 September 11 - 20, 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! September 11, 2007
Drummer Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead is 64. 
On this day in 1962, one week after their first recording sessions, The Beatles cut two Lennon/McCartney tunes, "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You." Producer George Martin insisted that session drummer Andy White sit in, on the chance that new percussionist Ringo Starr didn't work out. What ever happened to old Andy? On this day in 1967, The Beatles climbed on a bus and began filming "The Magical Mystery Tour." If they had waited another day or two to figure out a storyline, the TV special might have made some sense. On this day in 1969, the first bootleg record album turned up in stores in Los Angeles. "Great White Wonder" featured unreleased songs by Bob Dylan. On this day in 1977, on Bing Crosby's personal invitation to appear as a special guest on his annual Christmas television special, David Bowie recorded duets of "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth" with the Binger. On this day in 1982, John 'Cougar' Mellencamp's "American Fool" album hit #1 on the charts. On this day in 1983, Pat Benatar released "Love Is A Battlefield." September 12, 2007
Original Foghat bassist Tony Stevens is 58.
On this day in 1966, The Monkees' TV show premiered on NBC. On this day in 1987, The Cars' album "Door To Door" entered the U.S. charts. On this day in 1990, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks announced that they would no longer perform with Fleetwood Mac. Two years later, they reunited with the group to sing at President Clinton's inauguration. Four years after that, they reunited for an MTV Unplugged special, which led to a #1 album and an immensely successful concert tour. Promises, promises, promises. On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton's "Unplugged," the album he didn't think was worthy of releasing, entered the charts. "Unplugged" went on to win the Album of the Year Grammy Award, sell over 7 million copies and become Eric's most commercially successful release ever. So much for guitar god's judgmental skills! 
One Day Only: Zep Back OnIt's going to happen! Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones will be playing together again, but for just one night. On November 26th, Led Zeppelin will play a one-off show at London's O2 arena as part of a tribute to their old friend and mentor, Atlantic Records co-founder/chairman emeritus Ahmet Ertegun, who died last December. The Who's Pete Townshend, former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and Foreigner are among the others on the bill. Profits will benefit the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which provides scholarships to universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Ertegun's homeland, Turkey. Confirmation of the show, putting an end to several months of speculation, came at a press conference today (Wednesday) at the O2 when the Zep's three surviving members confirmed they would reunite onstage for just the third time in 27 years. The drummer for the evening will be Jason Bonham, son of the band's original drummer John Bonham, who died from a heart attack in 1980. One thing's for sure — they're not doing it for the money. One of the biggest selling bands ever, the Zeppelin has a two-disc retrospective called "Mothership" coming out on November 13th. A totally revamped CD/DVD package of their 1976 concert documentary "The Song Remains the Same" will be released a week later. Then, a week after that, we'll see how their live chops have held up. Rock & Roll! More PoliceStill no new Southland dates, but The Police have added six new shows to the next leg of their North American tour. The reunited trio will relaunch their roadshow on this side of the pond Halloween night in New York City. A newly added New York date on November 2nd will be the fifth time the band has played the Big Apple since launching its comeback tour in May. Paul/George/B.B./San DiegoPaul Rodgers, George Thorogood and blues legend B.B. King will be topping the bill at the Concert To End Youth Homelessness benefit in San Diego on October 12th. The event will pay tribute to King while raising funds to set up a new homeless shelter for young adults in the city. Children from The Storefront, a San Diego facility for homeless youths ages 12 to 17 that King supports, also will perform at the event. Vote For Your GRAMMY FavesVote to include your favorite all-time GRAMMY performances on the "My Night At The GRAMMYS" special, which will air on November 30th on CBS by logging onto the Recording Academy's new website (http://www.mynightatthegrammys.com). Among the artists appearing in the 50 videos in the running are Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Paul McCartney, Melissa Etheridge, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Bob Dylan, The Police and Elton John. Voting will close on October 7th. Daltrey SpeaksLast week, the British tabloid "The Sun" published an open letter from legendary Who singer Roger Daltrey in response to the study indicating rock stars are twice as likely to die early than non-rocking civilians. Warning out-of-control young rockers of the dangers of living on the edge, Roger wrote: "I've felt the pain and grief of losing friends and I can tell you, it's not cool. I knew them all — Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Janis Joplin... too many to list... Keith Moon might have been saved if he were a young performer today. He had an intelligence, and with the structure there is now he might have been OK. But rehab then was very rare... But John Entwistle would never have changed. He lived and danced to his own tune." Read the whole piece (http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,4-2007410335,00.html) and you'll appreciate Roger more than ever. 
