 May 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! May 1, 2007
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles chart. On this day in 1966, The Beatles played their last live show for a paying audience. London's Wembley Arena was the venue, and others on the bill included The Rolling Stones and The Who. On this day in 1967, 32-year-old Elvis Presley married 21-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu seven years after they first met. You can do the math. On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones released the "Brown Sugar" single — the group's first release on its own Rolling Stones Records label. No word if the band ever got paid. On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones announced their upcoming tour by playing live on a flatbed truck driving down Fifth Avenue in New York City. 
When In Vegas...So as Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford was driving 160mph in the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday, singer Steven Tyler was preparing to be honored by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Tyler's event was a dedication ceremony for his handpicked, multi-media display case encompassing an incredible collection of his stage clothes and personal concert memorabilia including his handwritten notes on a set list. A Concert for BradThree sold-out concerts paying tribute to Boston frontman Brad Delp will take place tomorrow, Thursday and Friday in Arlington, Massachusetts. In My Life: A Concert for Brad will feature the remaining members of the late singer's side group, The Beatles tribute act BeatleJuice, performing with a succession of guest vocalists. Boston bassist-singer Kimberly Dahme is among the artists who will appear at the shows. Delp committed suicide on March 10. Courtney's Looking For CashCourtney Love, widow of Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain, says: "I'm going to have a Christie's auction. (My house) is like a mausoleum. My daughter doesn't need to inherit a giant... bag full of flannel... shirts. A sweater, a guitar and the lyrics to `(Smells Like) Teen Spirit' — that's what my daughter gets. And the rest of it we'll just... sell." Love and Cobain wed in 1992, the same year their daughter, Frances Bean, was born. Cobain committed suicide in 1994. No date has been set for the auction, but Courtney figures this will give her a chance to move on from Cobain, too. "I still wear his pajamas to bed. How am I ever going to go form another relationship in my lifetime wearing Kurt's pajamas?" Oh, I think you can be sure there are people who would consider doing something with those jammies! Alice's BioAlice Cooper's story, "Alice Cooper, Golf Monster: My 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict," comes out today in hardcover. The book chronicles Alice's career from the late Sixties through his battle with alcoholism, and explains how taking up the game of golf has helped him overcome his addiction and stay sober. For those too busy to read, it's also being released on CD as an abridged audiobook. Painting Giant GuitarsQueen's Brian May, Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, Bad Company's Paul Rodgers and The Rolling Stones' Ron Wood are among the noted musicians taking part in the Gibson Guitartown London British charity project. The rockers will team up with visual artists to develop and paint designs for 60 guitars — 30 10-foot tall fiberglass statues of Gibson Les Pauls and 30 standard-size Gibson SGs. Starting in late June, the giant guitars — autographed by their rocker/designers — will be displayed throughout the More London business district, while the smaller instruments will be displayed at The O2 arena. The guitars will hit the auction block in September. Money raised will go to the U.K. charity organizations The Princes Trust, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and Teenage Cancer Trust. Crowes Getting ReadyThe Black Crowes will release their seventh studio album early next year, and will do a world tour to support the as-yet-untitled disc. To make sure they've got their chops sharpened up for the recording session, the Crowes have booked a series of dates running from a June 16th show at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood through an August 18th stop in Portland, Maine. Stay tuned for ticket info. 
Just An ObservationIsn't it interesting how proudly some enjoy their freedom of speech, but object to it for people who disagree with them. Quote Of The DayIt was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither." How to Blow a ResumeAccording to an "Accountemps" survey of employers, resumes are getting worse and worse. Here are the Top 5 responses when execs were asked: "Which of the following is the single most common mistake that job seekers make on their resumes?" #1. Typos or grammatical errors – 34% #2. Including too much information – 22% #3. Not listing achievements in former roles – 17% #4. Poor layout and/or design – 17% #5. Including too little info – 7% May 2, 2007
Bob Henrit, who played drums for The Kinks and Argent, is 62.
