 63.
On this day in 1964, "She's Not There" by the Zombies peaked at #2. On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first major concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The show, like most of their early concerts, was for charity. In this particular instance the charity was a famine relief organization. On this day in 1970, Steven Stills released the song "Love The One You're With" just as Eric Clapton's cover of "After Midnight" peaked at #18 on the charts. On this day in 1974, The Rolling Stones began sessions in Munich for what eventually became their 1976 "Black And Blue" album. On this same day, the band announced the departure of guitarist Mick Taylor, who had replaced founding member Brian Jones five years earlier. When asked of Taylor's replacement, Mick Jagger quipped, "No doubt we can find a brilliant six-foot-three blonde guitarist who can do his own make-up." The "Black And Blue" album was eventually recorded with several guitarists, including Wayne Perkins, Harvey Mandel and one Ron Wood (late of the Faces). Woody, who was neither blonde nor even close to six-foot-three, eventually replaced Taylor. On this day in 1985, keyboardist Ian Stewart died of a heart attack in his doctor's London office at the age of 47. Stewart was a founding member of The Rolling Stones, but their manager Andrew Loog Oldham fired him because he didn't have "the right look." Stewart instead became the band's road manager, their indispensable sideman, best friend and, as Keith Richards has since described him, "the very soul of The Rolling Stones." On this day in 1987, Aerosmith's "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" peaked at #14 on the charts.
Eddie/Dave/Talk Is CheapDoes former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth actually have what it would take to rejoin the band? In a current Guitar World magazine interview, Eddie Van Halen says, "I'm telling Dave, 'Dude, get your ass up here and sing, bitch! Come on! As it stands right now, the ball is in Dave's court. Whether he wants to rise to the occasion is entirely up to him, but we're ready to go." Of course, Edward gave that interview months ago, even before he officially brought his 15-year-old son, Wolfgang, into the band as the new bass player. While father, son and drummer/brother/uncle Alex have been rehearsing for a 2007 tour, only God knows what David's been up to. Stay tuned! Aerosmith/Sierra LeoneLate last month, a couple of the Aerosmith boys hooked up with Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars to record a pair of cover tunes for separate tribute albums due out early next year. Guitarist Joe Perry (who first became involved with the All Stars last Summer) and singer Steven Tyler collaborated with the African collective on a cover of John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance." Afterward, Joe rejoined the All Stars to record a version of U2's "Seconds." As Tyler so aptly described the session, "Once again, the music did the talking." Stones/Waters VieTours by The Rolling Stones and Roger Waters have both been nominated in the Major Tour of the Year and Most Creative Stage Production categories in the 2007 Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. The ceremony, which will be held at the Gibson Amphitheatre on February 8th, will close out the 2007 Concert Industry Consortium that precedes the GRAMMY Awards. Other nominations include both Aerosmith's "Route of All Evil" tour with Motley Crue and Def Leppard's road trip with Journey for Most Creative Tour Package. Ertegun Not ImprovingThe condition of music industry giant/Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun doesn't appear to be improving. His personal doctor says Ertegun is, "in a deep coma and in critical condition. His chance of a meaningful recovery is small." The 83-year-old Ertegun suffered a severe brain injury after falling backstage at the October 29th Rolling Stones concert at New York's Beacon Theatre. The band performed that special club show for Bill Clinton as part of the former president's 60th birthday celebration. Ahmet was a key figure in launching the careers of numerous artists, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Led Zeppelin. Ertegun was also instrumental in the creation of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and was inducted into it in 1987.
Einstein's Insight
1. "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." December 13, 2006
Guitarist/bow hunter/yahoo Ted Nugent is 58.
On this day in 1961, The Beatles signed their first management contract with Brian Epstein. Neither he nor they knew what they were doing, but together they changed the world. On this day in 1966, Jimi Hendrix recorded "Foxey Lady." And the world was never the same again. On this day in 1974, former Beatle George Harrison met President Gerald Ford at the White House after the president's son Jack invited George to Washington. Soon after, Peter Frampton stopped by for lunch with George, Jack and the President. No one seemed to know who invited Peter, but all had a good time telling road stories. On this day in 1987, Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer" entered the charts.
