 April 1 - 10, 2007These 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! April 1, 2007
John Barbata, drummer with the Jefferson Airplane and Starship, is 62. The legendary Ronnie Lane, bassist with the Small Faces and owner of one of the first major mobile recording studios, would have been 61. Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro would have been 53. 
On this day in 1985, David Lee Roth officially left Van Halen to pursue a solo career. He was, of course, replaced by Sammy Hagar, who was then replaced some years later by Gary Cherone who has more recently been replaced by Sammy Hagar. On this day in 1985, the We Are The World album was released after three million copies of the single with the same name had been sold. The album was bolstered by the inclusion of previously unreleased material donated by eight rock stars (including Bruce Springsteen). 
April Fool's DayAs 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. April 2, 2007
Keyboardist Leon Russell is 66.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles finished recording the "Sgt. Pepper" album. On this day in 1967, vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Steve Winwood left the Spencer Davis Group to form Traffic with singer/drummer Jim Capaldi, multi-instrumentalist Chris Wood and singer/guitarist Dave Mason. On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album hit #1 for the first of 37 weeks! (It eventually went on to sell over 17 million copies.) On this day in 1977, "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney & Wings peaked at #10 on the charts, "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas topped out at #11, and "Do Ya" by the Electric Light Orchestra peaked at #24 on the charts. 
EMI/iTunes DealEMI and the Apple computer company have reached a deal that will allow the record company's songs to be sold on Apple's iTunes without copy protection software. The agreement means that customers will soon be able to play downloaded songs by The Rolling Stones, Norah Jones and other top selling artists without the copying restrictions once imposed by their label. Almost all of EMI's catalog, excluding music by The Beatles, is included in the deal. Of course the Fab Four wouldn't allow themselves to be part of an announcement that includes other artists, so can we expect them to enter the 'digital' 21st century soon? No Stones At Live EarthRemember last week's reports that The Rolling Stones would be performing at the London installment of Al Gore's Live Earth concerts? Over the weekend Stones "officials" dismissed the Live Earth rumors as false. Musta got offered more cash somewhere else. Macca Sells Veggie CarOne of Sir Paul McCartney's cars sold for big bucks on Saturday. The 2006 Cadillac CTS custom-made for the former Beatle went for $60,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach, Florida. The money, along with a matching donation from Barrett-Jackson, is earmarked for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation to help people with spinal cord injuries and paralyzing diseases. Cadillac created the vegetarian-friendly vehicle — featuring an interior that was made with no animal products — specifically for Macca, who then autographed the car's sun visor. And yes, Sir Paulie's name is on the title that the new owner received. New Jovi PadJon Bon Jovi just bought a $26 million penthouse in New York City's trendy SoHo neighborhood. The new Jovi pad features six bedrooms, six baths, three terraces, two kitchens and a gym — plenty of room for Mrs. Jovi, Dorothea, and their four Jovi kids. But where will Jon keep all his cars? Who To Headline TCTAs anticipated, The Who will perform on March 31st, at London's Royal Albert Hall for the last of the three Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concerts. Organized by frontman Roger Daltrey, the charity shows are celebrating their seventh year at the Albert Hall. The Who first performed at the first TCT benefit in 2000. In 2003 the Who released their "Live At The Royal Albert Hall" album, which featured tracks from their 2000 and 2002 TCT appearances. Over the years the benefit has included performances by Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant and Oasis.
Quote Of The DayIt was Abraham Lincoln who said: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Monster Star Wars ScreeningThe 1977 Academy Award Best Picture nominee "Star Wars" will be screened as the first feature of the fourth installment of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' "Great To Be Nominated" series. The groundbreaking adventure epic will be shown on April 23rd at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Writer/director George Lucas, along with producers, editors, art directors and a sound specialist that worked on the film will participate in a post-screening panel discussion. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and took seven Oscars. Tickets — $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID — for the special screening will be available (briefly) on April 9th at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. By the time the ticket brokers get a hold of the tix, the prices will be out of this world! April 3, 2007
Dee Murray, Elton John's long time bassist, would have been 61.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan appeared on the music charts for the first time with the song "Subterranean Homesick Blues." On this day in 1971, "Oye Como Va" by Santana peaked at #13 on the charts. On this day in 1976, David Bowie's "Golden Years" peaked at #10 on the charts. On this day in 1982, "Juke Box Hero" by Foreigner peaked at #26 on the charts. On this day in 1991, Paul McCartney did an acoustic performance for "MTV Unplugged," and then became the first artist to release an "Unplugged" performance as an album.
