March 1 - 10, 2007

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!

March 1, 2007

Vocalist Roger Daltrey of The Who is 63.

On this day in 1957, 16-year-old John Lennon persuaded his Aunt Mimi to buy him a guitar.

On this day in 1969, Jim Morrison was arrested after a Miami Doors concert for alleged indecent exposure (he supposedly whipped it out during the show).

On this day in 1974, Queen launched its first headlining tour of England with a show in Blackpool.

On this day in 1975, the Eagles' "Best Of My Love" hit #1 on the singles chart, Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Roll On Down The Highway" peaked at #14 and Bob Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks" was the #1 album in the land.

On this day in 1995, R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry suffered a brain aneurysm on stage during a concert in Switzerland. He was rushed to a hospital and survived, but decided it was time to quit life on the road (and eventually the band).

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Van Halen as well as conversation with Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar.

On Stage Tonight

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band will be rocking the Forum in Inglewood tonight!

REO Changes Art/Title

You had to wonder if REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin was serious when he said the band's new album would be called "Everyone Loves a Happy Ending" and the cover art would feature a dead bird laying on it's back. Well the album has been rechristened "Find Your Own Way Home," and the new cover art features a tasteful illustration of a compass. A limited-edition, three-disc version will also be available when the package is released on April 3rd.

Rush Delayed (Slightly)

The release of Rush's new album, "Snakes & Arrows," has been pushed back one week. It will now appear in stores on May 8th.

Wilburys At Last

Word is that the Traveling Wilburys albums will finally be remastered and reissued in June. The new CDs will also include bonus tracks and a 30 minute DVD.

Kudos For Stewart

Stewart Copeland, the legendary drummer for The Police and accomplished film composer, will be given the Cinequest Film Festival's highest honor, The Maverick Spirit Award this Saturday. Copeland will receive the award live during a moderated conversation on stage following a screening of his film "Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out" at the California Theatre in San Jose.

Peter To Recite

This Saturday, Peter Frampton will narrate a recital of Sergei Prokofiev's classic Peter And The Wolf at a library in Independence, Kentucky. The free lunchtime performance will feature music by the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and lots of kids in the audience. In other news, Frampton donated the guitar on which he composed "Baby, I Love Your Way" and "Show Me the Way" to the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville.

Kansas Reinvented

Four of Kansas' five members are launching a new side project called Native Window. The group will feature Kansas bassist Billy Greer on lead vocals, plus drummer Phil Ehart, guitarist Rich Williams and violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale. The quartet will first hit the studio in April to record around Kansas' touring commitments. "We're pretty pumped about working in another genre to try some new and different musical directions," says Ehart. "We don't know where this music will take us just yet." Well it's a safe bet it will take them far away from longtime Kansas vocalist Steve Walsh!

Quote Of The Day

It was Susan Richman who said: "The trouble with dawn is that it comes too early in the day."

Cookie Time!

When some Alabama Girl Scouts decided on a promotion stunt to boost cookie sales, they invited local chefs to take part. What emerged was some interesting menu items. The adult winner combined Girl Scout Lemonade cookies, chicken, water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, sour cream, and cream of celery soup. Another innovation was baked chicken strips breaded in crushed Girl Scout shortbread cookies. A third entry of note was roasted caramel apple delight cobbler using Scout Caramel DeLite cookies. In related news, did you know that mixing hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps can give you a Thin Mint flavored beverage? At least that's what Skylord tells me...

March 2, 2007

Dr. Theodor 'Ted' Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss (actually pronounced like "voice"), would have been 103.
Lou Reed hits 64.
Eddie Money turns 58.
Jon Bon Jovi is 45.

On this day in 1964, The Beatles began filming "A Hard Day's Night."

On this day in 1968, Syd Barrett was pushed out of Pink Floyd.

On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers' "The Captain & Me" album was released.

On this day in 1976, Led Zeppelin released the "Presence" album.

