November 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!

November 1, 2007

Bassist Ric Grech of Blind Faith and Traffic would have been 61.
Dan Peek of America is 57.
Lyle Lovette is 51.
Singer Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 45.
Drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard is 44.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles topped the American charts with the "Abbey Road" album. It was so good, it stayed at #1 for 11 weeks!

On this day in 1980, John Lennon released his "(Just Like) Starting Over" single.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of KISS as well as more of Joe's conversation with Paul Stanley and Peter Criss.

Pre-Show/Go To Jail

In what has to be the best sting operation since "To Catch A Predator," invitations to a pre-show party before last week's Fargo, North Dakota Ozzy Osbourne/Rob Zombie concert were sent out to people who ignored court summons, didn't pay child support, failed to pay fines, etc. Approximately 40 responded and attended the PDL Productions pre-show bash at the concert venue. Little did they know that the PDL stood for Sheriff Paul D. Laney, and that all those meaty guys wearing PDL T-shirts were actually deputy sheriffs, probation officers and local DEA members ready to haul the scofflaws away! Sounds like a real reality show!

Woodie's Big Book

Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood's "Ronnie: The Autobiography" has just hit U.S. bookshelves, and he's "already been approached" by producers interested in putting his story on the big screen. Ronnie's book contains frank accountings of his Rock & Roll experiences, including sharing a flat with Jimi Hendrix and playing in the Jeff Beck Group, The Faces and The Stones. His relationships with Pattie Harrison (between her marriages to George Harrison and Eric Clapton) and former Canadian First Lady Margaret Trudeau are detailed, as are his own severe problems with drugs, alcohol and finances. Woodie will be promoting the autobiography for the balance of this year while preparing a coffee table book of his artwork. The Stones, he says, are enjoying their individual "sabbaticals" after the Bigger Bang world tour, but will reconvene early next year for the rollout of Martin Scorsese's documentary, "Shine A Light."

Beatles Rock Hall Exhibit

Starting on November 16th, visitors to Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and Museum will be able to get up-close-and-personal peeks at artifacts from the 1965 Beatles movie "Help!." Everything from scripts to boots and jackets to behind-the-scenes photos of John, Paul, George and Ringo will be on display just as the movie is finally released on DVD.

Jim's Last 24/Next Week: Janis'

Jim Morrison of The Doors died in Paris, France on July 3rd, 1971 at the age of 27. This week his final hours are being explored on the Biography Channel's "Final 24," a series focusing on the last 24 hours of different celeb's lives. Nuggets include Steve Harris, the senior VP at the time of The Doors' record label, discussing the singer's death: "It was heroin. So they bring Jim home and he's dead. And they put him in the bathtub and there's a knock on the door..." Next week's "Final 24" will delve into Janis Joplin's death.

Nat. Geo./U2 3D

National Geographic Cinema Ventures has picked up the new U2 3D concert documentary for both domestic and international distribution. The film, shot entirely in digital 3-D in South America during the band's "Vertigo" tour, will be released in late January.

Quote Of The Day

It was William Feather who said: "Setting a good example for children takes all the fun out of middle age."

Bowser Shoots Owner

Sounds like one little doggie almost got his revenge last week. While hunting with his buddies on the opening day of Iowa's pheasant season, Mr. James Harris was shot in the leg — by his dog. Evidently Harris had killed a bird and when he set his gun down to retrieve it, the pooch stepped on the trigger which fired the weapon right into Harris' leg. Harris was taken to a regional hospital to tend to his injuries. No word if Harris or his dog had been drinking, but it wouldn't be surprising.

November 2, 2007

Keyboard whiz Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 63.
Former Jethro Tull/Fairport Convention bassist David Pegg is 60 and glad to be alive.

On this day in 1974, George Harrison opened his North American tour in Vancouver. It was the first-ever solo tour by a Beatle and the first time Harrison himself had hit the road since 1966.

On this day in 1976, in an interview with the BBC program The Old Grey Whistle Test, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and manager Peter Grant explained that they got the idea to make "The Song Remains the Same" after using large TV screens at their 1975 Earl's Court concerts. Unfortunately, they forgot about writing a simple screenplay so that the film would make some sense.