Quote Of The DayIt was Steven Wright who said: "Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time." Bull X MotoRodeoThis Thursday, 8pm: Professional bull riders, freestyle big air quads, an off-road truck long-jump contest and a monster truck wheelie contest! After hosting last year's first-ever Bull X MotoRodeo in front of the main grandstand at the L.A. County Fair, you just know Unc has to try it again — let's just hope he doesn't try to do anything more than talk on the mic! Sand Sports Super ShowThis Saturday, 11am - 1pm: Sand rails and buggies and trucks and off-road partying! Time for another Uncle Joe/KLOS Cool Patrol Meet & Greet at the biggest off-road show in the land — the Sand Sports Super Show at the O.C. Fairground in Costa Mesa! Here are a few snapshots of last year's event. September 13, 2007
Vocalist David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears is 66.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles released the song "Yesterday." While the song was credited as a Lennon/McCartney composition, it was written entirely by and recorded solely by Paul McCartney. It hit #1 on October 9th, 1965, and has since become the most recorded song in the history of recorded music. On this day in 1969, John Lennon debuted his Plastic Ono Band, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, at a Toronto "Peace" concert. A semi-professional recording of the gig was later released as "Live Peace in Toronto." On this day in 1969, Santana's self-titled debut album entered the charts. On this day in 1980, Mark Knopfler's brother David left Dire Straits. The brothers, along with drummer Pick Withers and bassist John Illsley, had formed the band three years earlier.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Who as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and singer Roger Daltrey.
One Day Only: Zep Back OnIt's going to happen! Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones will be playing together again, but for just one night. On November 26th, Led Zeppelin will play a one-off show at London's O2 arena as part of a tribute to their old friend and mentor, Atlantic Records co-founder/chairman emeritus Ahmet Ertegun, who died last December. The initial plan was for the Zep to work up a half-hour of material to play as part of a gala concert. But after a week of rehearsals, the group announced that they would be willing and able to perform a full two-hour set. The November 26th show will feature warm-up contributions from former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Who's Pete Townshend and Foreigner. Profits will benefit the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which provides scholarships to universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Ertegun's homeland, Turkey. Confirmation of the show, putting an end to several months of speculation, came at a press conference yesterday (Wednesday) at the O2 when the Zep's three surviving members confirmed they would reunite onstage for just the third time in 27 years. The drummer for the evening will be Jason Bonham, son of the band's original drummer John Bonham, who died from a heart attack in 1980. One thing's for sure — they're not doing it for the money. One of the biggest selling bands ever, the Zeppelin has a two-disc retrospective called "Mothership" coming out on November 13th. A totally revamped CD/DVD package of their 1976 concert documentary "The Song Remains the Same" will be released a week later. Then, a week after that, we'll see how their live chops have held up. Rock & Roll! Fogerty On TVOctober 2nd, the day John Fogerty's new album "Revival" will be released, John will appear on CBS' Late Show With David Letterman. Then in January, PBS "Soundstage" series will debut its new season with an episode taped at the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman's November 29th performance in Chicago. Macca/Davies/PromsSir Paul McCartney will be headlining this year's edition of the BBC's Electric Proms 5-day festival. Specifically, Macca has agreed to play Beatles classics as well as material from his latest album, "Memory Almost Full," in concert at The Roundhouse on October 25th. On the final day of the Proms event, Ray Davies will perform a number of his classic Kinks tracks as well as some of his newest songs at The Roundhouse. This year's Electric Proms will feature 80 acts performing at various venues around Camden in London from October 24th through the 28th. Billy To Close Shea?Word out of New York is that Billy Joel will play a series of shows at Shea Stadium before the baseball stadium is demolished after next year's baseball season. Although no official dates have been announced, sources say that Billy will be the last musician to perform at the legendary venue. Lou & His KnicksNever doubt that Lou Reed has a sense of humor. The legendary singer/songwriter told New York's "Daily News," "I go to Knicks games all the time and they always put the camera on Spike Lee, Woody Allen and Matthew Modine and never on me." Then Lou added, "But don't get me wrong, I love Matthew Modine."
