June 1 -10, 2007

These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!

June 1, 2007

Guitarist Ronnie Wood (most notably of The Rolling Stones, Faces and Jeff Beck Group) is 60.

On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones arrived at JFK Airport in New York for their first American tour. Their first U.S. gig was a high school dance near Boston. [Trivia note: The Stones' arrived on British Airways flight 505, which later inspired their 1966 song "505".]

On this day in 1967, The Beatles released one of the most ground-breaking and influential albums in the history of Rock & Roll — "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The next day it was unleashed in America.

On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones did their first gig with Ronnie Wood as an official member.

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.

Sgt. Pepper's 40th

It was 40 years ago today that The Beatles released "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in Britain (tomorrow is the U.S. anniversary). Since its release, the 1967 album has been regularly heralded as one of the most significant rock works of all time. Paul McCartney said recently that he and his bandmates weren't setting out to create a monumental project, they were "just following our instincts." As for the media predicting The Beatles' demise in early 1967 because the band had just retired from the road, he says those accounts amused the group, who were actually experiencing "a huge explosion of creative forces" in the studio. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" spent 15 weeks at the top of the "Billboard 200" chart and 27 weeks atop the "U.K. Albums Chart." It was the first rock album to win the Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary Album GRAMMY Awards, and also won the Best Album Cover – Graphic Arts and Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical GRAMMYs. And "Sgt. Pepper" influenced every person who ever heard it, whether or not they understood how artistically groundbreaking it was. This Sunday morning at 9 on KLOS, my old friend Chris Carter will be tracking the original (and preferred) mono version of the album. You are hereby recommended to enjoy!

New Townshend To Broadway

The Boy Who Heard Music, a new stage musical written by The Who's Pete Townshend, will have its world premiere July 13th and 14th at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. The production is based on Townshend's recent serialized novella of the same name, which also inspired the mini-opera featured on The Who's 2006 album, "Endless Wire." The play will include both original compositions and music that appeared on "Endless Wire." It will be interesting to see if this production works as well as Townshend's mega-successful musical adaptation of "Tommy," which changed Broadway shows forever back in 1993.

Tix For Mad Money

Word from New York is that front-and-center seats for the August 1st Police reunion concert at Madison Square Garden are now going for $11,500 each. That breaks down to over $500 per song for the two-hour show! The N.Y.C. ticket brokers are saying, "The reason there's mega-excitement about this tour is because it's once in a lifetime. They haven't played together for years and after this, they may never play together again." No wonder the band — who isn't seeing that money — has announced another Madison Square Garden concert to kick off the next leg of their tour!

A Real Stones Film

Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones documentary, "Shine a Light," will arrive in U.S. theaters on September 21st. The bulk of the material was shot during The Stones' Fall 2006 shows at New York's Beacon Theatre. As previously reported, Mick Jagger has also teamed with Scorsese to produce a music business-centered film called "The Long Play." Details on that production are forthcoming.

Unplugged Reborn

Did you know that Bon Jovi is credited with inspiring the MTV Unplugged program after their stripped-down performance on the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards? That makes it even more appropriate that the Jovi boys will kick off a new edition of the "Unplugged" concert series June 22nd on MTV. The next day a different version of the show will air on VH1 and VH1 Classic, and on June 24th another edit will air on CMT. The reinvented franchise will continue later this Summer with new episodes featuring The Police and Kenny Chesney, among others. And we owe it all to the Jovi boys.

Deep Purple Update

Leave it to Deep Purple to conjure one of the longest titled concert DVDs ever. The "They All Came Down To Montreux: Deep Purple Live At Montreux 2006" CD and DVD will be released on June 12th. One month later, the Purple will launch their The Rapture Of The Deep North American Tour 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. They'll be hitting the Southland a month or so after that, so stay tuned for details!

Quote Of The Day

It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said: "It takes less time to do a thing right than explain why you did it wrong."

This Explains A Lot

It 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 Bugs

In 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)

June 2, 2007

Drummer Charlie Watts, the heart & backbeat of The Rolling Stones, is 66.

On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney & Wings' "My Love" hit #1 as "Daniel" by Elton John peaked at #2.

On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "I'll Wait" peaked at #13.

On this day in 1993, U2 briefly became the richest group in rock when they inked a 10-year, six-album, $60 million deal with Island/PLG. The deal included a 25% royalty rate, which would certainly buy a lot of Guinness Stout or Bushmill's whiskey.