Hall Of Fame Line-Up

Well it sort of makes sense. Word is that Velvet Revolver will perform in place of Van Halen at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony a week from Monday, and V.R. singer Scott Weiland and guitarist Slash will deliver the induction speech. Don't know if any of the feuding Halens will take part in the performance, but — except for Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony — it would seem impossible to keep the other three from talking! Other presenters will include Rolling Stones guitarist/legendary mumbler Keith Richards introducing The Ronettes, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, honoring R.E.M., and Rage Against The Machine singer Zack De La Rocha introducing Patti Smith. This will also mark the first time that the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will be broadcast live. VH1 Classic will carry the event from New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on March 12th.

Macca's Divorce Update #749

The British tabloids are reporting that Paul McCartney whistled, snapped his fingers and flashed the peace sign to photographers as he made his way out of London's High Court after a two hour preliminary hearing in his divorce case on Thursday. The former Beatle's soon to be ex-wife Heather Mills left through the back door. Lawyers for both released a statement asking for the media to respect the confidentiality of the proceedings (oh yeah, that will happen!) and denying that Mills has accepted any settlement.

Jovi Does Kickin' Theme Song

The Arena Football League kicks off its 2007 season Sunday with a brand new theme song by Bon Jovi and the country duo Big & Rich. "We Got It Goin' On" — co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Big Kenny and John Rich — will be played during the opening for ESPN's 17-week AFL game telecast. The song will also appear on the upcoming Bon Jovi album, which is scheduled to be released later this year.

Simmons' Jewels Get Real

Gene Simmons has almost finished filming the second season of his A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." The KISS bassist and his daughter Sophie explored Camp Pendleton and met with the troops, and later went to the Long Beach Veteran's Hospital. Gene says that was, "the most memorable and heart wrenching part of our visit." He also said, "The least we can do is look them in the eye and tell them what they did matters. No matter your political point of view." Right so!

Another Book On Dylan

A new book with an extraordinarily long title, "Bob Dylan: Intimate Insights From Friends and Fellow Musicians," will hit stores in June. Journalist Kathleen Mackay put together an 'oral history' of Bob Dylan that's based on stories from Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, U2's Bono and members of The Beatles and The Band, among others.

Name Games

There are more than 200 slang terms for marijuana. No one can remember just how many more, but that's a story for another time.

Does Size Really Matter?

Ever wonder why that outfit doesn't look the same on you? While the average American model is five feet eleven inches tall and weighs 117 pounds, the average American woman is five feet four inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.

Although most people think that Napoleon was short, he was actually five feet, six inches tall, an average height for a Frenchman in those days.

A ten-gallon hat actually holds 3/4 gallon or three quarts. Why did they call it a ten-gallon hat? Because everything's bigger in Texas — especially the lies!

March 3, 2007

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley released his first #1 single, "Heartbreak Hotel."

On this day in 1966, Stephen Stills and Neil Young formed Buffalo Springfield in a small house near the intersection of Fountain and Gower in Hollywood. A Buffalo Springfield earthmover parked nearby inspired the group's name (granted, they really liked the initials B.S.).

On this day in 1967, former Yardbird guitar god Jeff Beck debuted his Jeff Beck Group featuring bassist Ron Wood, drummer Aynsley Dunbar and a new singer by the name of Rod Stewart.

On this day in 1973, Stealer's Wheel's "Stuck In The Middle With You" entered the charts.

On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin finally released the long-delayed "Physical Graffiti" album.

On this day in 1978, Van Halen began its first world tour at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Through much of the tour, the Pasadena band was the opening act for Black Sabbath and Journey.

March 4, 2007

Bassist Chris Squire of Yes is 58.

On this day in 1877, Emile Berliner invented the microphone. Where would we be without him?

On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart.

On this date in 1972, "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T. Rex peaked at #10 on the charts.

On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd kicked off their "Dark Side of the Moon" American tour in Madison, Wisconsin.

