 January 21 - 31, 2008These 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 21, 2008
On this date in 1966, George Harrison married Patti Boyd, with Paul McCartney serving as best man. The couple met while The Beatles were filming "A Hard Day's Night." (Patti played one of the schoolgirls in the train scene near the start of the film.) But the Harrison/Boyd union didn't last, and she eventually married George's pal Eric Clapton. On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together" entered the charts. On this date in 1978, the song "Point Of Know Return" by Kansas peaked at #28 on the charts. On this date in 1984, Yes hit #1 with the song "Owner of a Lonely Heart." On this date in 1988, U2 was named the biggest live attraction in the U.S., according to Pollstar magazine, the trade magazine for concert promoters. 
Plant & Alison Partially RevealedLed Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and bluegrass star Alison Krauss will play four southern U.S. warm-up dates in support of their collaborative album, "Raising Sand," between April 20th and April 26th. After working their way through Europe in May, the duo will mount a longer North American trek in June and July. Yes, there will be at least one Southland date. No, no Zep reunion news yet. Rush! Rush! Rush!Rush's newest North American tour in support of their Snakes & Arrows album has seriously grown over the last few days, including gigs in several cities that the trio hasn't visited in over a decade. The whole trek starts with an April 11th show in San Juan, Puerto Rico — the first time the Canadian trio will ever play in that city — and is currently booked through a July 22nd Atlanta concert. More important than any of that yada yada: Rush will rock the Nokia Theatre LA Live (!!) on May 6th and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine on May 11th. Stay tuned for ticket info! Ringo Mania!Ringo Starr continues promoting his latest CD, "Liverpool 8." The former Beatle is slated to perform a song on CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman" tonight. Tomorrow he'll hit Live With Regis and Kelly and he'll visit to CBS' Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson Thursday night to perform two songs including the "Liverpool 8" title track. In addition, the singer drummer will be performing a special concert at the House Of Blues on Sunset this Friday afternoon. Dave Stewart, Ringo's collaborator on "Liverpool 8," will join him for the short show, which is being called a "party" to celebrate the album's release. That set will also be simulcast live on RingoStarr.com. Sir Elty Helps Even MoreElton John was in Maseru, Lesotho over the weekend to give 120 motorbikes to medical personnel in support of the Riders For Health Program. In a ceremony Saturday in which John formally donated the motorbikes, he said that his goal was to, "improve the transport system by bringing health care to millions of people living in the most rural areas and thus making a difference in their lives." The Elton John AIDS Foundation is running the Riders For Health Program along with the Lesotho government. John's visit coincided with his first tour of South Africa, which he wrapped up in Johannesburg on Friday. Right so, Sir Elty! Selling Those CarsThe Monkeemobile — the customized 1966 Pontiac GTO used in the Sixties TV show "The Monkees" — sold for over $360,000 this past weekend at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. And good old Alice Cooper was on hand Saturday night to help auction off a customized 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing from his personal collection for $185,000. If nothing else, that should help him buy some new golf clubs! Triumph Return (Sort Of)After more than 20 years apart, the classic Triumph line-up of Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore) will reunite to play the 2008 Sweden Rock Festival. This year's festival, running June 4th through the 7th just outside of Sölvesborg, will also feature Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Blue Öyster Cult and Whitesnake. No indication yet if the unexpected Triumph reunion will lead to a tour, or if the Canadian trio is waiting to see if their infamous clashing personalities will cause them to go their separate ways again. 
Quote Of The DayIt was poet Bertrand Russell who said: "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt." Martin Luther King Jr. DayThe third Monday of every January is a federal holiday, set aside to celebrate the birth, life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While Michigan Congressman John Conyers first introduced legislation for a commemorative holiday four days after King was assassinated in 1968, it took 15 years to create the holiday. When the bill became stalled, petitions signed by six million people endorsing the holiday were submitted to Congress. Finally, Congress passed the holiday legislation in 1983 and it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. King's actual birthday is January 15th, but the holiday was created a week later to overcome opposition claiming the 15th was too close to Christmas and New Year's. All city, county, state and federal offices are closed today. That includes public schools, most banking institutions and all post offices. There will be no mail delivery, but most public transportation and trash pickup will continue as normal. January 22, 2008
Sam Cooke, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, would have been 77.