June 3, 2007

Singer Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople is 61.
Byrds drummer Michael Clarke would have been 60.
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell is 555.

On this day in 1964, when Ringo Starr collapsed with tonsillitis on the eve of a world tour, Beatles' manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin picked session man Jimmy Nicol to become The Fab Four's temporary drummer. Ten days later, Jimmy returned to obscurity.

On this day in 1967, The Doors released the song "Light My Fire."

On this day in 1970, Ray Davies of The Kinks flew back to London from New York to rerecord two words in the song "Lola." He changed "Coca-Cola" to "cherry cola" to qualify for airplay on the noncommercial BBC radio.

On this day in 1972, "Old Man" by Neil Young peaked at #31 on the charts.

June 4, 2007

On this day in 1969, The Beatles released the song "The Ballad of John and Yoko."

On this day in 1977, Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" was released as "Mainstreet" by Bob Seger peaked at #24 on the charts.

On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released "Stand Back" while "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and David Bowie's "China Girl" entered the charts.

On this day in 1986, the first date of the "Conspiracy of Hope" concert tour took place at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The ground breaking tour, which played the Forum here in the Southland, included Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Sting and U2 on the bill.

Digital Beatles Delayed

George Harrison's widow says that The Beatles music might not go online until sometime next year. Olivia Harrison admits that the Fab Four's company is "a little bit behind" in making the material available for downloading through online retailers, and calls it "ridiculous" that it hasn't happened yet. She notes that she, surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono are all in agreement on the matter and that the music is ready. However, the artwork for the reissues isn't. Harrison says that's also a big project, adding that while it'd be "nice" if The Beatles work was ready for an online release before the end of this year, she's not sure that's a deadline those behind the effort will be able to meet.

NBC/Live Earth

NBC has won (purchased) the broadcast rights for the July 7th global Live Earth concerts. The network, as well as its siblings Telemundo, CNBC and MSNBC, plan to air nearly wall-to-wall coverage of the events. The "Live Earth" shows will be held in nine venues around the world, including Giants Stadium in New Jersey, and will feature around 100 artists such as The Police, Madonna, Kelly Clarkson and the Foo Fighters. The aim of the whole project is to raise awareness about climate change. NBC's coverage of "Live Earth" will include a primetime special hosted by The Today Show's Ann Curry and Last Call's Carson Daly.

Bowie/R.E.M./C.C.R./Cobain

Although the film "Kurt Cobain — About a Son" won't be released theatrically and on DVD until the fourth quarter, the soundtrack will be out on September 11th. The film features Kurt Cobain's voice from audio tapes Michael Azzerad used to write his excellent book on Nirvana, "Come As You Are." Some of those audio clips are woven through the album track list, which features R.E.M.'s "New Orleans Instrumental No. 1," David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World," Iggy Pop's "The Passenger" and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Up Around The Bend," among many other songs by such Cobain influences as The Melvins, Bad Brains and the Butthole Surfers etc.

Heaven And Hell In Your Living Room

Remember the rave reviews the Ronnie James Dio version of Black Sabbath received when they played The Forum in Inglewood under the name Heaven And Hell? As of August 28th, you'll be able to see and relive the experience in bodacious Surround Sound without dealing with the sticky Forum floors and barfing drunken bozos three rows back! The three-disc Heaven And Hell Live From Radio City Music Hall will boast two CDs and one DVD, along with a tour program, photos, a "backstage pass" and other items. A separate double-CD set and a DVD also will be issued. The releases will feature 15 performances from the hard rockin' group's March 30th New York City concert, including a 15-minute-plus rendition of Sabbath's "Heaven And Hell." Rock on!

Ann Finished It

It's finally finished! Heart singer Ann Wilson will issue her first solo album, "Hope and Glory," on September 11th. The long-in-production 13 song collection will feature mostly cover tunes, including Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky," Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall," Elton John's "Where To Now St. Peter?" and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising." Sir Elton, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson, k d Lang, Alison Krauss and Ann's sister/bandmate, Nancy Wilson, are among the guests who contributed to the album.

Quote Of The Day

It was Muhammad Ali who said: "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life."

Factoids For Your Vacation Trip

* Bosom, Wyoming is actually a town with two peaks.
* Mount Derby, Colorado is hat shaped.
* Sodom, Vermont changed its name to Adamant, Vermont in 1905 by people who shuddered at the thought of having their incoming mail addressed to Sodom. No word on who originally came up with the name, but you have to figure... well, you can take that where ever you want.

June 5, 2007

Badfinger bassist Mike Evans would have been 60.

