 May 21 - 31, 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 21, 2007
Stan Lynch, the original drummer for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, is 52. 
On this day in 1966, Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & #35" peaked at #2 as "Eight Miles High" by The Byrds topped out at #14. Those were the days! On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" was the #1 album in the U.S. On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Book Of Dreams" album entered the charts. 
U2 Play CannesU2 played a short set at the Cannes Film Festival early Sunday to promote the premiere of their new film, U2 3D. Hundreds of fans clustered around the VIP entrance to the main cinema to hear the boys crank out "Vertigo" and "Where the Streets Have No Name." Directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, and shot in South America during the band's "Vertigo" tour, the new technology 3D film seeks to recreate the atmosphere of a gig and take fans on a thrilling visual ride. The film combines camera angles that soar over the concert audiences, zoom in to within inches of the performers, then join them on stage and look back into the stadium. Surprisingly, absolutely no reviews of the film have surfaced from Cannes — yet. Get Yer $15,000 Concert Tickets!Welcome to the new world. For a mere $15,000 you can see Billy Joel, Tom Petty, James Taylor, Dave Matthews and Prince in a 1,000-seat venue — and not have to pay for parking! Those stars will perform at Social, a five-show concert series aimed at super-wealthy music fans. Beginning in June, the exclusive events will take place in East Hampton, New York. Besides "rumored" seven figure paychecks for the artists, the gigs will also include a place where artists will exhibit their work, celebrity chefs will cook and seating will include daybeds, ottomans and Moroccan pillows. Kind of makes you wonder why The Rolling Stones and Eagles weren't the first to sign up, doesn't it? Doors At The HallThe Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame will open an exhibit featuring The Doors. The Break On Through – The Lasting Legacy Of The Doors display examines the career and impact of the band by featuring one-of-a-kind artifacts, original manuscripts, rare concert posters, photographs and video. The material on display has come from John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and other private collectors. The Hall Of Fame has its own extensive collection of artifacts related to the life of Jim Morrison. Jamming In The Ox's NameSo what do you do if your band isn't touring or recording this decade? AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and bassist Cliff Williams have signed on to perform at a series of Classic Rock Cares benefit concerts. The shows, which will also feature former Grand Funk Railroad singer/guitarist Mark Farner and former Rainbow frontman Joe Lynn Turner, are scheduled from a July 6th stop in Las Vegas through a July 21st gig in Poughkeepsie. Proceeds will go to the John Entwistle Foundation, which was founded in honor of the late Who bassist to provide music education to underprivileged children. You can be sure that if the set-up works, a Southland date will be booked. Poems Inspired By...Standby for a new book called "Third Rail," a collection of poetry inspired by rock music. Of course, both you and I must ask, "How cheesy is it?" Well it's legit enough that they got Bono to write the foreword — and what a job he did! "The poets who fill the pews here have come to testify, to bear witness to the mysterious power of rock and roll. Rock and roll is truly a broad church, but each lights a candle to their vision of what it is." The collection includes poems like "Punk Rock You're My Big Crybaby," "Variation On A Theme By Whitesnake" and "Vince Neil Meets Josh In A Chinese Restaurant In Malibu (After Ezra Pound)." Sounds like a stiff drink might add to your poetic enjoyment, doesn't it? Here Comes TedlyBe warned! Ted Nugent is working on a new album — tentatively titled "Love Grenade" — at his home studio in Waco, Texas. The target for release is July 2nd, and word is that Tedly's former Damn Yankees bandmate Jack Blades is producing the project. The Nuge has also booked an extensive 54-date tour that includes an August 20th stop at the House Of Blues on Sunset and an August 21st gig at the House Of Blues in Anaheim. For your own personal safety, please remember that Ted has been wearing earplugs on stage since the late Sixties. 
Quote Of The DayIt was Dave Barry who said: "You should not confuse your career with your life." May 22, 2007
Drummer Dallas Taylor, who worked with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, is 71 and glad to be alive. Elton John's longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin is 57.