On this day in 1986, pianist/vocalist Richard Manuel of The Band hung himself following a concert in Florida. The suicide was a total surprise to everyone who knew him. He was only 42.

March 5, 2007

Keyboardist Alan Clark of Dire Straits is 55.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles released the "Nowhere Man" single backed with "What Goes On."

On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin performed "Stairway to Heaven" in concert for the first time. Belfast, Northern Ireland was the chosen spot.

On this day in 1982, comedian John Belushi, "Saturday Night Live" veteran and Blues Brother, died of an overdose at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles. He was 33.

On this day in 1994, Grace Slick pointed a shotgun at police in her Tiburon, California home. By June, she was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and three month's worth of Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings.

More Kudos For Bono

U2 frontman Bono was the recipient of the Chairman's Award at the 38th Annual NAACP Image Awards Friday night in Los Angeles. While accepting his award for his global humanitarian efforts, Bono evoked the spirit of what he called the "poetry and righteousness of the Black Church" in a rousing call for action against poverty. You need to check out this six-minute video to appreciate one of the most powerful musician/personalities of our time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDueMj7RlsU

Damn Yankees Resurface (Sort Of)

The early Nineties supergroup Damn Yankees — featuring guitarist/singer Tommy Shaw of Styx, bassist/singer Jack Blades of Night Ranger, guitarist/non-singer Ted Nugent and drummer Michael Cartellone — released two platinum albums followed by the 1992 "Uprising" concert video. Now a remastered DVD version of that live show, recorded at the Rocky Mountain Jam in Denver, will be released next Tuesday. The new "Uprising" also features behind-the-scenes video of the band's rehearsal and recording sessions, plus exclusive backstage footage and interviews. Just don't expect Tedly to come off too warm and fuzzy.

P.J./Lollapalooza

It was 15 years ago that a new band out of Seattle took a supporting slot on the Lollapalooza festival to promote their debut album, "Ten." Of course, Pearl Jam went on to become one of the most important/successful groups of their generation well before Lollapalooza went on hiatus. Now Eddie Vedder and the boys will be headlining the recently-revived three-day Lollapalooza festival at Chicago's Grant Park from August 3rd through the 5th. Right so!

Roger Leans On David (Sort Of)

Although Roger Waters just launched a solo tour of Latin America on Friday, he says he's still interested in performing with a reunited Pink Floyd. The famed singer/bassist/songwriter says, "I would be delighted to do it. Not a single show, but a series of events that we could do. But I do not believe that [guitarist] Dave [Gilmour] wants to do it." Since it sure wouldn't work without him, you could say that's all for now!

Another Prize For Rhyming Simon

Paul Simon will be the first to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Named for the legendary composers George and Ira Gershwin, the award recognizes songwriters and performers with a lasting and influential body of work. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington says Simon is the "perfect first recipient" because his music offers depth, range and beauty, and has served as a cross-cultural bridge between different peoples. The all-star gala will be held in Washington, DC on May 23rd, and televised on PBS stations on June 27th.

Quote Of The Day

It was Wyatt Earp who said: "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything."

Random Animal Factoids

* Cats can hear ultrasound.

* An elephant may consume 500 pounds of hay and 60 gallons of water in a single day.

* A giraffe can clean its ears with its tongue. (Easy there pal — I said a giraffe!)

March 6, 2007

Guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is 61.

On this day in 1976, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks-penned "Rhiannon" entered the charts where it eventually peaked at #11.

Van Halen/Hall Update #6,497

Word is that all five Van Halen members up for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will attend the March 12th ceremony — unless someone changes their mind. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.

Here Comes Heaven And Hell

As expected, the Black Sabbath-related group Heaven And Hell will follow their three-week March leg of Canadian dates with a Spring U.S. tour. After recording three new songs for their "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years" collection (due out on April 3rd), Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice will be gigging for the first time in 15 years. And yes, the Heaven and Hell Tour 2007 will include an April 25th gig at the Forum in Inglewood. Prepare to rock!