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones released the song "Satisfaction" in the U.S. just three weeks after recording it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It went on to become the biggest song of the Sixties.

On this day in 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy was shot and killed in Los Angeles. David Crosby writes "Long Time Gone" which is immediately recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. The next day, The Rolling Stones recorded "Sympathy for the Devil," including the lyric "...who killed the Kennedys...".

On this day in 1976, "Fool To Cry" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #10, "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #11, and "Crazy On You" by Heart peaked at #35 on the charts. Whew!

On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Living On The Edge" peaked at #18 on the singles chart.

On this day in 2002, Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone (born Douglas Colvin) died of an accidental drug overdose in Los Angeles at the age of 49.

It's Macca's Day!

It will be hard to miss Paul McCartney's new album if you're anywhere near a Starbucks today. The former Beatle's latest solo album, "Memory Almost Full," is being released through the coffee giant's record label, which in turn is hosting a Global Listening Event at more than 10,000 Starbucks locations in 29 countries around the world. Starbucks executives estimate that six million people will hear at least a portion of the disc at some point today via the international promotional event. Wonder how many will buy the CD to go with their latte right on the spot?

Another World Record

More than 1,680 guitar players from all over the world turned out at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City last Sunday to break a world record. With virtually no rehearsal, they all played Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" at the same time (more or less) in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record which had been previously established in 1994 by 1,323 musicians in Vancouver. Now — assuming they've all finally finished playing the song — they'll have to wait for the Guinness World Records organization for official certification. No word on how much furniture was destroyed with so many guitarists in one place, but you know it was significant!

U2 In Morocco

As Rita Wilde reported on Friday, U2 have been in Fez, Morocco for the last couple of weeks writing and recording new material with longtime collaborators Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno. Word is, "They're on a roll and the ideas are coming thick and fast." Hopefully no one will fall prey to the same Moroccan intoxicants that sent Rolling Stone Brian Jones to his eventual doom.

Aerosmith On Nimitz

Last Wednesday, a day prior to the band's show in Dubai, four of Aerosmith's five members visited the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, where they signed autographs, chatted and took pictures with various military personnel. Frontman Steven Tyler even performed, albeit briefly, over the ship's public address system. He is reported to have said, "Hi everybody, this is Aerosmith. Hope you guys are having fun and playing safe — and, always remember, 'Dude looks like a lady.'" No word if anyone on the ship actually understood what that meant, but they all seemed happy for the diversion from their normal routine.

New Foreigner

Foreigner is eyeing "either the end of this year or early next year" to release a new studio album, according to group founder Mick Jones. Jones and his reconstituted group — Led Zeppelin offspring Jason Bonham on drums, former Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson and former Hurricane singer Kelly Hansen — were recently in an Atlanta studio recording new versions of some of the band's older material, including a "stripped down" take of the 1987 hit "Say You Will." Jones says that there are also "about four or five (new) songs that we have pretty much ready to go." There is talk of filming a concert DVD this year, and plans to "do a specific concert playing the whole of the '4' album in sequence, with a live audience. We wouldn't play it exactly like the record, but we'd play it in the sequence and change the arrangements a little." There are, however, no plans to celebrate this year's 30th anniversary of the release of Foreigner's debut album, which sold more than four million copies.

Lucy Revealed

No idea what took her so long, but a British woman has revealed herself as the inspiration behind The Beatles song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Lucy Vodden was a nursery school classmate of John Lennon's son Julian. She told the BBC that back in 1966, a three-year-old Julian painted a picture of her and shared his portrait with his dad, calling it "Lucy in the sky with diamonds." Both John and Julian always maintained that the track stemmed from the painting, but some people still interpreted the psychedelic masterpiece as a song about the hallucinogenic drug LSD. Pretty trippy, eh?

Quote Of The Day

It was Friedrich Nietzsche who said: "What does not destroy me makes me stronger."

Taking Off Will Cost More

Taking the family on a vacation this Summer will definitely cost more, and not just at the gas pump. The Auto Club of America's annual vacation costs survey finds that the average family of four can expect to spend $269 a day for food and lodging. Hotel rates are up nearly 9% from a year ago to an average $152 per night, while meal costs are down just a little. Hawaii, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC remain the most expensive states for a family vacation. Bargain trippers may opt for North Dakota or Nebraska. AAA's first-ever survey of the most expensive cities found Honolulu priciest for a family of four at $584 per day. New York City and Miami Beach rounded out the top three. The most economical cities for a family vacation include Wichita, Kansas at $169 per day for mom, dad and two kids, as well as Albuquerque, New Mexico, which will cost just $165 per day for food and lodging.