Metallica To Live EarthWord is that Metallica will perform at this Summer's Live Earth concerts. The July 7th series of shows are being spearheaded by former Vice President Al Gore to raise awareness of the world's global warming crisis. Metallica will reportedly appear at the Wembley Stadium concert along with The Rolling Stones, Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and others. There are expected to be seven Live Earth shows, one on each continent, but Republican Senators have blocked efforts to stage the U.S. show on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol in Washington D.C. Shea Stadium in Queens, New York is now the prime choice for the show. Elty's New West L.A. PadSir Elton John reportedly paid nearly 2.5 million for a 20th-floor apartment in West Hollywood's Sierra Towers. The 1,800 sq. ft. pad has two bedrooms, two and a half baths, sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean and perfect reception of KLOS. Sounds like an ideal bargain to me! Nutcase Aims For Macca's HouseA mentally disturbed man broke into Paul McCartney's Sussex, England estate last Friday. He drove his vehicle at high speeds toward the former Beatles's home, cutting across fields and gardens to avoid pursuing security guards, while allegedly screaming, "I must get to him." The was eventually apprehended by police after a three-mile chase around the area. Macca was not home when the incident occurred. Heaven And Hell Recorded LiveThe debut U.S. concert by Heaven And Hell — the band featuring a Ronnie James Dio-fronted version of Black Sabbath — was recorded last Friday for an upcoming DVD and CD. The set list for the New York Radio City Music Hall show included two of the three new songs appearing on the group's "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years" compilation. New Live Doors (Sort Of)A new three-CD Doors live album is set for a July 24th release. The set will document a pair of concerts the band played in Boston. In addition, 1970's "Absolutely Live" and the post-Jim Morrison albums "Other Voices" and "Full Circle" are "loosely" scheduled to be reissued next year. Roadtesting R.E.M.R.E.M. will unveil material intended for its 14th studio album during a five-night run of live dates in Dublin this Summer. The shows, set for June 30th, July 1st and July 3rd through 5th at the Olympia Theatre, will mark the first time in a decade that the band has played new songs live before they appeared on an album. As previously reported, R.E.M. will record the album in the coming months with producer Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol). The as-yet-untitled album is expected out before the end of the year.
Quote Of The DayIt was skating superstar/cancer survivor Scott Hamilton who said: "The only disability in life is a bad attitude." April 4, 2007
Blues great Muddy Waters would have been 92.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles held the Top 5 slots on the American singles charts with "Can't Buy Me Love," "Twist and Shout," "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Please, Please Me." Pretty good for a boy band from Liverpool. On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones released their first, self-titled album. It initially sold dozens. On this day in 1981, Styx's "Paradise Theater" album hit #1. On this day in 1987, Genesis' "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" peaked at #3 on the U.S. singles chart. On this day in 1987, U2's incredible "The Joshua Tree" album entered the U.S. album chart at #7, the highest new entry on the chart since 1980. On this day in 1996, Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia's ashes were spread over the river Ganges in India by his widow and bandmate Bob Weir. However, Jerry's ex-wife and four daughters said he actually wanted to be sprinkled over the Pacific. Don't you just hate when that happens?