On this day in 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis announced he'd married his 13-year-old cousin Myra. It's a wonder she never appeared in "Playboy." On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" knocked "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" by Herman's Hermits out of the #1 spot on the American charts. On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" album, considered by many to be their finest, topped the American charts one week after its release. On this day in 1976, Steely Dan's classic "The Royal Scam" album entered the charts. On this day in 1997, a reunited Fleetwood Mac taped an "MTV Unplugged" special here in Los Angeles. The concert later became their best-selling "The Dance" album and video. Stand By, History Buffs
It was on this day:
Daltrey Loudly Says BollocksRoger Daltrey, the iconic frontman of The Who, has slammed the upcoming Live Earth concerts, questioning the potential effectiveness of the series of international gigs. Roger said, "Bollocks to that! The last thing the planet needs is a rock concert. We have problems with global warming, but the questions and the answers are so huge I don't know what a rock concert's ever going to do to help." The legendary British singer also admitted he feels badly let down by Live 8 — the 10 concerts held simultaneously in July 2005 with the goal to Make Poverty History. "What did we really achieve at Live 8? We got loads of platitudes and no action. Who were we kidding there?" Meanwhile, The Who have announced plans to sell CDs and DVDs of all the shows on their current European tour. Guess they're just looking for a different kind of green than Al Gore. Sir Paulie's Fertility UpdateSir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills have reportedly ended their fighting for the sake of their daughter. The former Beatle and his estranged wife were seen chatting at a central London restaurant on Friday while three-year-old daughter Beatrice played. And as a result of the alleged peace, Mills is thought to have been invited to McCartney's 65th birthday party next month. Missing from the b-day list is Bettina Huebers, who's claimed for more than 20 years that she's McCartney's illegitimate daughter. The Berlin prosecutor's office in Germany is investigating Macca for a possible act of fraud involving falsification of a paternity test he supposedly took in the early Eighties. West German courts tossed out Huebers' lawsuit in the matter in 1984, after the paternity test came back negative. But now Bettina is talking DNA — so stay tuned! Clapton/Winwood Finally JamEric Clapton and Steve Winwood reunited onstage for the first time in 20+ years at the Countryside Rocks benefit concert in England last Saturday. To the crowd's amazement, the Hall Of Famers performed Blind Faith's "Presence Of The Lord," "Can't Find My Way Home," and "Had To Cry Today." They also jammed on Steve's breakthrough hit, the Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin'," and two Robert Johnson blues numbers — "Crossroads," which Eric made famous in Cream, and "Little Queen Of Spades," which he covered on his 2004 "Me And Mr. Johnson" album. Clapton has said that he plans to do something with Winwood at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in July because they have "unfinished business." Of course, any talk of a formal Blind Faith reunion has been denied by everyone involved. Diddley BetterRock & Roll pioneer Bo Diddley was moved out of the intensive care unit to a regular room at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha yesterday. Diddley was stricken by a stroke just over a week ago, but reportedly has little or no physical limitations except difficulty with speech and speech recognition. His business manager is very optimistic, saying: "He wanted to know where his stuff was: his guitar and the money from the gig. I was so happy because this is the Bo that I know and love, and a real indication that he is on his way back." Right so! Painted Guitars Sell For CharityGuitars decorated by Metallica's Kirk Hammett, KISS veteran Ace Frehley and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons were among the 50 heavily painted/decorated guitars sold at last Thursday's Six-String Masterpieces benefit auction. Over $210,000 was raised for the Little Kids Rock charity.
Quote Of The DayIt was Plato who said: "Of all the animals, the boy is the most unmanageable." May 23, 2007
Robert Moog, the guy who made synthesizers manageable, would have been 73.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles' song "The Long And Winding Road" entered the charts on its way to #1 as their farewell album "Let It Be" set a record with 3.7 million advance orders. On this day in 1979, Tom Petty filed for bankruptcy after MCA bought his old record label and tried to change his personal contract. The result was a new contract and his breakthrough "Damn The Torpedoes" album. On this day in 1979, The Who's excellent documentary "The Kids Are Alright" debuted in theaters. On this day in 1981, John Lennon's song "Watching The Wheels" peaked at #10 on the charts. On this day in 1987, 12 of the 16 former members of The Doobie Brothers gathered for a reunion concert at the Hollywood Bowl to raise money for Vietnam veterans. It marked the first and last time that so many Doobie alumni ever gathered on the same stage.
