March 21 - 31, 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 21, 2007

Keyboardist J.S. Bach would have been 322.
Original Yes guitarist Peter Banks is 57.
Guitarist Roger Hodgson of Supertramp is 57.

On this day in 1961, The Beatles played Liverpool's Cavern Club for the first time.

On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "She Loves You" hit #1 as "I Saw Her Standing There" peaked at #14. So what did you accomplish today?

On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their famous "bed-in" at The Amsterdam Hilton (later referred to in The Beatles song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko").

On this day in 1970, The Beatles "Let It Be" debuted at #6 as "Evil Ways" by Santana peaked at #9 and The Guess Who's "American Woman" entered the singles charts.

On this day in 1980, Bob Seger's "Against the Wind" album hit #1.

On this day in 1981, REO Speedwagon's "Keep On Lovin' You" hit #1, John Lennon's "Woman" peaked at #2 and Styx's "The Best Of Times" topped out at #3 on the pop singles chart.

On this day in 1983, Pink Floyd released "The Final Cut," the last album of new studio material that featured Roger Waters.

On this day in 1986, The Rolling Stones released their "Dirty Work" album.

On this day in 1987, U2's "With Or Without You" entered the charts.

On this day in 1991, Leo Fender, the inventor of the electric guitar, died at home at the age of 81.

On this day in 1994, Bruce Springsteen won the Best Song Oscar for his "Streets of Philadelphia" from the movie "Philadelphia." It was the first song Springsteen had written specifically for a film.

Mas Police

The Police have added two more high profile stadium gigs and a third Southland date to their sold-out Summer itinerary. Our third chance to see the 30th Anniversary tour will be June 21st at the Honda Center in Anaheim — one day after the trio's sold-out Staples Center show and two days before their sold-out Dodger Stadium gig. Tickets will go on sale (briefly, one would assume) next Monday. The new high profile Police dates are July 5th at Wrigley Field in Chicago and July 14th at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Those three boys are going to be busy!

The Stones Book A Date

The Rolling Stones will return to live duty with a June 10th headlining appearance at the Isle of Wight Festival. This will be their first U.K. festival since the Knebworth Fair in 1976, and the gig is expected to be part of a run of Stones make-up shows for dates canceled in Europe last Summer. Do you suppose they'll come back here in the Fall?

The Who & Chili Peppers Go Down

Not only have The Who had to cancel concert dates because Roger Daltrey caught that vicious bronchial infection that's going around, but now the Red Hot Chili Peppers have postponed their Japanese tour. Singer Anthony Kiedis has been diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia, and has been ordered by the doctor not to fly for 10 days.

Working For Fats

Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Tom Petty and Elton John are all lined-up for a tribute album to honor Rock & Roll pioneer Fats Domino. The project has been organized by Tipitina's Foundation, and the money raised will go towards restoring Domino's legendary New Orleans home that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, as well as helping other victims of that natural disaster.

All Hail Jackson

Jackson Browne leads the newest group of inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on June 7th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Asia Redux

Reunited Eighties supergroup Asia has decided to record a new studio album for release early next year. In light of that, the band will no longer participate in a package tour this Summer with Foreigner and Styx. If you know anybody that was looking forward to that tour, then they'll probably be bummed out. Or not.

Quote Of The Day

It was Robert Frost who said: "I'm not confused, I'm just well-mixed."

Super Chevy

This Saturday, 10am - Noon: Look for Uncle Joe and the KLOS Cool Patrol at the Super Chevy Hot Rod Show and Drag Race at the California Speedway in Fontana. Here are the pix from the past.

March 22, 2007

Emmy Award-winning actor William Shatner is 76.
Singer Keith Relf of The Yardbirds would have been 64.

On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan released his "Bringing It All Back Home" album, which contained his first electric guitar driven rock. Oh, the scandal!

On this day in 1967, The Who played their first live gig in America, a 20-minute set at New York's Paramount Theater.

On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti" was the #1 album in the United States.

On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones began working in Munich, Germany on what eventually became the "Black and Blue" album.

On this day in 1986, Heart's "These Dreams" hit #1 on the singles chart.

On this day in 2005, Foghat guitarist Rod Price died after suffering a heart attack and falling down a stairway in his home. He was only 57.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, in a special tribute show, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Boston as well as more of Joe's conversations with Brad Delp.

On Stage Tonight

Rod Stewart is playing the second of two shows at the Staples Center tonight.