On this day in 1966, "Day Tripper" by The Beatles peaked at #5 on the charts. On this day in 1969, The Beatles began recording what became their "Let It Be" album. Billy Preston, who was hanging out in the lobby getting high, was invited by George Harrison to join in. Thus, Billy became the first sideman credited on a Beatles record. Those were the days! On this day in 1977, "Somebody To Love" by Queen peaked at #13 on the U.S. singles chart. On this day in 1983, the song "Rock The Casbah" by The Clash peaked at #8 on the chart.
U2 3D Real BigLooks like U2 has a hit on their hands with their innovative concert film "U2 3D." The IMAX movie uses the latest in three-dimensional and surround-sound technology to put viewers on stage with the band. This past Saturday night, The Edge, Bono, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton watched their movie's premiere at the Sundance Film Festival with festival founder Robert Redford and former Vice President Al Gore. The audience's reaction was described as ecstatic. But when asked for his reaction to seeing himself on stage in 3-D, Bono quipped, "It's bad enough on a small screen. Now you get to see the lard arse 40-foot tall." That said, an IMAX ticket will get you one of the best seats to see one of the world's greatest living bands that most of us will ever enjoy! "U2 3D" opens at select IMAX theaters tomorrow. 2008's Biggest Rock FestivalSounds like Milwaukee will be home to the biggest rock festival of the year. First, Aerosmith agreed to headline the Harley Owners Group's 25th anniversary celebration in Brewtown on August 28th. Now comes word that Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will headline the entire Harley-Davidson's 105th Anniversary Celebration on the 30th. Others scheduled for the 11-hour days of concerts include ZZ Top, Peter Frampton, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult and the Black Crowes at Milwaukee's Summerfest Grounds on August 29th and 30th. No word on how many hundred thousands of brats and beers will be consumed, but you know the number will be huge! Ringo's All Starr BandRingo Starr will be hitting the road this Summer in support of his latest album, "Liverpool 8." While he didn't identify the line-up for his 10th All-Starr Band, the former Beatle says rehearsals will begin in June. Earlier All-Starr Band line-ups featured occasional Eagle Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, The Who's John Entwistle, the Guess Who's Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, Cream's Jack Bruce, Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner, Supertramp's Roger Hodgson, former Zombies/Argent frontman Rod Argent, Billy Squire and Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Greg Lake. Stay tuned! Paul & Sarah Do It LouderOpera superstar Sarah Brightman's "Symphony" album, due out on January 29th, features a duet with KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley. Stanley, who is also an accomplished painter and stage performer, and Brightman have both starred in "Phantom of the Opera." Brightman originated the role of Christine Daaé in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production and Stanley received rave reviews for his portrayal of The Phantom in the Toronto stage version. But any live performances by the two will have to wait. Stanley will tour Australia and New Zealand with KISS in March, with possible Europe and U.S. dates to follow. Janis' Childhood HomeJanis Joplin has received a new recognition from her hometown. The local historical society has identified the late rock icon's childhood home with a Texas State Historical Marker. The unveiling ceremony took place on Saturday, which would have been Joplin's 65th birthday.
Quote Of The Day
It was Ogden Nash who said: Amazing Factoids
According to "Harper's Index": 2. 75% of us store our dollar bills in rigid order with singles leading up to higher denominations. 3. 90% of us believe in divine retribution, but only 10% believe in the 10 Commandments. 4. 58.4% of us have called in sick to work when we weren't. 5. 47% of us drink straight from the carton when no one else is looking. 6. The average American bra size today is 36C, whereas 10 years ago it was 34B. 7. 85% of American women wear the wrong bra size. 8. Four out of five of us sing in the car, though it's unknown how many actually sing in tune. January 23, 2008
Organist Danny Federeci of Springsteen's E Street band is 58.