Top To Tour

Just like we've been saying, ZZ Top is heading back out on the road. The Lil' Ol' Band From Texas' first 18 shows run through an April 29th gig at the Palomar Starlight Theatre at the Pala Casino. Of course, more dates will be added, including some closer to you and me. Stay tuned!

Another Chance At The Police

If you missed getting tickets for The Police's 30th Anniversary Tour stop at Dodger Stadium, be aware that they've announced their first European dates starting with Stockholm on August 29th — always a beautiful time of year in that Scandinavian wonderland.

First Round To Macca

Some British legal experts are saying that, following Paul McCartney's two-day preliminary divorce hearing last week, the former Beatle has gained the upper hand. Word is that Macca's lawyers used Heather Mills McCartney's public statements to "undermine her credibility" so "the judge can't believe anything she has to say." In addition to determining a monetary settlement involving McCartney's estimated $1.5 billion nest egg, the couple needs to reach a custody agreement for their three-year-old daughter, Beatrice. If Sir Paulie is successful in requiring that his ex remain in Britain so that he can see his daughter, Mills will have to forego plans to move to Los Angeles. Stay tuned...

Vault's Legal Fight Ramps Up

Way back in the Sixties, the late concert promoter Bill Graham developed a rapport with the biggest performers of the day, and received permission to photograph, film and record countless numbers of shows. In addition, he had amassed an extensive collection of memorabilia from the numerous concerts he produced. In 2003, 12 years after his death, the Graham collection was sold to William Sagan for $5 million, and 13 months ago he launched the Wolfgang's Vault online music site, streaming rare vintage concert recordings and selling a huge array of rock memorabilia. A couple of months ago, Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead, Santana and The Doors all sued Sagan, claiming that he is, among other things, illegally offering the recordings. So now Sagan has countersued the artists and two record companies. The legal wrangling could go on for years as Bill Graham rolls over and over and over in his grave.

Another Lennon Film

A two-hour film assembled from rare footage of John Lennon will premiere at a free screening today at the Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine. "3 Days In The Life" features film of Lennon, wife Yoko Ono and friends that was shot in February 1970 by Ono's former husband, Tony Cox, for a never-completed documentary project. For whatever reason, the plan is to show "3 Days" for free at a variety of other U.S. colleges and other schools.

Quote Of The Day

It was Monty Python's John Cleese who said: "If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play."

You Can Be The Mayor Of Hell

For a mere $100, you can be the mayor of Hell, Michigan for one whole day! Your term ends when the real mayor, John Colone, calls you up to tell you that you've been impeached in Hell. All mayors will receive a key to the city, devil horns and an official badge among other Hellish things. You can find out even more at www.hell2u.com.

March 7, 2007

Singer/bassist Chris Taylor-White of The Zombies is 64 and virtually invisible.
Vocalist Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band is 62.
Drummer Kenny Aronoff (Mellencamp, Fogerty, Ethridge) is 54.

On this day in 1967, The Beatles finished recording "Lovely Rita" for the "Sgt. Pepper" album.

On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travelin' Band" peaked at #2 on the charts.

On this day in 1973, legendary A&R man John Hammond suffered a heart attack while attending a showcase concert by his brand new signing, Bruce Springsteen. Fortunately, both John and Bruce survived.

On this day in 1975, David Bowie shocked his fans by going "soul" with the release of his "Young Americans" album.

On this day in 1979, Bad Company released the "Desolation Angels" album.

On this day in 1987, Peter Gabriel's "Big Time" peaked at #8 on the pop singles chart.

On this day in 1988, The Beatles albums "Past Masters Volume 1" and "Volume 2" were released.

Stand By For Genesis

The (temporarily) reunited Genesis will officially announce the American leg of their 2007 tour with a breakfast press conference today. The "Turn it on Again" tour will hit large venues all across North America after they finish touring Europe in June and July.

