 June 21 - 30, 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! June 21, 2007
The Kinks leader Ray Davies is 63. 
On this day in 1966, Britain's top session guitarist, Jimmy Page, made his live debut with The Yardbirds at a show at the Marquee Club in London. His transformation of that group into Led Zeppelin was just two years away. On this day in 1975, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple, the band he had carefully formed seven years earlier. On this day in 1981, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen put Steely Dan on a hiatus that lasted 13 years. On this day in 2001, blues legend John Lee Hooker died in his sleep at the age of 83. Hooker was perhaps the most influential of all the old bluesmen, with songs covered by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, The Doors and many more. 
On Stage TonightThe Police will be rocking the Honda Center tonight! Roger Steps UpFormer Pink Floyd bassist/songwriter Roger Waters will be taking part in the VH1 Save The Music Foundation's 10th Anniversary Gala at the Lincoln Center in New York on September 20th. Former President Bill Clinton and current presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton will be among the honorees at the event, along with pop singer Mariah Carey (an interesting combo to say the least!). Bon Jovi frontman Jon Bon Jovi and singer/songwriter John Mayer will join Waters as performers for the special show to recognize people for their continued support of Save the Music's mission to provide music education for children. Right so, Roger! Ozzy Sells PadThe Osbournes' L.A. home — the mansion made famous on the MTV show The Osbournes — has been sold. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne said that they wanted to move because people have been flocking to the famous dwelling in droves and driving them crazy for years. Sharon has also commented, "The kids have all left home now and we wanted a smaller house but bigger grounds." So who is the lucky new owner? Christina Aguilera! Old Nuge Is New NugeTed Nugent's upcoming album, "Love Grenade," features a 40th anniversary re-recording of the Amboy Dukes hit "Journey to the Center of the Mind." Without his performance on the original recording, the song never would have been a hit — and you have to agree with Ted when he says, "The Amboy Dukes were the quintessential garage band. I wanted to play homage to the privilege of somehow landing in that camp." Tedly's new 13-song set, co-produced by Night Ranger's Jack Blades (the Nuge's partner in the long-dormant Damn Yankees), is due out in August. Mr. Nugent will play the House Of Blues on Sunset on August 20th and the House Of Blues in Anaheim on August 21st. Consider yourself warned! Stills AgainHall Of Fame guitarist/songwriter Stephen Stills has just launched the second leg of his 2007 An Evening With Stephen Stills North American tour. He says that his goal is to open up and have fun on the theater tour: "I'll actually get to talk and tell a few stories, so it's all kind of like my short-cut autobiography." Stills will play the House Of Blues in Anaheim on July 11th and the House Of Blues on Sunset on July 13th. Digital RingoRingo Starr's first four solo albums — 1970's "Sentimental Journey" and "Beaucoups Of Blues," 1973's "Ringo" and 1974's "Goodnight Vienna" — will finally be available for purchase in digital form on August 28th. That same day, the legendary drummer will release six Ringo ringtones and "Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr" — a new compilation to be released as a digital download, a CD and a CD/DVD package offering bonus video content. In addition, the former Beatle will issue a brand-new studio album called "Liverpool 8" in January. 
Quote Of The DayIt was Mark Twain who said: "Few things are harder to put up with than a good example." Summertime!"Summertime, and the livin' is easy." This is the day we celebrate the Summer Solstice. Both the longest day and shortest night of the year, this marks the official changing of the seasons. "Solstice" is derived from two words: "sol" meaning "sun," and "sistere," meaning "to stand still." On the day of the solstice, the sun rises an imperceptible amount, in a sense, it "stands still." Scary, perhaps, but what an excuse to party! And when it comes to partying, who knew more than the ancients. An utterly astounding array of ancient cultures built their greatest architectural masterpieces specifically to align with the solstices and equinoxes. Stonehenge is a perfect marker of both winter and summer solstices. Native Americans created countless stone structures linked to equinoxes and solstices, including the 20-acre amphitheatre in Vermont called Calendar One and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming. Since the time of the ancients, this time of year — between the planting and harvesting of the crops — has also been the traditional period for weddings. Besides fertility, planting seeds, gathering of herbs, pagan rituals and partying in Santa Barbara, Summer Solstice means so much more here in Southern California. OK, it primarily means bikini waxing and sunscreen, but it is meaningful none-the-less. Just be wary of that fertility thing! June 22, 2007
Todd Rundgren is 59.