Macca Signs On

After weeks of speculation, Paul McCartney has officially become the first artist signed to Hear Music, a new joint label formed by Starbucks and the Concord Music Group. The former Beatle's as-yet-untitled first album on the label is slated for an early-June release, ending Macca's 40+ year association with Capitol/EMI Records.

Sir Elty's Big Ol' Digital B-Day

Sir Elton John will celebrate several milestones this weekend. The GRAMMY-winner turns 60 on Sunday, the same day he'll be inducted into Madison Square Garden's Music Hall of Fame when he gives his record-setting 60th performance at the famed New York City venue. On Monday, Sir Elty's career-spanning catalog of more than 30 albums will be available as digital downloads for the first time. Apple's iTunes Music Store will have the exclusive through April 30th. In addition, some of his biggest hits will also be issued for the first time as ringtones. Next Tuesday, Elton will release "Rocket Man: Number Ones," featuring 12 of his biggest hits. Sha-zam!

Neil Gets It Going

Neil Young has been a consistent presence on The Billboard 200 charts since the late Sixties, but only once has he ever debuted higher than this week's #6 position for his "Live at Massey Hall," taped in Toronto in 1971. Next up is the mammoth "Archives Vol. 1" boxed set that's been in the works for 10+ years. "Archives Vol. 1," which covers Young's career from 1963-1972, will feature eight audio CDs, two DVDs and a 200-page book of photos and memorabilia. "Massey Hall" and last Fall's "Live at the Fillmore East" will be included in the box as bonus discs.

Digital Tull At Last

Finally! Jethro Tull has made their entire discography available as digital downloads on iTunes. In all, 30 titles can be purchased online, including studio efforts, live albums and retrospectives. One of the releases is a brand-new compilation titled "The Best of Acoustic Jethro Tull." The collection features 24 unplugged tunes plus two bonus live recordings of previously unreleased songs.

Tiger Jovi

Bon Jovi will reunite with Tiger Woods for the 10th Annual Tiger Jam at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on May 26th. The Jovi evening includes dinner and a show as well as live and silent auctions. Tickets go on sale Saturday, and proceeds will benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation. Since its beginning in 1998, Tiger Jam has raised more than $10 million for the foundation and select Las Vegas based charities.

Quote Of The Day

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "The past is not what it was."

March 23, 2007

Singer/guitarist Ric Ocasek of The Cars is 58.

On this day 1958, George Harrison first played on stage with John Lennon and Paul McCartney as a member of the pre-Beatles group The Quarry Men (sometimes listed as The Quarrymen). They played at the cellar club called The Morgue in Broadgreen.

On this day 1963, the Beach Boys released the single "Surfin' U.S.A."

On this day 1979, Van Halen released their "Van Halen II" album.

On this day 1983, ZZ Top released their most successful album, "Eliminator."

On Stage Tonight

Blue Oyster Cult will rock the Canyon Club in Augora Hills and Kenny Wayne Sheperd will be tearing up the House Of Blues on Sunset tonight.

Jackson Headlines Malibu Tonight

Jackson Browne will headline the From Malibu With Love: A Concert For The Midnight Mission tonight at the Malibu Performing Arts Center. He'll be joined by Los Lobos, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, drummer Clem Burke of Blondie, guitarist Elliot Easton of The Cars and Doug Fieger, The Knack's frontman. The proceeds will benefit the Midnight Mission Skid Row homeless shelter. There are more details at http://malibuperformingartscenter.com/events.html.

Wyman Exhibit Opens

A stunning exhibit of former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman's photography is opening Saturday at the Morrison Hotel Gallery at 7517 Sunset Boulevard. The exhibition will run until April 18th. Give them a call at 800-778-9988 and tell them yer Uncle Joe sent you!

Rog Is Better

Singer Roger Daltrey has recuperated sufficiently from his recent bout with bronchitis to play the last four shows of The Who's current North American tour. Daltrey's health issues forced the band to postpone its previous three concerts. There has been no announcement whether the band's canceled gigs in Mexico City and San Antonio will be rescheduled for later this year, although there are rumors that The Who may return to play secondary markets in the Fall.

Stones Make It Official

To no one's surprise, the new European leg of The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang world tour has been unveiled. The 27-date trek is scheduled to run through an August 21 show in London, which should mean they won't hit the States until October. The band is also planning to issue a four-DVD concert collection in May or June.

