April 21 - 30, 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!

April 21, 2008

Iggy Pop, rock icon emeritus, is 61.

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley scored his first #1 single with "Heartbreak Hotel."

On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Runnin'" — their first Top 10 hit — entered the charts.

Renewed/Reissued/Joel

Billy Joel's classic 1978 "The Stranger" album will be reissued in expanded form on July 8th. The 30th anniversary set will come as both a double-CD set and a deluxe collection featuring a bonus DVD. Both packages will include a previously unheard concert CD, "Live at Carnegie Hall 1977." The deluxe version's DVD will boast various music videos plus a 1978 performance from the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test series.

Allmans Reschedule

The Allman Brothers Band have rescheduled their postponed residency at New York's Beacon Theater for early next year. The group had to pull out of the 15 sold-out shows — as well as other Spring concerts — to allow singer/keyboardist Gregg Allman's continued treatment for hepatitis C. Assuming all goes well with Gregg, the ABB will return to the road in August.

The Top's First Concert DVD

Got a few more details on ZZ Top's first ever full concert DVD, "ZZ Top, Live From Texas" The main attraction will be "17 barn-burners of blues, barrelhouse boogie and deliciously fuzz-toned hard rock."  In addition, there's footage of the trio discussing their history over a game of poker, a behind-the-scenes look at a show day in Dallas and a reverent re-interpretation of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxey Lady." The DVD is now officially set to hit shelves on June 24th.

With & Without Stills

When Crosby, Stills & Nash two-month Summer tour wraps-up in August, David Crosby and Graham Nash will take a few weeks off, then mount another tour as a duo. The Crosby/Nash trek is currently set to run from October 4th through November 9th with no Southland dates — yet. Stay tuned!

Another Gig For Keef

Never one to pass up a chance to work with his heros, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards will appear on a forthcoming album by country legend George Jones. "Burn Your Playhouse Down (The Unreleased Duets)," will be out on July 8th.

Quote Of The Day

It was Plato who said: "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something."

April 22, 2008

Jack Nicholson is 71.
Guitarist/vocalist/babe magnet Peter Frampton is 58.

On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney and John Lennon recorded The Beatles song "The Ballad of John and Yoko" all by themselves (the other two Fabs just weren't around).

On this day in 1969, The Who performed their rock opera "Tommy" live for the first time at a private concert in England. The invited audience was stunned (and that had nothing to do with the fact that it was 1969).

On this day in 1971, Pink Floyd premiered their song "Return of the Son of Nothing" in concert. By the time they finally recorded and released it a few months later, it was called "Echoes."

On this day in 1978, Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" entered the U.S. singles charts.

On this day in 1990, Sammy Hagar opened his first Cabo Wabo Cantina restaurant and nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Same Old Same Old

Wait — tell me if you've ever heard this before: Guns N' Roses are going to release a new album and another guitarist has left the band. Of course you have — but this is the first time you've heard it this year! Word is that G&R's new management is "in negotiations" for the release of the 13 years-in-the-making "Chinese Democracy" album. Yeah, yeah. In other GNR news, guitarist Robin Finck has left the Axl Rose-led band to return to Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails — a band that actually records and tours. OK, you may now return to your regularly scheduled life.

V.H. Returns

Sounds like the V.H. train may be back on track. Van Halen has received (mostly) rave reviews for their performance at Tiger Woods' annual Tiger Jam charity event in Las Vegas on Saturday. Even "Rolling Stone" magazine liked them, reporting: "While David Lee Roth can't seem to do anything with his voice but fall flat," he was certainly entertaining." His most quoted line was, "I cannot play golf for s**t, but I can ruin my knee with the pros." The benefit gig that raised around $1.5 million followed a Reno show that marked the band's return after Eddie Van Halen's unspecified medical problems forced a month-plus hiatus from touring. Welcome back Edward!