On this day in 1847, the doughnut was invented. On this day in 1968, The Jeff Beck Group debuted in New York City. Their lead singer, Rod Stewart, was so nervous he hid behind the speakers for the first few songs. No, there wasn't a young blonde back there with him, but we all know how he likes doughnuts.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Police as well as more of Joe's conversations with drummer Stewart Copeland, guitarist Andy Summers and bassist/singer Sting.
On Stage TonightKathy Griffin will be cracking her jokes at the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight. On Stage SaturdayThe Police will be packing them in at Dodger Stadium Saturday evening. Journey Sells BigThe choice placement of "Don't Stop Believin'" in the famous/infamous finale of The Sopranos sure gave Journey a huge sales boost! According to Nielsen, the song nearly quadrupled its download sales — from 8,700 downloads the week prior to the show to 41,000 the week following. As for actual album sales, the "Journey Greatest Hits" compilation more than doubled its sales from the week prior to the finale — 11,000 during finale week compared to 5,000 the week before. Now if only they could hold onto a lead singer! Cobain Lunch Boxes/Key ChainsCourtney Love's recent licensing agreement with National Entertainment Collectibles Association is causing Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain to spin in his grave. On the heels of Variety magazine officially naming the grunge star a 2007 Hot Property comes word that lunch boxes, key chains and action figures featuring the likeness of the deceased addict/rock icon are headed for a store near you! When Love's deal was announced, her manager Peter Asher told Forbes magazine, "We believe if we say yes to the right things, we can do both — make money and do the right thing for the (Nirvana) catalog." Definitely! But will the Cobain condoms and embossed shotgun cases be ready for Christmas? George On The WalkGeorge Harrison will receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame next year. This will actually be the second time Harrison will be featured on the Walk, as the honor also was bestowed on The Beatles a number of years back. The date of the unveiling ceremony for the singer/guitarist's star won't be announced until much later. Top/CCR/Evan AlmightyYou'll hear something familiar in Evan Almighty, the Steve Carell film that hits theaters today. ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" and separate versions of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and CCR frontman John Fogerty have even been included on the soundtrack album. Iron Butterfly BenefitIron Butterfly is staging a benefit concert this weekend for founding bassist Lee Dorman. While Lee has continued to work with the group, he's also been suffering from heart problems and it looks like he'll need to have the organ replaced. To help him out, the band and the latest incarnation of The Animals will headline a Heart Transplant Fund event at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim on Sunday.
A Thought For The WeekendThe nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow. Phoenix Sweats BigIt probably didn't require a survey, but Phoenix, Arizona ranked number one, for the fourth straight year, on Old Spice's Top 100 Sweatiest Cities list. San Francisco was the least sweaty city. Old Spice looked at the average high temperature in Phoenix last Summer, and determined that residents produced an average of 26.3 ounces of sweat per hour. Collectively, that's enough to fill more than 53,000 beer kegs. Because of the dubious honor, Mayor Phil Gordon will receive a year's supply of Old Spice Red Zone antiperspirant. What a lucky guy! June 23, 2007
Original Beatle bassist Stuart Sutcliffe would have been 67.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney & Wings wrapped up their "Wings Over America" tour at The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood. Macca didn't tour the States for another 13 years — do you think it was something he ate backstage at the Forum? On this day in 1979, Supertramp's "Breakfast in America" album hit #1 just as The Knack's "My Sharona" entered the charts on its way to #1. On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" album entered the charts on its way to seven weeks at #1. On this day in 1984, Van Halen's all-time driving classic "Panama" entered the singles charts. June 24, 2007
Drummer/rock icon Mick Fleetwood is 66.