June 6, 2007

Guitar god Steve Vai is 47.

On this day in 1962, The Beatles entered London's Abbey Road Studios to audition for producer George Martin. He signed the group the following month, and the world was changed forever.

On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" hit #1 on the U.S. singles charts.

On this day 1968, The Rolling Stones reworked the song "Sympathy for the Devil" to reflect the recent assassination of Robert Kennedy.

On this day in 1969, Rod Stewart signed a contract as a solo artist with Mercury Records while he was still the lead singer for The Jeff Beck Group.

On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released "Teach Your Children" as "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at #4 on the charts.

On this day in 1972, David Bowie released his classic "The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars" album.

On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones released their "Made in the Shade" greatest hits compilation.

On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" album was released.

On this day in 1982, over 85,000 packed the Rose Bowl for the Peace Sunday concert that featured, among others, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne and Stevie Wonder. Do you know someone born in April 1983? It took forever to get out of the parking lot that night!

On this day in 1987, Genesis became the first group in the history of rock to spend a full year on America's Top 100 singles chart with tracks from just one album. "Invisible Touch" was the album, and the streak began when the album's title song entered the charts on this day in 1986.

On this day in 1987, "Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi peaked at #7 on the charts.

On this day in 1989, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their classic "In Step" album.

On this day in 2002, following an eight-year battle with AIDS, Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby died at the age of 42.

On this day in 2006, keyboardist Billy Preston — who played with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and Elton John — died at the age of 59 of kidney failure in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over his career, Billy also recorded and toured extensively with The Rolling Stones, and wrote the Joe Cocker classic "You Are So Beautiful." He was indeed a musician's musician.

On Stage Tonight

Lindsey Buckingham will be rocking the House Of Blues on Sunset tonight.

Even More Gene Simmons

A&E has bought a third season of Gene Simmons: Family Jewels. The KISS bassist/singer's reality show is doing so well in the midst of its second season that the network ordered 24 additional half-hour episodes. The program is the network's second-most-watched series in the 18-49 and 25-54 age demographics. Right so, Gene!

Dan/Allmans Deathmatch 2007

Ever the smart ass, Steely Dan's Walter Becker used the latest edition of Rolling Stone magazine to issue a tongue-in-cheek "battle of the bands" challenge to the Allman Brothers Band. With Steely Dan about to do a multi-gig run at New York's Beacon Theater, he challenged the all-time Peakin' At The Beacon concert masters to a duel. However, Walter immediately hedged his challenge, saying: "Now the Allman Brothers are gonna beat the s**t out of us! When you write this, substitute Toto for the Allmans." Meanwhile, Becker has almost completed work on his second solo album, and the release of Dan singer/keyboardist Donald Fagen's "Nightfly Trilogy" box set has been pushed back to July 10th.

New Bruce A-Brewin'

Sounds like a new album from Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band could be a reality. Word is that The Boss has been seen in Atlanta where he recorded his 2002 album "The Rising." Bruce also used an Atlanta studio for his 2005 solo album, "Devils & Dust." Folks are saying that the "possible" project should be released in late Summer or early Fall. In addition, Springsteen and company are supposedly planning a tour to support the rumored effort. Meanwhile, Mr. Springsteen has a new album in stores. "Live in Dublin," credited to Bruce Springsteen & The Sessions Band, was recorded last Fall during that ensemble's European tour supporting its tribute to folk legend Pete Seeger. While "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" is well represented, the live "Live in Dublin" album also includes vintage Bruce tunes including "Blinded By the Light" and "Atlantic City." "Live in Dublin" is available as a two-disc audio set and a three-disc CD/DVD package.

Great White Again

After reuniting in January to perform a benefit concert, the original members of Great White clicked together so well that they're recording their first album in 8 years. Singer Jack Russell, lead guitarist Mark Kendall, drummer Audie Desbrow, keyboardist/producer Michael Lardie and bassist Sean McNabb have been in the studio the last few months. Plans are for the album, tentatively titled "Back To The Rhythm," to be released on August 31st as the group launches its 25th anniversary tour.

Quote Of The Day

It was Dave Barry who said: "There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven."

June 7, 2007

Tom Jones and Prince — one turns 67 and the other 49, you figure it out.
Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro is 40.