Don & Joe Pick Up More WorkOccasional Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh has expanded his solo Summer tour to 11 dates — with nary a Southland stop. Fellow occasional Eagle Don Henley is also expanding his Summer gig list. His latest additions include an August 8th show in Glendale, Arizona — which puts him right in our backyard. Stay tuned! Mellencamp Talks FamilyThe latest edition of "Best Life" magazine features an surprising interview with John Mellencamp discussing his family — and not his music. Noting that he and wife Elaine will celebrate their 15th anniversary in September, the twice-divorced singer/songwriter says the key to a successful marriage is making it a priority. John, who has five children, is also trying hard to be a good dad to his two sons with Elaine. Mellencamp says he takes the boys with him almost everywhere, and he's "always trying to open their eyes to new experiences." Hey — didn't that technique lead to John's three marriages? Elty Drops A FewProblems with a tour promoter have caused Elton John to scrap six highly-anticipated Red Piano Summertime concerts. The special performances in Berlin, Moscow, Paris, Seville and Venice, Italy are not expected to be rescheduled, but his Red Piano Fall dates at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas will not be affected. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life. Syd's BucksWhen Pink Floyd's eccentric founder Syd Barrett died last July at the age of 60, there was widespread talk that he had lived in poverty for many years. In reality, the psychodelicized Syd left behind an estate valued at over $3.3 million. His will divided the money among his four siblings, with his sister Rosemary — who cared for the madcap in his later years — also receiving the proceeds of the sale of Syd's house and the auction of his belongings, which totaled up to almost $850,000. Rare Beatles Photos ExposedFrom May 25th through July 11th, a very rare collection of The Beatles' photographs will be on display in Scotland. Taken in 1965 during the filming of "Help!," the Michael Peto photos show the fab four relaxing between takes and joking together. The 500 images were left to the University of Dundee when Peto died in 1970, but they were archived and forgotten about until being rediscovered in 2004. Collectors from around the world are expected at this, the photos' first exhibition, and it won't be surprising if someone is making a whole bunch of money real soon! KISS Expo At The Holiday InnThe 2007 Nashville KISS Expo will descend upon the Holiday Inn Select Opryland/Airport in Nashville on July 29th. Eric Singer, who worked with both KISS and Alice Cooper, will be on hand at the Expo to answer questions, sign autographs and take photos. Except for rationalizing hanging out at a Holiday Inn in Nashville, KissArmyWarehouse.com has all the details.
Quote Of The DayIt was G. K. Chesterton who said: "I have formed a very clear conception of patriotism. I have generally found it thrust into the foreground by some fellow who has something to hide in the background. I have seen a great deal of patriotism; and I have generally found it the last refuge of the scoundrel." Disturbing Mid-Week FactoidsOn average, a disposable diaper can hold up to seven pounds (approximately one gallon) of liquid. On average, an American home has three-to-ten gallons of hazardous materials. May 24, 2007
Bob Dylan turns 66 today. Bob has released over 42 albums since his self-titled 1962 debut, and it was he alone that introduced lyrics that meant something to pop music.
On this day in 1963, legendary blues slide guitarist Elmore James died in Chicago of a heart attack at the age of 45. On this day in 1965, John Lennon published his second volume of prose, "A Spaniard in the Works." On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Get Back" hit #1 on the singles chart. On this day in 1969, The Who released their landmark "Tommy" album in the States. On this day in 1970, founding member/guitar wizard Peter Green quit Fleetwood Mac to become obscure. On this day in 1974, American jazz great Duke Ellington died in New York from cancer at the age of 75. On this day in 1979, fans buying tickets to a Genesis benefit show at the Roxy were shocked to find the band members manning the box office. On this day in 1991, vocalist Gene Clark of The Byrds died in Sherman Oaks at the age of 46.   This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of ZZ Top as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with guitarist/singer Billy F. Gibbons.