On this day in 1965, John Lennon released the follow-up to his first book, "In His Own Write." The title, "A Spaniard in the Works," was a play on the phrase "A Spanner (Wrench to us Americans) in the works." On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' classic album "Some Girls" entered the charts on its way to #1. On this day in 1984, Talking Heads premiered their classic concert movie "Stop Making Sense" directed by Jonathan Demme. On this day in 1996, Van Halen announced that Sammy Hagar had left the band, and that David Lee Roth had returned as a (very) temporary replacement. On this day in 1999, Eric Clapton auctioned off 100 of his guitars to raise money for his Crossroads Clinic in Antigua. The 1956 Fender Stratocaster on which he composed "Layla" fetched a (then) record price of $497,500. On this day in 2000, KISS began auctioning off costumes and props from their 25 years in show business. Last we checked, they still haven't left the building. June 25, 2007
Original Moody Blues bassist Clint Warwick is 65.
On this day in 1966, The Troggs' "Wild Thing" entered the American Top 40, scaring the bejesus out of melodic pop combos everywhere. It eventually peaked at #1. On this day in 1967, The Beatles performed "All You Need is Love" live on the first worldwide satellite television broadcast. Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Keith Moon, among others, were on hand to help (or be seen). On this day in 1969, guitarist Mick Taylor played his first gig as Brian Jones' replacement in The Rolling Stones. The Colosseum in Rome was the venue. On this day in 1984, Patti Scialfa joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as a back-up singer, four days before the "Born in the USA" world tour began. On this day in 1994, Boston's fourth album, "Walk On," entered the charts a mere eight years after the band's "Third Stage." On this day in 1994, Chet Helms, who founded and managed Big Brother & The Holding Company with Janis Joplin, died in San Francisco of complications from a stroke at age 62. It was Helms who staged the free concerts at Golden Gate Park that became the backdrop for the Summer of Love in 1967. Chet was also instrumental in helping bands like the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Country Joe & The Fish develop the "San Francisco Sound."
Elty's Big Bucks KaraokeBucks up for the piano player! An adoring fan paid Elton John $220,000 for a karaoke serenade last Thursday night. The star-studded karaoke benefit in London saw Sir Elty cover Elvis Presley's "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" to raise funds for the Hoping Foundation, a charity which supports children in Palestine. Another bidder paid $60,000 for Bryan Adams' performance of Status Quo's "Rocking All Over The World." Mick Jones of The Clash, Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde and the ever bubbly Lulu were among the other stars who took to the stage in aid of the charity. Wet/Muddy/GlastonburyThe giant Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts in Scotland has one of Europe's biggest Rock & Roll shows for decades. This year, massive amounts of rain topped the bill, with John Fogerty playing his second U.K. concert in 35 years Friday night and The Who closing out the Festival last night. Authorities announced that over 177,500 people endured rain and mud to see hundreds of acts, pay outrageous prices for t-shirts and drink immense quantities of warm beer. Now that's a party! The Beatles Still RuleRight now, songs by former Beatles Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon can be found in the Top 15 of the U.S. charts. Macca hanging at #3 with his new album, "Memory Almost Full;" George and his fellow Traveling Wilburys took the #9 spot with the repackaged version of their two albums; and the Amnesty International benefit album "Instant Karma," which features major contemporary acts covering John Lennon tunes, came in at #15. Rodgers/QueenPaul Rodgers has confirmed that he's "recorded some nine songs" with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor, and that there are plans to return to the studio in October to do some more work. Paul won't commit to a definite timetable, but he guesses the new album may appear "probably next year the way things are going," with a tour likely to follow. Rodgers, who released the CD/DVD "Live in Glasgow" this year, is currently playing solo dates with his own band, while Taylor is boating in the Bahamas. May recently earned his Ph.D in astronomy and co-authored the book "Bang! — The Complete History of the Universe." Dylan By Your ChoiceFan input will help select the songs for "Dylan," the three-disc Bob Dylan retrospective and greatest hits collection due out on October 1st. The larger box set will feature 51 songs chosen in part based on "fan lobbying" and votes cast at Dylan07.com. Visitors to the site can also see the package's artwork, a trailer and details on how to contribute photos to a future online Dylan photo