On this day in 1965, although he swore he would never allow the band to appear on his show again, Ed Sullivan featured The Rolling Stones for a second time. They performed "The Last Time," "Little Red Rooster," "Everybody Needs Somebody," and "2120 South Michigan Avenue." So many little girls wet their pants in excitement during The Stones' performance that the Ed Sullivan Theater had to be fumigated the next day. On this day in 1969, after several failed attempts, The Beatles finally recorded George Harrison's "Something" to their satisfaction. On this day in 1979, the movie version of The Who's "Quadrophenia" opened, and drummer Kenny Jones (of The Faces) played his first official gig as Keith Moon's replacement. On this day in 1992, Tom Petty released the song "Peace In L.A.", written and recorded the day before, in the wake of the April 29th Rodney King verdict and subsequent rioting. On this day in 2005, Cream — featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker — launched a four-night stand at London's Royal Albert Hall. The show marked the first time the three legends had performed together since Cream's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and the first time Cream had played in public since the band staged its farewell concerts at the venue in November 1968.
Guitars For CharityHand-painted guitars decorated by Ozzy Osbourne, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Van Halen alumni Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony as well as dozens of others will be auctioned off at the May 17th Six-String Masterpieces benefit sale. The auction will follow a star-studded concert paying tribute to the late Pantera/Damageplan guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott as part of the 2007 Black Tooth Bash. The money raised will go to the Little Kids Rock music education charity. You can check out the guitars at: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/12606. Suing The AxlA New Jersey company that provided various cartage services for Guns N' Roses' 2006 tour is suing the group for failure to pay its bill. Starlift Logistics, which handles transportation and supplies set equipment, instruments and other goods to touring artists, claims it's owed $107,000 plus interest by GN'R. According to the suit, which was filed late last month, the band ignored numerous requests by the company to settle the debt. Gosh — Axl and the boys were probably too busy working on their imaginary "Chinese Democracy" album! More For DarfurAerosmith and Jackson Browne have joined a host of other stars in contributing to the charity project "Instant Karma; The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur," a 21-song, double CD set featuring covers of John Lennon's solo work to raise money and awareness of the fight for human rights around the world. Aerosmith provides a rendition of "Give Peace a Chance," while Browne put his spin on "Oh My Love." In addition, Jakob Dylan and Dhani Harrison — the sons of Bob Dylan and George Harrison — teamed up for one of two versions of "Gimme Some Truth." Other artists on board include U2, Green Day, R.E.M. and Lenny Kravitz. "Instant Karma; The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur" will be available on June 12th. Police Police PoliceThe Police will release a new 28-track, double-CD compilation on June 5th, shortly after kicking off their reunion tour. On that same day, drummer Stewart Copeland's 1985 solo album, "The Rhythmatist," and guitarist Andy Summers 1982 collaboration with King Crimson's Robert Fripp, "I Advance Masked," will be reissued. In addition, a book of Sting's lyric — cleverly called "Lyrics by Sting" — is due out on October 23rd. That tome will include lyrics from 100-plus songs plus commentary about the writing process from the "artist." Now about that new music the boys have been rehearsing up in Vancouver...
Quote Of The DayIt was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." Just Another Dirty Day In L.A.Los Angeles has once again topped the American Lung Association's bad air list of most polluted cities in America. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside metropolitan area had the worst air based on 2003 through 2005 figures. The Pittsburgh area was ranked as the nation's second most polluted metropolitan area followed by Bakersfield, California. Birmingham, Alabama, Detroit and Cleveland rounded out the Top 6. Despite the dubious distinction, the number of days Southland residents breathed the nation's worst ozone levels was fewer than in previous years. Nearly half of the U.S. population lives in counties that still have unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, even though there appeared to be less ozone in many counties than in previous years, the study found. Now, breathe deep and have a nice day! May 3, 2007
The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, would have been 74.