Keef Snorts DadRolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has famously ingested an ungodly amount of substances, legal or not, over the years. Whether he was pulling the interviewer's leg or not, Keef's latest admission in the new issue of the British music magazine NME is just darn odd. When questioned, Richards said, "The strangest thing I've tried to snort? My father. I snorted my father. He was cremated and I couldn't resist grinding him up with a little bit of blow. My dad wouldn't have cared... It went down pretty well, and I'm still alive." His father, Bert, died at the age of 84 in 2002. Shaw/Blades PostponesOn the heels of the release of their excellent new album, "Influence," Shaw/Blades has been forced to postpone a handful of dates on their current U.S. tour due to guitarist/singer Tommy Shaw's viral throat infection. Tommy's been instructed by his doctor to rest and heal, which is probably driving Jack Blades stir crazy. The tour is scheduled to conclude April 14th at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. John's Piano Is TouringThe piano that John Lennon used to compose "Imagine" will be photographed at the Memphis site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination today as part of a promotional tour for peace. The event, which coincides with the 39th anniversary of King's murder, is the second stop on the instrument's tour of various sites of violence around the globe. The keyboard is now owned by pop singer George Michael. There are plans for a tour documentary and photo album in aid of charity. No Stones/Who At Live EarthBoth The Who and The Rolling Stones have clarified that they won't be appearing at the upcoming Live Earth show in London. They had been rumored to be on the bill for the Al Gore-driven environmental awareness event, in which concerts will be staged simultaneously across the globe on July 7th. The Who's Pete Townshend has again pointed out that his band will be performing in Denmark on that date. The Stones are scheduled to perform in Rome on July 6th, and from there go to Yugoslavia for shows in Budva and Belgrade. Oh well! New Bruce Coming After Seeger Sessions DVDStand by for Bruce Springsteen's live CD/DVD recorded with his New Orleans-themed Seeger Sessions Band last year. "Bruce Springsteen With The Seeger Sessions Band Live in Dublin" will be available online and in stores on June 5th. The 23-track release will include a concert DVD and a separate two-CD set pulled from the band's three-night stand in Dublin in November 2006. Word is that lately Bruce has been spending time in Atlanta, where he recorded 2002's "The Rising" with producer Brendan O'Brien. New/Old Allman Brothers"Boston Common 8/17/71," a new Allman Brothers Band archival album has just been released. The concert — features eight performances, stage banter and an 18-minute-plus version of "Whipping Post" — was recorded just two-and-a-half months before founding ABB guitarist Duane Allman died in a motorcycle crash. The CD can be purchased on the Brother's excellent web site, http://www.hittinthenote.com.
Quote Of The DayIt was Mark Twain who said: "Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside." KITT For SalePerhaps reflecting on a past experience in a Trans Am, KLOS' Cynthia Fox sure was excited to hear that "KITT," the talking "Knight Industries Two Thousand" vehicle David Hasselhoff used in the Eighties goofy/classic "Knight Rider" TV series, is up for sale. The modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am — one of four documented "camera cars" used for close-up shots and scenes — is available at a Dublin auto dealership for just a shade under $150,000. Because this particular version of the car doesn't talk, your secrets will be safe! April 5, 2007
Mike McCready, Pearl Jam's blazing lead guitarist, is 41.
On this day in 1969, The Who's "Pinball Wizard" entered the singles charts. On this day in 1980, R.E.M. played their first public gig at a private party in an old Athens, Georgia church. On this day in 1986, John Mellencamp's "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." peaked at #2 on the singles chart. On this day in 1994, Kurt Cobain, the guitarist behind the groundbreaking band Nirvana, committed suicide at the age of 27 in his Seattle home. On this day in 1998, legendary drummer Cozy Powell died at the age of 50 in a high-speed car crash near Bristol, England. Cozy had played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Jeff Beck and Whitesnake, among others.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of and brand new conversation with John Mellencamp.