album. The three-disc "Dylan" will be released in standard packaging as well as in a "deluxe" cloth-bound, photo-laden version that includes ample liner notes. The one-disc "Best Of" version of "Dylan" will feature 18 songs. Bob's North American tour will hit the Orange County Fair on July 26th. And When His Vacation Ends...Sammy Hagar may be taking time off from the road this Summer, but he'll be coming back with a vengeance. Starting with his annual birthday bash at his Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas on October 13th, Sammy will spend the next nine months playing at least 60 gigs on a tour running through July 12, 2008. And just so we don't forget what he sounds like, Hagar will also release a single called "Open" via iTunes on July 2nd. Stay tuned for details on the Southland concert stops!
Quote Of The DayIt was W.C. Fields who said: "Start off every day with a smile and get it over with." June 26, 2007
Chicago blues pioneer Big Bill Broonzy would have been 114.
On this day in 1963, John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote "She Loves You" in a hotel room in Newcastle, England. On this day in 1964, The Beatles released their "A Hard Day's Night" album, which was sold in either a stereo or mono mix. In fact, only the instrumental tracks were issued in stereo or mono — The Beatles' songs were mixed in mono on both versions. On this day in 1973, British police raided Keith Richards' London home, where they discovered guns, ammunition and Chinese heroin. The Rolling Stones guitarist was immediately arrested with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg. On this day in 1973, singer Marsha Hunt named Mick Jagger in a paternity suit in London. Hunt claimed the Rolling Stone was the father of her then-two-year-old daughter. A blood test proved otherwise and the lawsuit against Jagger was dismissed.
Time For The Annual Zep ReunionAs longtime listeners know, every year about this time some headline-grubbing weasel announces a Led Zeppelin reunion tour. And then in a matter of days or weeks, everyone from the Zep camp deny the rumor. Then other weasels scream it "must be true" and the band denies it again, and on and on and on. Well, as unoriginal as the rumor could be, word from London says that the Zeppelin's surviving members have agreed to perform together at an in-the-works U.K. concert honoring Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who died last December. The news comes from an unnamed friend of the band, who adds that late Zep drummer John Bonham's son, Jason, would fill in behind the kit. The information leaker also said that "during discussions about the concert [the surviving three] all gave the green light to a tour if it all goes well and they don't all fall out." OK, fine. If anything happens (be it a weasel beating or a reunion tour), I'll let you know. A Modern Day Beatles GatheringWhen you're going to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a hugely successful Las Vegas show like LOVE, which also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album, then you need to get some Beatles involved. To that end, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon, Olivia Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté will all take part in a special dedication ceremony in honor of John Lennon and George Harrison in Las Vegas this afternoon. Cirque du Soleil designers created two plaques that will be permanently displayed in the LOVE Theatre lobby at The Mirage. Following the ceremony, Larry King will lob a few softball questions at the five V.I.P.s in a hour-long broadcast from The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge, then they'll all attend the show. So how much do you think the tickets are going for? Another Young DelayIt's not that he can't let go, it's just that he's a perfectionist. No, really. Once again Neil Young is taking more time to complete the first volume of his long-awaited, decades-in-the-making "Archives" series. The most recent release date for the project was this Fall, but now the massive project is (sort of) due in early 2008. "Archives" is expected to feature eight audio CDs and four DVDs of unheard material, including material cut with Young's early Canadian band The Squires, recordings from his Topanga Canyon period, and a live disc drawn from a week's worth of concerts from Toronto's Riverboat venue. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life. Bucks Up For Slowhand's Guitar(s)Eric Clapton is teaming up with the Fender company to design a limited-edition line of guitars and amplifiers to raise money for the Crossroads Centre drug and alcohol addiction rehab facility he founded nine years ago in Antigua. Fifty sets of custom Eric Clapton Crossroads Stratocaster axes matched with '57 Fender Twin-Amps will sell for $30,000 per package, while another 50 custom Strats without amplifiers will be priced at $20,000. All profits from the packages, which go on sale July 20th, will go to the Crossroads Centre.