On this day in 1969, "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts. On this day in 1971, at a gig in Denmark, Led Zeppelin played "Four Sticks" live for the first and only time in their career. On this day in 1971, multi-platinum album selling Grand Funk Railroad, who were notorious for refusing to talk to the press, chose New York to finally hold their first ever press conference. The press demonstrated their respect for the well-spoken, swell-playin' trio when just six journalists showed up. And truthfully, five of them came solely for the free food. On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney began his first coast-to-coast tour of America with his new band, Wings, in Fort Worth, Texas.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Cheap Trick as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with guitarist Rick Nielsen.
Mega P.J.Pearl Jam is about to release "Live at The Gorge 05/06," a seven-disc box set featuring over seven hours of concert footage from last year's three-hometown shows at Washington State's Gorge Amphitheatre. A special pre-sale kicked off on the band's web site last night, and a pre-sale to the general public starts next Wednesday. The giant package — 75 songs spanning the band's almost 20 year career — won't be in stores until June 26th. Eric & Steve's Side GigOn May 19th, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood will be playing a fundraiser for a group dedicated to preserving the rural way of life in England. The Countryside Rocks show at the Highclere Castle in Newbury will also include Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry, former Faces/Who drummer Kenney Jones and former Foreigner/Peter Frampton/David Gilmour bassist Rick Wills. Proceeds will go to preserve "the countryside and the rural way of life." T.P. Remodels/Reissues His LatestTom Petty is going to reissue his latest album, "Highway Companion," in an expanded form on June 5th. Among other goodies, the remodeled set will feature demos of the songs "This Old Town" and "Big Weekend," plus the unreleased cuts "Home" and "Around the Roses." Zombies ReduxThe Zombies' four surviving members (including Rod Argent) will reunite for two special 40th anniversary performances of their classic 1968 album, "Odessey and Oracle." The gigs, set for March 7th and 8th in London, will mark the first time all of the surviving original Zombies will play the songs live onstage. Guitarist Keith Airey, who has been performing with the group's current lineup, will step in for founding axeman Paul Atkinson, who died in 2004.
Quote Of The DayIt was Steven Wright who asked: "If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?" May 4, 2007
Surf guitar god Dick Dale is 70.
On this day in 1970, four students protesting the Vietnam war were killed and 11 more were wounded by National Guard troops at Kent State University. In reaction, massive anti-war protests swept the country and Neil Young wrote and immediately recorded "Ohio" with Crosby, Stills & Nash. On this day in 1974, Grand Funk Railroad's cover of "The Loco-Motion" hit #1 on the singles chart. On this day in 1985, Don Henley's "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" peaked at #9 as Foreigner's "That Was Yesterday" topped out at #12 on the singles chart. On this day in 1987, blues guitarist Paul Butterfield died of a drug overdose at his Los Angeles home. He was only 44. On this day in 2005, Bruce Springsteen's "Devils and Dust" debuted at #1 on the "Billboard Top 200 Albums" chart.