On this day in 1971, Elton John's "Your Song" peaked at #8 on the charts just 53 weeks after he and lyricist Bernie Taupin began working together. On this day in 1977, Pink Floyd released their "Animals" album as they started their world tour. Not really masters of scheduling, those wacky Floydians! On this day in 1978, Chicago's guitarist Terry Kath blew his brains out playing Russian Roulette at the age of 31. At the time of his death, Chicago's song "Baby What A Big Surprise" was in the Top 10. On this day in 1982, Bob Seger's "Feel Like A Number" peaked at #48 while "Leather And Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley peaked at #6. On this day in 1990, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins died of pneumonia at the age of 37. He had been paralyzed from the waist down since crashing his car in 1986. On this day in 1997, Richard Berry, who wrote the classic "Louie Louie" and never saw a dime for it, died of an aneurysm at the age of 61 in South Central Los Angeles. On this day in 2005, the greatest talk show host ever, Johnny Carson, died of emphysema. A longtime smoker, Johnny was only 79.
Ringo Walks Off RegisFormer Beatle drummer Ringo Starr was set to perform the title song off his latest album "Liverpool 8" on "Live with Regis and Kelly" yesterday when he was told his performance had to be two and a half minutes or less. After he and his band trimmed the tune from 4:15 down to 3:30, the show's producer still said no. Ringo's publicist later explained that, "We offered to cut back our chat time and asked them to fade or go to commercial. They were not willing to do that and Ringo was not willing to cut it further, so without a compromise we were not able to stay." But the quiet Beatle didn't storm off the set in anger — he walked out saying, "God bless and goodbye. We still love Regis." Of course he'll still be playing a special concert at the House of Blues on Sunset Friday afternoon to celebrate the release of "Liverpool 8." And yes, KLOS has more of those exclusive tickets to give away — just stay tuned! A Coachella SurpriseA bit of a surprise when the 3-day Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival revealed its 125-band line-up late Monday in Mexico City (evidently the Indio Holiday Inn wasn't available). Friday April 25th's headliner is the easy going tune smith Jack Johnson. And Saturday will see the resuscitated Portishead and Kraftwerk resurrected. But on Sunday night April 27th, the Coachella headliner's stage belongs to Roger Waters, who will perform "Dark Side of the Moon" in its entirety (including the song "Money") without the rest of Pink Floyd. True, the Floyd was playing Rave Parties before the latest Indie-Rock kids' parents were born, and it's no surprise Roger's playing without the rest of the Floyd — but this could be as bizarre as Jimi Hendrix opening for The Monkees. Super Bowl/Super JamPretty much every promoter in the world wants to be part of a Super Bowl weekend, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that someone's putting on a Super Jam — a once-in-a-lifetime, multi-genre, all-star jam in Phoenix. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Bad Company's Paul Rodgers and Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner will join up with Tim McGraw and Toby Keith, among many others. The date: Super Bowl eve, February 2nd; the location: the Hotel Scottsdale. Super party on! Musicians On CallMusicians On Call is a great organization that provides live and recorded music to patients in hospitals and healthcare facilities in order to promote the healing process. Their 4th annual fundraiser, the Musicians On Call Auction, goes live today at http://www.musiciansoncall.org. The items up for sale include a 1952 Fender Telecaster Reissue signed by Bruce Springsteen as well as instruments belonging to Bon Jovi and Sting). Bidding will remain open until next Tuesday, when the fundraiser finale takes place at the New York Hard Rock Cafe. Metallica Delayed (Again)Oops! Word is that Metallica's ninth studio album has been delayed again. Originally, drummer Lars Ulrich said the disc would hit shelves in February, then it was pushed back to April. Now September is the target. One can only assume that — no matter when it emerges — the Rick Rubin-produced album is going to be a killer.
Quote Of The DayIt was Charles Swindoll who said: "The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it." Amazing Factoids
According to "Harper's Index": 2. 75% of us store our dollar bills in rigid order with singles leading up to higher denominations. 3. 90% of us believe in divine retribution, but only 10% believe in the 10 Commandments. 4. 58.4% of us have called in sick to work when we weren't. 5. 47% of us drink straight from the carton when no one else is looking. 6. The average American bra size today is 36C, whereas 10 years ago it was 34B. 7. 85% of American women wear the wrong bra size. 8. Four out of five of us sing in the car, though it's unknown how many actually sing in tune. January 24, 2008
Neil Diamond is 67.