Quote Of The DayIt was Winston Churchill who said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. A Real Bull X MotoRodeoTonight! Tonight!, 8pm: Professional bull riders, freestyle big air quads, an off-road truck long-jump contest and a monster truck wheelie contest! After hosting last year's first-ever Bull X MotoRodeo in front of the main grandstand at the L.A. County Fair, you just know Unc has to try it again — let's just hope he doesn't try to do anything more than talk on the mic! September 14, 2007
Guitarist Steve Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been 58.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles released "Hey Jude," their first single on their own Apple Records label. Backed with "Revolution," it almost immediately hit #1. On this day in 1968, The Who's Pete Townshend told "Rolling Stone" magazine of his plans to write a "rock opera" about a deaf, dumb and blind boy. The project became "Tommy," one of Townshend's most successful musical projects. Aside from the original recording, the piece was also re-recorded by a symphony orchestra, turned into a feature film with an accompanying soundtrack and presented as a successful Broadway production. On this day in 1969, Genesis, which consisted of Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips and John Mahew, played their first paid gig at a cottage in Surrey, England owned by Gabriel's former Sunday school teacher. Although they didn't really go over all that well, they still decided to stick with it. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Who as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and singer Roger Daltrey.
On Stage SaturdayThe Scorpions will be ripping it up at the Gibson Amphitheatre Saturday night. On Stage SundayCheap Trick, Wild Child and KLOS' Cynthia Fox will be rocking the stage at the Southern California Bike Fest to benefit the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation at Frank G. Bonelli Park in San Dimas Sunday afternoon. 25 Million Demand ZepDon't think for a moment that they didn't see this coming. To date, over 25 million people have registered for a chance at one of 20,000 tickets for the November 26th Led Zeppelin reunion concert at London's O2 arena. In fact, after the AhmetTribute.com site went down, Web surfers flocked to the O2's site, crashing that. Fans have until Monday to register for their chance to buy a $250 ticket, which will be awarded by a public ballot. Fans who try to use eBay or other auction sites to sell their tickets will have those tickets cancelled. The three living members of the legendary rock band are reuniting in honor of Atlantic records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, who died in December of last year. Jason Bonham, the son of founding member John Bonham who died in 1980, will join Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones for the show. It'll be the main three musicians' first performance together in over a decade. The (short) concert bill is exclusively comprised of artists Ertegun affected, including Pete Townshend of The Who, Foreigner, former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings and of course, Led Zeppelin. As expected, there are reports that Rolling Stone singer Mick Jagger will also join the line-up. A Petty DocumentaryPeter Bogdanovich's Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers documentary, "Runnin' Down a Dream," will premiere at the New York Film Festival on October 14th and on the Sundance Channel on October 29th. The four-hour film traces the band's history via rare footage, concert clips and interviews with folks like Stevie Nicks, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, the late George Harrison and Jackson Browne. A coffee table book of the same name that accompanies the film will be released on November 1st. Word is that "Runnin' Down a Dream" will also be released on DVD in October, and that it may be available exclusively from Best Buy — but details have yet to be announced. Musicians Versus Wolfgang's VaultThe Grateful Dead, The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Carlos Santana have asked a federal judge to force The Bill Graham Archive (aka Wolfgang's Vault) to turn over thousands of documents and recordings they say are key to protecting their rights to memorabilia and music. The archive, sued by the rock bands last year for copyright and trademark infringement, failed