On Stage TonightPaul Rodgers will be rocking the Pechanga Resort & Casino tonight. Would Bob Scare You?A funny story out of New York says that a bunch of kindergartners in Calabasas have complained to their parents that a "weird man" keeps coming to their class and sings "scary" songs and plays his guitar. Turns out that the "weird" one is our own Bob Dylan, whose grandson (Jakob Dylan's son) goes to the school. Reports are that Bob's been singing to the kindergarten class just for fun. Seems the youngsters have no idea that they are in the presence of a god-like music legend. Now if we could only get recordings of those performances! Jazz & Heritage Fest Wraps UpZZ Top, Steely Dan and the Allman Brothers Band are among the headliners scheduled for the final weekend of the 38th Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. While a big jam session between the three groups would seem unlikely, stranger things have happened in New Orleans! No Babysitting Gigs For OzzyGod bless Ozzy Osbourne! The lovable metal icon was at the bottom of the list in a Lifetime Network Mother's Day poll asking which celebrity mothers would most like to have as a babysitter. The Black Sabbath frontman joins Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline and socialite Paris Hilton at the bottom of the list, with less than 2% of the vote. Tim McGraw was named "Mr. Mom," as he's the star most women picked as their choice to help them with the children and other household chores. Meanwhile, Paul Simon has one of the most popular "mom" songs with his hit "Mother and Child Reunion." Willie Nelson's "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" was also a top contender. A Classical Macca HonorPaul McCartney's latest choral and orchestral effort, whose Latin title translates to "Behold My Heart," was named Album of the Year at the 2007 Classical Brit Awards. The former Beatle got the nod over eight other contenders including Police frontman Sting, who's collection of lute work, "Songs from the Labyrinth," was in the running. The Classical Brit Album of the Year winner was chosen by the public. The 2007 Classical Brit Awards were presented in a ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall last night. Sammy Cancels/ReschedulesSammy Hagar has canceled three sold-out shows that were due to take place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. An unspecified illness is being blamed. The engagement was to have celebrated the anniversary of the former Van Halen frontman's Cabo Wabo Cantina franchise in the city. Hagar will instead perform one large outdoor performance on June 17th at Harvey's Outdoor Arena in South Lake Tahoe. Lets hope Hagar's illness has nothing to do with his scheduled opening of a Cabo Wabo Cantina in Fresno this Fall! Webbies Will Hail BowieDavid Bowie will be honored at the 11th Annual Webby Awards on June 5th. The Thin White Duke is being saluted for "a career that has pushed the boundaries of art and technology," with creations such as BowieNet, the Internet service provider he launched in 1998, to UltraStar, his digital media company that creates online content for artists like The Rolling Stones and The Police, to BowieArt, an innovative Web site that connects emerging visual artists with collectors worldwide. Other honorees include eBay and the founders of YouTube. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Rob Corddry.
Knowledge vs. WisdomKnowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. Where To Go (Or Not)According to ForbesTraveler.com, the number one tourist destination in the world is New York City's Times Square. An estimated total of 35.2 million people per year visit it. Coming in second was the National Mall in Washington, D.C. with 25 million visitors annually, followed by Disney World's Magic Kingdom (16.6 million), London's Trafalgar Square (15 million) and Disneyland Park in Anaheim with 14.7 million visitors. Now what about parking? May 5, 2007
Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward is 59.
On this day in 1968, Buffalo Springfield performed their last gig together in Long Beach. Cinco de MayoThe Mexican holiday known as "Cinco de Mayo" is widely misconstrued in this country, even by people of Mexican descent. Although Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 15, 1810, it was 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the day in 1862 that 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City. When the battle was over, the Mexicans had won a great victory which kept Napoleon III from supplying the American Confederate rebels for another year, thus allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. That huge U.S. army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War. That's why Cinco de Mayo should be a party that celebrates freedom and liberty. But most people don't seem to care about the origin and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo, they simply see it as an opportunity to go out and get drunk on Mexican beer at reduced prices. Oddly enough, Cinco de Mayo has become more of a Chicano holiday than a Mexican one, and is celebrated on a much larger scale here in the States than it is in Mexico. No matter the reasoning, I personally propose a toast to freedom and liberty! That would be with a strawberry margarita, of course! May 6, 2007
Detroit rocker Bob Seger is 62.
On this day in 1957, Chuck Berry recorded "Rock and Roll Music." On this day in 1965, Rolling Stone Keith Richards woke up in a Clearwater, Florida hotel room and discovered that he had composed the "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" riff on his tape recorder while he slept. May 7, 2007
Drummer Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads is 56.