On this day in 1962, record store owner Brian Epstein signed on as the manager of The Beatles. He helped guide the Fab Four into becoming the most dominant band in the history of Rock & Roll — and they did it all without a signed contract. Brian Epstein and The Beatles worked with just a handshake agreement — those were special times! On this day in 1969, Jethro Tull's first U.S. performance was opening for Led Zeppelin at a show in New York City. On this day in 1970, "Evil Ways" by Santana entered the singles charts. On this day in 1976, KISS' "Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)" peaked at #12 on the singles chart. On this day in 1984, Apple Computer launched the Macintosh. It contained virtually unknown features, including simple icons and an odd little attachment called a mouse. Two years later, the first Uncle Joe's Record Guide was published. Eight years after that, unclejoe.com was hand-coded into existence. So much for free time! On this day in 2000, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played the first date of their reunion tour in Auburn Hills, Michigan. That show marked the first time the quartet had performed together in 25 years.
Petty Touring With Winwood!Watched by nearly 140 million people in the U.S. and one billion in 230 countries and territories worldwide, the Super Bowl XLII Halftime Show broadcast live on FOX on February 3rd is guaranteed to be the biggest gig in live entertainment. And as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers prepare for that show, you can bet that they'll be getting ready for their Summer tour with fellow Hall Of Famer Steve Winwood! They'll be on the road from May 30th through August 29th including a stop at the Hollywood Bowl on June 25th and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine on August 22nd. Stay tuned for ticket info! Four Legends For GRAMMY JamThis should be really good! John Fogerty will team up with Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino for a six-and-a-half minute performance at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony airing live from Los Angeles on February 10th. Real Rock & Roll legends without any flash-in-the-pan hosers thrown into the mix — amazing! A Driving DrummerNick Mason has collected and driven exotic sports cars (usually Ferraris) longer than he actually drummed for Pink Floyd. At one point he even took out a multi-million dollar loan against his Ferrari GTO to partially finance a Pink Floyd tour. He's written for many automotive publications over the years, published several automotive books and even competed five different times in the most famous endurance road race in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 Heures du Mans). Now, in a typically understated British manner, he's accepted an invitation to run for president of the U.K. Guild of Motoring Writers — an organization that his father, filmmaker Nick Mason, helped found. If Nick the drummer wins the presidency, do you think they'll assign him roadies? Rocking CountryI think this is more likely evidence that country artists like to rock rather than high profile cases of rockers going country. Former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar has been buddies with country superstar Kenny Chesney for years, and now he's signed on for at least six of Kenny's 2008 Poets & Pirates tour stadium shows with more expected to come. Meanwhile, country superstar Tim McGraw co-wrote Def Leppard's new single, "Nine Lives" with the Leppard's Phil Collen, Joe Elliot and Rick Savage. Tim first hooked up with the band three years ago through his tour manager, Robert Allen, whose brother Rick is Def Leppard's drummer. They started writing the song a year later when McGraw sat in on the band's 2006 Hollywood Bowl show. He says, "They are simply one of the best rock bands ever, and it was a great time working together." The song is the first from Def Leppard's forthcoming album, "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge." Defining The ProblemWhile discussing watching themselves perform in their new "U2 3D" IMAX movie, Bono perfectly defined the problem with handling fame that destroys so many rock stars. "When people are screaming and roaring and shouting, the humbling thing is to realize it's not really for the band or artist on the stage. It's for their connection with the songs... I think that's why concerts are so powerful. If that song is such a part of your life, and you hear it, it's too much." Right so! Selling Slash's GuitarsWhen he's not playing Guitar Hero with Bill Gates, Slash plays an actual guitar — and he does it quite well! To reiterate that point, Gibson Guitars is releasing eight Slash-branded guitars ranging from "cheap" (meaning "affordable") to "high-end custom" (meaning "re-mortgage the house") with each guitar brandishing Slash's autograph. Gibson also plans a Jimmy Page line later in the year, but to date, no one's mentioned the word cheap around the Led Zeppelin master.
The Biggest Roadster ShowThis Sunday, 11am - 1pm: Where else would you expect to find the KLOS Cool Patrol and an Uncle Joe Meet & Greet but in the middle of the 59th Annual Grand National Roadster Show! Over 700 of America's most spectacular, innovative and radical street rods, classic customs and motorcycles all in one place. Here's what it looked like last year. Quote Of The DayIt was Aristotle who said: "Education is the best provision for old age." January 25, 2008
Guitarist Joe Strummer of The Clash would have been 56.
