January 11 - 20, 2008

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!

January 11, 2008

Venerable blues legend Slim Harpo would have been 84.
Sax player Clarence Clemons (The Big Man) of Springsteen's E Street Band is 66.
Keyboard player Tony Kaye of Yes is 62.

On this day in 1963, the Whiskey-a-Go-Go (the first Rock & Roll club in L.A.) opened on Sunset Boulevard. They claim that the floors have actually been fully cleaned at least twice since then.

On this day in 1964, Bob Dylan's classic "The Times They Are A Changin'" single was released.

On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix recorded the song he had written the day after Christmas 1966. In the intervening 17 days, he had changed the lyric from "Jesus Saves" to "Purple Haze."

On this day in 1969, both Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull released their debut albums in the U.K.

On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin played "Kashmir" live for the first time during a gig in Rotterdam.

On this day in 1980, The Pretenders released their debut album in the States.

On this day in 2005, Jefferson Airplane drummer Spencer Dryden died of stomach cancer at the age of 66.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pink Floyd as well as more of Joe's conversation with Nick Mason, Roger Waters, David Gilmour and producer Alan Parsons.

Steven Really Sells It

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has agreed to sell a percentage of his interest in about 160 songs by the band to Primary Wave Music Publishing. The partnership deal, reportedly worth about $50 million, will allow the publishing company to market many of the tunes the singer wrote or co-wrote like "Love in an Elevator," "Dude Looks Like a Lady," "Jaded" and "Janie's Got a Gun." No word on how this affects guitarist Joe Perry's portion of the songwriting interest, but the soon-to-be-divorced Tyler said: "Primary Wave's expertise will ensure that my catalog will continue to rock generations well into the future and boldly go where no songs have gone before." "Boldly go" — that's the spirit!

Bad Ass Bassist Wins Trump's Bucks

What... were they expecting Mother Teresa? Well Gene Simmons ruffled a lot of feathers on Thursday's episode of NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice," but he did win the big money for his charity. The KISS bassist was the project manager for the men's team that had to produce a 30-second ad for the Pedigree pet food company's dog adoption campaign. As you'd expect, Gene not only offended all of his teammates, but also Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and the Pedigree rep! But in the end, Gene's spot was the clear winner. The clip will air during next month's broadcast of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, and Simmons donated his $20,000 prize to The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Right so!

Might It Really Be... ?

If it's true, this is interesting. The Fuego Entertainment company has acquired a Beatles recording made in 1962 at a club in Hamburg, Germany during what's purported to be Ringo Starr's first live appearance with the band. Supposedly the 15-song tape contains eight tunes not featured on any other Fab Four release, including covers of Hank Williams and Maurice Williams songs. If you really feel compelled to sample what passed for high fidelity recordings in 1962, one complete song and three audio snippets currently are available online for people who register as Fuego Plus members.

Bruce Pays Out

Bruce Springsteen is reported to have paid $200,000 to settle a lawsuit accusing he and his wife Patti of reneging on an agreement to pay $850,000 for a horse owned by Olympic equestrian Todd Minikus. The animal, named Pavarotti, was to have been a present for the Springsteens' 15-year-old daughter, Jessica. However, according to Minikus' suit, the couple backed out of the deal after making a $25,000 down payment. Why? Pav had a poor showing during the Brazil-hosted Pam American games — refusing an obstacle in one round and throwing Minikus off after landing in water another time. Court documents show the Springsteens told Minikus after the games that the horse wasn't the right one for Jessica.

Carlos Will Hit It

Carlos Santana will be taking his band on a world tour that will wind its way through North America this Spring. The "Live Your Light Tour" will start next month in the Far East, then kick off a North American run on April 4th. So far no Southland dates have been announced, but stay tuned!

Quote Of The Day

It was Winston Churchill who said: "However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."

Five Quick Verbiage Factoids

'Stewardesses' is the longest word typed with only the left hand, and 'lollipop' is the longest word typed with only the right hand.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

'Dreamt' is the only English word that ends in the letters 'mt'.

The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (they're called palindromes).