On this day in 1968, piano player/singer Reginald Dwight changed his name to Elton John. On this day in 1977, the Eagles' "Hotel California" album and song were #1. On this day in 1998, singer Steve Perry, who was suffering from degenerative hip problems, left Journey when the band decided to tour without him.
NBC/Princess Di ConcertNBC has reportedly paid $2.5 million to televise the July 1st tribute concert to the late Princess Diana from London's Wembley Stadium. The purchase also includes an exclusive interview with Diana's sons, Princes William and Harry. A spokesperson for the network refused to confirm the price, but said: "NBC is airing the Diana tribute concert in July. We have completed an interview with the princes that will air in conjunction with the concert." Among the acts confirmed to perform at the "Concert For Diana" are Elton John, Rod Stewart, Joss Stone and Duran Duran (yes, they're still around). The proceeds from this event will benefit charities that were near to Diana's heart. July 1st would have been Princess Diana's 46th birthday if she hadn't been killed in a car crash on August 31st, 1997. Of Course Money Solves Royalty IssuesVan Halen's business entity, Led Zeppelin's surviving members and several other parties have settled a lawsuit against a former Vail, Colorado club owner for permitting unlicensed performances by cover bands. Steve Kovacik, the one-time proprietor, has confirmed that he will shell out $40,000 to the plaintiffs, but (not surprisingly) called the settlement unfair. Unfortunate for him, the law states that venues that allow public performances of songs licensed to ASCAP have to pay an annual fee to the performing rights organization. And so it goes. Vince Versus NursesMotley Crue singer Vince Neil better hope he never gets sick in West Palm Beach. Nurses there are "up in arms" over the restaurant he and his partners will open this Summer. The plan to have barmaids and waitresses wear sexy nurse's outfits isn't sitting well with Florida's professional health care providers. A 30-year nursing veteran/spokeswoman has been all over the press and television declaring that the concept of Neil's Dr. Feelgood's Rock Bar "is everything that nursing is against. Portraying us as servers in an establishment that doesn't benefit anyone's health is outrageous." Hey, it could be worse. It could be Vince wearing sexy nurse's outfits! ZZ's TourZZ Top's Summer tour, which will include The Pretenders and Stray Cats on most of the shows, is coming together. As of now, eight shows have been announced, starting July 19th in Illinois, and running through an August 3rd Oklahoma City date. Not only is a Southland show or two in the works, but word is that some of the dates will also feature REO Speedwagon, the Gin Blossoms, and/or Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Stay tuned for more info soon! Alex's Army Of LawyersRush guitarist Alex Lifeson has decided to pursue his case against the police involved in his infamous 2003 New Year's Eve altercation in Naples, Florida. That was the fracas in which his nose was broken and he was tasered repeatedly. Alex is now appealing last month's court ruling that the police acted with appropriate force during the incident. Arizona Hall Sets DateThe Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame will honor its latest group of inductees, including Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks and The Tubes. The honors will be bestowed on September 23rd at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix.
Quote Of The DayIt was Dave Barry who said: "Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."  King Of The Blues Guitar!This Wednesday (May 9th), 7p - 9p: J.B. will once again host the Regional Finals of the King Of The Blues guitar playing contest at the Guitar Center in Hollywood. Do you suppose he'll be telling some new drummer jokes? May 8, 2007
Blues great Robert Johnson would have been 96 — if he hadn't made a pact with the devil at the crossroads and then been killed at 27.
On this day in 1956, Alfred E. Newman first appeared in "Mad" magazine asking the classic question "What, me worry?" On this day in 1965, the so-called British Invasion reached its zenith when nine of the songs in the Billboard Top 10 were by British artists. On this day in 1976, "Show Me The Way" by Peter Frampton peaked at #6 and Steve Miller's "Take The Money And Run" entered the charts on its way to #11. On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Get a Grip" entered the Billboard Top 200 album chart at #1, making it the group's highest-debuting and highest-charting album.