Police To Headline Virgin Fest

The Police, Beastie Boys and Smashing Pumpkins will headline the second U.S. Virgin Fest August 4th and 5th at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Last year, V-Fest was in September, but the promoters changed the date this year to accommodate The Police's tour schedule. The fact that V-Fest (which isn't near as much fun to say as Virgin Fest) will be competing with Lollapalooza the same weekend in Chicago doesn't seem to be bothering anyone who matters.

E.C. Takes Crossroads To Chicago

A second edition of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival has been set for July 28th in Bridgeview, Illinois. Among the musicians confirmed so far are B.B. King, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck and the Allman Brothers Band's Derek Trucks. Proceeds will go to help the Crossroads Centre, the rehab facility founded by Clapton on the island of Antigua. The inaugural Crossroads Festival was held in Dallas over three days in June 2004.

No Sick Days Allowed

It's a fact: one person in 20 never catches a cold.

March 24, 2007

Bassist Dougie Thompson of Supertramp is 56.

On this day in 1962, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first performed together in public as Little Boy Blue & the Blue Boys. Can't imagine why that name didn't stick.

On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" album entered the charts both in Britain and Stateside. It stayed on the U.S. "Billboard" album chart for over 700 weeks.

On this day in 1974, The Doobie Brothers released their "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits" album, featuring the hit "Black Water."

March 25, 2007

Soul goddess Aretha Franklin is 65.
Sir Elton John is 60.

On this day in 1960, Roy Orbison recorded "Only the Lonely" and Ray Charles recorded "Georgia on My Mind." So, what have you done today?

On this day in 1967, The Doors' incredible debut album entered the charts.

Taking A Break

Yer Uncle Joe is on vacation this week — no doubt doing all of his Spring cleaning! Do not fear and don't despair, he'll return next Monday whether the clean-up is done or not.

March 26, 2007

Vocalist Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and keyboardist Richard Tandy of the Electric Light Orchestra are both 59.
Fran Sheehan, the original bassist in Boston, is 58.

On this day in 1965, Jeff Beck, as recommended by Jimmy Page, officially replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds. Thus did The Yardbirds encompass the holy trinity of British rock guitar gods (and who knew that they all grew up within 15 miles of each other!).

On this day in 1975, The Who's film "Tommy," directed by Ken Russell, debuted in London.

Macca Digs Chicks

Word from London is that Paul McCartney has been spotted on a "date" with socialite and drinks empire heiress, Sabrina Guinness. Reports say the former Beatle has been "partying" with the 52-year-old Guinness, who has previously dated Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Rod Stewart, David Bowie and even Prince Charles. In response to all the hub-bub, Macca told reporters: "I realize everyone wants to see me with a new bird right now and that's very flattering. I have known this lady for a while. We enjoy each other's company. I have had a terrible day at the office and as you probably know I'm going through a pretty difficult divorce right now too." And your point is...

Sue You/Sue Me Again & Again

Those darn kids! Singer Grace Slick and Bill Thompson, former manager of the Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, are once again suing founding member, Paul Kantner, alleging that he is using the band's name without permission. The lawsuit, filed last week in California federal court, charges that Kantner is violating trademark rights and a legal settlement he signed in 1985, when he promised never to perform as Jefferson Starship and never to use the names "Jefferson" or "Airplane" without consent from Slick. Of course, Kantner has been performing for years under variations on the names and was even sued (along with Airplane vocalist/co-founder Marty Balin) for a 2000 concert tour. This time Paul made a deal to let Microsoft Corp. use the Starship name to promote a new computer operating system, and publicity for the promotion even included a poster with a photograph of Slick. To all of this Kantner said, "On this 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love, love is going to triumph." Slick, reached at her Malibu home, laughed heartily and said she wouldn't discuss the case.

Tin Pan South

Bachman-Turner Overdrive's Randy Bachman, former Ides of March/Survivor frontman Jim Peterik, Kenny Loggins, Ambrosia's David Pack and Dr. John are just a few of the veteran rockers participating in this week's Tin Pan South in Nashville. The festival, put on by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, will celebrate songwriters from all popular musical genres, with more than 250 artists playing showcases at 74 area clubs over the course of the five-night event.

Aerosmith Add One

Aerosmith will headline the A Concert for Lili Claire benefit in Las Vegas on April 28th. The annual event raises money for the Lili Claire Foundation, which provides support to children with neurogenetic conditions. A couple of other U.S. concert dates have been strongly rumored, but it doesn't sound like the boys will be doing a full U.S. tour before their new album comes out in the Fall.