On Stage

Neil Young will wrap up his two-night stand at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live tonight.

Zep Postpone

Led Zeppelin is postponing its one-off comeback concert after guitarist Jimmy Page suffered a broken finger last weekend. The show, which was set for November 26th at the 02 Arena in London, will now be held December 10th. Page says he's disappointed that the date had to be changed, but notes, "Led Zeppelin have always set very high standards for ourselves, and we feel that this postponement will enable my injury to properly heal, and permit us to perform at the level that both the band and our fans have always been accustomed to." The band is serving as the headliner at a fundraising tribute in honor of the late Atlantic Records executive Ahmet Ertegun, who died last December. The show will mark the first time that surviving members of Led Zeppelin — featuring Page, singer Robert Plant and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones — have performed together in more than a decade. It will also be the groups' first full concert since the death of founding drummer John Bonham, whose son Jason will fill in for his dad. The Zep's catalog will be available at iTunes for the first time starting on November 13th. Fans who pre-order the Zeppelin music will be eligible for an all-expenses-paid trip to the London show. Just be careful with your fingers!

Moodies Trippin'

The latest ride unveiled for the new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is "Nights In White Satin – The Trip." Moody Blues singer/guitarist Justin Hayward, who is re-orchestrating the song with the Moscow Symphony for the project, joined bandmates John Lodge and Graeme Edge at the still-under-construction amusement park for Wednesday's unveiling of the ride. Described as "a multi-sensory psychedelic experience," "Nights In White Satin – The Trip" will clock in at just under five minutes in length and be a key element in the British Invasion "rock environ" of the park. If you momentarily stumbled on the term "multi-sensory psychedelic experience," then you'll probably enjoy the ride when it opens to the public in May of next year!

Topping The Tour Awards

The Police and Genesis are among the artists up for various 2007 Billboard Touring Awards. The two groups, which both mounted successful reunion tours this year, have been chosen as finalists in the Top Tour category, while The Police are also up for the Top Draw honor. The winners, as determined by the Billboard Boxscore chart, will be announced on November 15th in New York at the Billboard Touring Conference. Wonder what kind of t-shirts they'll be selling in the lobby that night?

Andy's Book Grows Into A Film

Police guitarist Andy Summers has confirmed that his 2006 autobiography, "One Train Later," is being made into a feature documentary. The film will chronicle Summers' life from childhood and detail the formation/break-up/reformation of The Police by including footage from the band's current reunion tour and about 25,000 photos that Andy took over the trio's career. Word is that Nicolas Cage has signed on to produce the project with a goal of submitting the movie to the Sundance Film Festival in early 2009.

Roddy's Train Obsession

Rod Stewart evidently has a passion for model trains similar to his obsession with leggy blondes. Roddy and his trains will be featured in the next issue of "Model Railroader" magazine hitting news stands on Tuesday. When former "Model Railroader" Senior Editor Carl Swanson described the craftsmanship of Rod's elaborate set-up in his Beverly Hills home as "staggering." He says that Stewart's "Three Rivers City" scale layout is "among the finest model railroads that I've ever seen." Right so!

NHRA Finals Drag Races

This weekend: The Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona is the last big drag meet of the year and the final round of the POWERade Series Countdown to the Championship! There'll be Saturday and Sunday Uncle Joe's Meet & Greets with the KLOS Cool Patrol, J.B. will be giving away a Harley Davidson and Randy Balough will be racing his Uncle Joe's Super Gas Corvette into a National Top 10 ranking! Here's what it looked like last year.

November 3, 2007

On this day in 1967, The Beatles completed filming for their TV special "Magical Mystery Tour" at Ringo's country house in Weybridge, Surrey. The day's work was mainly done in the backyard, where each Beatle was filmed pretending to play a white cello.

On this day in 1977, Elton John announced another of his "100% total retirements from performing live." This time the hiatus lasted almost 15 months.

On this day in 1988, the U2 documentary "Rattle and Hum" was released.