Dylan Tops Rolling Stone PollRolling Stone magazine has named Bob Dylan's "Modern Times" the Best Album of 2006 in its year-end review. The publication compares the disc to Dylan's legendary 1968 "John Westley Harding" album. This praise follows recognition from the Recording Academy, which last week gave Dylan three GRAMMY nominations for his work on "Modern Times." A few other classic rockers also made the "Rolling Stone" Top 100. Bruce Springsteen's "How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live," from his Pete Seeger tribute album "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions," came in at #24, while Tom Petty's "Saving Grace" landed at #93. Elty Headlines Diana GigIt's finally official. A large concert to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Britain's Princess Diana will be held at London's Wembley Stadium on July 1st. Her sons, Princes William and Harry, have announced that several well-known performers, including Elton John, Duran Duran and Joss Stone, will participate. Andrew Lloyd Webber will also perform a medley of songs from his shows and the English National Ballet will appear, a reflection of Diana's love of theater and dance. The event, on what would have been Diana's 46th birthday, is expected to draw about 90,000 people in addition to a worldwide television audience. Roger's Voice FailsIt's a good thing The Who are taking a few weeks off. Singer/iconic frontman Roger Daltrey battled through bronchitis and throat problems during the final show of the band's latest North American tour leg Monday in Columbus, Ohio. "It doesn't (expletive) matter," the singer told the crowd. "It's rock & roll, right?" Roger also experienced voice trouble last Friday in St. Paul, actually sitting out the last few songs of the group's set. The Who kick off the next leg of their Stateside tour on February 23rd in Reno. Heal quickly mate! December 14, 2006
Nostradamus (physician, astrologer, clairvoyant) would have been 503 and still full of it.
On this day in 1974, the song "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #17 on the charts. On this day in 1975, the classic "Lady" by Styx entered the singles charts. On this day in 1999, Paul McCartney, along with David Gilmour guitarist of Pink Floyd and drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, performed at the Cavern Club for the first time since his days with The Beatles. The concert was broadcast live over the Internet and beat all previous audience records. Trust me, The Beatles songs were the highlight.   This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pink Floyd as well as Joe's new conversation with drummer Nick Mason.
Stones Top Tour ListIt's official. The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang tour, which recently re-captured the Top Grossing Tour Ever title from U2's Vertigo, was also the 2006 Top Grossing Tour. The Stones, which began their latest jaunt in Fall 2005, sold out arenas in America, stadiums all over the world and then stadiums in America before taking a break late last month with a tally of about $437 million. Stones tour producer Michael Cohl says, "There are still a lot of cancellations in Europe that the band feels obligated to try and make up. So I wouldn't be surprised if it keeps going next year." Second to The Stones in 2006 was Madonna's Confessions tour, which became the Top Grossing Tour Ever by a female artist with just under $195 million from 60 shows. Also in the 2006 Top 10 were Bon Jovi ($131 million) and U2 (wrapping up the Vertigo tour with $96 million). All year-end rankings are based on numbers compiled from November 16, 2005 through November 14, 2006. Yoko's Evil ChauffeurYoko Ono's chauffeur, Koral Karsan, has been arrested for trying to extort $2 million from her and threatening to kill her and her son Sean Lennon. The security staff for the widow of Beatle John Lennon told N.Y.C. detectives that the Turkish-born driver wrote her in a rambling note that he had secretly photographed and recorded her. Last Friday, on the 26th anniversary of Lennon's slaying, Karsan dropped off the note and a photo of Ono in nightclothes at the Dakota apartment building where she and John lived. Brutal stuff. Axl Cancels Another OneGuns N' Roses canceled last night's concert in Fresno. As usual, there was no reason given (but don't you be thinking they weren't selling any tickets). The tour is scheduled to resume really late tomorrow night in Oakland. Meanwhile, new GN'R guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal has addressed fans worrying about the release of the group's long-awaited "Chinese Democracy" album. "Life's too damn short to be upset about what you don't have," he says. Someone needs to tell Ron that we long ago canceled our interest in anything any GN'R guitarist other than Slash has to say — ever. Selling Those Big EyeballsPink Floyd are auctioning off a pair of autographed 6 foot high eyeballs for charity. The props were made to promote the Pulse DVD, and went on sale on eBay today. The proceeds are going to the homeless charity Crisis, of which the Floyd's David Gilmour is a long-term supporter. Gilmour says the auction is not just about money. "The eBay auction will not only raise much needed funds for the charity but will also raise awareness of the plight of the homeless at a time of year when they are most vulnerable." Right so! Princess Di's Gig Sells OutRemember yesterday's story about next Summer's Princess Diana memorial concert at Wembley Stadium? Tickets for the July 1st, 2007 show sold out in about 30 minutes. Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, are holding the concert to mark the 10th anniversary of their mother's death. The proceeds for the "Concert for Diana" will benefit charities that were near and dear to Diana's heart. Grandpa MaccaPaul McCartney's fashion-designer daughter, Stella McCartney, has given birth to her second child with husband Alasdhair Willis. Bailey Linda Olwyn Willis was born last Friday in London and weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces. The newborn, who joins her 22-month-old brother Miller in the couple's household, is the former Beatle's fourth grandchild. His youngest daughter, Beatrice, just turned 3 years old. December 15, 2006
Drummer Dave Clark of the Dave Clark 5 is 64 and no longer drumming.
On this day in 1962, bassist Bill Wyman made his live debut with The Rolling Stones at Putney's Church Hall in London. On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the trumpets and cellos for "Strawberry Fields Forever" at Abbey Road studios. On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono and their Plastic Ono Band — including special guests Eric Clapton, Keith Moon and George Harrison — performed at a benefit for UNICEF at London's Lyceum Theater. On this day in 1970, George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" album was released. On this day in 1971, the first of The Rolling Stones' "Hot Rocks" compilations was released. On this day in 1973, Genesis made their first appearance on the U.S. charts with the album "Selling England By The Pound." It was the band's fourth release, but their first in America. Led by Peter Gabriel, they set the standard for "art rock/progressive rock" groups of the time. On this day in 1979, Fleetwood Mac's song "Sara" entered the charts as "Take The Long Way Home" by Supertramp peaked at #10 and John Cougar's "I Need A Lover" topped out at #28. On this day in 1984, "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" by U2 peaked at #33 on the charts.
T.P. In H.D.The Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers concert special recorded back on September 21st will premiere on the VOOM HD Network's Rave HD channel tonight. "Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: Live From Gatorville" captured Petty's triumphant return to his hometown of Gainesville, Florida. Besides showcasing the Heartbreakers performing at their peak, the concert also featured a guest appearance by Stevie Nicks on several songs. Hall Narrows ChoicesThe list of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominees has been pared down to nine finalists. Chic, The Dave Clark Five, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, R.E.M., The Ronettes, Patti Smith, The Stooges, Joe Tex and Van Halen are still in the hunt. The Top 5 vote getters will be announced on January 8th and inducted a couple months later. Phixing PhilGrateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh underwent prostate cancer surgery last week at the Vattikuti Urology Institute in Detroit. Word is that Phil's "already out of the hospital and is healing well." Lesh's Unbroken Chain Foundation is asking fans to give blood this month, and has promised to give $10 to the Institute for every pint donated through December 31st. Check out http://www.phillesh.net for details. Here Come Dylan's LawyersBob Dylan has called in his lawyers to stop the film Factory Girl from being released on December 29th. Bob's boys have demanded to screen the movie, which is based around Andy Warhol's Factory art house and his legendary muse, Edie Sedgwick. Dylan has "deep concerns" over the film's alleged suggestion that he was responsible for Sedgwick's 1971 suicide. Although Dylan's name isn't used in the film, his attorneys warn those behind the movie that "changing the name of a character or making him a purported fictional character" will not "immunize" them from a lawsuit. Stay tuned! Def Leppard Ready (Almost)Everybody in Def Leppard has said it at one time or another over the past week, so it must be true. The band has already made significant progress toward writing its next album and will hit the studio in January. Guitarist Phil Collen says, "We've got about five or six songs on the go, and there'll be 11 or 12 on the final version. We're trying to get it out for next summer, which for us would be amazing." Ahmet Passes OnAhmet Ertegun, who helped define American music as the founder of Atlantic Records while nurturing talent like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, has died at the age of 83. Ertegun fell at the October 29th Rolling Stones Beacon Theater concert in New York. He suffered a head injury, slipped into a coma and spent weeks in the hospital before finally succumbing yesterday. Rest in peace.