On this day in 1858, Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" was performed for the first time at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter. On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their classic song, "Proud Mary." Like Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March," "Proud Mary" has been played at virtually every wedding since. On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney was released from jail in Japan after serving nine days for possessing a half-pound of marijuana. Where did he go next? Why Amsterdam, of course! On this day in 1992, U2's song "Mysterious Ways" hit #9.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Aerosmith as well as conversation with Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Jack Douglas and John Kalodner
Ringo! Ringo!Ringo Starr is going to host his "Liverpool 8" album release party today at the House Of Blues on Sunset. The Beatle drummer will be joined by his collaborator, Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart, and their band for a special little concert. The event will be webcast live on http://RingoStarr.com starting around 1pm. In between bussing tables, KLOS' own Chris Carter — host of Breakfast With The Beatles Sunday mornings at 9 — will be doing live reports with Cynthia Fox. Stay tuned! Jonesy Arranges A BiggieIt turns out that Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones will be working at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards ceremony. When you see the "My Grammy Moment" segment featuring a 20-member orchestra comprised of unsigned musicians backing the Foo Fighters, that will be John serving as the conductor for the performance of his orchestral arrangements. You may recall that John's orchestration skills were part of what made him one of England's most in-demand session musicians before forming the Zeppelin with fellow sessionman Jimmy Page in 1968. It also doesn't hurt that he once worked with Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters, who revere him as a rock god. The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will air live on Sunday February 10th from the Staples Center on CBS. Robert & Alison PlayingAs expected, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and bluegrass superstar Alison Krauss will kick off the New Orleans Jazzfest's first weekend on April 25th. Performing selections from their album "Raising Sand" as well as from both their catalogs, this gig will give us a good sample of what we can expect when they hit the Southland later this Summer. Several other headliners (none of whom ever played with Led Zeppelin) will also appear at the 2008 New Orleans Jazzfest at the Fair Grounds Race Course April 25th through the 27th and May 1st through the 4th. Joel's FirstBilly Joel released his first album of classical music back in 2001, and now he'll make his first ever concert appearance with a major symphony orchestra tomorrow with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The concert, in celebration of the 151st Anniversary of the Academy of Music, will feature the world premiere of Joel's classical composition "Waltz No. 2 (Steinway Hall)." But — in order to sell tickets — the show will also include a selection of Billy's pop classics as well. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Philadelphia Orchestra's Billy Joel Endowment Fund for Education. If the show goes well, a live album may even be released. Or not. Stay tuned! Digital CrowesStand by to download! The Black Crowes' back catalog will finally be available as digital downloads on March 4th, the same day the band issues its seventh studio album, "Warpaint." Among the older albums going on sale at iTunes are the Robinson brothers' band's first five discs and the 2006 rarities collection "The Lost Crowes."
Thought For The WeekendIt was Oscar Wilde who said: "Youth is wasted upon the young." January 26, 2008
Acting God Paul Newman is 83.
On this day in 1970, John Lennon wrote and recorded "Instant Karma." On this day in 1977, Peter Green, one of Fleetwood Mac's founding guitarists, was committed to an English mental home after he fired a pistol at a messenger trying to deliver a check for his Fleetwood Mac royalties. On this day in 1997, ZZ Top, James Brown and the Blues Brothers performed during the Super Bowl XXXI halftime show. It was just as scary as it sounds. On this day in 2003, Billy Joel was hospitalized for several hours after crashing his car into a tree in Sag Harbor, New York. He was released early the next morning. January 27, 2008
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have been 252.
On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released six weeks after he'd been killed in a plane crash. Recorded just three days before he died, it became his only #1 hit. On this day in 1971, David Bowie arrived in the United States for his first promotional tour. While he didn't perform any live dates, he did manage to raise a few eyebrows by wearing a gingham dress. January 28, 2008
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his national television debut on "The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show" on CBS. On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones recorded a five song demo with producer Glyn Johns, vainly hoping to interest a record label. On this day in 1967, Buffalo Springfield released "For What It's Worth." On this day in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made its first non-nightclub appearance opening for The Who at London's Saville Theater. No guitars were burned, but everyone had the time of their lives! On this day in 1978, Van Halen unleashed "You Really Got Me," the first single from their self-titled debut album, and Kansas released "Dust In The Wind," the biggest song of their career. On this day in 1978, the Doobie Brothers guest starred on What's Happening!!, yielding the infamous line, "Which Doobie you be?" Who said Seventies TV sitcoms lacked depth? On this day in 1985, a Who's Who in the music world showed up at the legendary A&M Studios in Hollywood to "check their egos at the door" and record "We Are The World" to aid Ethiopian famine relief. The most casual of all was Bruce Springsteen, who parked his car in a public lot across the street and walked on in. On this day in 2005, Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi died in London after a brief fight with stomach cancer at the age of 60.