On this day in 1998, U2's "Best of 1980-1990/The B-Sides" was released.

November 4, 2007

American humorist Will Rogers would have been 128. (See News Of Note below.)
Guitarist James Honeyman-Scott of The Pretenders would have been 50.

On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan played at New York's Carnegie Chapter Hall to an audience of 43 people. Ten times that many bootlegs of the show have since appeared.

On this day in 1963, The Beatles performed for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon at the Royal Variety Performance in London. That was the gig where John Lennon quipped "Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands. All the rest of you, rattle your jewelry."

On this day in 1972, The Moody Blues' "Nights In White Satin" peaked at #2 on the charts as The Doobie Brothers' "Listen To The Music" topped out at #11.

On this day in 1978, The Who's song "Who Are You" peaked at #14 on the charts.

On this day in 1980, R.E.O. Speedwagon released the song "Keep On Loving You."

On this day in 1983, The Rolling Stones released their "Undercover" album.

On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" entered the singles chart.

The Wisdom Of Will Rogers

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back in.

If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around.

There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.

It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.

Don't squat with your spurs on.

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

November 5, 2007

Singing sensation Art Garfunkle is 67.
Country rock legend Gram Parsons of The Byrds would have been 61.
Rocker/photographer Bryan Adams is 48.

On this day in 1965, The Who released "My Generation," and the music world was changed forever.

On this day in 1982, Phil Collins released his "Hello, I Must Be Going" album.

On this day in 1983, Yes' "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" entered the singles charts as "One Thing Leads To Another" by The Fixx peaked at #4.

On this day in 1994, R.E.M.'s song "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" — inspired by CBS newsman Dan Rather's bizarre N.Y.C. experience — peaked at #21 on the charts.

On this day in 1999, Van Halen parted ways with their third lead singer, Gary Cherone after one mediocre album.

Buy Bono's Bike

Sure, we've all been wondering for years just what kind of motorcycle U2 singer/activist Bono would ride. Well, maybe not... but the answer is a red Ducati 916 that you can own while supporting lifesaving work in Africa! The "Bono Bike" will be auctioned at the International Motorcycle & Scooter Show in Birmingham, England on December 2nd. But it's not just Bono's Bike — both INXS singer Michael Hutchence and U2 bass player Adam Clayton have wrapped their legs around that fine Italian motorcycle well before the wee singer took possession. Proceeds from the sale will go to support the work of Riders For Health, which provides vehicles and safety training for healthcare workers in Africa.

Van Finally Becomes Available

Van Morrison, a long time digital music holdout, has finally agreed to let 43 of his albums become available on the top downloading services. Did you just ask "Why now Tio Jose?" Timing — it's all in the timing! "Still On Top – The Greatest Hits," Van's latest and most complete ever compilation, arrives in stores tomorrow. How many people will download all 43 Van albums? Tens for sure!

Jovi Live On Film (Sort Of)

Stand by for Bon Jovi's new live action movie: "Lost Highway: The Concert"! The film of a July 30th Chicago Jovi performance will be shown at around 100 U.S. theaters tomorrow (Tuesday) night. "Lost Highway..." will get its TV premiere on November 10th on A&E while a DVD of the project — complete with bonus material — will be released on November 13th.

Ringo's Latest

Ringo Starr's upcoming studio album, "Liverpool 8," will be released January 15th. The former Beatles drummer co-wrote all 12 songs on the disc, which he produced with longtime collaborator Mark Hudson and Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart. The album's title track — which Ringo says "refers to the section of Liverpool where I used to live." — will debut as a digital single on December 4th. Starr will kick off Liverpool's 2008 Capital Of Culture celebrations with a hometown performance on January 12th.

Subscribe To The Who

Are you a true fan of The Who with $50 burning a hole in your pocket? Good news! Today Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey are introducing a subscription service to their official Who web site! For an annual $50 fee, you'll receive seemingly free access to live performances via the band's new "DVD View" from a Backstage Pass package — nonstop access to archived videos, discounted merchandise and exclusive full-length videos!