Quote Of The Day

It was Elayne Boosler who said: "I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three."

Taking A Break

Yer Uncle Joe is on vacation this week — no doubt doing all of his Spring cleaning! Do not fear and don't despair, he'll return next Monday whether the clean-up is done or not.

March 27, 2007

Keyboardist Tony Banks of Genesis is 57.
Guitarist Andrew Farriss of INXS is 48.

On this day in 1965, "The Last Time" by The Rolling Stones and The Who's classic "I Can't Explain" both entered the charts. Good Lord!

On this day in 1971, "What Is Life" by George Harrison peaked at #10 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1979, Eric Clapton finally married George Harrison's ex-wife, Patti Boyd, in Tucson, Arizona.

On this day in 1981, the album "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" by AC/DC was finally released in the States.

On this day in 1986, Sammy Hagar played his first gig with Van Halen.

On this day in 1987, U2 filmed the "rooftop" video for "Where The Streets Have No Name" in downtown Los Angeles.

Rush Tour Now Official

June 13th is the day that Rush will kick off their 2007 tour in Atlanta. The Southland's favorite trio will hit the Hollywood Bowl on July 23rd and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine on July 25th. After they finish the North American leg of their tour in late September, the boys will head to Europe. The new Rush album, "Snakes & Arrows," will come out on May 1st. They recorded it last Fall with GRAMMY Award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz, who has also worked with the Foo Fighters and Velvet Revolver. Stay tuned for details on the ticket pre-sale.

Elty's 60th Bash Rocked

Former President Bill Clinton kicked off Elton John's 60th birthday concert Sunday night at New York's Madison Square Garden. Then Sir Elty — dressed in an uncharacteristic (but very dignified) black tailcoat — delivered a marathon three-hour-plus set that included a variety of tunes he rarely performs. It was his 60th appearance at the venue — eight more than the Grateful Dead's tally, and his audience really got their money's worth. Stay tuned for the DVD release info!

Nicks Is Booking

It's finally official! Stevie Nicks' Crystal Visions Tour will kick off May 17th, include two dates at the Greek Theatre (May 19th and 20th) and theoretically run through a June 17th concert back East. Crooner Chris Isaak will open all shows during the outing, which will support the Fleetwood Mac singer's CD/DVD retrospective "Crystal Visions: The Very Best of Stevie Nicks."

Davies Bros. Upset

After all of these years, the Davies brothers of The Kinks are finally agreeing on something! They are upset that band memorabilia, long enshrined in the recently closed Clissold Arms Pub in Muswelll Hill, will no longer be on display when the new owners reopen it as a more upscale venue. Singer Ray Davies says, "It's a pity there will be no local evidence or mention of the group who played in the old back room." Guitarist Dave Davies says, "I am sure if this had been the Cavern (Club) and The Beatles' history being disturbed/got rid of, it would have been brought to the attention of the House of Commons, the Lords and the Queen herself... (I) just wanted add my fuel, and disdain, to the argument. What's the matter with these people? Have they lost their dignity, sense of local history and English heritage?" Wonder if he was swinging his fists as he said that, just like back in the day?

Roddy's Son Gets Stamped

Rod Stewart's infant son, Alastair, is set to appear on a special British Royal Mail stamp that will benefit the U.K. charities Woman's Aid and Help The Hospices. The stamp features a close-up profile shot of the 15-month-old, who the singer fathered with fiancée Penny Lancaster. Meanwhile, Stewart's eldest son, Sean, will star in the A&E reality show Sons Of Hollywood, which premieres Sunday.

Quote Of The Day

It was Aldous Huxley who said: "Experience teaches only the teachable."

Taking A Break

Yer Uncle Joe is on vacation this week — no doubt doing all of his Spring cleaning! Do not fear and don't despair, he'll return next Monday whether the clean-up is done or not.

March 28, 2007

Keyboardist John Evan, whose odd little blues group later struck fame and fortune as Jethro Tull, is 59.

On this day in 1964, The Beatles released the single "Can't Buy Me Love" backed with "You Can't Do That."

On this day in 1967, Van Morrison recorded the song "Brown Eyed Girl" in two or three takes at A&R Studios in New York.

On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's cover of Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock" entered the charts as John Lennon's "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)" peaked at #3.