 Three hours of your favorite Classic Rock & Roll Christmas songs and rare Nuggets — songs from John Lennon, Boston, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, U2, Camp Freddy, The Black Crowes and Stevie Nicks, among many others. Check out this year's playlist! December 16, 2006
Singer/guitarist Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is 57.
On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience released their first single, "Hey Joe," in England. On this day in 1972, the song "And You And I (Part II)" by Yes peaked at #42 on the charts. On this day in 1984, ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill was accidentally shot in the stomach when a gun he carried in his boot went off as his girlfriend helped him remove his foot wear. He recovered after surgery. On this day in 1989, Bon Jovi's "Living In Sin" peaked at #9 on the singles chart. December 17, 2006
Vocalist Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company is 57.
On this day in 1973, Fleetwood Mac's manager, Clifford Davis, took advantage of the group's first break from touring and recording by stealing their name and sending the fake Fleetwood Mac out on tour. When Mick Fleetwood found out what was happening, he sued Davis and assumed management of the band himself. On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "You Make Loving Fun" peaked at #9 on the charts. On this day in 1982, The Who performed one of their first farewell concerts at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens. Many of us gullible fans purchased the concert on pay-per-view. Of course, 20 years later The Who occasionally still play gigs near you. On this day in 1983, the Pretenders released the song "Middle of the Road." It eventually topped out at #19 on the charts. On this day in 1986, The Doobie Brothers reunited for the first time. They got along so well during the benefit in Palo Alto, a reunion tour followed and they've been rockin' down the highway ever since. December 18, 2006
Chas Chandler, bassist for the Animals and Jimi Hendrix's manager would have been 68.
On this day in 1971, 36-year-old rock icon/hellraiser Jerry Lee Lewis divorced his 27-year-old second cousin, Myra Gale Brown after 14 years of marriage. At least they were still family. On this day in 1975, Rod Stewart announced that he was leaving the Faces for a solo career. On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's song "Fly Like An Eagle" entered the charts. On this day in 1976, the Eagles' soon-to-be #1 hit "New Kid in Town" entered the charts as their classic "Hotel California" album was released. On this day in 1978, Led Zeppelin finished recording their last studio album, "In Through the Out Door."
Axl's Newest DateMarch 6th is the latest "tentative" release date for Guns N' Roses' infamous "Chinese Democracy" album, which has been over a decade in the making. After firing his latest manager, Axl Rose said that the release date is "not a promise, a lie or a guarantee." Then he canceled four more concerts in January due to further work on the first GN'R album since 1993's "The Spaghetti Incident." You may return to your previously scheduled life now. Rush Closing InRush drummer Neil Peart says the band is closing in on completion of its new album. "It looks as though the recording will be finished by the end of the year — far ahead of schedule. We are planning on doing the final mixing early in the New Year." He's described the band's latest sessions as, "brash, confident, determined, inspired, challenged, fired-up, defiant and excited." Nick Raskulinecz, who has worked with the Foo Fighters and Velvet Revolver, has been heavily involved co-producing the album with the band. Grabbing At Dio's HeadlinesRonnie James Dio says that Heaven And Hell, the one-off project featuring the early Eighties Black Sabbath line-up, will launch their world tour on March 3rd in Vancouver. Not to be overshadowed in the P.R. department, Sharon Osbourne — Ozzy's wife/manager — says that the original Black Sabbath singer will begin a solo tour in April. Wonder if she's booking both of them? Pete Will Do SXSWWho guitarist/songwriter/rock icon Pete Townshend has been slated to give the keynote address at the South By Southwest conference in Austin, Texas on March 14th. The next day (if Pete has finally finished his speech), Townshend will join girlfriend Rachel Fuller for a performance as part of their online show, In The Attic. P.J. Cover Who For AdamPearl Jam has recorded a cover of The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me" for the new Adam Sandler film Reign Over Me, which comes out on March 9th. Pearl Jam has been playing Who covers for years, especially "I Can't Explain" and "Baba O'Reily."