Mr. Gabriel's Really Late

From the "Been so long no one really cares anymore department," Peter Gabriel has just completed his "Big Blue Ball" project. Having occasionally worked on the multi-artist project featuring musicians from all across the world over the last 15 years, Peter's official release statement says, "We always knew we'd get it out but didn't expect it was going to take quite as long as it has done." Been there, done that!

Quote Of The Day

It was Mark Twain who said: "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."

November 6, 2007

Singer/songwriter Glenn Frey of the Eagles is 59.

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' song "Get Off Of My Cloud" hit #1, Bob Dylan's "Positively Fourth Street" peaked at #7 and The Animals released the song "It's My Life." Not a bad day at all!

On this day in 1965, legendary concert promoter Bill Graham presented his first show when he rented out the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco for $60. The show, a benefit concert for the city's mime troupe, featured the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, who were anything but mimes.

On this day in 1971, The Who released their song "Behind Blue Eyes" as Cat Stevens' "Peace Train" peaked at #7 on the charts.

On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's "Rock 'N Me" hit #1, Heart's "Magic Man" peaked at #9, and Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" topped out at #12 on the charts.

On this day in 1989, Phil Collins released his "But Seriously" album.

On this day in 1993, R.E.M.'s classic "Everybody Hurts" peaked at #29 on the charts.

Cooper On Ozzy's Blame Game

Not sure if he's actually whining, but Ozzy Osbourne's been blaming illegal downloaders and Fargo police officers for diminishing his income and reputation. We'll leave it to the ever-well-spoken Alice Cooper to set the record straight by placing the blame on what he calls the reputation-killing TV show "The Osbournes." It's hard not to agree with Cooper that Ozzy's TV show left his fans disappointed, that by allowing the world into his house, the occasional Black Sabbath singer ruined the mystery surrounding him and made him a laughing stock. Alice says, "Most fans thought he lived in a big, dark castle with skeletons in the cellar... (But) when that show aired, they knew he was just some guy who potters around his Beverly Hills mansion. It was meant to be some kind of comedy, but the audience was laughing at Ozzy, not with him. And as a close friend, that made me very sad." Right so!

Ertegun Tribute Line-Up Change

Scheduling conflicts have forced both Who mastermind Pete Townshend and Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman to pull out of appearances at the postponed Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert in London. The event — as well as Led Zeppelin's highly anticipated one-off reunion — was pushed from November 26th to December 10th after Zep guitarist Jimmy Page fractured his finger. So far, only Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers has been added to cover for Pete and Rick.

Winwood/Clapton Again

You had to hope, if not assume, that after Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton put on quite the performance at the Chicago Crossroads Guitar Festival in July that they'd do something even more substantial a little further down the road. Sure enough, the duo — who originally played together as Blind Faith in 1969 — will play together at Madison Square Garden on February 25th, 26th and 28th. As Clapton said, "I have wanted to play with Steve for a long time. I consider him a friend and a truly gifted musician. Our set at the Crossroads Festival this summer was a real treat so I expect these shows will be good fun for us and for the fans." If our luck holds, stay tuned for more dates!

Fagan For Leiber/Stoller

Steely Dan's rather reclusive Donald Fagen will take part in the November 26th tribute to the legendary songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The New York benefit concert, dubbed Songs In The Key of Hope, will raise money for the Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation. Among Leiber and Stoller's many hits are "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," "There Goes My Baby," "On Broadway," "Love Potion #9," "Leader of the Pack" and "Stand by Me." Fagen's participation isn't a complete surprise as he covered their song "Ruby Baby" on his acclaimed 1992 album, "The Nightfly."

Dead's Road Trips

They may be 'physically' long gone, but The Grateful Dead have just released the first in a series of albums called "Road Trips." The first compilation is called (logically enough) "Road Trips Volume 1, Number 1." The double-CD plus bonus CD set was recorded on the band's 1979 East Coast trek with new keyboardist Brent Mydland. Each "Road Trip" release will also come with a booklet filled with rare photos and essays on how the music fits into The Dead's sometime confusing history.