A Metalhead's Dream

Be warned, the Metal Masters tour is not for the weak of heart. The long-rumored Metalhead's dream tour featuring Judas Priest, Heaven And Hell, Motörhead and Testament will kick off a month-long run on August 6th. You can be part of the bone-crunching show at the Glen Helen Pavilion in Devore on August 30th. In an interesting side note, Heaven And Hell will be releasing a five-CD "The Rules Of Hell" Black Sabbath box set. Yes, the package will feature music by the Heaven And Hell line-up, but it will be released under the Black Sabbath name. You better believe there was some contractual contortions involved in getting that approved!

Bruce/Danny Update

After postponing three shows following the death of band member Danny Federici, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will resume their tour tonight. The keyboardist passed away Thursday afternoon after a three-year battle with melanoma. His health kept him off the current Bruce tour, but he made a guest appearance at last month's show in Indianapolis. That turned out to be his final performance with the band. Federici's funeral services will be private. However, those wishing to send condolences can do so online via the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home's website, www.holcombefisher.com. Fans can also honor the late rocker with a donation to the Danny Federici Melanoma Fund at http://www.thedannyfedericimelanomafund.com.

Keef's Museum

No telling how many he's lost or given away in the past 45 years, but Keith Richards now has over 3,000 guitars stashed away. After thinking about it, The Rolling Stones guitarist said he wants to open a museum to show them off. He (in typical Keef fashion) explained, "I've probably got too many. I have 3,000 guitars and only one pair of hands. It's an incredible collection of beautiful instruments but I only play about 10 of them, and guitars have to be played." He says it really surprises him that many of the guitars were gifts. "I don't know what I've done to deserve that. I've been one of the biggest a**holes in the world." Yeah, but you're also Keith!

Starship Dispute Settled

The dispute over Jefferson Airplane co-founder Paul Kantner's use of the Starship has been settled. Word is that Paul and Bill Thompson, the group's former manager who launched a suit on behalf of himself and former Jefferson Airplane/Starship singer Grace Slick, have reached an agreement involving payment of a licensing fee to use the name. Kantner formally left Jefferson Starship in 1985, but began performing under the "Starship" banner again in the early Nineties. While Slick and Thompson own the rights to the name, they said they didn't mind Kantner billing himself as "Starship" for concerts. But when he used the name for a 2007 promotional deal with Microsoft, it was time for a lawsuit.

Quote Of The Day

It was Dave Barry who said: "Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."

Stealing A Yard-High M&M

Police in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (home of Kohler Toilets and the Johnsonville World Bratwurst Eating Championship) are on the lookout for a man who attempted to steal a three-foot high yellow M&M statue. When the knucklehead was spotted leaving a grocery store on Saturday with the gi-normous candy, an employee reportedly ran out and grabbed the statue from the suspect's car just before he drove away. Being too short-handed to dragnet the 50,000 cheesehead residents, police have asked the public for help in capturing the thief with a mega-sweet tooth.

April 23, 2008

Singing legend Roy Orbison would have been 72.
Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark would have been 48.

On this day in 1960, 19-year-old John Lennon and 17-year-old Paul McCartney performed together as the Nerk Twins in Caversham, England.

On this day in 1974, Bad Company became the first to sign with Led Zeppelin's "Swan Song" record label.

On this day in 1975, singer Pete Ham of Badfinger took his own life at the age of 27.

AC/DC Done!

Evidently after waiting eight years to record a new album, AC/DC finished it off in a matter of days! Yesterday singer Brian Johnson said that the band has finished recording their yet-to-be-named studio album, which is expected out later this year. While Brian split when the sessions ended, guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young are still in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien and engineer Mike Fraser working on the final mix. Next on the boy's schedule is arranging the artwork and promotions for the release, then booking the giant world tour. Right so!