Triumph/Stone Temple Pilots ReunitingRight on the heels of word that Triumph might be reuniting, we've got Slash saying that after Velvet Revolver wraps a Spring tour, frontman Scott Weiland will rejoin his former bandmates in Stone Temple Pilots for a handful of reunion shows. Granted, it's been 20 years since the original Triumph trio did a concert tour and only five years for STP, but you couldn't find anyone even suggesting these things might happen six months ago! Little Steven's SAG AwardCongrats to Steve Van Zandt on scoring another Screen Actors Guild Award! The Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band guitarist/host of Little Steven's Underground Garage on KLOS got the nod as part of the cast of HBO's "The Sopranos." The show took Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony last night. It's the second time the show has taken that category, the last being back in 2000. Mas Tequila/Mas CashGuess the check must have cleared. Skyy Spirits is now the official U.S. marketer and distributor of the Cabo Wabo Tequila line, originally created by Sammy Hagar. The Cabo Wabo line-up (for which the former Van Halen frontman was paid $80 million to $120 million) now consists of Cabo Wabo Blanco, Reposado, Anejo and ultra luxury Cabo Uno. Alice Does The Bowl (Sort Of)If you're one of those who watch the Super Bowl more for the commercials than for the game (by the way, it's between two East Coast teams this year), keep your eye out for Bridgestone Tires' first ever Super Bowl ad. Alice Cooper will be starring in it alongside Richard Simmons and an albino snake. No idea why it took 6,000 crew hours and 28 animals to create the advertisement (unless Richard was getting unruly), but any chance to see Alice is well worth watching a mediocre football game. All Hail Mr. Rodgers!The Fender Center Museum in Corona is opening a new exhibit on Paul Rodgers next month. At a special VIP opening on February 9th, the Bad Company/Queen singer will be on hand as memorabilia from his past is put on display alongside mementos from Johnny Cash's and Steve Miller's careers. There are just 150 tickets available for the event, so if you want to attend, head to FenderMuseum.com as soon as possible! Billy Helps Our TroopsHomes For Our Troops, a national non-profit organization that provides specially adapted homes for our severely injured troops, just received a $500,000 donation from Billy Joel. The cash was generated by Billy's new song "Christmas in Fallujah," which was sung by Cass Dillon and released in December exclusively for download on iTunes. Billy has been a supporter of Homes for Our Troops for several years, and felt compelled to write a song in reaction to the many letters he received from service members. Right so Piano Man!
Quote Of The DayIt was John Lennon who said: "Life is what happens while you are making other plans." Little Dwarves/Big CrimesYou'd think this could only happen in Florida, but theft involving the use of dwarves is on the rise in Sweden. No idea if it's big criminal gangs or small ones that are employing the little people to steal from bags in the luggage holds of buses, but the dwarves are individually put into suitcases which are placed with the other baggage under the bus. Once the bus has begun its journey, the dwarves rifle through other passengers' luggage uninhibited. Before the bus arrives at its destination, the dwarves zip themselves back into their original suitcase, along with the loot they've collected. With thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and other valuables reported stolen, police in Stockholm say they are now, "looking at our records to identify criminals of limited stature." Cue Randy Newman's classic "Short People" here, and our (short) story is complete! January 29, 2008
On this day in 1977, the Eagles hit #1 with the "Hotel California" album, and the song "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith peaked at #10 on the charts. On this day in 1979, Emerson, Lake & Palmer disbanded for the first time. On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend. They split a year later. On this day in 1992, blues great Willie Dixon died of heart failure in Burbank at the age of 76.