Police Reunion Update #793

Has anybody noticed if The Police have announced June 20th as their second Southland concert date yet?

Loggins/Rock Walk Today

Kenny Loggins will be leaving his handprints and signature in cement as he gets inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk at noon today. The sidewalk gallery, in front of the Guitar Center on Sunset Boulevard, honors significant artists in rock, blues and R&B. Loggins has been prosperous as a songwriter and a performer, as a solo artist and as a member of the duo Loggins & Messina. He's earned GRAMMY Awards as a writer and singer, and captured Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his soundtrack work. The event is open to the public, and yes our own Jim Ladd will be hosting the festivities.

Sgt. Pepper Tops The List

The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" has topped yet another album list. Retail members of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers compiled the "Definitive 200" to reflect what they believe are must-haves for any record collection. Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" is in second place, followed by Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "Led Zeppelin IV." U2's "The Joshua Tree" rounds out the Top 5. The Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street," Carole King's "Tapestry," Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" and The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" also made the Top 10. The Beatles and Led Zeppelin placed five albums each on the list, while four Stones LPs made the cut. NARM will formally launch its promotion of the list with an L.A. press conference today. Brian Wilson is expected to be on hand for the event, giving an acoustic performance of select "Pet Sounds" tracks.

Saying No To Jimi Juice

Did anyone doubt this was going to happen? Experience Hendrix, the family-run company founded in 1995 by Jimi Hendrix's dad Al Hendrix, filed a lawsuit yesterday in Federal Court against Electric Hendrix, the makers of Electric Hendrix Vodka. The suit alleges that Electric Hendrix is unlawfully using the guitar icon's name and image in an unauthorized, tasteless promotion of a brand of vodka. Electric Hendrix's CEO actually described his vodka to the "Los Angeles Times" as "It's like drinking with Jimi. The drunker you get, the more you think you're with him." In the suit, Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix, states: "In view of the circumstances of my brother Jimi's death, this attempt to associate his name with the sale of alcoholic beverages amounts to a sick joke." Ironically, among Electric Hendrix's owners are Jimi's brother, Leon Hendrix, and one-time drummer Buddy Miles. A class act indeed.

New Pagey Guitar

Are you looking for an iconic guitar — or do you just have $20,000 to spend? Led Zeppelin guitar god Jimmy Page's new signature Gibson guitar is officially being released today. It's based on the double neck SG that Page made famous in the Zeppelin movie "The Song Remains The Same." No word on how much of the $20,000 list price of the limited edition Jimmy Page Reissue Double Neck Vintage Original Spec guitar is actually going to Jimmy. But you know he'll collect every cent he is due!

A Rhoads Documentary

A documentary on the life of Randy Rhoads, the late Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, will begin filming this month. Director Peter Margolis has invited fans to visit the San Bernardino cemetery where Rhoads is buried on March 19th — the 25th anniversary of the iconic guitarist's death. The filmmaker plans to conduct interviews at the grave site that day for use in the project, which has been sanctioned by Rhoads' family. Randy was killed at the age of 25 when the plane in which he was flying collided with Osbourne's tour bus.

HOT RODS In Costa Mesa

This Saturday, 10a - Noon: The Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa will be the site of the 1st Orange County Get Together Hot Rod Show. Uncle Joe will be real easy to find hanging with the KLOS Cool Patrol, chatting with fans and admiring the best Hot Rods the O.C. has to offer! Here's what his last GoodGuys event looked like.

Quote Of The Day

It was Mark Twain who said: "Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer."

March 8, 2007

Pseudo-drummer Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees is 62.
Bassist/singer Randy Meisner, a founding member of the Eagles and Poco, is 60.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles held the top two positions on the U.S. album chart with "The Beatles" (better known as the "White Album") and the "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack album.

On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary" peaked at #2 on the pop singles chart.