There are only four words in the English language which end in 'dous': tremendous, horrendous, stupendous and hazardous.

January 12, 2008

English blues singer Long John Baldry, who gave Rod Stewart and Elton John their first real gigs, would have been 67.

On this day in 1993, Cream surprised even themselves by reforming for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Other inductees that evening included The Doors, Van Morrison and Creedence Clearwater Revival — whose leader, John Fogerty, refused to play with the other two surviving members.

On this day in 1998, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Santana, among others. Outside of the first public appearance in years by founding Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, no drama unfolded.

On this day in 2003, Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees died in Miami after an emergency surgery. He was 53.

January 13, 2008

Producer Chris Thomas, who has worked with Pink Floyd, Pete Townshend as well as The Pretenders, is 61.

Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan sax player Cornelius Bumpus would have been 56.

Guitarist/singer Trevor Rabin of Yes is 53.

On this day in 1968, "Love Me Two Times" by The Doors peaked at #25 and Jimi Hendrix's "Foxey Lady" topped out at #67 on the singles charts as Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" broke into the Top 40.

On this day in 1973, the song "Living In The Past" by Jethro Tull peaked at #11 on the charts.

On this day in 1973, Eric Clapton performed at the Rainbow Theatre concert organized by his friend Pete Townshend in order to help Clapton shake his heroin addiction. Eric opened his set, and much later ended the show, with "Layla."

On this day in 1978, The Police began recording their debut album "Outlandos d'Amour."

On this day in 1979, "We've Got Tonite" by Bob Seger peaked at #13, and "Bicycle Race/Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen peaked at #24 on the charts.

January 14, 2008

Dave Grohl, Nirvana drummer and head Foo Fighter, is 39.

On this day in 1956, Little Richard entered the pop chart at #26 with "Tutti Frutti." The world of music would never be the same.

On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones played their first gig with drummer Charlie Watts. London's Flamingo Jazz Club was the place, and Rock & Roll has never been the same.

On this day in 1983, Van Halen's "Jump" entered the chart. The first single from their album "1984," it not only became the band's first #1 single, it spent five weeks on top of the charts!

On this day in 2000, Melissa Etheridge revealed that David Crosby fathered her two children with Julie Cypher. Imagine our surprise!

Ringo Wowed Hometown

Performing in his hometown for the first time since 1992, former Beatle Ringo Starr helped launch Europe's 2008 Capital of Culture extravaganza this weekend. Word is that the crowd of 20,000 to 50,000 (evidently proper math skills aren't a big thing in the U.K.) went nuts Friday night when the singing drummer did a set from the roof of St. George's Hall. Friday night's entertainment also included choirs of school children, 40 acrobats, four construction cranes reaching up to 750 feet and a team of performing forklift trucks, but the Liverpudlians had come to worship at the altar of Ringo! Mr. Starr also took the stage at the Echo Arena Liverpool for another show on Saturday. Sad to say the performing forklift trucks weren't invited to that gig.

Eddie's Globe Is Golden

Here's one you won't hear about on the TV news. Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder won a Golden Globe Award for the Best Original Song – Motion Picture for "Guaranteed" from the movie "Into the Wild." Of course the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards weren't broadcast because of the Writers Guild of America strike, so The Hollywood Foreign Press Association revealed the winners in a 32-minute televised press conference that aired live on NBC last night. Not really wasn't very good TV, but congrats to Eddie just the same!

Spewing Hendrix

No artist has ever had more posthumous recordings released than Jimi Hendrix. Now word is that North American rights to a slew of Hendrix concert recordings have been acquired by Fuego Entertainment, the same company hawking a 1962 recording of The Beatles playing some dive bar in Germany. Plans are to make 11 Hendrix double albums — about 200 live tracks — available as CDs or digital downloads. You can currently buy downloads of "The Rainbow Bridge Concert: The Early Show" and "The Rainbow Bridge Concert: The Late Show," both recorded at a trippy Hawaiian gig in 1971.