On this day in 1969, The Who's "Tommy" album entered the U.S. charts. On this day one year later, they performed "Tommy" in its entirety (for the last time until 1989) at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. No significant damage to the Opera House was reported, but there were several dazed individuals in the audience!

On this day in 1969, Blind Faith debuted with a free concert for over 120,000 fans in London's Hyde Park. The "supergroup," which featured Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, split up a few months later after one album and one tour.

On this day in 1975, Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" album debuted on the U.S. chart at #1 — the first time an album entered the chart at the top spot.

On this day in 1994, Boston released their third album, "Walk On."

On Stage Tonight

Lindsey Buckingham will be rocking the House Of Blues in Anaheim tonight.

Hail Bowie In Five Words

David Bowie was honored Tuesday night at the 11th Annual Webby Awards with the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award for pushing the boundaries between art and technology. A neat twist in the annual ceremony is the requirement that acceptance speeches not exceed five words. So David took the stage to a standing ovation and said, "So, only got five words. S**t, that was five... Four right there, Three there, Two." Then he left the stage quickly as the crowd roared in approval. Next up, the organizers of online community Facebook paid tribute to Bowie with their five-word acceptance speech: "I'm just here for Bowie." Right so!

It's Those Suing Hendrix Kids Again

Competing family members of the late Jimi Hendrix are back in a federal appeals court. As usual, the two parties are fighting over who owns the publicity rights to the rock icon. On Tuesday, attorneys for Experience Hendrix — the company headed by Jimi's half-sister Janie — was arguing for the more strict Washington state interpretation of laws covering usage of the guitar god's image, name and voice. The James Marshall Hendrix Foundation — founded by Jimi's brother Leon — is seeking to maintain a less-restrictive New York state law regarding the rights. If only someone would have spent a fraction of that money on lawyers when Jimi was still alive!

AC/DC Drummer Beats Wife Beating Rap

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd avoided an assault conviction Tuesday over a recent altercation with his former lover in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. In the courtroom, Phil pleaded guilty to common assault, admitting that he'd pushed and acted threateningly toward the woman during an argument in front of the couple's two children. Then the judge decided to drop the charge, ruling that Rudd's actions weren't overtly violent and that convicting him would inordinately hinder his music career. The lesson learned: In New Zealand, it's OK for rock stars to beat their women like a drum in front of their kids. What a place.

Zep's Jonesy Jams

The all-star SuperJam, featuring a diverse set of musicians in a one-time-only performance, has become one of the most highly anticipated features of The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Past participants have included Police percussionist Stewart Copeland, jazz legend Herbie Hancock, News Orleans boogie master Dr. John and guitarist Trey Anastasio of Phish. This year's SuperJam kicks off next Friday night at midnight with a mighty trio: former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones (one of Britain's top session musicians even before he joined the Zep), blues guitar wizard Ben Harper and Roots drummer Ahmir Thompson. Let's hope someone in the crowd gets a good recording of the proceedings!

Double Honor To Jackson

When Jackson Browne is formally recognized at tonight's 38th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame induction and awards dinner in New York City, he'll be in some legendary company. Other 2007 inductees include Don Black, who wrote "Born Free," "To Sir With Love" and the James Bond "Diamonds Are Forever" theme; Michael Masser, whose hits include Diana Ross' "Touch Me in the Morning"; and the team of Bobby Weinstein and Teddy Randazzo, whose work includes Little Anthony & The Imperials' "Goin' Out of My Head." But wait — there's more! Jackson will also receive the Courage of Conscience Award at a June 21st ceremony at the Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City. The honor, which will recognize Browne's community and political activism, is jointly presented by the Agape Center, the Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts and India's Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. Past honorees include Muhammad Ali, Rosa Parks and Police frontman Sting.

Quote Of The Day

It was Steven Wright who first asked: "Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?"

Who's Counting?

850 peanuts are needed to make an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter.
95% of the entire lemon crop produced in the U.S. is from California and Arizona.
A one-kilogram package of sugar will have about 5 million grains of sugar.

June 8, 2007

Crooner Boz Scaggs is 63.

On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones released the single "Jumpin' Jack Flash."

On this day in 1969, Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones left/was kicked out of the group. He was soon replaced by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers alumni Mick Taylor.

On this day in 1974, Paul McCartney & Wings' "Band On The Run" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart.

On this day in 1974, Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the band (for the first time) to pursue a solo career.

On this day in 1985, Dire Straits' blockbuster "Brothers in Arms" album entered the charts on its way to nine weeks at #1.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Deep Purple as well as more of Joe's conversation with singer Ian Gillan.