Maiden's One Night Stand

Iron Maiden will be playing a one-off show at the Forum on February 19th as part of the first leg of their "Somewhere Back In Time World Tour 2008." To tie in with next year's DVD release of the "Live After Death" concert video, the boys will focus their setlist and stage set on their glory years — especially the legendary 1984-85 "Powerslave Tour." In a unique transportation twist, the band will fly in from Tokyo two days before the Forum show — and depart for Mexico the day after — on their own customized Boeing 757 flown in part by Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson (a long time pilot). The Maiden 757 will carry the band, road crew and other personnel, plus over 12 tons of equipment.

Quote Of The Day

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."

November 7, 2007

Singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell is 64.

On this day in 1970, Chicago released the song "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"

On this day in 1974, Ted Nugent won the National Squirrel Shooting Archery Contest, nailing 27 of the furry rodents and even picking off one at a distance of 150 yards. No wonder chicks dig the Nuge!

On this day in 1981, Bob Seger's "Tryin' To Live My Life Without You" peaked at #5 as "Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1986, the giant "Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Live 1975 - '85" box set was released. It went on to become one of the biggest-selling box sets of all time.

On this day in 1987, Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" peaked at #4 as U2's "Where The Streets Have No Name" topped out at #13 on the charts.

Eagles' Monster Sales Force Changes To Rules

Can you imagine the hit to the credibility of the record industry's bible, Billboard magazine, if they ignored over 700,000 CD sales in a single week?! Well leave it to the Eagles to force a change! Their first new studio album in 28 years, "Long Road Out Of Eden," forced Billboard to make a significant last minute change to its rules yesterday. Early SoundScan numbers have the Eagles debuting at #1 on The Billboard 200 with an outrageous 711,000 copies sold, with most sales moved by Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores. With those crushing sales numbers coming in, Billboard was forced to allow exclusive album titles that are only available through one retailer to appear on The Billboard 200 and other charts, effective immediately. Prior to this, proprietary titles were not eligible to appear on most Billboard charts. Under the old rules, which would have ignored the Eagles Wal-Mart sales, Britney Spears' new album "Blackout" would have been #1 with sales of 290,000 copies. The suddenly revised Billboard policy also impacts the Top Country Albums charts, where "Eden" also debuts at #1.

Pagey's Broken Pinky

Led Zeppelin's mastermind/guitar god, the legendary Jimmy Page, is making a swift recovery from the broken finger that forced the band to delay its reunion concert at the Ahmet Ertegun benefit from November 26th to December 10th. It turns out that Pagey broke his left pinky after falling in his garden. Referring to his finger, Pagey said, "It's a nuisance because it's really needed." Then, speaking for the millionth time about a possible full reunion tour, he said, "At the moment, I'm told we're doing one gig. That's a bit unfortunate for all the people that would have liked to have seen us, but I can understand why some of the other members don't want to be touring." In the grand tradition of all teasing rock stars, Pagey later reiterated that the reunion show is a "one-night stand," but that "nothing is impossible." Except an English rock star not falling down in an English garden!

Warren's Christmas Jam

Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes' 19th Annual Christmas Jam concert will roll on December 15th in Asheville, North Carolina. Jackson Browne and Peter Frampton are among the artists who will join the Haynes-fronted group Gov't Mule on stage for the Jam, which benefits Habitat for Humanity.

Stones Furniture

So many tour stages, so little storage space. In a creative move to cut back on warehousing expenses, The Rolling Stones had some clever artisans transform sections of the boy's giant tour stages into coffee tables, wooden decks and other furniture pieces — just for you to buy, treasure and own forever! The collectibles include items made out of stage materials from the 1997-98 Bridges To Babylon tour, the 1999 No Security trek and the 2002-03 outing in support of the Stones' Forty Licks retrospective.

Quote Of The Day

It was Oscar Wilde who said, "One should always play fairly when one has the winning cards."

Beware Falling Cows!