Quote Of The DayIt was Dolly Parton who said: "You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap." Burning The DungWestern Minnesota residents are getting some of their power from turkey manure. The new $200 million Fibrominn Power Plant burns turkey droppings and wood chips to create steam power, thus making electricity for up to 50,000 homes. Researchers say this could be the start of a great wave of biomass power, using almost any vegetable source. The Fibrominn plant will use more than 500,000 tons of poultry litter a year and it can also burn other types of biomass. Considering how many political turkeys we're stuck with in this State, perhaps we can learn something from those wacky Minnesotans! June 27, 2007
Captain Kangaroo, Bob Keeshan, would have been 80.
On this day in 1949, Gene Autry recorded "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' self-titled debut album entered the British charts, two months after it was released. On this day in 1970, seven weeks after the Kent State Massacre that it was written about, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's blistering "Ohio" was released. On this day in 1970, the English band Smile changed their name to Queen. On this day in 1971, the legendary Fillmore East in New York City closed. Performers on the last night included The Allman Brothers Band, The Beach Boys, J. Geils Band and Mountain. On this day in 1976, John Lennon finally received his green card. On this day in 1977, Led Zeppelin played the last of seven legendary nights at the Forum in Los Angeles. On this day in 1978, at a special ceremony, UNICEF named Kansas as its first musical ambassadors of goodwill. The band was extremely surprised! On this day in 1989, occasional Eagle Don Henley released his classic "The End of the Innocence" solo album. On this day in 1989, The Who performed the rock opera, "Tommy" in its entirety for the first time in 19 years at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The revived show raised money for a children's charity as well as the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. On this day in 1993, Lyle Lovett married Julia Roberts — you go boy! On this day in 2002, rock's greatest bass player, John Entwistle of The Who, died in his sleep from a heart attack in Las Vegas on the eve of the band's North American tour. He was 57 years old.
Macca TonightPaul McCartney is giving a free performance tonight at the Amoeba Music store in Hollywood. This is the former Beatle's third "surprise" gig to promote his new album, "Memory Almost Full," after playing club shows on June 7th in London and June 13th in New York. In addition to the wristband/passes KLOS has been giving away since I made the announcement Monday afternoon, a very limited number of wristbands will be available beginning at 12:30 this afternoon at Amoeba Music. Doors for the show open at 6:30, and the gig rolls at 7:30 — with the L.A. Fire Department on hand, you can be sure! Aerosmith/Jett (Maybe)Now this would be one great line-up! I'm hearing that Aerosmith is looking to team up with Joan Jett for a U.S. tour this Fall. The boys from Boston are already selling tickets for a handful of Stateside gigs (without an announced supporting act) between July 25th and September 16th, but what about the seven unannounced dates between September 8th and September 22nd that are mentioned in several fan forums? Stay tuned! Where There's Smoke...Hello, Guinness Book of Records? Less than a month after 1,683 guitarists set a world record in a Kansas City mall playing (so to speak) Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water," another group of punters has gone for the record. This past Saturday, over 1,800 European guitarists congregated in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, to strum the famous riff, attempting to set a new world record for a mass guitar performance. Before the event, Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan delivered a welcome speech via phone to the participants. No, he doesn't speak German, but he does know all the words to the songs — so he and the real D.P. will be rocking the Pacific Amphitheatre on August 12th in the final night of the KLOS Summer Concert Series. Paul Simon/PBSPaul Simon and his music are the focus of a new PBS special debuting tonight. Cameras were rolling for an all-star tribute gala honoring the singer/songwriter, who was the first recipient of the recently established Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Highlights include Simon and Art Garfunkel singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Cecilia," as well as a collaboration with Stevie Wonder. The prize, named for legendary composers George and Ira Gershwin, recognizes songwriters and performers who have developed a lasting and influential body of work. New KnopflerFormer Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler's new solo album, "Kill To Get Crimson," is due in early September. A tour is being planned to support the 12-track follow-up to his 2004 "Shangri-La" album. Let's hope he includes the Southland in his schedule!