to turn over about half of the documents it was ordered to produce, according to papers filed this week in federal court in San Jose. The Bill Graham Archive — which was created after its owner purchased late concert promoter Bill Graham's gigantic trove of psychedelic posters, photographs, handbills, T-shirts and tickets — sells the items online and offers free concerts as streaming audio broadcasts. Although the archive claims its activities are legal because it owns the rights to the music, it is refusing to hand over the documents which should show how the rights were acquired. Judge Patricia Trumbull is scheduled to consider the musicians' request at a September 18th hearing. Stay tuned! Davies' Release Is Growing (Slowly)Kinks frontman Ray Davies' upcoming sophomore solo album, "Working Man's Café," has now got a U.K. release scheduled for October 29th. The album, which Ray recorded in Nashville, will feature 12 new tunes with such titles as "Vietnam Cowboys," "Imaginary Man" and "Voodoo Walk." You can expect a U.S. release and tour to be announced within the month. More Fantasy (Camp)The Who's Roger Daltrey, occasional Eagle Joe Walsh, Cream's Jack Bruce, Slash, Yes' Alan White and Bad Company's Simon Kirke are among the stars who will participate in the Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp's 10th anniversary celebration November 7th through the 11th in Las Vegas. For their $10,000 entry fee, fantasy campers will get a chance to perform alongside the real rockers at the House Of Blues on the final night. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything about a Fantasy Groupies Camp.
A Thought For The WeekendSeat belts are much less confining than wheelchairs. Sand Sports Super ShowThis Saturday, 11am - 1pm: Sand rails and buggies and trucks and off-road partying! Time for another Uncle Joe/KLOS Cool Patrol Meet & Greet at the biggest off-road show in the land — the Sand Sports Super Show at the O.C. Fairground in Costa Mesa! Here are a few snapshots of last year's event. September 15, 2007
Legendary Blues shouter Big Joe Turner, the inspiration to Elvis Presley and Little Richard who topped the charts with "Shake, Rattle and Roll" in 1954, would have been 96. Keyboardist Rick Wakeman of Yes is 58.
On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded their classic "Louie Louie" using just one microphone in a small room. That's Rock & Roll! On this day in 1963, The Beatles began their third U.K. tour supporting Roy Orbison. By the end of the 21-date tour, the Fab Four was headlining. On this day in 1968, The Doors' album "Waiting For The Sun" hit #1. On this day in 1973, "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" by Elton John peaked at #12 on the charts. On this day in 1975, Pink Floyd released their classic "Wish You Were Here" album. On this day in 1980, David Bowie made his Broadway debut playing the lead role in "The Elephant Man." On this day in 2004, Johnny Ramone, guitarist and co-founder of the seminal punk band The Ramones, died in Los Angeles at age 55. He had been fighting a five-year battle with prostate cancer. September 16, 2007
Blues legend B.B. King is 82.
On this day in 1955, Play-Doh was introduced. On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album began its 19th week on the charts at #1. On this day in 1977, Marc Bolan, the man who was T. Rex, died in a car crash at the age of 28. On this day in 1978, Styx released "Blue Collar Man" as "Just What I Needed" by The Cars peaked at #27 on the charts. On this day in 1978, The Grateful Dead became the first Western rock band to headline a concert at the foot of the famous Pyramids near Cairo, Egypt. Far out! September 17, 2007
Hank Williams would have been 84.
On this day in 1967, The Doors performed "Light My Fire" and "People are Strange" on the Ed Sullivan Show. Even though Sullivan told Jim Morrison to change or omit the line "Girl, we couldn't get much higher" in "Light My Fire," Jimbo sang it anyway (that scalawag!). On this day in 1967, The Who performed on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." Not realizing that the crew had already set a charge under his riser, Keith Moon set a flash explosion in his drum kit. When the explosion went off at the end of "My Generation," it was so loud that it damaged guitarist Pete Townshend's ears. On this day in 1997, a reunited Fleetwood Mac launched its first tour in more than a decade.