A Michigan couple vacationing in the beautiful state of Washington is feeling pretty lucky after escaping injury when a cow fell on their van. According to the "Wenatchee World," Charles and Linda Everson were driving on a lakeside highway when the 600-pound heifer struck the roof of their car. Authorities say the cow, which had been reported missing by its owner, actually fell 200 feet from a cliff. The Eversons kept driving for about a mile before stopping to get help with Charles uttering the phrase "I don't believe this" over and over and over. The couple's van suffered extensive damage, including a shattered windshield. As for the cow, you couldn't exactly call it road kill, but...

November 8, 2007

Bram Stoker, the author of "Dracula," would have been 160.
Singer Bonnie Bramlett (of Delaney & Bonnie fame) is 63.
Guitarist Roy Wood, who founded both the Move and the Electric Light Orchestra, is 61.
Blues guitarist Bonnie Raitt is 58.

On this day in 1969, on the second gig of their first U.S. tour in three years, The Rolling Stones broke a California concert record set three years earlier by The Beatles. Although Keith really couldn't remember it the next day, fans paid a total of $150,000 to see the Stones rock at the L.A. Forum.

On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin released their fourth album, variously called "IV" or "ZOSO" for the Viking-like runes on its cover. Considered by many to be the greatest rock album ever, it somehow failed to reach the #1 spot while charting for a record 158 weeks.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Beatles as well as conversation with Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

An Amazing Who Documentary

The new feature-length "Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who" documentary that came out on Tuesday covers over four decades of The Who's work by offering all-new, exclusive interviews with guitarist Pete Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey. The project that took over five years to make also includes rare and recently discovered concert footage, including very early performances from the band in the Sixties. "The Story of The Who" features new interviews with Sting, U2's The Edge and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, among others. The DVD set also includes the feature film, "Amazing Journey: Six Quick Ones." This is a must-have for every Who fan!

Ringo Raises A Flag

Yes, that was Ringo Starr — not Chris Carter — raising the giant Beatles flag atop the Capitol Records Tower on Tuesday. The banner, which will fly until November 16th, is just one part of the promotion for the DVD release of the 1965 Beatles film "Help!." The flag is also among the items currently up for bid in an online auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320179610501) benefiting the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy charity.

Fantasy Camp's 10th

The 10th anniversary of the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is under way in Las Vegas. The Who's Roger Daltrey, Cream's Jack Bruce and occasional Eagle Joe Walsh are among the stars taking part in the five-day event to give would-be rockers a chance to learn about the music business and fulfill their rock star dreams. Looking a little farther down the road, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason has agreed to participate in a Hollywood edition of the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp planned for February 15th through the 18th.

New/Really Old Marshall Tucker

Not sure why it took so long, but the Marshall Tucker Band will release a three-disc collection called "Carolina Dreams Tour '77" on December 4th. Featuring the group's original (and long gone) line-up, the package will include a DVD of the concert along with commentary from founding singer Doug Gray. The two CDs in the collection will feature audio of the same 14 performances.

California Bike Week & Love Ride

This Saturday and Sunday, Noon - 2pm: Join your Uncle Joe and the KLOS Cool Patrol at the 24th Annual Love Ride and the 2007 California Bike Week at the L.A. County Fairplex in Pomona. There'll be thousands of motorcycles, hundreds of vendor booths and dozens of activities with Jay Leno serving as the Love Ride's Grand Marshal and Gregg Allman headlining Sunday afternoon's entertainment. As always, money is raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and local children's charities. See you there!

Quote Of The Day

It was Confucius who said: "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."

November 9, 2007

Guitarist Tom Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival would have been 66.
Original drummer Alan Gratzer of REO Speedwagon is 59.

On this day in 1963, the Oregon band The Kingsmen released the Rock & Roll classic "Louie, Louie." Many radio stations banned the song when they decided the indecipherable lyrics must be obscene. That, of course, helped sell a lot more records.

On this day in 1966, John Lennon and Yoko Ono met for the first time. She claimed not to know who he was... and he believed her.

On this day in 1966, Roger McGuinn booted David Crosby out of The Byrds, and replaced him by bringing back original band member Gene Clark.