Oops! Keef Didn't Snort Daddy!Good Lord, those wacky Brits will believe anything! It's no surprise that Keith Richards has denied that he once mixed his dead father's ashes with cocaine and snorted it. The British music tabloid "NME" originated the bizarre tale. In a statement on the band's website, The Rolling Stones guitarist blames the publication for losing his meaning in what he calls "the usual slanting!" He says he was trying to convey just how close he and his father were, and says, "The truth of the matter is that I planted a sturdy English Oak. I took the lid off the box of ashes and he is now growing oak trees and would love me for it!!!" The legendary rocker adds that cocaine is now unquestionably a part of his past, and he'd only use the drug these days if he "wished to commit suicide." Of course the folks at Disney aren't laughing. They're saying that when Walt Disney Studios releases "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" — in which Keith makes a much-hyped cameo appearance — "Keith won't be doing a lot of publicity for this movie." Wonder how Johnny Depp feels about that? The film will hit theaters on May 25th. VH1 Rock HonorsThe 2nd Annual VH1 Rock Honors ceremony — saluting Ozzy Osbourne, Heart, Genesis and ZZ Top — will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on May 12th. Nickelback and country singer Gretchen Wilson have been tapped to participate in the salute and perform along with the honorees, while skateboard star Bam Margera will be hosting the show. After 12 days of editing and post-production, the two-hour show will make its debut on VH1 on May 24th. That's Rock & Roll! Another Gig & Honor For JacksonOn June 10th, Jackson Browne will perform in Barre, Vermont at a sold-out benefit concert for the Local Agricultural Community Exchange, a farmer's market selling locally grown goods launched by the daughter of Browne's late friend Warren Zevon. Then, on the next day, Jackson will receive the World Hunger Year's annual Harry Chapin Award for his involvement in humanitarian causes at the anti-poverty organization's June 11th dinner in New York. Pretty much just a typical couple of days for the Hall Of Famer! Rickey PosesLynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke was among the musicians who took part in a photo shoot for the Fashion Fights Poverty campaign last week. Medlocke posed with country singer Rocky Lynne and 3 Doors Down's Brad Arnold at the Gibson guitar company's Nashville headquarters. The photos will appear in the Dress Responsibly style guide and catalog focusing on "ethical and socially conscious clothes."
Quote Of The DayIt was G. K. Chesterton who said: "There are some desires that are not desirable." Peeps Rule!
The fine folks at FamilyCircle.com claim that Americans buy more than 700 million Marshmallow Peeps every Easter — thus keeping dentists busy solid year round. Not that the color noticeably affects the flavor, the five most popular colors of Peeps are: April 6, 2007
Allman Brothers/Govt. Mule guitarist Warren Haynes is 47.
On this day in 1974, the Eagles, Deep Purple, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Black Sabbath played at the first Cal Jam at the Ontario Motor Speedway (about where you'll find the Ontario Mills outlet mall today). If you have any friends born in January '75... well, that Cal Jam parking lot was a wild, wild place! On this day in 1984, guitarist "Little" Steven Van Zandt announced that he was leaving The E Street Band to pursue solo projects. On this day in 1991, R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" entered the singles charts. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of and brand new conversation with John Mellencamp.
On Stage TonightHeart is doing an extremely rare club show tonight at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills! On Stage SaturdayGeorge Thorogood will be rocking the Rincon Casino as George Carlin plays the Grove of Anaheim. Bruce Makes The ShowThey paid tribute to the music of Bruce Springsteen at New York's Carnegie Hall last night, but it was the Boss himself who stole the show. Among the 20 artists performing in the Music For Youth fundraiser was Patti Smith, who sang "Because the Night" — the Springsteen-penned number that was her only Top 20 hit. Just after the last act exited the stage, Bruce walked out with his acoustic guitar and harmonica, bringing the crowd to its feet for the next 30 minutes. Springsteen noted how it was both "lovely and harrowing" to see his songs performed, and making special mention of Odetta, who he said "just did the greatest version of '57 Channels' I ever heard." He then launched into an inspired version of "The Promised Land" and "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)." Barely halfway through "Rosalita," he broke to joke that the song "was too damn long" and launched into a humorous summary of his career. After closing the abridged "Rosalita," Springsteen called all the performers back to the stage for a group sing-along, this time for the complete, seven-minute "Rosalita." The Boss instructed them to "trash the hell out of the thing," but it proved a rousing finish. The benefit raised "well over" $100,000 for Music For Youth, and bootlegs should be available later today. New Police MusicDuring a book-signing appearance Wednesday in London, Police guitarist Andy Summers spoke about the trio creating new music for the first time in 25 years. "We've been jamming acoustically lately and we've been really enjoying it. We'll be playing a couple of new songs at the shows in the Summer." He also referred to the three Type A personalities getting along well enough to continue. "If we do well with these concerts we may well make a sixth album... I can't see why not." As for the amazing demand for tickets, the understated guitarist said, "We were booked to play arenas on many of the dates but we ended up having to upgrade to stadiums. It's pretty daunting I have to admit." It's not clear if Andy's comments had been cleared by Sting, but the situation sure sounds promising! Hamilton's ReturnWith his nasty fight with throat cancer behind him, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton has finally been cleared to rejoin his band. "Something like this really forces you to think how you're going to live without the band, and it's not pleasant," he says. "But then you get little whispers from inside saying, 'It'll be OK.'" Aerosmith's next tour kicks off April 12th in São Paulo, Brazil. New Macca Is NewRather than using outtakes from his last two albums, Paul McCartney says his new album will be full of fresh material. The former Beatle's fan site (http://MaccaReport.com) describes the songs as "very aggressive" and "very emotional." The still untitled disc will be Macca's first release under a new deal he recently signed with Starbucks' new Hear Music label. The album will arrive in stores in June.