On this day in 1973, Led Zeppelin released the classic "Houses of the Holy" album.

On this day in 1981, John Lennon's "Watching The Wheels" entered the singles charts.

On this day in 1986, Bob Seger released his "Like A Rock" album.

On this day in 1992, "Tears in Heaven," the song Eric Clapton wrote for his late son, peaked at #2 on the singles chart almost a year to the day that the four-year-old died.

On this day in 1996, singer/drummer Phil Collins announced he was leaving Genesis. In an interesting twist, his announcement came 20 years to the day of his live debut replacing Peter Gabriel as Genesis' singer.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music (including live acoustic performances!) of Shaw Blades as well as Joe's brand new conversation with Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades.

Will Seger Follow Macca?

Last week, Paul McCartney announced that he was leaving Capitol Records and that his next album, due in June, would be released by Starbucks' Hear Music label. Yesterday, Bob Seger's management company issued a photo of him and his Silver Bullet Band receiving platinum album plaques for his latest album, "Face the Promise." The caption read "Will Seger Turn the Page?" and noted that "ironically, new label representatives for Capitol Records, which has been Seger's home for more than 40 years, did not attend" the presentation. The caption also confirmed that Seger will release a live CD/DVD this Fall from his recent hometown shows at Detroit's Cobo Arena and The Palace in Auburn Hills. Bob was definitely affected by the loss of longtime staffers when Capitol and Virgin Records merged operations earlier this year, and he gave on-stage shout-outs to his longtime label publicist Judi Kerr and to Joe McFadden, the former V.P. who headed Capitol's catalog division. Seger's first national hit, "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man," was released by Capital in 1969 (five years after they began distributing The Beatles). He currently has no formal contract with the company and owns the masters for his latest recordings. So what do you think will happen?

Edge Spurs A Huge Sale

The Icons of Music Auction to benefit Music Rising will take place on April 21st at the Hard Rock Café in New York. Music Rising, co-founded by U2's The Edge, raises funds to aid musicians of the Gulf Coast Region after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For the charity, The Edge will part with his 1975 Cream Gibson Les Paul guitar, saying: "I wanted that Steve Jones 'Never Mind The Bollox' sound, so I got the same guitar right down to the color. I never could get that sound, but I found a bunch of songs in this instrument, and have used it extensively ever since, on tour and in the studio." Other items in the auction include John Lennon's sunglasses, a love letter written by Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain's MTV Video Music Award and memorabilia from Bono, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Paul McCartney, John Mellencamp, Queen's Brian May and Heart's Nancy Wilson. In addition, instruments once played by Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan will be on the block. For more information on the auction and to learn how to bid, visit http://JuliensAuctions.com.

Jovi Writes

After all the albums and tours, you had to figure a book would be next. November 6th is the release date for the official Bon Jovi band biography called "Believe." Jon Bon Jovi will be promoting the tome to booksellers when he performs at a June 2nd fundraiser in New York for the Book Industry Foundation. The band sure has an interesting story to tell, let's just hope it isn't sugary sweet on the printed page.

Sammy's DVD

Sammy Hagar's new DVD, "Sammy Hagar And The Wabos – Livin' It Up Live!," will be out on June 19th. Shot in St Louis last year, the DVD also captures the second half of The Wabo's show when bassist/singer Michael Anthony joined his old bandmate to play some Van Halen. Special features include interviews, several videos and 432 million mentions of Sammy's tequila.

Wilburys Make Big Return

The two long-out-of-print albums by supergroup the Traveling Wilburys will be reissued together in a few different formats on June 12th. The standard edition of the collection will be a double CD, single DVD set offering bonus tracks, five videos and a short documentary. A deluxe triple-disc package, as well as vinyl and digital versions of the release, also will be available. Unfortunately, The Wilburys — George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Electric Light Orchestra's Jeff Lynne — never performed live.

Quote Of The Day

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Impartiality is a pompous name for indifference, which is an elegant name for ignorance."

Taking A Break

Yer Uncle Joe is on vacation this week — no doubt doing all of his Spring cleaning! Do not fear and don't despair, he'll return next Monday whether the clean-up is done or not.

Taking A Break

Yer Uncle Joe is on vacation this week — he is not taking time off to compete on "Dancing With The Stars"!! Maybe he's been driving his race car instead of dancing, but he'll return next Monday whether his muscles are still aching or not.