Read John's Words

In a feat that's much harder to pull off than you might imagine, "Rolling Stone" magazine snagged John Mellencamp for an interview about his new T Bone Burnett-produced album in the January 24th issue — the one with Johnny Depp on the cover. Besides talking about music, Mellencamp also expounds on various other topics — just as you'd expect.

Of Course The AC/DC Rumor Was Bogus

Hate to say "I told you so," but AC/DC are not in the studio, they're not playing little clubs nor do they have a title for their next album. This past Friday their official representative addressed the rumors by saying, "If you ask me if they're in the studio today, I can tell you they're not. If you ask me if they were in the studio last week, I can tell you they're not. If you ask me if they're in the studio next week, I can tell you they're not." Sure, he said a bunch of other stuff as well, but that's about as much "Aussie-speak" as I can handle.

Interviewing Bonhams

The February issue of "Drum!" magazine features a joint interview with both Led Zeppelin's John Bonham and Jason Bonham, John's son who sat behind the kit at the Zep's reunion show last month. Of course John Bonham passed away in 1978, so the clever little editors simply asked Jason the same questions they had directed towards his father 30 years earlier.

Quote Of The Day

It was Mark Twain who said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

Voice Mail Messages for the New Year

Just another of yer Uncle Joe's timely services!

1. A is for academics, B is for beer. One of those reasons is why we're not here, so leave a message.

2. Speak.

3. Hi there. Now, you say something.

4. Hi, I'm not at home right now, but my answering machine is, so you can talk to it instead. Wait for the beep.

5. Hello. I'm David's answering machine. What are you?

6. Hi! John's answering machine is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.

7. Hello, You are talking to a machine. I am capable of receiving messages. My owners do not need siding, windows, or a hot tub, and their carpets are clean. They give to charity through their office and do not need their pictures taken. If you're still with me, leave your name and number and they will get back to you.

8. This is not an answering machine. This is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your reason for calling and a number where I can reach you, and I'll think about returning your call.

9. Hi. I am probably home. I'm avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you.

10. Hello. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back.

January 15, 2008

Ronnie Van Zant, the singer and heart of Lynyrd Skynyrd, would have been 58.

On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones performed on the Ed Sullivan Show and were forced to change the lyrics of "Let's Spend the Night Together" to "Let's Spend Some Time Together." Oh, those were scandalous times!

On this day in 1992, Dee Murray, Elton John's longtime bassist, died of cancer at the age of 55.

On this day in 1994, singer/writer Harry Nilsson died from heart disease at age 52.

A Clash Reunion (Sort Of)

For the first time in 25 years, Clash members Mick Jones and Topper Headon shared a stage to perform their hits "Train In Vain" and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go." Jones was playing the first night of a London club residency with his current band, Carbon/Silicon, and the group was joined by Headon for the Clash classics during the encore. You can check out a video of the mini-reunion at PunkNews.org.

Woodie Hurt/Healing

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood is recuperating after hernia surgery earlier this month. Anyone who has read his recent book would figure that Woodie hurt himself shagging beautiful babes, but in fact he suffered the injury on last year's leg of The Stones' Bigger Bang tour. His spokesperson says that Ronnie is at home in Surrey, England, "recovering and feeling well... He's meant to be taking two months off but, knowing Ronnie, he'll be back on his feet sooner rather than later." That's all good, just as long as he doesn't fall out of any trees!

The Robert & Alison Show

Set the Tivo! The "CMT Crossroads" show that Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant taped in Nashville last October with superstar bluegrass singer Alison Krauss is finally set to air on February 11th. Krauss and Plant, who collaborated on the album "Raising Sand," were also nominated for a Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals GRAMMY Award for the song "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)." In addition to that song, they'll play a combination of new songs as well as the reworked Zep classics "Black Dog" and "When The Levee Breaks." Can't wait!

Quote Of The Day

It was Lily Tomlin who said: "No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up."

January 16, 2008

On this day in 1970, John Lennon's London Art gallery exhibit of erotic lithographs, "Bag One," was closed by Scotland Yard and eight prints were confiscated as evidence of pornography. Yes, Yoko was his inspiration, but why did you ask?