On this day in 1973, Ron "Pig Pen" McKernan became the first of several Grateful Dead keyboard players to die while working with the band. "Pigpen" had been ill for a few years before passing on at the age of 27.

On this day in 1974, Bad Company played their first real gig at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England.

On this day in 1977, Foreigner released its debut album.

On this day in 1990, Robert Plant released the album "Manic Nirvana."

Here Comes Genesis

The (temporarily) reunited Genesis finally announced the American leg of their 2007 "Turn It On Again" tour. Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford will hit large venues all across North America after they finish touring Europe in June and July. The first 13 announced concerts will start with a September 7th show in Toronto, and run through an October 12th Hollywood Bowl event. The trio is also considering participation in Al Gore's Live Earth concert on July 7th — probably from London. "Turn It On Again" indeed!

Library Of Congress Selects 'Em

Every year, a few recordings are chosen to be preserved in the Library of Congress. Among the 25 culturally important recordings placed in the special sound archive this year are The Rolling Stones' 1965 recording of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," Bob Marley & The Wailers "Burnin' The Wailers" from 1973, and Paul Simon's 1986 classic, "Graceland." Other selections for the Library include: "The Osage Bank Robbery" episode of The Lone Ranger radio show from December 17, 1937, Bob Newhart's 1960 album "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," and Franklin D. Roosevelt's address to Congress on December 8, 1941, the day after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Police Reunion Update #794

Yep, The Police announced they'll be playing the Staples Center on June 20th. Knowing how fast that will sellout, do you think there will be a third Southland concert?

'07 Rock Honors Line-Up

ZZ Top, Heart, Ozzy Osbourne and Genesis are the four artists who will be saluted at the second annual VH1 Rock Honors on May 12th in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for more info.

Plant Reissued

All nine of Robert Plant's solo albums will be reissued in expanded and re-mastered forms starting on March 20th. "Pictures At Eleven," "Shaken N' Stirred," "Manic Nirvana," "Fate Of Nations" and "Mighty Rearranger" will be released on March 20th. "The Principle Of Moments," "The Honeydrippers," "Now & Zen" and "Dreamland" will be released on April 3rd.

Just Forget That Lennon Film

That whole "New Lennon Documentary" story from earlier this week seemed odd from the start. There was supposed to be a free premier in South Berwick, Maine of the two-hour "3 Days In The Life" documentary featuring film of John Lennon, his wife Yoko Ono and friends that was shot in February 1970 by Ono's former husband, Tony Cox. Then the headmaster of the Berwick Academy received a letter from Ono's lawyers, forcing the cancelation of the screening. Sounds like the project is finally dead.

Quote Of The Day

It was Groucho Marx who said: "Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped."

Six Late Winter Factoids

The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.

The Liberty Bell was not made in the United States and it was not rung on the first Independence Day. It was cast in London in 1752, cracked in 1835, and was not named "Liberty" until the 1830s in memory of slaves seeking their freedom.

It took Leonardo da Vinci 10 years to paint Mona Lisa's lips.

It was the custom among men in ancient Rome, when swearing to tell the truth, to place one's right hand on one's testicles. The English word "testimony" is related to this custom.

The distance between an alligator's eyes in inches, is directly proportional to the length of the alligator in feet.

The opening to the cave in which a bear hibernates is always on the North Slope.

March 9, 2007

Guitarist Robin Trower is 62.

On this day in 1974, David Essex's "Rock On" peaked at #5 on the pop singles chart.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Allman Brothers Band and more of Joe's conversation with Gregg Allman, drummer Butch Trucks and guitarist Warren Haynes.

On Stage Tonight

Loverboy is playing the Canyon Club in Augora Hills tonight.

Brad Delp R.I.P.