VH1 Honors Air TonightYou can finally see Ozzy Osbourne, Heart, Genesis and ZZ Top saluted at the 2nd Annual VH1 Rock Honors ceremony. The extravaganza that was taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas earlier this month will make its debut on VH1 tonight. The show includes testimonials on the influence of those acts, video retrospectives and live performances. Participants include Nickelback, Alice In Chains and Queens Of The Stone Age. Palestinians Tell Stones To Stay HomeOrganizers of the Palestinian Campaign For The Academic & Cultural Boycott Of Israel are urging The Rolling Stones to skip their first-ever Israeli concert. A letter sent to the band's management asks that the boys refrain from playing in Israel "until the time comes when it ends its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory." While it hasn't been confirmed, The Stones are rumored to be planning a concert in Tel Aviv around the middle of September. Macca Snags NataliePaul McCartney had his fashion designer daughter Stella help recruit actress Natalie Portman for the video to his new song "Dance Tonight." So how did that crafty Macca pull it off? He says, "I rang her up and said, 'Hey, I'm Stella's dad!' She had a bit of time off... so it was great." The finished video for the lead track from Sir Paulie's upcoming "Memory Almost Full" album will be in wide release shortly. Monterey Pop ReduxThe latest version of the Jefferson Starship and a reunited Moby Grape are among the acts slated to perform at the Monterey Summer of Love Festival to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the famed Monterey International Pop Festival. This year's event will run on July 28th and 29th at the same site as the original. Meanwhile, a double-CD featuring the original Monterey Pop Fest performances by the Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, The Who and other artists is due out on June 5th.
Quote Of The DayIt was Goodman Ace who said: "Familiarity breeds attempt." Weekend BBQ FactoidsThe average American consumes about 29.8 pounds of ground beef each year. McDonald's has sold 12 hamburgers for every person in the world. The first fast-food hamburger chain in America was White Castle. It's first restaurant opened in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. As of May 19th, 2003, White Castle had sold 15,245,449,464 hamburgers. It had sold a million by 1923 and a billion by 1952. (McDonald's didn't open until 1955.) May 25, 2007
Jazz icon Miles Davis would have been 81.
On this day in 1968, the second Monterey Pop Festival was canceled because of pressure from the local government and citizenry. In the wake of the cancellation, $52,000 was discovered missing from the previous festival's profits and the festival's bookkeeper, Mrs. Sandra Beebe, couldn't be located. The shock! The horror! On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin and The Who appeared together in concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Not one person in the crowd could hear anything whatsoever when the show finally finished. On this day in 1978, The Who performed a second "secret" concert in London for their documentary movie on the band's history, "The Kids Are Alright." That marked Keith Moon's last public performance with the band before his death.
Cream Maybe Yes/Maybe NoJust a couple weeks ago Cream bassist/singer Jack Bruce said there was "no chance the band would reunite because of the long standing tension between him and (drummer) Ginger Baker." But yesterday Jack announced that he has agreed to play an unspecified show or shows later this year with guitarist Eric Clapton and Baker. While he wouldn't give up the details of when and where the gig would take place, he did say it would not be at Live Earth. Representatives for Clapton and Baker have not confirmed the reunion. Infighting and ego clashes between Baker and Bruce go back decades, and it was Clapton who persuaded Bruce and Baker to reunite in 2005 after a 37-year split. But the ill will resurfaced, and additional dates (including a Southland run) were canceled. Now we'll have to wait to see what the old boys are really up to. Kurt's Ad PulledEven though she sold most of her rights to his music and image, Courtney Love's complaints about the use of Kurt Cobain's likeness in a British advertising campaign have caused a stir. Famed brit shoemaker Doc Marten has fired the ad agency responsible for the campaign that featured pictures of the late Nirvana frontman, as well as fellow deceased rockers Sid Vicious, Joey Ramone and Joe Strummer, as angels in the clouds wearing Doc Martin boots. The company also issued a statement apologizing for any offense taken from the ads, but not thanking anyone for the increased sales. The ads were legal in the U.K. because the agency got permission from the original photographer. Elty/Peter/Cat/Quincy/ScoreElton John was among the winners at the 52nd Annual Ivor Novello Awards, held Thursday evening in London. Sir Elty took home the Most Performed Song trophy for co-writing the Scissor Sisters' hit "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'." Other Ivor winners included Peter Gabriel, Yusuf Islam and Quincy Jones, who all received honorary awards. The former Genesis frontman was recognized for Lifetime Achievement, the former Cat Stevens received the Outstanding Song Collection trophy, and Jones captured The Special International Award. Bruce On Big Screen (Briefly)A 90-minute film featuring footage from the forthcoming Bruce Springsteen With the Sessions Band Live In Dublin DVD will be screened on June 4th in select theaters across the United States. The DVD, a companion double-CD set and a CD/DVD combination package all will be released on June 5th. All Hail Bono (Again)U2 frontman Bono and his side group that fights AIDS in Africa have been jointly awarded the 2007 Liberty Medal. The actual presentation will take place on September 27th at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The $100,000 prize will be donated to DATA, the group Bono founded.