Zep RehearsalsRehearsals are underway for Led Zeppelin's November 26th reunion show at London's O2 arena. Word is that the boys are getting along and playing great, and "the rehearsals have been hard work but great fun." No direct reports on Robert Plant's voice yet, but renowned guitar maker/luthier Hugh Manson reports: "Some of the songs will be in a lower key than usual and, while you can tune a guitar to accommodate almost any note, the best way is to make an instrument to do the job." So Manson has been slaving away to get new instruments to the band before their concert. Bowie Doubles Up On TargetYour nearby Target store will celebrate their new David Bowie-inspired clothing line next month by releasing an exclusive, limited-edition Bowie EP called "Strangers When We Meet." The six-track disc contains various live and rare studio cuts which hint at four future releases: "Santa Monica '72," "Nassau Live '76" and special editions of "Low" and "Hunky Dory." The Bowie apparel, which will debut on October 14th, was created by British designer Keenan Duffty. Fagen In A BoxNever one to rush into anything, Steely Dan's Donald Fagen recorded three solo albums over the last 30 years. So how about a cool Fagen box set for Christmas?! "The Nightfly Trilogy" — a seven-disc set that includes "The Nightfly," "Kamakiriad" and "Morph The Cat" along with three music video interactive CDs and a 10-song bonus disc — will be out on November 20th. How cool is that?!? Heart + Orchestra For KidsOn November 2nd, Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson will perform some of their favorite songs with over 200 musicians for the Seattle Symphony Guild's 10th anniversary benefit concert, Symphony Legacy. The Wilson sisters, along with Alice in Chains, are this year's special guest performers in support of Seattle Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center. They'll be joined at various times by the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Girlchoir, an Australian Didgeridoo performer, a patient musician from the hospital, and more. Keef & ArethaWhen he's not touring with The Rolling Stones — or falling out of trees — Keith Richards literally plays around. Word is that Keef is one of the guest artists contributing to R&B legend Aretha Franklin's next album, "Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets With the Queen." The disc, due out on November 13th, will feature the guitarist collaborating with the Queen of Soul on a version of The Stones "Jumping Jack Flash." Other big names playing with Aretha include Sir Elton John and former Doobie Brothers singer/keyboardist Michael McDonald.
Quote Of The DayIt was Kurt Vonnegut who said: "Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God." Mid-September Historical Factoids (Sort Of)The total number of Americans killed in the Civil War is greater than the combined total of Americans killed in all other wars. The Union ironclad, Monitor, was the first U.S. ship to have a flush toilet. Queen Victoria was the last teenager to rule England. The average major league baseball lasts 7 pitches (even in a Dodger game). September 18, 2007
Guitarist Kerry Livgren of Kansas is 58.
On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix died at the age of 27 in London. Some contend that if Hendrix had been put into an upright position in the ambulance rather than left lying on his back, he would not have suffocated on his own vomit. Some say if the nearest hospital had admitted blacks, he could have been saved. Others feel he was overdosed as part of a bad business deal.