Quote Of The DayIt was Steven Wright who said: "24 hours in a day; 24 bottles in a case of beer. Coincidence? I think not." June 28, 2007
On this day in 1969, Crosby, Stills & Nash's debut album entered the charts as Stephen Stills was reconnecting with his Buffalo Springfield bandmate, Neil Young. Neil was, of course, talked into joining CS&N shortly thereafter. On this day in 1975, The Eagles' "One of These Nights" album entered the charts on its way to five weeks at #1. On this day in 1975, David Bowie released the song he cowrote with John Lennon, "Fame." It finally hit #1 on the charts on September 20th (real fame took a lot more time back in those days). On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton and Elton John co-headlined a concert at London's Wembley Stadium. The event marked Elton's first public outing since undergoing painful hair transplants. Oh, the courage he demonstrated! This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd and more of Joe's conversation with the entire band.
19 Years Between Chart ToppersThe last time Bon Jovi scored a #1 album was with 1988's "New Jersey" album, which sold 7 million copies. Their previous release, 1987's "Slippery When Wet," hit #1 and sold over 12 million copies. Cut to the present. The Jersey band's newest effort, "Lost Highway," sold 288,000 copies last week to debut at #1 on this week's Billboard 200. Sales were fueled in part by the group's new country fan base who made last year's Jovi song "Who Says You Can't Go Home" (featuring Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles) a #1 Hot Country Songs hit. Cowboy up! A French Win For Sir EltyFake statues — real money. A French appeals court sided with Elton John in his claim against a Paris antique shop over sculptures of four Greek gods that he purchased in 1996 for $360,000. Sir Elty alleged that the statues were forgeries of 18th century works, and a judge awarded him $500,000 in damages. Meanwhile, John and his partner, David Furnish, are hosting their annual White Tie and Tiara Ball charity event today in Windsor, England. Areosmith/Santana/FashionAerosmith and Santana are among the many artists scheduled to perform at the fourth annual Fashion Rocks event on September 6th at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Entourage star Jeremy Piven will host the gala, which will be quickly edited down to a two-hour CBS special for airing the next night. War/Parsons/UFO FestWar and the Alan Parsons Live Project will perform at the upcoming Amazing Roswell UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico. They'll take the stage at the Wool Bowl on July 6th, the second day of the four-day event. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the controversial and hotly debated alleged crash landing of an alien space ship in the New Mexican desert. Maybe next year the organizers will get a real alien.
Quote Of The DayIt was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Women On The Cell
A new study by Samsung found that women's cell phones are a significant resource in dating, relationships, organizing their day-to-day activities and fashion. Among the highlights: June 29, 2007
Deep Purple's drummer, Ian Paice, is 59.