Quote Of The WeekendIt was French President Charles de Gaulle who said: "The graveyards are full of indispensable men." Memorial DayTime for a few thoughts on Memorial Day. The basic problem is that people increasingly take the holidays we celebrate throughout the year for granted, as nothing more than a day you don't have to go to work or school, and a gimmick for advertisers and merchandising. Many of us have lost family members, lovers, friends, high school and college buddies to war. Memorial Day was established to honor all the men and women who have served, are currently serving, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country and our freedoms. It's also a day to pay tribute to the families whose loved ones died, or were taken captive and never returned. We thank them for shouldering this burden, and for giving us our future at the cost of their own. The idea is that this Monday, before you hit the malls, light up the barbecue or hit the road, STOP for a moment and reflect. Remember the heroes, those who came home and the ones who never made it, all of whom helped build and preserve the American dream. May 26, 2007
Drummer Levon Helm of The Band is 67.
On this day in 1973, Deep Purple's classic song "Smoke on the Water" entered the U.S. singles charts and the consciousness of the Free World. On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark" entered the charts on its way to becoming his biggest hit single ever at #2. Ironically, it was the last song (of over 100) written and recorded for the "Born In The U.S.A." album. May 27, 2007
Bassist/keyboardist Pete Sears, most famous for his work with Rod Stewart and Jefferson Starship, is 58.
On this day in 1962, Bob Dylan released his second album, "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," which contained two all time classics: "Blowin' In The Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." On this day in 1972, Procol Harum's live version of "Conquistador" entered the U.S. singles charts. On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' "Miss You," the first single from their forthcoming "Some Girls" album, entered the charts. It went on to become the Stones' third and final #1 hit in the Seventies, and "the song" of the Summer of '78. May 28, 2007
Blues legend T-Bone Walker, credited as being the first to plug in his guitar and turn the blues electric, would have been 97 today. Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty is 62.
On this day in 1966, The Beach Boys incredible "Pet Sounds" album finally entered the charts. On this day in 1969, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and girlfriend Marianne Faithful were arrested in their London home on marijuana possession charges. Yes, she was naked, but why do you ask? On this day in 1976, the Allman Brothers Band broke up in disgust after Gregg Allman testified against his road manager who transported his drugs. On this day in 1977, Bruce Springsteen settled out of court with his former manager, Mike Appel. Their suits and counter-suits had prevented Springsteen from recording for almost two years. On this day in 1983, the second US Festival opened in Devore. Headliners for each day — Van Halen, David Bowie and The Clash — were paid a cool million dollars each. Last reports were that 237 people are still wandering around the hills, looking for their cars. May 29, 2007
Showbiz legend Bob Hope would have been 104 today.
On this day in 1942, Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas," which went on to become the biggest selling Christmas song of all time. On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" hit #1 Stateside, while their "Sticky Fingers" stayed at the top of the albums chart. On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's classic "Fly Like An Eagle" album entered the charts. On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley wandered off the stage in the middle of a Baltimore concert, and didn't come back. That marked the first time "The King" used Van Morrison's personal technique for terminating shows.