On this day in 1967, "Rolling Stone," the first rock oriented magazine, published its first issue. The magazine featured a picture of John Lennon on the cover and included a free "roach clip."

On this day in 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America (R.I.A.A.) declared the Eagles' "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" the best-selling album of the century. The 20th century's biggest single was Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997."

On Stage Tonight

The Gin Blossoms are playing at the Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts tonight.

On Stage Sunday

The Gin Blossoms will play at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano Sundy night.

Bruce/Conan/Robin/Lewis Play Benefit

Bruce Springsteen, Conan O'Brien, Robin Williams and Lewis Black all performed at New York's Town Hall Wednesday night at the Stand Up For Heroes benefit for the Bob Woodruff Family Fund, which raises money for wounded soldiers. Springsteen, the sole musical act of the evening, played a three-song acoustic set consisting of "This Hard Land," "The Devil's Arcade" and "Thunder Road." After the performance, his 1991 Harley Davidson was auctioned off for $85,000. In other news, Bruce has scheduled his first 2008 gig — a March 16th St. Paul, Minnesota gig. Do you think he'll hit the Southland right after that?

Jovi For The Queen

This December Bon Jovi and soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will headline the 2007 Royal Variety Performance at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool. Britain's famed "Got Talent" winner, Paul Potts (the pudgy opera singer), will also perform in the presence of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Let's just hope that Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora doesn't hit on Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

Really Artistic Lunchboxes

David Bowie, Elton John and R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe are among over 100 celebrities designing personalized lunchboxes to be sold to benefit the Food Bank For New York City and the Lunchbox Fund of South Africa. The 2007 edition of the annual Lunchbox Auction will launch December 7th during a star-studded, invitation-only, fundraiser party and mini-auction hosted by Michael Stipe in New York. The online bidding (http://www.thelunchboxauction.org/) will run through December 21st.

Sammy's Restaurant

Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill, co-owned by Sammy Hagar, will open early next year in Maui's Kahului Airport. The decor will include some of Sammy's own memorabilia, and the establishment will be rocking with music from Sam's solo career and his version of Van Halen. All of the profits from the eatery will go toward Hawaiian children's charities via the Red Rocker Foundation.

Live Rush Coming

Rush may be off the road now, but they filmed last month's Rotterdam concert for a planned DVD. Drummer Neil Peart says those shows were definitely the highlight of the trio's European tour.

A Thought For The Weekend

How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

November 10, 2007

Singer/bassist/guitarist Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 59.

On this day in 1961, Brian Epstein, the manager of several record shops in Liverpool, paid a noontime visit to the Cavern Club to see The Beatles, whom he heard about from a teenage customer. Impressed by the performance, he introduced himself to George Harrison and Paul McCartney. By the end of the month, Brian had persuaded the group that he should be their manager. On January 24, 1962, a contract was signed and history would never be the same.

On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen released their classic single "Louie Louie." The songs inaudible lyrics caused a true national scandal, inspiring thousands of young Rock & Rollers to pick up a guitar.

On this day in 1973, British actor David Essex released "Rock On," his self-penned, one and only U.S. hit single.

On this day in 1975, 29 crewmen died when the ore carrier "Edmund Fitzgerald" plunged to the floor of Lake Superior during a nasty storm. Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot was so moved, he wrote the 14-verse "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," which went on to become the most unlikely #2 charting hit record in history.

On this day in 1979, the Eagles' song "Heartache Tonight" hit #1.

On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released his "Born In The U.S.A." single as Don Henley released his "Boys of Summer" single.

On this day in 1997, The Rolling Stones played the first of two nights at Dodger Stadium. Many consider that 2.5 hour show to be one of the highlights of their "Bridges To Babylon" tour.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is the national holiday set aside to honor the men and women who served the United States in war. Initially known as "Armistice Day," it was established in 1926 to recognize the end of fighting in World War I at 11am, November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). It was renamed "Veterans Day" after World War II, and has always centered on special memorials at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. At some point this weekend, take a moment to remember those who fought to protect our freedom, especially those who paid the ultimate price, from the fields in France to the deserts of Iraq.