Queen Declines Reality TVQueen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor have turned down an offer to turn the audition process for their musical "We Will Rock You" into a reality show. May said, "It's actually an appalling lowering of standards, this whole TV-dominated culture. I promise you will never find us on some panel bullying and ridiculing young performers — I personally detest that kind of thing, and I think it's a shame that the public puts up with it." (Sounds like he didn't enjoy his stint on American Idol, doesn't it?) Brian also said, "When you see "We Will Rock You," you are watching performers who have dedicated their whole lives to the pursuit of excellence... auditioned with dignity in private, encouraged to find their own way of playing the parts, and very often rising to the leading roles within our company." May and Taylor will be on hand next Monday at the Dominion Theatre in London's West End to mark the fifth anniversary of the opening of "We Will Rock You." It has spawned a number of international productions, including runs in Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Germany, South Africa, and the United States, and it's currently running in Toronto, Canada. Police PreppingThe Police are reconvening in Vancouver this week to begin final preparations for their highly anticipated reunion tour, which begins there on May 28th. They'll have the stage and lighting soon, so full scale rehearsals can begin. The trio has mostly settled on a set list, but have not worked out the sequencing yet. Guitarist Andy Summers says, "We're not doing too many things off the wall. We've got about a two-hour show lined up of famous songs, basically." While the band is also considering playing acoustic arrangements of some songs, Andy is quick to point out that everything is subject to change "from seeing how it goes with the audiences." A Beatles-Related MovieThe trailer for a new Beatles-related movie has started running in Southland theaters. "Across the Universe" is described as a musical romance set in the Sixties that relies heavily on the music of the Fab Four. Many of the film roles are also named after characters in Beatles songs, including Jude, Lucy, Dr. Robert, Mr. Kite, Prudence, Sadie, Jo Jo, and Desmond. Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood star in the flick, while U2 frontman Bono, Salma Hayek and British comedian Eddie Izzard also have small roles. No word on how they obtained permission to use so many Beatles songs in the soundtrack, but the film is scheduled to hit the big screen on September 28th. Gregg's Staying BusyGregg Allman has lined up a brief solo tour of the western United States, completely bypassing the Southland before the trek ends on June 10th. After doing his first-ever solo gigs in Italy and Poland in July, he'll rejoin the Allman Brothers Band for a Summer tour starting on July 31st. No Southland dates (yet) for that road trip either. Stay tuned! It's Over For SharonSharon Osbourne's British TV talk show has been canceled due to poor ratings. In fact, the first season of the Sharon Osbourne Show was down about a million viewers at the end of its run — and that's a lot of viewers in jolly old England! Word is that her show will be replaced by Supermarket Sweep on the British ITV1 network. You may recall that back in 2004 Sharon's American TV chat show was cancelled after a two-season run. Sounds like she'll have to move into Talk Radio next. Robert Records For FatsFormer Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant recorded several songs in New Orleans last month for the long-in-progress Fats Domino tribute album. Plant laid down two tracks with Lil' Band o' Gold and one with the Soweto Gospel Choir during his stay. The project will benefit the Tipitina's Foundation, which is raising money to help Domino rebuild his home. Other contributors to the disc include Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and Elton John.
Quote of The DayIt was Malcolm S. Forbes who said: "Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are." May 9, 2007
Guitarist Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco fame is 63.
On this day in 1785, Joseph Bramah patented the beer-pump handle, thus assuring the eventual existence of bar bands. On this day in 1962, The Beatles signed their first recording contract with EMI Records, beginning one of the most famous and successful careers in recording history. On this day in 1970, The Guess Who's "American Woman/No Sugar Tonight" hit #1 as "Woodstock" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young peaked at #11 on the charts. On this day in 1974, Bruce Springsteen opened for Bonnie Raitt in Boston, and Bonnie allowed Bruce to perform his traditional two-hour set in its entirety. In the audience was critic and future Bruce manager Jon Landau, who wrote the next day, "I saw rock & roll's future and its name is Bruce Springsteen." Though true, it took Springsteen years to live that quote down.