Quote Of The WeekendIt was French President Charles de Gaulle who said: "The graveyards are full of indispensable men." Easter Bunny/Candy FactoidsThe idea of the Easter Bunny with baskets of eggs started in Europe as the Easter Hare. The hare was originally a symbol of Easter for the Germans who came to America in the 18th century. By the 19th century in America, the Easter Hare had become the Easter Bunny delighting children with baskets of eggs, chocolates, candy chicks, jelly beans and other gifts on Easter morning. By the 21st century, five million marshmallow chicks and bunnies were produced daily just for Easter. April 7, 2007
Drummer Spencer Dryden, who most notably played with the Jefferson Airplane, would have been 69.
On this day in 1962, at London's Ealing Blues Club, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first met Brian Jones. Within the year, they formed The Rolling Stones. On this day in 1973, Led Zeppelin released their classic "Houses Of The Holy" album. On this day in 1973, David Bowie's "Space Oddity" peaked at #15 on the U.S. singles chart. On this day in 1979, "Sultans Of Swing" by Dire Straits peaked at #4 on the charts. On this day in 1987, after preacher Oral Roberts told his TV congregation that God would kill him if he didn't raise $1 million in donations, Ozzy Osbourne sent him a dollar to be put toward psychiatric treatment. On this day in 1998, pop star George Michael was arrested for lewd conduct in a public restroom in a Beverly Hills park. April 8, 2007
Yes guitarist Steve Howe is 60. April 9, 2007
Hall of Famer Carl "Blue Suede Shoes" Perkins would have been 75.
On this day in 1977, less than an hour into a Led Zeppelin concert in the Chicago Stadium, guitar god Jimmy Page collapsed onstage with stomach cramps. I was there and saw him drink that entire bottle of J&B scotch whiskey. It was the last time the Zep ever played the Windy City (and they really weren't very good for that 40 minutes!).
Pattie May Spill The BeansWord is that the woman who was married to both Eric Clapton and George Harrison may finally reveal the details of how Clapton stole her away from the Beatle. Pattie Boyd, who is said to be getting paid over $1 million to write her autobiography, apparently was courted via a letter on a page ripped out of the book "Of Mice and Men." An excerpt from her autobiography says: "In tiny, scrawly, little handwriting it said, 'Dear Pattie, I have always loved you and this is breaking my heart. All I want is to be with you.'" As you know, Clapton wrote "Layla" and eventually "Wonderful Tonight" about her, and she was the direct inspiration for Harrison's song "Something." Edge's Lunch Box RockedU2 guitarist The Edge will be honored on April 23rd for his efforts with the Food Bank for New York City. R.E.M. is also expected to attend the Can-Do Awards, and the Honorary Dinner Chair is Former President Bill Clinton. The Edge is being singled out for his specially designed lunch box that helped raise money for the charity. Right so! More Ozzy News Than You Really NeedOzzy Osbourne's new single, "I Don't Want To Stop" will make its debut online this Friday the 13th. But wait — there's more! His new album will be called "Black Rain," and will be released in early June. The album was recorded with guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson and drummer Mike Bordin — the same set of musicians who backed the Ozzman on last year's Ozzfest dates. But wait — there's more! Ozzy has said that he tapped into events from the past few years — both personal and global — to fuel the spark for this record. Whew... that's all for now. You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives. Gilmour's Due"Remember That Night – Live at the Royal Albert Hall," the DVD chronicling Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour's three May 2006 performances in London, will be released on September 18th. The two-disc set will also include documentaries, behind-the-scenes clips and other bonus material. Meanwhile, the episode of the U.K. TV series Live From Abbey Road that featured Gilmour will get its U.S. premiere July 19th on the Sundance Channel.