Another Chance At The ZepNo, the folks involved with Led Zeppelin still aren't talking about a full reunion tour. But they've extended registration for the lottery to buy tickets to the Ahmet Ertegun tribute/Zep reunion show to noon tomorrow (Wednesday). The latest info says 89.5 million attempts were made to register at the event's website in just the first 12 hours of the online lottery. A total of 18,000 $250 tickets for the November 26th show in London's O2 arena will be available to the public. Announcements concerning pay-per-view, simulcasts and DVD releases will be forthcoming. Nikki's BookMotley Crue mastermind Nikki Sixx is doing an in-store at 7:30 tonight for his new book "Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star" at Borders in Westwood. The book is based on Sixx's journal entries beginning on Christmas 1986, chronicling the highs and lows of being in one of the world's biggest rock bands — while being one of the most notorious junkies to survive the excess of the Eighties. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to Running Wild In The Night, Sixx's fundraising initiative for Covenant House California, which helps kids get off the streets. Recently, Sixx spoke on Capitol Hill at the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month luncheon about surviving addiction. He was the first rock star ever to share his story and you can watch a video of the event at TheHeroinDiaries.net. Right so Nikki! Stevie & JoeLike many healthy women, Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks has been romantically linked to a wide range of people over the years. While two of her best known suitors were Lindsey Buckingham and Don Henley, Stevie has told Britain's "The Telegraph" that, "My great, great love was Joe Walsh... I fell in love with Joe at first sight from across the room... We were probably the perfect, complete, crazy pair. He was the one that I would have married, and that I would probably have changed my life around for." Nicks said their relationship, which lasted from 1983 to 1986, failed because they were both "really seriously drug addicts." The singer added, "It took me a long, long time to get over it — if I ever got over it." UMass Does DeadHow's your grade point average these days? The University of Massachusetts Amherst is offering a symposium on the Grateful Dead from November 16th to the 18th. Unbroken Chain: The Grateful Dead In Music, Culture And Memory will feature over 50 presenters in 20 panel sessions ranging from music composition and improvisation to an examination of the Dead's business model. Among those expected to attend are Jerry Garcia's first wife, Carolyn "Mountain Girl" Garcia, and David Gans, host of the revered Grateful Dead Radio Hour for the past two decades. UMass Amherst grad Dennis McNally, the band's publicist and the author of "Long Strange Trip: The Inside History Of The Grateful Dead," will deliver the keynote address. Far out! Sex Pistols Reunion #379From the "does anybody really care" and "no one paid to see them the first time" files, the Sex Pistols will reunite to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of their only album, "Never Mind The Bollocks." Just four venom-filled years after their last reunion, John Lydon, Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock will thrash it out at the Brixton Academy in London on November 8th. So far, a special appearance by Sid Vicious has not been promoted... but give them time. Repackaging The Kinks (Again)"Kinks Greatest 1970-84 Deluxe," a three-disc Kinks collection, will be available on October 30th. The set actually is a repackaging of the CD compilations "Celluloid Heroes" with "Greatest Hits" and "Come Dancing With the Kinks" with the One for the Road concert DVD. Seriously — if Ray Davies hasn't already written a song about repackaging, then he really, really should.
Kudos To CynthiaWe may kid around with and about each other all the time, both on and off the air, but it sure was great to see KLOS' own Cynthia Fox honored at the "Moving Lives Forward" Gala presented by The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center this past Sunday evening. In all the years I've known her, Cynthia has always done everything she can to help the community — both in public and behind the scenes. While she's never done it for the acclaim, it sure is cool to finally see her receive some well deserved acknowledgment! September 19, 2007
Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles, would have been 73.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' song "It's All Over Now" peaked at #26 on the charts. On this day in 1969, "Down On The Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival was released. On this day in 1970, The Rolling Stones released their classic live album, "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out." On this day in 1973, Gram Parsons, credited as the father of Country Rock and a member of The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers, died from a drug overdose at the age of 26. His coffin was later stolen by two associates and taken to Joshua Tree where it was set on fire. Now that was a Rock & Roll wake! On this day in 1974, Max Weinberg made his live debut as the drummer in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band at the Main Point in Philadelphia. On this day in 1976, "Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton entered the singles chart. On this day in 1979, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and several others played the first of five "No Nukes" concerts in New York City. On this day in 1987, Aerosmith's "Permanent Vacation" entered the album chart as R.E.M.'s "The One I Love" entered the singles chart. On this day in 1987, Pink Floyd released their "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" album, their first following the departure of Roger Waters. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature Joe's brand new conversation with Ann Wilson as well as music from her new solo album and her band, Heart.