Police Crank Out 21 SongsThe Police previewed their 30th anniversary world tour with a stunning show Sunday night in front of an audience of 4,000 fan club members. The two-hour, 21-song set at Vancouver's GM Place — the trio's first full concert in over 20 years — featured all their hits plus a healthy mix of deeper tracks like "Murder By Numbers," "Next To You," "Driven To Tears" and an amazing version of "Walking In Your Footsteps." Evidently the past two months that the band has spent in rigorous rehearsals was time well spent: my sources say the boys seem to be playing better than ever. To date, The Police have sold out over 100 dates in a matter of minutes. They'll hit the Southland June 20th, 21st and 23rd. Imagine Piano Visits Virginia TechThe "Imagine" piano's peace tour continues. Over the weekend, the famed instrument on which John Lennon wrote the adopted peace anthem visited Virginia Tech University. The keyboard was photographed on Sunday in the private garden of an assistant professor at the school. "The Roanoke Times" says more than 200 people came out to take a look at the piano, and about 60 people tried their hand at playing the keyboard. British pop star George Michael and his partner, gallery owner Kenny Goss, are behind the Imagine Piano Peace Project, in which they take the instrument to locations where significant acts of violence have occurred and take its picture in an effort to promote peace. Other stops on the tour have included Columbine High School, the Branch Davidian compound in Texas, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, and the assassination sites of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln. Macca's LatestGerman prosecutors in Berlin have dropped an investigation into a 44-year-old woman's claim that Paul McCartney faked a paternity test in 1984 that proved he wasn't her father. Officials decided not to pursue the case because the statute of limitations had expired.
A Fast WeekendWhat an amazing weekend of racing! On Sunday afternoon, Dario Franchitti — a true gentleman and a great guy — won his first Indy 500. In doing so, Dario became only the second Scotsman to win the big event (Jimmy Clark, the legendary Formula One ace, was the first). Then on Sunday evening, our old friend Casey Mears of Bakersfield won the Coca-Cola 600 — scoring his first Nextel Cup victory in NASCAR's second biggest race. In fact, Casey has now won two major endurance races in the last 18 months. In addition to this year's 600, he won last year's 24 Hours at Daytona. Congrats! Quote Of The DayIt was Dave Barry who said: "The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers." May 30, 2007
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "Love Me Do" hit #1 in the States. On this day in 1968, The Beatles began recording their "White" album by doing 18 takes of "Revolution 1" (John Lennon was hard to please that day). On this day 1970, the most powerful live album in the history of Rock & Roll, The Who's "Live at Leeds," and The Beatles last album, "Let It Be," both entered the charts. On this day in 1980, bassist Carl Radle, who played in Clapton's Derek & the Dominos, died from a kidney ailment at the age of 37.
A Strange Aerosmith StorySomeone with an ax to grind has been spreading word that Steven Tyler is planning to leave Aerosmith. The rumor "officially" surfaced yesterday when The New York Post reported that Steven's daughter, actress Liv Tyler, has been saying that her dad is poised to bail on his group because his bandmates don't appreciate him and they aren't treating him right. But a rep for the vocalist replied, "Liv never said anything about her father leaving Aerosmith." The actress is in Toronto shooting a film while Mr. Tyler is overseas on Aerosmith's World Tour '07. Sexiest VegetariansSeems like a weird title for some of the nominees, but Paul McCartney and Joan Jett are among those vying for the title of World's Sexiest Vegetarian. The informal poll is being conducted by the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which has a list of nearly 400 stars from which to choose — 300 men and 85 women. Two Macca family members are among the contenders: the former Beatle's daughter, fashion designer Stella McCartney, and his estranged wife, Heather Mills. Others on the list include U2's Larry Mullen Jr., Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder as well as actors Natalie Portman (one of last year's winners) and Tobey Maguire. To place a vote, log on to http://www.peta2.com. Eddie Says ThanksEddie Van Halen has issued a statement thanking fans for their support during his stay in rehab. "I want to say thank you to all the Van Halen fans for the tons of e-mails and all the support they provided when I was in rehab earlier this year. It was an intensely personal thing that I'm not really comfortable talking about right now, but I want everyone to know that their support has, and always will, mean the world to me. I want everyone to know that I am truly grateful." The statement was released with the news that a new interview with Edward will appear in the September issue of Guitar World magazine, which hits stores on June 26th. You can expect David Lee Roth to resurface with some sort of statement any moment now. Please Buy John's "Favorite" PianoOne of John Lennon's favorite musical instruments — the upright grand piano formally housed at the Record Plant in New York City — is for sale. Recording engineer/producer Jack Douglas, who worked with the former Beatle on a number of solo projects, says that Lennon first started playing the keyboard during sessions for the "Imagine" album. In a letter authenticating the instrument, he says it earned the name "The John Lennon Piano" because Lennon was so attached to it that he'd have it moved into whatever studio he was using." John also played the piano on his "Walls and Bridges" and "Double Fantasy" albums, and he used it for collaborations with Elton John and David Bowie. Douglas also says that he saw Bob Dylan and The Who's Pete Townshend play the piano, and it's also been used on sessions with Aerosmith, Cheap Trick and others. The memorabilia auctioneers MomentsInTime.com will start taking bids at $375,000. No word on when the instrument was last tuned — or who gets the money from the sale. Knopfler Records For the VetsGuitar god Mark Knopfler has recorded a new version of his Dire Straits song "Brothers in Arms" to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Britain's Falkland Islands conflict. The re-recording has been released as a single in the U.K., with proceeds benefiting the South Atlantic Medal Association in its work treating Falkland veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Quote Of The DayIt was Mahatma Gandhi who said: "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." May 31, 2007
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham would have been 59.