Tons Of GRAMMY NewsThe 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place at the Staples Center on February 10th, 2008, with nominations to be announced on December 6th. Quincy Jones will be honored with the GRAMMY Foundation Leadership Award at a benefit dinner on July 28th in Los Angeles, and Aretha Franklin will be honored as the 2008 MusiCares Person Of The Year on February 8th. But wait — there's more! To commemorate 50 years of the GRAMMYs, The Recording Academy is releasing an Illustrated Coffee Table Book, featuring photos of memorable GRAMMY moments. But wait — there's even more! This Fall, a high-end GRAMMY fashion line for both men and women will hit stores. But wait — there's still more! The Recording Academy will also build a 30,000 square-foot GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live, conveniently located across the street from the Staples Center. The facility will pay homage to music's cultural history and it's scheduled to open in September 2008. Whew! You may now return to your regularly scheduled activities. Nikki's Soundtrack To His BookMötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx has finished the soundtrack album for his unflinching biography, "The Heroin Diaries." The soundtrack (due out on August 21st) features 12 tracks, one for each chapter of the book (which is due on September 25th). The album's first single, "Life is Beautiful," is available on The Heroin Diaries MySpace page for a limited time. The Crue will hit the road for a handful of dates this Summer, beginning with a June 1 gig in Switzerland. Sammy Sells It (Again)It was only a year or so ago that former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar sold a significant portion of his Cabo Wabo Tequila company to a group of investors. Now, an Italian beverage corporation has agreed to purchase an 80% share of the company for about $80 million. Davide Campari-Milano also said it will be able to secure the remaining 20% of the brand by 2015. The initial deal is expected to be finalized by January. Small-scale production of Cabo Wabo began in 1996, and as of last year, 70,000 cases of the liquor were sold annually. Deadheads Spend Big BucksThe auction house Bonhams & Butterfields just sold over $1.1 million worth of Grateful Dead material on behalf of the family of the band's longtime road manager, Lawrence "Ram Rod" Shurtliff. A 1975 Travis Bean electric guitar that belonged to Jerry Garcia brought in $312,000, while one of his acoustic guitars fetched $102,000 and a less-famous Gibson electric guitar sold for $39,000. The biggest surprise bids came on some of Jerry's accessories. One of Garcia's leather guitar straps went for $20,400, and a case of picks, strings, and other guitar accessories sold for $16,800. Zappa Plays Zappa ReduxThe complex music of Frank Zappa will again emanate from concert halls across North America as the Zappa Plays Zappa – Tour de Frank returns to the road this Summer. The concerts feature biographical film footage of the irreverent artist along with musical selections culled from his immense body of work. Frank's oldest son, Dweezil Zappa, says that the band will have more than 25 new songs worked up, and he's "extremely excited about some of the rare selections and some of the video surprises we have in store." The 30-date Zappa Plays Zappa – Tour de Frank will wrap-up at the House Of Blues in Anaheim on August 22nd and the Wiltern Theatre on August 23rd.
Quote Of The DayIt was Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. who said: "The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions." King Of The Blues Guitar!Tonight! Tonight!, 7p - 9p: J.B. will once again host the Regional Finals of the King Of The Blues guitar playing contest at the Guitar Center in Hollywood. Do you suppose he'll be telling some new drummer jokes? May 10, 2007
Solo artists Dave Mason and Donovan, and songwriter Graham Gouldman of 10cc are all 61 today. Now that could be one interesting party. Bassist and world-class deadbeat Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols would have been 50. Bono, the voice of U2 (and some say his generation), is 47.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones did their first professional recording session in London for Decca Records (who casually rejected the results). On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their first attempt on Keith Richards' song "Satisfaction" at Chess Studios in Chicago. Two days later, they got it right in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones appeared in separate courts facing separate drug charges. On this day in 1974, Eric Clapton recorded his cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." On this day in 1974, Led Zeppelin threw a party celebrating the launch of their Swan Song record label at the Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The bash ended with the guests tossing food, china and other guests at one another. Don't believe me? Ask your mom! On this day in 1978, with Brian Jones long dead and Keith Richards cleaned up for the first time in years, The Rolling Stones released the biggest hit of the Summer of '78, "Miss You." This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Jethro Tull as well as more of Joe's extensive conversations with Ian Anderson and Martin Barre.