New Zep SiteStill no talk from anyone who would know about a full Led Zeppelin reunion tour. But the upcoming Led Zeppelin greatest hits album "Mothership" now has its own web site (TheMothershipIsComing.com), featuring the cover art for the record. The 24-song, double-CD "Mothership" comes out on November 13th. Bowie Gets InvolvedDavid Bowie has stepped up to help the five young black men awaiting trial for their role in an altercation with a white classmate following a series of racial incidents in the small town of Jena, Louisiana. The city of 3,000 attracted national attention after three nooses were hung in a tree at the high school there. Bowie donated $10,000 to the students' defense fund, saying: "There is clearly a separate and unequal judicial process going on in the town of Jena. A donation to the Jena 6 Legal Defense Fund is my small gesture indicating my belief that a wrongful charge and sentence should be prevented." Stay tuned! Bruce Preps/Redistributes TixBruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will be back out on tour in a couple of weeks, supporting their new album, "Magic" — due out on October 2nd. As you'd expect, the group has been hard at work in the Asbury Park Convention Hall practicing lots of songs. Unofficial word is that there's a chance tickets might be available for the band's final rehearsals before the tour launches on October 2nd in Hartford, Connecticut. Next Friday (September 28th), Bruce and the band will play NBC's Today Show. In a related but unprecedented move to get more tickets to fans who didn't get any for Bruce's October 5th and 6th Philadelphia shows, distributor New Era Tickets will be paring back all purchases of more than four tickets to just two pair. A spokesperson said, "It's not a scam. We know that we have people who tried but failed to get tickets... so going through the ticket limits now, all the people that went in eight times and got eight different sets of four, we're killing those tickets and trying to call the people back who didn't get tickets, to be proactive and give them a shot at buying them." Stay tuned to see how the sales are conducted when Springsteen's Southland shows are finally put on sale. Insight Into Worldview Of LennonWhen asked for his favorite Beatles song, former President Jimmy Carter gave us a unique insight into how John Lennon has affected the world. Carter said, "My favorite is 'Imagine.' When I go to a strange country, Cuba and other places, in some of those nations, 'Imagine' has become a national anthem. If you go to Havana, for instance, you'll see a statue of John Lennon... When we go to a folk performance or a symphony concert or to modern American music, they always play 'Imagine,' and it's one of my favorites just personally. If you listen to the lyrics closely, you'll see that it's against religion, it's against national boundaries, it's against nationalism, it's against jingoism, but the impact it has on people is profound." Right so! Sir Elty's Next OneSir Elton John is well known as a humanitarian, especially because of his ongoing quest to raise money for HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. Some of the singer's famous friends will join him in New York next Tuesday for the Elton John AIDS Foundation's sixth annual benefit, An Enduring Vision. CNN journalist Anderson Cooper will host the gala, Elton and k.d. lang will perform, and awards will be handed out to the likes of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. Elsewhere, Elton reflects on his life and career in the new documentary Elton John: Me, Myself and I, which airs on U.K. television this week and should be released on DVD before Christmas. Final SteppenwolfI've worked with singer/guitarist John Kay, and if he says this will be the last Steppenwolf concert, then I think you can count on it. John Kay & Steppenwolf are scheduled to play their last show ever on October 6th at the Dreamcatcher Rally in Aberdeen, Maryland. The band, which embarked on its 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour earlier this year, will headline the second day of the three-day motorcycle event. 38 Special will headline the first day of the event, and Foghat will wrap up the final day.
Clean HandsA new study by Zogby International found those living in Miami exhibit the best hand hygiene practices in the U.S., and the humid city took the top spot in this year's "Cleanest Hands in America" survey. Questions on the survey include "How often do you wash your hands after you blow your nose?" and "How often do you wash your hands after taking out the garbage?" Miami was this year's winner while Los Angeles, Sacramento, Houston and Chicago rounded out the Top Five. At the bottom of the list of 25 cities was Denver. The rest of the bottom five included Portland, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Boston. September 20, 2007
Bassist Chuck Panozzo of Styx is 58.
On this day in 1971, guitarist Peter Frampton left Humble Pie for a solo career. Five years later he finally made it. On this day in 1973, Neil Young & Crazy Horse played the opening show at L.A.'s newest rock & roll nightclub, The Roxy. On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen released his "Born To Run" album and single. Springsteen's two previous albums had failed to make a significant commercial impression, but the "Born to Run" album went all the way to #3 and remained on the charts for 60 weeks. On this day in 1983, the first ARMS Benefit Concert to raise money for research to fight Multiple Sclerosis, which former Faces bass player Ronnie Lane suffered from, was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Among the performers were Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Steve Winwood. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature Joe's brand new conversation with Ann Wilson as well as music from her new solo album and her band, Heart.