(Real) Hints Of A (Real) Zep TourWell maybe it wasn't what you wanted him to say, but Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has finally commented on the band's reunion tour. Oh sure, he and the other boys are ready to play a round-the-world tour after last month's reunion concert at London's 02 Arena. But it sure won't be before September. His exact quote: "Robert Plant has a parallel project and he is busy with that until September." No kidding. Plant and Alison Krauss will begin their world tour with a run of shows in April, then will visit Europe in May before returning for North American shows still to be announced for June and July. Pagey repeated bassist John Paul Jones' recent comments about rehearsing: "The amount of work we put into O2 was what you would normally put into a world tour anyway... We wanted people who might not have even been alive in 1980 when we finished to understand what we were." As for Robert, who was interviewed at the New York Knicks game Friday night, "You never know what is around the corner." Eddie Speaks With MouthpieceSeems like anytime Eddie Van Halen has something to say, he uses Guitar World magazine to get the word out. The latest is that father and son Eddie and Wolfgang sat down with the magazine to discuss what it is like playing live, how Wolfgang came into the band, what it is like for a teenager to be touring the world and what it is like for the relatives to be bandmates. The magazine, due out on newsstands on February 12th, also includes a 30th anniversary overview of the making of Halen's 1978 self-titled debut. Meanwhile, Van Halen returned to the road last week for the second leg of their semi-reunion tour. Allmans Finally BookedWell it sure took them long enough to come to terms with the venue! The Allman Brothers Band has finally announced this year's edition of their annual residency at New York's Beacon theater. It's currently scheduled to include 15 concerts, running from May 5th through May 24th with tickets going on sale February 9th. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life. Sneaky Eagles BookingSure the Eagles are booking the U.S. portion of their upcoming world tour, but they won't give us dates until they're good and ready. So far the group has only announced one gig: Alpharetta, Georgia on May 14th. Kind of overwhelming, isn't it? Stay tuned for more useful information. Party At Hyde ParkThis Summer's Hard Rock Calling Festival in London's Hyde Park is going to be top of the line! Organizers just announced that Eric Clapton and The Police will headline the event on June 28th and 29th respectively.
Quote Of The DayIt was Jean Giraudoux who said: "Only the mediocre are always at their best." January 30, 2008
Jefferson Airplane's founder, Marty Balin, is 66.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles did their last public performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corp. Building in London. They played 42 minutes before the cops shut it down. A portion of that performance showed up in the "Let It Be" movie, another portion on the album. On this day in 1971, "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts. On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's recording of the Kris Kristofferson song "Me and Bobby McGee" was released (four months after her death from a heroin overdose). It soon became her only #1 hit. On this day in 1973, KISS performed together for the first time in makeup at Queens' Popcorn Club. Guitarist Paul Stanley later said that the makeup was inspired by the New York Dolls' outrageous appearance. On this day in 1982, blues guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins died from cancer in Houston at the age of 79. On this day in 1988, Aerosmith's "Angel" broke into the Top 40. On this day in 1998, Sir Elton John received his knighthood from the real Queen of England. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Journey as well as Joe's conversations with Neal Schon, Steve Perry, Gregg Rolie and Jonathan Cain.
On Stage TonightREO Speedwagon will be rocking The Grove in Anaheim tonight. Wankers (May) Honor ZepThe U.K. fan magazine "NME's" upcoming Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 have one huge classic rock band amongst all the silly Brit pop bands: Led Zeppelin. The legendary Zep is in the running for Best Music DVD for the 1976 concert film "The Song Remains The Same," the updated 1999 DVD release which was reissued last November. The competition includes Oasis' "Lord Don't Slow Me Down," Amy Winehouse's "I Told You I Was Trouble," and Babyshambles' "Up The Shambles." Fans can place their votes in the various categories online at NME.com/awardsnominees. Winners will be announced during a drunken debauched ceremony on February 28th in London. Mellencamp's Little GigJohn Mellencamp brought his arena show onto the tiny stage of SoHo's Housing Works Bookstore for a charity concert last week. The show for a crowd of 200 raised money for homeless, HIV-positive New Yorkers. Word is that when John took the stage he asked, "Is anybody here under thirty?" While he and his band rocked out, they did play a few downbeat, bluesy tunes off his upcoming album, "Life, Death, Love and Freedom." Does Anybody Care Any More?The latest (of many) release dates for the first volume of Neil Young's decades-in-the-making "Archives" series has been bumped from February 19th to only God knows when. Neil's latest (of many) comments was, "I know it's in technical production now, but it's only coming out on Blu-ray and DVD. There won't be CDs... But there's no doubt it will come out this year." Definitely not the first time we've heard that! Ray's ReleasingDoors keyboardist Ray Manzarek will release a collaborative album with blues guitarist Roy Rogers in April. The instrumental recording, "Ballads Before The Rain," will feature updated versions of The Doors classics "Riders On The Storm" and "The Crystal Ship," plus an additional seven new tunes. Special 25th Anniversary TopA two-disc reissue of ZZ Top's classic 1983 album, "Eliminator," will hit stores on March 25th. The expanded collector's edition will include bonus tracks and previously unreleased live cuts, as well as a DVD offering four rare TV clips and videos for each of the original release's singles. But will the boys play for us?