Quote Of The DayIt was Dudley Moore who said: "The best car safety device is a rearview mirror with a cop in it." Naked vs. NudeWith this year's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach taking place this coming weekend, I thought we should clear this up once and for all. The words "naked" and "nude" are not the same. Naked implies unprotected. Nude means unclothed. Any questions? Try Googling it. April 10, 2007
Guitarist/singer Brian Setzer of Stray Cats fame is 48.
On this day in 1956, Leo Fender patented the Stratocaster guitar — THE Rock & Roll guitar! On this day in 1962, Stu Sutcliffe — The Beatles' original bass player — died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 22. He had actually left the group several months earlier, suffering from chronic headaches. He also originated the "Beatles haircut," pioneering the look of shaggy, brushed forward hair. On this day in 1968, Mickey Hart joined the Grateful Dead at the invitation of drummer Bill Kreutzmann. On this day in 1970, newspapers around the world carried Paul McCartney's statement that he was quitting The Beatles and that the group would never work together again. He cited personal differences with John Lennon and disapproval of John's wife, Yoko, and the Beatles' financial advisor, Allen Klein, as his reason for the split. The next week, he released his debut solo album. But 30 years later, this week in 2000, the story came out that McCartney was most reluctant to have the group dissolve. It was actually John Lennon who had walked away a couple of months earlier. On this day in 1971, The Doors' "Love Her Madly" entered the singles charts. On this day in 1974, Eric Clapton began the recording sessions for what became his "461 Ocean Boulevard" album. Although the album was named for the home that he was staying in, the music was actually recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami. On this day in 1976, Aerosmith's "Dream On" peaked at #6 on the singles chart. On this day in 1976, Peter Frampton's "Comes Alive" album began 10 weeks at #1 on the charts. On this day in 1982, The J. Geils Band's song "Freeze-Frame" topped out at #4 on the singles chart.
Wolfie SpeaksSounds like this is one smart kid. I haven't seen the "People" magazine article yet, but word is that Wolfgang Van Halen is relieved that his dad checked himself into rehab. Not just because Eddie's finally getting help, but also because it means that Wolfie doesn't have to step into Michael Anthony's touring shoes yet. Wolfgang reportedly told "People," "I'm too young for the experience. I know there are a lot of bad things out there." Right so! Jovi Action FiguresJon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are the latest musicians to join McFarlane Toys' line of action figures. The Sambora doll is playing a double-neck guitar, while the Jon is depicted with a microphone stand and an acoustic axe strapped to his back. No word if the figurines are anatomically correct, but the New Jersey rockers' likenesses will arrive in stores in August and will be priced at around $10. Do you think that Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres and keyboardist David Bryan were offended that they weren't downsized like Jon and Richie? Crosby/Nash RescheduleDavid Crosby and Graham Nash have rescheduled a series of U.S. shows they recently postponed because of David's health problems. The duo's trek will now run from October 3rd through October 27th, hitting markets far away from the Southland. Meanwhile, the duo's longtime collaborator, Stephen Stills, has added more dates to his Spring solo tour, again bypassing the Southland. A Guitar For TonyThe Who's Roger Daltrey, KISS' Paul Stanley and Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson autographed a guitar for White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, who is battling colon cancer. Tony received the instrument last week from the founder of the Rock n' Roll Fantasy Camp, in which Snow participated last year. Costner SuesBecause I've worked with the Kevin Costner Band, I can say that they're not Classic Rock, but they're damn good musicians! Now Kevin Costner is suing promoter Mahee Worldwide Ventures Incorporated for breach of contract and fraud. The Oscar-winning actor alleges that the group and Mahee had a two-year agreement that the band would perform up to five concerts a year and that Mahee would maintain its website. Costner claims that Mahee not only failed to follow through, the promoter "ultimately disappeared." That might make it difficult to collect the $8.5 million in damages he's seeking from Mahee.
Quote Of The DayIt was G. K. Chesterton who said: "The reformer is always right about what is wrong. He is generally wrong about what is right." |
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