Zep! Zep! Zep!Still nothing from anyone who would know about a full Led Zeppelin reunion tour — but millions are hoping! Depending on who is talking, the final tally of ballots entered for a chance to get Zep tickets for the November 26th tribute concert to Ahmet Ertegun are somewhere between one million and 120 million. Typical hype, you may say. But the latest reports in the rumor-crazed U.K. say that Robert Plant wants the Zeppelin to reunite again in November 2008 for the reopening of Belfast's Ulster Hall — the site where the band debuted "Stairway to Heaven" in 1971. Of course that doesn't make any rational sense, but you know how wacky those Brits can be! Bruce Rumor ConfirmedIt seems like only yesterday when rumors were flying about Bruce Springsteen playing a pair of pre-tour rehearsal shows for his hometown fans in Asbury Park, NJ. Now, thanks to Ticketmaster, Mr. Springsteen doesn't have to take time off from rehearsing to announce the shows — it seems that Ticketmaster did it on its own! Tickets for Bruce and The E Street Band's September 24th and 25th rehearsals at Asbury Park's Convention Hall will go on sale today exclusively through the Ticketmaster Charge by Phone service. As you would expect, several charities will be the beneficiaries of the ticket sales. Skynyrd Doings/DiddlingsSo why wasn't founding Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King, who co-wrote "Sweet Home Alabama," invited to the group's September 8th induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame? And why did it take 33 years for the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel to chose the title of that song — "Sweet Home Alabama" — as its official slogan for the state? Maybe the band will invite Ed down when they hit Hollywood on October 25th to tape a segment for the two-hour CMT special honoring country star Hank Williams Jr. Or maybe the great state of Alabama will invite Ed to drop by to see his song title on road signs. Or maybe Ed will just have to watch the November 17th premiere of "CMT Giants: Hank Williams Jr." on his own TV. New Cult Cut QuicklyWhile it took The Cult a year-and-a-half to make their last album, 2001's "Beyond Good and Evil," they finished their newest one, "Born Into This," in just 36 days! Singer Ian Astbury says, "If anything got a little bit drawn out, we just moved on to the next track." The band, now featuring former Ozzy Osbourne bassist Chris Wyse and former White Zombie drummer John Tempesta, completed the core of the album over three weeks in West Hollywood. Astbury says, "It's a passionate record with intent. It's full of real events, real observations and real people. All the ingredients were retained in making this record. We didn't filter it out. It's a real, true Cult record." It will be in stores on October 2nd, and it rocks! Gillan's LatestDeep Purple's Ian Gillan is treating fans to a deluxe CD/DVD tour edition of his "Gillan's Inn" album. The singer requested fans film the shows on his Gillan Inn Tour and submit the recordings to him. The best of that content has been included in the "Gillan's Inn – The Deluxe Tour Edition" DVD. The disc highlights stops along the tour and guest spots during it, like when Ronnie James Dio and Metallica's Lars Ulrich took the stage. "Gillan's Inn – The Deluxe Tour Edition" hits shelves on October 9th.
 Monster Truck MadnessTonight! Tonight!, 8pm: Grunting, fire-breathing Monster Trucks leaping through the air in front of the main grandstand at the L.A. County Fair! While the Bounty Hunter and Jurassic Attack might not be poetic, when you're talking heavy horsepower, you know yer Unc will be there. Iguana BoobiesNot sure what she was thinking, but a Russian woman was carrying an iguana in her bra when she passed through a security checkpoint at the Blackpool Airport. Imagine the security guard's reaction when he noticed movement in the woman's chestal area, and found the reptile peeking out between her bosoms! Authorities declined to prosecute the suspect because she let the iguana be placed at a local zoo. No word if they also checked her pants. |
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