No That's Not Your Film

Would you care to wager who wins this court case? The Massachusetts-based World Wide Video company is claiming ownership of 24 vintage John Lennon films, while the former Beatle's widow, Yoko Ono, says the films are hers. The film was shot by Ono's ex-husband Tony Cox in February 1970, a couple of months before The Beatles formally split up. World Wide claims to have purchased the material and the copyrights from Cox back in 2000, but says the footage was stolen soon after. Ono says she bought the videos from World Wide in a legal sale through a third party. Among other things, the footage shows Lennon writing the songs "Mind Games" and "Remember" at his home in England. Maybe we'll all see it some day... or not.

Sambora Pleads

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora has pleaded no contest to drunken driving charges stemming from his March 25th arrest in Laguna Beach. The deal calls for the 48-year-old to pay various penalties, attend three months of alcohol awareness classes and serve three years of informal probation — during which he is to have no drugs or alcohol. By doing all this, Richie avoided a child-endangerment indictment which had been recommended because his 10-year-old daughter and a teenage relative were in his vehicle when it was stopped.

She Was On Call

Last night, the Brits were treated to "an explosive TV documentary" about Paul McCartney's ex, Heather Mills. Among other revelations in the program, Mills' former friend Denise Hewitt confirmed that Heather was a high-class hooker with regular customers like Australian tycoon Kerry Packer and a royal Saudi prince. Denise explained that she and Heather had a "naughty background" adding, "We went into high-class prostitution and used to get a lot of jewelry." They allegedly returned the favors with "full sex and girly-girly scenes." Mills has previously denied being a call girl and had no comment on the documentary. Perhaps she's just waiting to get paid...

Billy's New/Old Beetle

While in Des Moines for a concert last week, Billy Joel stopped by a vintage car shop where he spotted a burgundy 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle. The shop owner said, "He noticed the Bug in the corner and said, 'That's a neat car, I like the color.' He said it'd be a great beach vehicle for him." The mechanic who delivered the car to the Arena before Billy's show even got to go on a test drive with the singer. For the record, there are thousands of trees in Des Moines, but somehow Billy avoided hitting any of them with his new/old car.

Quote Of The Day

It was Dave Barry who said: "There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

Fast Food/Fat Ass

Here's a no brainer. A new study from Temple University has found that on average, people who eat fast food combo meals on a regular basis tend to weigh more than those who don't. Folks tend to be 1.5 pounds heavier for every fast food meal they eat per week. Some combo meals can contain more than 1,600 calories and 60 grams of fat. Researchers found that those who chowed down on fast-food meals three to six times per week had a body mass index a full point higher than those who rarely eat fast-food. A body mass index, or BMI, measures the weight of a person scaled according to their height. So, would you like some extra butt with that fast food combo?

April 24, 2008

Drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 63.
Original Jethro Tull bassist Glen Cornick is 61.
The multi-talented Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees is 53.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" hit #1 on the U.K. chart, and the world was shocked to find out that Paul McCartney was playing the lead guitar.

On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You" peaked at #6 on the U.S. singles chart.

On this day in 1976, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles chart.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will be a very special show featuring the music of Def Leppard as well as Joe's brand new conversation with guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell.

Dead Archives Archived

Talk about an excellent way to clear out the storage lockers! The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir and Mickey Hart will announce that the band is handing its archives over to the University of California at Santa Cruz today. That huge collection includes decades of memorabilia, ranging from newspaper clippings about early gigs back in 1965 to the life-sized skeleton replicas of band members made for the 1987 video "Touch of Grey" to the Nineties publication "Grateful Dead Almanac." Posters, tickets, fan mail, business documents, stage backdrops, books, records, videos, awards, T-shirts, newsletters and countless others items will be donated to the university. The collection will be housed at "Dead Central," a dedicated reading room in the school's remodeled McHenry Library.

Sammy/Scorps

Have you heard that Sammy Hagar will be teaming up with the Scorpions for a few shows in August? You know we'll be rockin' the former Van Halen frontman's co-headlining gig with the Scorps at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa on August 3rd. Stay tuned for ticket info!