March 29, 2007

Vocalist Bobby Kimball of Toto is 60.
Guitarist Barry Goudreau of the original Boston is 56.
Blues Traveler singer/harmonica wizard John Popper is 40.

On this day in 1967, The Beatles began recording one of their most famous songs at Abbey Road Studios in London under the working title of "Bad Finger Boogie" — by the time it was completed, it was known as "With A Little Help From My Friends."

On this day in 1968, the original Fleetwood Mac, featuring Peter Green, released "Black Magic Woman" in Britain. The song wasn't a pop hit in the U.S. until Santana released their version two years later.

On this day in 1972, Jackson Browne began working on his first album.

On this day in 2005, Neil Young had surgery for a brain aneurysm in a New York hospital.

Brian May's Staying Busy

Queen guitarist Brian May is a busy man. Besides working on an open-ended recording project with Queen drummer Roger Taylor and Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers, Brian will be awarded an honorary fellowship by England's Liverpool John Moores University on July 19th. The former astronomy student (and co-author of the book "Bang! The Complete History of the Universe") will be recognized for his "contribution to the public understanding of science." Meanwhile, May has contributed to some new orchestral arrangements of Queen songs for the soundtrack of "The Alps," an upcoming IMAX mountaineering documentary. For more information on that project, check out http://www.alpsfilm.com.

All Hail The Big Man (And Bruce)

In voting completed earlier this month at http://melodytrip.com, fans named Bruce Springsteen's set at last year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as the Best Music Festival Performance of 2006 in the inaugural U.S. Music Festival Awards. Meanwhile, Saxophonist Clarence Clemons of Springsteen's E Street Band will be inducted into the Legends of Music Walk of Fame in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia on April 18th.

New Monterey Documentary

A brand new documentary about the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival, the famous California music extravaganza that marked the first major U.S. performance by Jimi Hendrix, will premiere on June 16th on VH1. "Monterey 40" will include interviews with, among others, Paul McCartney and the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir. You can almost smell the incense, can't you?

First Book On Styx

Music journalist Sterling Whitaker has released the first book ever written about Styx. "The Grand Delusion: The Unauthorized True Story of Styx" is available through various online retailers, as well as at http://www.thegranddelusion.com. Until Styx bassist Chuck Panozzo releases his long-in-production bio, this is the definitive portrait of the Chicago rock ensemble that sold more than 35 million records in over three decades. I particularly like Whitaker's description: "It's about hard work and sacrifice, success and failure, fame and fortune, love and hatred, friendship and betrayal, and hopefully redemption. It's not so much a story about rich rock stars. The story of Styx is a very human story, good and bad." Styx is still one of the best rock bands touring, and they deserve every accolade they get!

Dylan Movie Re-Release

On April 20th, Bob Dylan's classic "Don't Look Back" documentary will be re-released as a special edition. Shot during Dylan's legendary 1965 U.K. tour, the original "Don't Look Back" was released in 1968. The new packaging is now called "Don't Look Back: '65 Tour Deluxe Edition," and the DVD will come equipped with the original documentary and over 20 hours of extra footage entitled "'65 Revisited." The deluxe edition will also include the 1968 companion book which includes notes and a transcript from the film. Sounds like it will weigh in at about 43 metric tons.

An Honor For Unc

In my 20+ years of reporting, broadcasting and calling auto races of every discipline, Michael Knight has always been one of the industry's most insightful, efficient and professional publicists (there's much, much more to the gig than just babysitting). In particular, his work with the top open wheel champions in the Eighties and Nineties set the benchmark that few today can match. Having stepped away from the day-to-day motorsports wars in recent years, Michael has become a fascinating guiding voice for publicists in all walks of public life. For yer Uncle Joe to be referenced in Michael's most recent column is both an unexpected honor and a thrill!

Quote Of The Day

It was Steven Wright who first asked: "If you shoot at a mime, should you use a silencer?"

Taking A Break

March 30, 2007

Drummer Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues is 66.
Guitar god Eric Clapton is 62.

On this day in 1967, The Beatles shot the photo for the cover of their "Sgt. Pepper" album.

On this day in 1968, David Bowie made his debut with the Lindsay Kemp mime troupe in the show "Pierrot in Turquoise." It sucked.

On this day in 1974, the Ramones played their first live show at the Performance Studio on East 23rd Street in New York. At least some of the 30 people in the audience paid to be there.