Three hours of your favorite Classic Rock & Roll Christmas songs and rare Nuggets — songs from John Lennon, Boston, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, U2, Camp Freddy, The Black Crowes and Stevie Nicks, among many others. Check out this year's playlist! Quote Of The WeekIt was English humorist P.G. Wodehouse who said: "The trouble with cats is that they've got no tact." December 19, 2006
Alvin Lee, speed guitarist and vocalist for Ten Years After, is 62.
On this day in 1955, Carl Perkins recorded his signature hit "Blue Suede Shoes" at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. On this day in 1964, the Fab Four's "Beatles for Sale" album spent its first week at #1 on the U.K. charts. To accomplish that, it knocked The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" off the top spot, where that album had spent the prior 21 weeks. On this day in 1970, the much-praised "All Things Must Pass" from George Harrison entered the charts. The triple album is still considered by many to be his best solo work. On this day in 1974, during his only solo world tour, former Beatle George Harrison performed the first of two nights at Madison Square Garden. On this day in 1975, guitarist Ron Wood officially joined The Rolling Stones. On this day in 1981, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" peaked at #9 on the charts. On this day in 1993, Michael Clarke, The Byrds' original drummer, died of liver failure at the age of 49.
On StageOdds are even that the Guns N' Roses show will be rocking the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight and tomorrow. Suing Wolfgang's VaultA number of classic rockers are taking issue with the way one website is using their material. Members of Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Grateful Dead Productions and Carlos Santana are among those involved in a lawsuit filed Monday against William Sagan, who owns Wolfgang's Vault. Sagan streams rare vintage concert recordings on wolfgangsvault.com, and sells an array of music memorabilia that spans several decades. In their suit, the performers contend that Sagan is illegally offering the recordings to help move other products. Their attorney says, "Sagan simply doesn't have the legal rights to exploit and profit from the extraordinary success of these musicians." "We have never given permission for our images and material to be used in this way," Grateful Dead member Bob Weir added. "What Sagan is doing is stealing. He is stealing what is most important to us — our work, our images and our music - and is profiting from the good will of our fans." The music, as well as much of the material that's for sale, comes from the collection of the late concert promoter Bill Graham, who had received permission to photograph, film, and record countless numbers of shows dating back to the mid-Sixties. In addition, Bill had an extensive collection of memorabilia from the numerous concerts he produced. Sagan purchased all of that material several years ago for $5 million, and only recently began merchandising it through his website. Stay tuned! E.C. Plays At HomeThe No Stiletto Shoes Band, led by Procol Harum singer/keyboardist Gary Brooker, did their annual hometown benefit show last Friday, and Eric Clapton, Gary's longtime neighbor, joined the group on four songs. The loosely organized band also included bassist Dave Bronze, who's toured with Clapton and Procol Harum, and guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low, who's worked with Clapton for many, many years. Brooker supports local charities with regular gigs, and Clapton has joined him several times over the years. No word on how much money was raised, but a very lucky 300 were in attendance for the show. Clapton is home in England for the holidays. His world tour picks up again in Singapore on January 13th, and he'll hit the Southland on March 14th and 17th. Painting A Tribute To DimebagOzzy Osbourne, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Mountain's Leslie West are among the rockers participating in an art exhibit dedicated to late Pantera guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. Six-String Masterpieces: The Dimebag Darrell Art Tribute features instruments that have been hand-painted and sculpted by various artists, all to be auctioned to benefit a music-and-art education foundation created in Abbott's honor. Check it out at http://www.deanguitars.com/sixstringmp/ Ian Cancels AustraliaDeep Purple singer Ian Gillan's January Australian solo tour has been canceled, mainly because his bassist, Rodney Appleby, is recovering from being shot by a nutty neighbor last month. Gillan's guitarist/co-producer Michael Lee Jackson reports that Appleby "is expected to recover fully," although a bullet remains in his neck.