Friday afternoon, singer Brad Delp of Boston was found dead in his home at the age of 55. Police immediately ruled out foul play, but said it will be Monday before details of their investigation will be released. Even though he possessed one of the greatest voices in Rock & Roll, Brad was truly one of the nicest, most ego-free guys you could ever find. From the first time we met just after the band's debut album was released, Brad was always like a kid in a candy shop — so happy to be singing and meeting fans. In all the years I knew him, there was never an autograph or photo that he refused to do for fans. He was always there to help in anyway he could. As group leader Tom Scholz said on the Boston web site (http://bandboston.com), "We just lost the nicest guy in rock and roll." Rest in peace.

Van Halen/Hall Update #6,498

With the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony coming up in New York on Monday evening, let's check on how the Van Halen soap opera churns. Guitar god Edward Van Halen finally entered a rehab program yesterday. We wish him the best and hope he's healthy real soon! Then, as the Eddie-developments were still going down yesterday, original V.H. frontman David Lee Roth announced that he won't attend the Hall Of Fame induction ceremony because he won't be allowed to perform. You ask, "What kind of Hall of Fame won't let the inductees perform?" Follow along with me here. The Hall's event organizers arranged for Velvet Revolver to perform some Van Halen classics at the ceremony, just as Metallica played Black Sabbath songs last year while the feuding Sabbath boys watched from the audience. Suspecting that Eddie and his brother, drummer Alex Van Halen, wouldn't make the show, the Hall faced the uncomfortable prospect of putting Roth on stage with original V.H. bassist Michael Anthony and second frontman Sammy Hagar, Dave's replacement and longtime foil. Roth decided to bail, saying: "It's just not an option for me to go and watch some other band — who are only performing because they have some new record coming out — do our music. I have nothing against Velvet Revolver — I'm not familiar with their music — but that was my 3 minutes and 22 seconds up there." Right so, Diamond Dave!

What To Look For On Monday

With all of the Van Halen drama unfolding in the background, what should you be looking for on the "live" VH1 Classics broadcast of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony on Monday evening? Watch how wonderfully the boys from R.E.M. still get along and how appreciative poetess Patti Smith is of the accolades. And watch how much fun Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony are having, knowing they were once part of one of the greatest, hardest rocking bands ever.

Crosby Better

Sounds like the worst is over. But David Crosby, who has been recovering from a nasty bout of pneumonia, is now scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery soon. The iconic singer/songwriter's health problems had recently forced the postponement of tours by both Crosby, Stills & Nash and his duo with Graham Nash.

Neil Wins!

Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" DVD won the Best New Concert award at the 3rd Annual Music DVD Awards Tuesday evening in West Hollywood. The "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll" disc, which documented Chuck Berry's 60th birthday concert with all star performances by The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards and Eric Clapton, won the Best Of Show honor.

Coverdale's Legal

Whitesnake leader David Coverdale has finally realized his long-time dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. Coverdale, a U.S. resident for over 20 years, says: "I am very happy to say that after a five-year process, I successfully applied for, and was granted, U.S. citizenship on March 1st, 2007. I still maintain my British citizenship, though I am proud to say I now have dual citizenship for both Great Britain and the United States Of America, and as it is most unlikely that my two countries will go to war against each other in the foreseeable future, there should be no conflict of interest!" Now with the April 15th tax deadline coming up, citizen Coverdale must get back to work on the new Whitesnake album!

HOT RODS In Costa Mesa

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!, 10a - Noon: The O.C. Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa will be the site of the 1st Orange County Get Together Hot Rod Show. Uncle Joe will be real easy to find hanging with the KLOS Cool Patrol, chatting with fans and admiring the best Hot Rods the O.C. has to offer! Here's what his last GoodGuys event looked like.

March 10, 2007

Boston's main guy, Tom Scholz is 60.
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament is 44

On this day in 1973, both "Reelin' in the Years" by Steely Dan and "Frankenstein" by The Edgar Winter Group were released.

On this day in 1998, Eric Clapton released his "Pilgrim" album.

On this day in 2003, AC/DC and The Righteous Brothers were among the performers inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

On this day in 2007, 55-year-old Boston singer Brad Delp took his life in his home.