On this day in 1980, when the Japanese police found a half pound of marijuana in his baggage at the airport, they threw Paul McCartney into a Tokyo jail for 10 days. Bummer.

On this day in 1982, Journey's song "Open Arms" entered the charts on its way to becoming one of the band's biggest hits.

Suing Brad's Ex & Her Sister

Boston mastermind Tom Scholz's defamation lawsuit against the ex-wife of the band's late singer Brad Delp and her sister, the spouse of former Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau is nearing an end. Scholz charged Micki Delp and Connie Goudreau with slandering him by claiming that his actions led to Brad's suicide, citing a story in the "Boston Herald" which carried the headline: "Pal's Snub Made Delp Do It: Boston Rocker's Ex-Wife Speaks." Scholz also claimed that Micki and Connie, using aliases, repeatedly made statements in online chat rooms and Boston fan sites impugning Scholz's character and creating an "aura of suspicion" about his charity, the DTS Charitable Foundation. The suit claimed the women concocted a bogus website — DTSFoundation.com — in an attempt to divert traffic away from Scholz's actual site, dtscf.org. In her response, Goudreau admitted to creating the phony site, but denied many of Scholz's other allegations. Micki, who lives in California, never responded to the suit, and as a result was automatically found liable.

Part 2 Of Special Petty Special

Part 2 of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers "Live From Gatorville" premieres on PBS tonight. The set captures the band performing songs from their three-decade career, including rarely played gems, influential covers, and songs from Petty's recent solo album, "Highway Companion." Joined again on stage by their very special guest Stevie Nicks for several songs, this is one T.P. & The H.B.'s show you don't want to miss!

Official Premiere Of Stones' Film

This should be a party! The Rolling Stones' new concert film, "Shine A Light," will receive its world premiere screening at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival with the band members and the film's director, Martin Scorsese, on hand. The film will open in theaters across the U.S. on April 4th.

The Coolest Opening Acts

Talk about cool opening acts! For a couple of weeks starting on March 9th, J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf will be opening for Kid Rock's Rock 'n' Revival Tour. Then founding Allman Brothers Band singer/guitarist Dickey Betts will take on the gig through a March 22 gig in Toledo, Ohio. No idea who will get the job when Rock finally hits the Southland, but it should be interesting!

Hendrix Family Responds

No surprise here: Experience Hendrix has responded with lawyers to recent announcements that Fuego Entertainment has acquired North American rights to over 200 live performances by Jimi Hendrix. Since 1995, Experience Hendrix — founded by Jimi Hendrix's dad, the late James Allen Hendrix — has owned and administered all the music and related rights of the legendary guitarist. The material acquired by Fuego is known to be a collection of inferior quality bootleg recordings previously marketed in the U.K. by the now defunct record company Purple Haze. During the past several years, the Hendrix organization won several U.K. court judgments which held that Purple Haze had no legal rights to release those recordings and rejecting Purple Haze's claims of ownership. Experience Hendrix is now taking legal action to remove the bootleg material from the market and recover damages. As for Fuego's claim to recordings of The Beatles first gig with Ringo Starr, that's being handled by a different batch of highly skilled attorneys.

Quote Of The Day

It was Dale Carnegie who said: "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

Making A List And Checking It Twice

A new survey by Kelton Research found that the U.S. is the most dependent on to-do lists worldwide. Over 75% of Americans keep at least one list while some handle three or more at the same time. The poll revealed that the tool reduces stress for 73% of respondents. Those who do keep a list report that an item can stay on the list for as long as 22 days. Three-quarters of respondents reveal that they tackle the most important or the item at the top of the list first. Actually, I think I had that written down somewhere on the list that I can't find now.

January 17, 2008

Muhammad Ali is 66.
Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor is 60.
Legendary KLOS disc jockey Jim Ladd is 37 (more or less).

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "The Last Time" and "Play With Fire" at the R.C.A. Studios in Hollywood.

On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin released their debut album in America.

On this day in 1994, the 6.7-magnitude Northridge Earthquake jolted Southern California at 4:31am, killing 57 and causing over $40 billion in losses with 89,000 structures destroyed or damaged to the point of requiring extensive repair.