On this day in 1976, the Sex Pistols performed their first show for a group of 50 at London's 100 Club. It's still not clear if anyone paid to be there.

On this day in 1977, the Eagles' "Hotel California" hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

On this day in 1982, the Doobie Brothers announced their break-up.

On this day in 1994, Pink Floyd released their final studio album, "The Division Bell."

On Stage Tonight

Foreigner will be rocking the Vault 350 in Long Beach tonight.

Sir Lord Of Lords

Bono has been rock royalty for sometime now, but the singer and humanitarian was officially knighted in his hometown of Dublin yesterday in a private ceremony attended by his family and close friends. U2's The Edge and Adam Clayton were in attendance at the ceremony (no word on Larry Mullen Jr.'s whereabouts), during which the singer received the Knight Commander Of The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire honor from the British ambassador to Ireland. Bono, who, as a non-Briton, isn't allowed to use the title "Sir," quipped, "You have permission to call me anything [else] you want... Lord of lords, your demigodness, that'll do." He added that his youngest son thought he was about to become a Jedi! By the way, the trailer for the new U2 3-D concert movie is being included with the "Meet the Robinsons" film.

Heavyweights For "Live Earth"

Don't be surprised if The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Who and U2 all sign up soon for the July 7th "Live Earth" concerts. Word is that The Stones will headline the Wembley Stadium concert with support from Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica, among others. We're also hearing that Macca, The Who, and U2 are expected to sign on next week. "Live Earth" is a series of concerts spearheaded by Al Gore to help spread his message/warning about climate change. The plan is for seven shows on seven continents on July 7th, 2007. Among the many artists who have already been announced for the event is Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, the Foo Fighters, Melissa Etheridge, Duran Duran and country superstars Faith Hill & Tim McGraw.

(Maybe) Blind Faith Redux

In 2005, Eric Clapton dealt with some unfinished business when he reunited with Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce for a handful of Cream concerts in London and New York City. Now there's serious talk about a Blind Faith reunion. E.C. has invited singer/keyboardist Steve Winwood to perform at the second Crossroads Guitar Festival, being held on July 28th in Bridgeview, Illinois. E.C. is telling anyone that will listen that he and Winwood need to hook-up at the festival because they have "unfinished business." No word if Blind Faith/Cream drummer Ginger Baker will be on hand, but we know for sure that bassist Ric Grech won't — he died in March 1990. Blind Faith made their debut at a massive free concert in London's Hyde Park in June 1969. The band released one self-titled album, and they managed to complete one U.S. tour before Clapton left to join Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, who were the opening act on the Blind Faith dates. Also signed for the Crossroads Festival are Jeff Beck, Sheryl Crow and Los Lobos, among many others. Proceeds from the event will go to the Crossroads Centre, the drug treatment facility that Clapton founded 10 years ago in Antigua.

Peter Joins Aerosmith (Sort Of)

Peter Gabriel will join Aerosmith as headliners of this year's s Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling 2007 concerts in June. Gabriel and the recently reunited Crowded House will play London's Hyde Park on Saturday June 23rd, and Aerosmith will perform Sunday June 24th. Sounds like a lovely evening or two in the park!

Anthem Time For REO

REO Speedwagon will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the opening-day St. Louis Cardinals' game against the New York Mets on Sunday. The next day, Kevin Cronin and the boys will do the same before the Kansas City Royals opener against the Boston Red Sox. It's all good — just as long as no one lets REO play with the teams!

Mas Allmans

Word is that the Allman Brothers Band has been having such a blast playing every night in N.Y.C. that they've added a 15th (and final) show to their incredible Beacon Theatre run this year. The final date is Sunday, April 8th.

April Fool's Day

As you know, Sunday is April Fool's Day. Personally, I live by Mark Twain's observation, "Without fools, the rest of us could not succeed." Just the same, here's a primer on this 'Holiday.'

In sixteenth-century France, the start of the New Year was observed on April 1st. It was celebrated in much the same way as it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night. But in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the New Year began on January 1st. Communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people didn't receive the news for several years. As for the more obstinate folks, they refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st. Eventually, the general populace labeled these people as "fools." They were subject to ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes. Over time, this kind of harassment evolved into a tradition of prank playing on the first day of April. By the eighteenth century, the tradition had spread to England and Scotland, and was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international funfest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families.

Around the world these days, April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but one on which we must remain forever vigilant. Now come on mate, pull my finger.