Richie Checks In

After reported problems during the taping of Bon Jovi's MTV Unplugged episode on Tuesday, guitarist Richie Sambora has checked into a Southern California rehab facility. No word on what this will mean to the band. Bon Jovi's new album, "Lost Highway," is due out on June 19th, and a few Summer tour dates have been booked. It's been a difficult year for the 47-year-old. He and actress Denise Richards broke up just before his divorce from actress Heather Locklear was finalized in April. And in that same month, his father died of lung cancer. We wish him the best of luck.

Bono & The Politicians

While the rest of U2 was writing songs in Morocco, Bono met with President Bush on Wednesday prior to the start of the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm, Germany. The singer/activist also had an acrimonious "discussion" with German Chancellor Angela Merkel with regard to the G8's commitment to helping Africa. For something more entertaining, check out Bono's column in the current, Africa-themed issue of "Vanity Fair," which he guest edited. Of course anything has to be more entertaining than arguing with the German Chancellor!

Stones Do Wight

This weekend The Rolling Stones will be playing a U.K. festival gig for the first time in over 30 years! The Stones will be closing out the three-day's Isle of Wight Festival with a headlining set on Sunday. The festival stop is part of the 45-year-old group's Summer European tour, which launched earlier this week in Belgium. As for us Southland fans, guess we'll just have to wait until our shows are announced.

Styx/Sandler Correction

I got the date wrong when I mentioned on the air that Styx will be honoring Adam Sandler during Spike TV's taping of the new show Guy's Choice, which will premiere on the cable channel on June 13th. The taping will actually take place here in Los Angeles this Saturday night. Styx is reportedly Sandler's all-time favorite band — another reason to love the guy!

Old Floyd Is New Again (Sort Of)

"Pipers at the Gates of Dawn," Pink Floyd's psychedelic 1967 debut album, will be reissued as a special 40th anniversary three-CD set on August 28th. The deluxe package will contain both stereo and mono versions of the original album, as well as a disc of bonus tracks including the 1967 non-album singles "Arnold Layne," "See Emily Play" and the infamous "Apples and Oranges."

Body/Mind

75% of Americans want to change their bodies in some way, while only 13% say they'd want to change their intelligence.

These Might Explain...

These three factoids from nicefacts.com may explain why Jim Ladd no longer travels out of state.
It's illegal to put graffiti on someone else's cow in the state of Texas.
It's illegal in Alabama to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.
It's against the law to burp or sneeze in a church in Omaha, Nebraska.

June 9, 2007

Les Paul, guitar god and major inventor, is 92.

Former Deep Purple/Whitesnake keyboardist Jon Lord is 66.

Jimi Hendrix's drummer, Mitch Mitchell, is 60.

Bassist Trevor Bolder, of David Bowie's Spiders From Mars, is 57.

Gregg Bissonette, drummer for Santana, Joe Satriani, Don Henley and David Lee Roth, is 48.

On this day in 1973, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #42 on the charts.

On this day in 1977, George and Patti Harrison (the inspiration for the song "Layla") were granted a divorce. Soon after, she married George's best friend, Eric Clapton.

On this day in 1979, "Renegade" by Styx topped out at #16 on the charts.

On this day in 1984, "Oh Sherrie" by Steve Perry of Journey peaked at #3 on the charts.

On this day in 1987, over 20 guitar legends packed New York's Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate the 72nd birthday of guitar pioneer Les Paul. Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Rick Derringer were among the attendees who jammed on stage. Regrettably, a recording of the event was never released.

June 10, 2007

Blues legend Howlin' Wolf would have been 98.

On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones met two of their idols during a recording session when bluesmen Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters stopped by Chicago's Chess Studios.

On this day in 1969, Brian Jones (a psychedelicized victim of the Sixties) was fired from The Rolling Stones, the band he helped form seven years earlier. Of course, on this day in 1969 Brian Jones didn't really know what day it was, and a couple of weeks later he was dead.

On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded "Give Peace A Chance" during their bed-in for peace in the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal (it was room #1742).

On this day in 1978, Eddie Money's "Baby Hold On" peaked at #11 on the charts as "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan topped out at #19.

On this day in 2004, legendary singer Ray Charles died at his Beverly Hills home from complications due to liver disease. The Albany, Georgia native lost his sight by age 7, but went on to become an accomplished musician, winning 13 GRAMMY awards over the course of his long career. Charles influenced countless artists and was one of the first inductees to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was only 73.