On this day in 1969, The Guess Who's "These Eyes" peaked at #6 on the singles chart. On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones recorded "Honky Tonk Women." On this day in 1975, the Eagles released the "One Of These Nights" single. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive as well as Joe's brand new conversation with Randy Bachman.
Felder SettlesThe wrongful termination lawsuit that guitarist Don Felder brought against his former Eagles bandmates Don Henley and Glenn Frey was evidently resolved on May 7th. Considering that the whole legal entanglement started when Felder was fired back in February 2001, it's not surprising that no official details have been announced about the settlement. Some feel that this settlement makes the band free to finally release its long-in-production new album. Others think the album is still months away from being finished. One thing is for sure: Felder no longer cares! Police UnplugThey may have just begun their 30th Anniversary Reunion tour, but word is that The Police have agreed to tape an acoustic performance for an episode of MTV's Unplugged this Summer. The most often mentioned date and location is July 13th in Miami. Meanwhile, the first of a series of auctions offering Police memorabilia and VIP ticket packages to benefit the GRAMMY Foundation and the MusiCares Foundation is under way at http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=grammyauctions. Selling More Of Jimi & John's StuffA white Fender Stratocaster guitar once owned by Jimi Hendrix and a suit that John Lennon wore in The Beatles are among the many lots up for sale at the Las Vegas The Fame Bureau memorabilia auction this Saturday. A notebook of poetry written by The Doors' Jim Morrison two weeks before his death and items from The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin will also be going under the hammer, with bids being accepted in person or via e-bay live online (http://www.ebayliveauctions.com). Word is that The Fame Bureau auction house — which recently sold John Lennon's "Imagine" piano and the handwritten lyrics of The Beatles' "All You Need is Love" — is currently in production on a series of TV specials chronicling its discoveries and select auctions. A Ramone Drums West Side StoryOn August 17th, 18th and 19th, Richie Ramone — the classically trained drummer of the world famous Ramones — will debut the "Suite for Drums and Orchestra based upon Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story arranged by Ron Abel under the direction of Richie Ramone" with The Pasadena POPS Orchestra at Descanso Gardens. In addition to sporting the longest title in modern musical history, the piece will feature Richie drumming a 17-minute interpretation of West Side Story, the Leonard Bernstein classic. Richie will be touring the "Suite" with other symphony and pops orchestras through 2009. The last time a drum solo of West Side Story was performed in such fashion was by the late drumming god, Buddy Rich. Those are some big shoes for Richie to fill!
Quote Of The DayIt was Hunter S. Thompson who said: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." This Explains A LotIt is legal in West Virginia to carry your road-kill home with you — but the person who hit the animal has to report it to the state within 12 hours. The law was enacted in 1998 to save the State the cost of having to pick up and dispose of the carcasses. You can bet that it's also resulted in some really good eatin'! Computer BugsIn 1945, when an early computer at Harvard malfunctioned, early software engineer Grace Hopper found a moth in one of the circuits and removed it, thereby restoring the machine to working order. Ever since, when something goes wrong with a computer, it is said to have a bug in it. Note: At the time of her death in 1992, Ms. Hopper held the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. (http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/hopper.html) |
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