On this day in 1996, David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers John Mellencamp and John Fogerty as well as Joe's brand new conversation with super drummer Kenny Aronoff.

Musicians Everywhere

Why are so many musicians being seen in Anaheim? Because it's time for the annual NAMM Show — the largest music products trade show in the United States. N.A.M.M. originally stood for the National Association of Music Merchants, but it has evolved from a national entity to an international association representing music products retailers known simply as NAMM. While the show is not open to the general public, more than 80,000 members and guests attended last year's show with more expected this year. Reason enough to bolt down all the furniture in the O.C.!

Macca (Finally) Presents Linda

Sir Paul McCartney will open the first major U.K. exhibition of photographs by his late wife Linda on April 24th at the James Hyman Gallery in London. Macca spent three years working with his daughter Mary to put together the wide ranging exhibition to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Linda's passing. In addition to her famous work with Art Garfunkel, Janis Joplin and Mick Jagger, some previously unseen private images will also figure into the display. Limited editions of the photographs, authenticated with Sir Paul's signature, will be offered for sale. No word on staging a U.S. exhibition, but that only seems logical.

E.C. On eBay

Eric Clapton has opened up a store on eBay, offering a variety of Clapton-related memorabilia. Featuring "only genuine Eric Clapton items from Eric Clapton's warehouse," the site currently offers Clapton t-shirts, bumper stickers, pins, patches, mugs, caps and posters among other things. Souvenirs from tours including a 2004 tour backpack pouch, a 2006-2007 world tour girls zip-front hoodie, and a hand-screen-printed 2007 U.S.A. tour poster commissioned by Clapton, as well as Crossroads Guitar Festival commemorative guitar pick packs and V.I.P., talent, and guest passes from the event. All the profits from sales on the site go to Clapton's Crossroads rehab center in Antigua. Check it out at: http://stores.ebay.com/ERIC-CLAPTON-STORE

Bob For Brits Only

A U.K.-only album of Bob Dylan TV performances will be released on March 3rd. "Re-Transmissions" includes songs from Bob's 1995 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, sets from Saturday Night Live in 1979, 1985's Farm Aid and the 1991 GRAMMY Awards. The compilation, which comes with a 72-page CD-sized book, also features a historic 1990 hook-up with The Byrds on a version of "Mr Tambourine Man." Why is this only being released in Britain? Sounds like licensing fees for a U.S. release were getting out of control.

Jackson Will Tour Acoustically

Jackson Browne has announced the initial dates for a U.S. tour in support of his upcoming album, "Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2," which is due out on February 19th. The first — and so far only — month of the unplugged trek starts March 7th in Louisville. Fans purchasing special benefit tickets — which will aid the Guacamole Fund charity — will receive a free copy of the disc. Don't worry, Southland dates will be forthcoming.

Gene Fills The Screen

KISS bassist Gene Simmons' appearance on ABC's "Ugly Betty" is scheduled to air on January 24th. After taping the program last month he said, "Can't tell you, just yet, who I'm playing or what it's about. But, it might give you a chuckle." The ever enterprising Simmons is also featured on NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice," the next installment of which airs tonight. In addition, he still has his A&E reality series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," which is heading into its third season.

Quote Of The Day

It was Josh Billings who said: "One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness."

January 18, 2008

On this day in 1964, The Beatles' breakthrough single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," was unleashed Stateside.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bayou Country" both entered the American album charts.

On this day in 1973, The Rolling Stones played a benefit concert for the Nicaraguan earthquake victims at the Forum in Los Angeles — a truly legendary performance from a legendary band.

On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd began recording what eventually became their "Dark Side Of The Moon" album at Abbey Road Studios in London with a young engineer named Alan Parsons.

On this day in 1974, with the addition of King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell, Bad Company was officially formed by Free singer Paul Rodgers, Free drummer Simon Kirke and Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. Fame and fortune was right around the corner.

On this day in 1980, The Clash's "London Calling" album was released as "The Wall" by Pink Floyd hit #1 on the charts.