Horses Force Stones To MoveThe July 14th Rolling Stones concert scheduled for a racetrack in Belgrade, Serbia is being relocated after animal rights activists protested that noise from the gig would distress the horses sheltered at nearby stables. Keef and the boys will now play their first Serbian show ever at a huge Belgrade park. More than 80,000 tickets are being sold for the concert, which is part of the band's A Bigger Bang world tour. Roger Resurfaces For DianaHe's been out of the limelight for years, but former Supertramp singer/guitarist Roger Hodgson has joined the line-up for the Concert For Diana, the special memorial show marking the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. The iconic princess was reported to be a big fan of Supertramp and Roger's ethereal singing. Elton John and Rod Stewart are among the previously announced artists set to perform at the event, which will be held on July 1st in London. Now if we could just get Mr. Hodgson to play a show in the Southland... Rush Sells LargeRush's new "Snakes & Arrows" album will enter the Billboard 200 at #3. The Canadian progressive rockers' first studio album since 2002 instantly becomes their highest charting release since "Counterparts, which peaked at #2 in 1993. Brian (Finally) Returns To SchoolIt's not like he ditched his classes to get high, but guitarist Brian May was very close to completing his Ph.D. in astronomy when he left school to join Queen in 1970. Now, 37 years down the road, May has returned to finish his doctoral thesis on interplanetary dust at London's Imperial College. How long will the much-delayed homework take to finish? Brian says he's put his other interests and responsibilities on the backburner until after he turns in his thesis later this month. That begs two questions: Was he really only two or three weeks away from the end when he walked, and we will now have to call him Dr. May? Squeeze AgainSqueeze have given in to an eight-year campaign by their fans to reform by announcing a Stateside reunion tour this Summer. The 12-date Quintessential tour by one of the U.K.'s most successful bands of the past 30 years will see the Chris Difford/Glenn Tilbrook led band play The Grove of Anaheim on August 12th and the Greek Theatre on August 13th. Fans with sharp memories will remember that yer Uncle Joe played a key role in a pivotal scene in director Amy Pickard's feature-length documentary Glenn Tilbrook: One For The Road. These two concerts should be pretty special!
Quote Of The DayIt was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."  Arrrgh Matey – Live From Disneyland!This Afternoon!, 3p - 7p: Unc will be broadcasting live from Disneyland as the lead-in to Mark & Brian's Private Pirate Party for KLOS listeners! Wonder if he'll be in the Pirates Of The Caribbean ride or hanging by Space Mountain? Here Comes Mom's DayThe Mothers Hall of Fame conducted their First Annual State of Motherhood survey by asking women what they think about moms in America. It's not surprising that 88% of the respondents said that mothers don't receive enough credit for all that they do. The poll also revealed how Americans felt about their favorite celebrity moms. 36% selected Angelina Jolie to give them the scoop about adopting a child. 46% selected Faith Hill as the mom you'd want to sing at a family wedding. 39% selected Elizabeth Edwards as the favorite mom on the Presidential campaign trail. 32% voted "Grey Anatomy's" Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) as the TV mom you'd most likely want to have babysit your kids. 34% voted Kelly Ripa as the mom one would like to sit next to on a flight from Boston to Seattle. 42% chose Food Network TV star Paula Deen as the best mom to prepare the food for your next dinner party. For some reason, absolutely no one voted for Courtney Love in any of the categories. |
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