On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were found guilty of trumped-up drug charges in London. The British music scene would never be the same. On this day in 1968, Pink Floyd's second album, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was released and they headlined at the first-ever large scale free rock concert in London's Hyde Park. Jethro Tull and T-Rex were also in the show's line-up. On this day in 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its last concert together on the final day of the three-day Denver Pop Festival at Mile High Stadium (an appropriate name indeed). On this day in 1974, Neal Peart replaced original Rush drummer John Rutsey as the band was about to leave on their first big tour. On this day in 1975, bassist/lyricist Roger Waters spit on the audience during a Pink Floyd show. He later said that experience inspired the multi-million selling "The Wall" album. Maybe good manners don't really matter after all. On this day in 1978, Peter Frampton survived a Bahamian car crash, although his career took a pretty severe hit. On this day in 1979, Little Feat leader (and master musician) Lowell George died of a heart attack at the age of 34. On this day in 1998, George Harrison announced that he had been receiving radiation treatment for throat cancer caused by smoking.
Zep Reunion HooeyAs predicted right here two days ago, the annual reunion denial has been issued. Remember the report claiming that Led Zeppelin's surviving members would reunite for a London tribute show to late music-industry legend Ahmet Ertegun and a world tour? When asked during a press conference in Athens, Greece, singer/rock god Robert Plant said that he had no knowledge of any plans for a Zep reunion. He quipped, "If there was [a Zeppelin reunion], then there wouldn't be enough doctors to support it!" Concert For DianaElton John, Rod Stewart and Tom Jones will be among those performing this weekend at the Concert For Diana, a charity fundraiser in honor of the late Princess of Wales. Former Supertramp frontman Roger Hodgson and Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry will also perform. Funds raised by the Concert for Diana will help a variety of organizations, including charities established by Diana's sons William and Harry as well as those she supported in her lifetime. The show will take place in London on Sunday, which would have been Diana's 46th birthday. NBC will air an hour-long primetime special "Concert for Diana" Sunday night. Macca Draws 'Em InThat was quite the wild assortment of Hollywood rock and film glitterati at Paul McCartney's gig Wednesday night at Amoeba Records. In the crowd: George Harrison's widow, Olivia; uber producer Rick Rubin; Michael Eisner; Alanis Morissette; Woody Harrelson; Cybill Shepard; Jeff Lynne; former Wings members Denny Seweill and Laurence Juber; and our own Rita Wilde. But the guest of honor was Ringo Starr, who was singing along and dancing in the aisles during the show. When Macca noticed Starr while playing "That Was Me" — a song about Paul's days in The Beatles — he pointed at Ringo and said, "That was you, too!" When it was all over, the after-party was held at the Velvet Margarita Cantina nearby. Ozzy ChartsOzzy Osbourne has scored his first-ever #1 hit on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and Radio & Records' Active Rock National Airplay monitor with "I Don't Wanna Stop." And the Ozzman's song has actually been hanging at #1 on Radio & Records' Rock National Airplay tally for 10 straight weeks. Right so!
Thought For The WeekendNo one ever says "It's only a game." when his team is winning. Word Games
* There is no synonym for "thesaurus." June 30, 2007
Former Dire Straits rhythm guitarist Hal Lindes is 57.
On this day in 1956, Chuck Berry's classic "Roll Over Beethoven" entered the singles chart for the first time. On this day in 1975, Gregg Allman married Cher four days after she divorced Sonny Bono. Ten days later, she divorced Allman too. On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen kicked off his "Born In The U.S.A." tour in Minnesota as "Dancing in the Dark" peaked at #2 on the singles charts. On this day in 1989, the surviving Beatles sued for an injunction against Dave Clark, formerly of The Dave Clark Five, banning him from selling copies of the old Ready Steady Go! TV show featuring The Beatles. The case was eventually settled out of court. On this day in 2001, guitar god Chet Atkins died at the age of 77 in Nashville from complications of cancer. Chet was THE most recorded solo instrumentalist in history, with more than 75 albums of guitar instrumentals to his credit and more than 75 million albums sold worldwide. He played on hundreds of hit records, including those of Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Sr. and the Everly Brothers. He collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and Sir Paul McCartney. His business acumen and guitar style influenced generations of country and rock musicians alike. How deep was his influence? Remember the first time you ever saw a picture of The Beatles performing? That was a Chet Atkins model Gretsch guitar George Harrison was playing. |
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