Yoko's Lawyers Stay Busy

Yoko Ono has another lawsuit on her hands. The widow of former Beatle John Lennon and his sons Julian and Sean have taken legal action against the people behind the new film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." It seems that the Lennon estate never gave permission for John's song "Imagine" to be used in the film. The documentary focuses on the validity of the religiously-based intelligent design theory and the controversy surrounding teaching the concept along with evolution theory. It features and was co-written by famed actor/commentator Ben Stein.

Brian's Coming To Sign

Queen guitarist Brian May will be autographing copies of his latest book, "Bang! The Complete History of the Universe" on May 6th at the famed Book Soup book store in West L.A. Fresh off receiving his Ph.D. in astrophysics, May co-wrote the book with legendary astronomer Patrick Moore and astrophysicist Chris Lintott. The boys covered the history of the universe from the Big Bang to Heat Death, touched on evolution and then examined how the world will end. Brian will also be joining us on the air here at KLOS, so stay tuned!

Really New Whitesnake

Whitesnake is back with their first set of new studio material in more than a decade. Guitarist Doug Aldrich says that "Good To Be Bad" grew out of casual sessions that began back in 2006. He says that the album was a lot of fun to make, and the variety of material really showcases David Coverdale's range of vocal talents. Whitesnake will launch a South American tour next week, spend most of the Summer performing in Europe and plans on hitting North American this Fall.

Lou & Laurie Get Hitched

Word is that Lou Reed married his longtime girlfriend, avant-garde musician Laurie Anderson, in a private ceremony on April 12th in Colorado. The couple, who have lived together in New York since 1995, commemorated the nuptials last week during a Big Apple gathering attended by director Julian Schnabel, comedian/actor Richard Belzer and others. Do you suppose they're registered at Target?

Quote Of The Day

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "It is terrible to contemplate how few politicians are hanged."

April 25, 2008

Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald would have been 91.
Blues legend Albert King would have been 85.
Bassist Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 63.

On this day in 1964, The Beatles had 14 singles on the American charts!

On this day in 1974, Pamela Morrison, the common law wife of the late Jim Morrison, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27.

On this day in 1974, Gregg Allman performed the last date of a solo concert, and to reassure fans that the Allman Brothers Band wasn't breaking up, he brought the whole group onstage for an encore. They finished playing the encore 90 minutes later!

Edge's Auction

U2 guitarist The Edge will host the Icons Of Music Auction II to benefit his Music Rising charity on May 31st at the Hard Rock Café in New York City. Among the items The Edge himself is donating is the 1976 Gibson Explorer guitar he used from the "Joshua Tree" album up to the "Beautiful Day" video. Other memorabilia up for auction includes items from Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, former Beatle Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, The Who's Pete Townshend, and many more. Proxy bids may be placed at JuliensAuctions.com. Music Rising aids musicians of the Gulf Coast Region in regaining their livelihood after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Paulie Returns

Remember when he sang "Those Ukraine girls really knock me out"? Well Sir Paul McCartney's going back to the U.S.S.R. to play a free show at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine on June 14th. The Independence Concert has been organized to promote freedom, peace, love and unity among Ukrainians and throughout the world. More than 100,000 (including many cute Ukraine girls) are expected to attend.

Leppard Mania

Heads up! Not only will Def Leppard be featured on KLOS this Sunday night at 9 on OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson, the band will appear on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" next Tuesday, the very day their 14th studio album, "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge," comes out. But wait — there's more! The CD will include a limited-edition PikCARD granting access to a Def Leppard online Vault containing a variety of content, including personal photos from the road, registration to the band's fan club, personal messages from the guys and entry into special contests for backstage passes and VIP access. Sounds like party time is almost here!

New/Old Tull Set

Jethro Tull's latest live DVD, "Jack in the Green: Live in Germany," will be out on May 20th. The 96-minute compilation offers 18 rarely seen performances at various German gigs spanning from 1970 through 1993. Half of the songs were filmed during Tull's 1983 set at the Rockpop In Concert festival, while four more numbers come from a 1986 appearance at the Out In The Green event.