On this day in 1989, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Otis Redding, among others. At the New York dinner, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Roy Orbison, who had died about a month earlier, by singing Orbison's classic, "Crying."

Macca Says No Heart Surgery

Well it sure took him long enough to notice us! Now Paul McCartney is denying reports that he had a heart operation, saying that over a year ago, during a routine exam, doctors found a minor irregularity for which he needed additional tests. For some reason, the media only recently picked up on the prognosis, and "completely distorted the story, calling it an angioplasty, which is entirely untrue." The 65-year-old former Beatle says that he feels "great" and he passed his most recent physical with "flying colors." Macca says he never actually saw any of the media's angioplasty reports, but felt a need to clear up the issue because they caused his friends to worry about him.

Stones Soundtrack Set

The soundtrack to the Martin Scorsese-directed Rolling Stones concert flick "Shine A Light" will be issued around the time the movie is put into wide release in March. The band signed a one-off agreement with Universal Music Group to release the album, rather than put out the disc via longtime label Virgin/EMI. Let the industry rumors begin!

Gene's Gone

Well that didn't take long! In a move Donald Trump seemingly didn't want to make, Gene Simmons was fired from the "Celebrity Apprentice" NBC reality show. Just like the first time, project manager Simmons refused to meet with the client and missed the mark with his concept. Then — in the kiss of death — his team didn't make as much money as the competition. Given the options, Trump said he had "no choice" but to fire Simmons. OK, that's enough of feeling sorry for the KISS bassist. It's time for you to return to your regularly scheduled life.

Irish All Stars

U2's Bono is the driving force behind a new all-star tribute song to benefit legendary Irish folk singer Ronnie Drew, who is suffering from cancer. "The Ballad of Ronnie Drew" was composed by several artists, including Bono, U2 guitarist The Edge and famed Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. Among the many notables also lending their talents to the track, which will be released within a few days, are Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott and Sinead O'Connor.

Ringo Works It

Ringo Starr will make the talk show rounds next week to promote his brand new album, "Liverpool 8." On Monday, the former Beatles drummer will perform on CBS' Late Show With David Letterman and Tuesday he hits Live With Regis and Kelly. He'll finish out the week with a Thursday visit to CBS' Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson, during which he'll perform two songs including the "Liverpool 8" title track.

Doobies Back With Ted

The Doobie Brothers have hit the studio to work on some new tunes with Ted Templeman, who produced all of the Doobie's albums through 1980's "One Step Closer." Word is that the boys will hook up with Chicago for a Summer tour whether or not the new album is finished (got pay those bills!).

Three For The Weekend

It was John Lubbock who said: "What we see depends mainly on what we look for."

It was Benjamin Disraeli who said: "Little things affext little minds."

It was William James who said: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."

Avuncular Reflection/Things I've Learned

1. The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.
2. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
3. Deja moo. The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
4. Psychiatrists say that one out of every four people is mentally ill. Check three friends. If they're OK, you're the one!
5. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
6. The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.

January 19, 2008

Janis Joplin would have been 65.
Rod Evans, the first Deep Purple singer, is 63.
Smooth dancing, swell dressing singer Robert Palmer would have been 59.
Dewey Bunnell of America is 57.
Martha Davis of The Motels is 57.

On this day in 1984, R.E.O. Speedwagon released their second #1 hit single, "Can't Fight This Feeling."

On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." peaked at #9 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1998, Carl "Blue Suede Shoes" Perkins died in Nashville at age 65. Although he never received the recognition accorded to Elvis Presley, his guitar-playing and songwriting defined the rockabilly genre and greatly influenced The Beatles.

January 20, 2008

Blues legend Leadbelly (Huddy Ledbetter) would have been 119.
Paul Stanley of KISS (the guitarist with the star on his eye) is 58.

On this day in 1979, the Doobie Brothers released the "What A Fool Believes" single.

On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off of a bat during a concert in Des Moines, then was hospitalized and given a series of rabies shots. After undergoing the painful shots, the rocker said he thought the bat was plastic. He actually said something earlier, but no one could understand him.