Party Stressing
Nearly three out of four Americans "stress out" about what to wear to at least one holiday party, according to a survey commissioned by Sears, Roebuck and Co. Among the findings: December 20, 2006
KISS drummer Peter Criss is 61.
On this day in 1957, Elvis Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army. On this day in 1967, singer Ian Anderson and bassist Glen Cornick left the John Evan Band to join up with guitarist Mick Abraham and drummer Clive Bunker. At first the band changed their name at every gig because they played so poorly. Later, Anderson was at the home of their manager, Terry Ellis, when he spotted a book by the 18th century agriculturist/author Jethro Tull. The band has been using that name ever since. On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones' classic album "Let It Bleed" knocked The Beatles' "Abbey Road" off the top of the British album charts. "Abbey Road" returned to the #1 position the following week. On this day in 1973, singer/songwriter Bobby Darin died of heart failure while having his second open-heart surgery in two years. He was only 37. On this day in 1975, guitarist Joe Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon in the Eagles. Walsh's songwriting, musicality and guitar technique were a boost to the band's sound, and his weird-ass sense of humor added a welcome new wrinkle to the Eagles' hip Southern California countenance. On this day in 1980, Pat Benatar's song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" peaked at #9 on the charts. Three hours of your favorite Classic Rock & Roll Christmas songs and rare Nuggets — songs from John Lennon, Boston, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, U2, Camp Freddy, The Black Crowes and Stevie Nicks, among many others. Check out this year's playlist!
On StageOdds are good that the Guns N' Roses show will rock the Gibson Amphitheatre around midnight tonight. Better Late Than NeverSometimes things takes a little longer than they should. The Doors, the Grateful Dead, Booker T & The MGs, and Joan Baez will each receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards in early February. The honorary GRAMMY allows the Recording Academy to acknowledge the work of artists who weren't recognized in their heyday. Of this year's honorees, only Booker T & The MGs have previously earned a GRAMMY, and that came in 1994 for the Best Pop Instrumental Performance. The band's guitarist, Steve Cropper, captured the GRAMMY in 1968 for Best R&B Song as co-writer of Otis Redding's hit "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." But as for the Dead, The Doors and Joan, this will be their first time on the podium. Let's just hope their speeches aren't cut off. Jeff's Finally OfficialJeff Scott Soto has been officially named the new lead singer of Journey. He had been filling in for Steve Augeri, who left the U.S. tour with Def Leppard on June 23rd due to illness. Although Augeri has apparently recovered well enough to record a solo album, his contract with the band was allowed to run its course. Good luck to them all! Elty's Film DebutsElton John was joined by several celebrity friends at Monday's London premiere of the new film "It's a Boy Girl Thing." His partner, David Furnish, was the film's producer, and Sir Elty himself served as the executive producer. Sting, one of the former Spice Girls and many momentary Brit stars, as well as Sharon Osbourne (who also appears in the flick), were guests at the bash that benefited John's AIDS Foundation. When pressed by the media to speak, John modestly proclaimed "I just helped get the music together and gave [Furnish] moral support." What a guy! Charlie's OpenersThe Marshall Tucker Band and the Outlaws will open the 2007 edition of the Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam Tour. Of the 18 dates announced so far, the closest the C.D.B. will get to the Southland is the Pala Casino on June 7th. But they promise to announce more shows soon. Daniels' first Volunteer Jam event took place in Nashville in 1974 when all of the Southern Rock bands were still alive and cookin'.
Xmas FactoidsOver 16% of the people who decorate their yards and houses spend more than six hours each year putting up the decorations. The first documentation of decorating a Christmas tree was in 1604 in Strasburg, Germany. Decorating Christmas trees became a tradition in the U.S in the mid-1800's and has evolved over the subsequent 150 year period to the industry we know today. In 1851, Mark Carr hauled two sleds loaded with trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York City and opened the first retail tree lot in the U.S. Until fairly recently, all Christmas trees came from forests, not farms. It takes up to 12 years to grow a Christmas tree of average retail height, which is 6-7 feet. The tallest living Christmas tree is believed to be the 122-foot, 91-year-old Douglas fir in the town of Woodinville, Washington. Happy Holidays to all!! |
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