Quote Of The DayIt was poet Sam Brown who said: "Never offend people with style when you can offend them with substance." Geeks Panic Buying Veggies!Facebook users in Britain are going to buy up carrots like there's no tomorrow. So far more than 91,000 people on the social networking web site have joined a group called, "On May 15th, 2008, everybody needs to go out and panic buy carrots." The aim is to start buying as many of that vegetable as possible starting at 2pm that day. The organizer of the group says the event is intended to be fun, adding, "we know we're not going to cause a massive worldwide shortage of carrots." The vice-chairman of the British Carrot Growers' Association (you know there had to be one!) says the idea is "an extraordinary proposition" as long as "they buy British carrots." January 31, 2008
Guitarist Terry Kath of Chicago would have been 62.
On this day in 1967, Jack Bruce of Cream and lyricist Peter Brown wrote "Sunshine Of Your Love" at about 5:30am ("It's getting near dawn..."). On this day in 1970, "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Journey as well as Joe's conversations with Neal Schon, Steve Perry, Gregg Rolie and Jonathan Cain.
Pretty Odd Petty OddsTom Petty & The Heartbreakers' halftime performance at Sunday's Super Bowl is generating some interesting betting. Odds that Tom will smoke a joint during his halftime performance are currently 25-1. Odds that Petty will trip and fall on stage are 100-1 (unless he smokes that joint!). They're even laying odds of 10-1 that Petty's pants will rip during the performance! As for Tom's opening song, "Free Fallin'" is the 3-1 favorite, "The Waiting" is currently set at 10-1, "American Girl" 7-4 and "Running Down a Dream" 11-10. A Beatles GRAMMY Show (Sort Of)Sounds like the actual TV show is getting better and better! Word is that the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, broadcast on CBS-TV on February 10th, will include a special tribute to The Beatles. The production will feature a Cirque du Soleil troupe performance from the Las Vegas production of "Love," as well as some sort of performance by some of the cast members of the movie "Across the Universe." Jovi Wants Your VideoBasically, Bon Jovi is looking for fans to provide visual accompaniment to the band's upcoming concerts. No, not videos of body parts. The New Jersey boys are asking fans to submit videos focusing on their hometowns, with selected clips to be shown on the big concert video screens while the group performs the "Lost Highway" track "I Love This Town." With the tour kicking off on February 18th in Omaha, you still have time to enter! Queen's (Possibly) New (Perhaps) Broadway Show (Potentially)Brian May says that Queen and their playwright, Ben Elton, are working on a sequel to "We Will Rock You." That musical, based around the band's songs, has been running at the Domino Theatre in the heart of London since it opened in 2002, and there have been several spin-off performances around the world. The guitarist told the Brit tabloids that, "We have been talking about it for a long time... Now Ben has supplied us with a fabulous script and the train is rolling! Watch out!" Of course there's no indication of when the new show might go into rehearsals, when or where it will open, or whether it will replace the original "We Will Rock You" on the stage. But at least the boys are keeping their publicist busy! Mas Live Who DVDsLater this Summer, The Who are going to release DVDs documenting concerts they played at a couple different London venues in 1969 and 1977. You have to wonder how the changes in Keith Moon's drumming will play out on the screen.
Quote Of The DayIt was Groucho Marx who said, "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies." Same as it ever was, brother, same as it ever was. |
|