An Idol Comp

Billy Idol has confirmed that his Greatest Hits album, "Idolize Yourself," will now be released in July. Besides the expected hits, the disc will also include three newly composed tracks. You can expect his Summer tour to be announced shortly.

Superbikes!

This Weekend! Once again J.B. will be announcing the AMA Suzuki Superbike Challenge at the Auto Club Speedway. With Dave Koenig calling the play-by-play, look for Unc to do some color commentating and analysis as well as pre-race and Victory Lane interviews for all four of the big races.

April 26, 2008

Keyboardist/singer Gary Wright is 65.

On this day in 1975, Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic," one of the top hard rock albums of all time, blasted onto the charts.

On this day in 1980, Journey's "Any Way You Want It" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1982, Joe Strummer had a change of heart on his way to rehearse with the Clash in their West London studio. Instead, he went to France and disappeared, forcing the Clash to cancel their tour. When he resurfaced on May 18th, Joe claimed he was suffering from exhaustion and had suddenly doubted his "punk purpose."

On this day in 1984, bandleader Count Basie died in Hollywood, Florida at age 79.

On this day in 1986, Van Halen's "5150" album, their first with new vocalist Sammy Hagar, hit #1.

On this day in 1986, Dire Straits' "So Far Away" peaked at #19 on the singles chart.

April 27, 2008

Badfinger's tragic songwriter Peter Ham would have been 61.
Occasional KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is 57.

On this day in 1964, John Lennon's book "In His Own Write" was published in America. In its review, "Newsweek" magazine declared that the acerbic Beatle was "an unlikely heir to the English tradition of literary nonsense."

On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Let It Ride" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.

April 28, 2008

On this day in 1963, crafty publicist Andrew Oldham saw a young band called The Rollin' Stones for the first time at London's Crawdaddy Club. By the next day, he was their manager.

On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" hit #1 on the albums chart. It then set a record by remaining on the chart for more than 300 weeks.

On this day in 1974, the Eagles released their "On The Border" album.

On this day in 1980, 30-year-old guitarist/songwriter Tommy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band died of head injuries sustained in a car crash. Many feel the band never recovered.

Gobs O' Cash

Sir Paul McCartney's wallet may have taken a hit with his divorce from Heather Mills, but the former Beatle is still a very rich man. According to the U.K.'s "Sunday Times," despite losing an estimated $450 million in the last year, Macca still ranks as the third wealthiest musician in Britain, behind Zomba Records founder Clive Calder and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, with an estimated bank of $1 billion. Sir Elton John came in at #8 on the Britain's Top Music Millionaires list with $470 million in his bank account. Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger was #9 with $450 million; Stones guitarist Keith Richards came in at #12 with $380 million, while Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and Ringo Starr tied at #17 with an estimated worth of $280 million each. Do you suppose any of them are bigger tippers?

Starbucks In/Out Of Record Biz

While their unexpected venture in the record business was rather successful, the Starbucks Corp. has decided to refocus on their legendary caffeinated beverages. The company is turning over day-to-day management of its Hear Music record label to the Concord Music Group. The coffee makers began the Hear Music label in March 2007 and signed musicians like Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell to single album deals. After one year and a corporate restructuring or two, Concord Music will now assume responsibility for all of the Hear Music artists.

Phil Retires (Again)

Genesis singer/drummer Phil Collins is saying that he won't ever tour again and has no plans to ever record an album again — either on his own or with Genesis — and he basically considers himself retired. The man says he'll continue to write music — but only because he doesn't know how to stop. So you're asking what's the life long workaholic going to do with all this new spare time? Two things: the logical "spend more time with his family" and the peculiar "pursue his hobby of collecting Alamo artifacts." Of course if he actually continues his expensive hobby of marrying and divorcing beautiful women, there'll be another album and tour before you know it!

Stewart's Righteous Road Trip

Former Eurythmic guitarist/songwriter Dave Stewart's first tour in ages is coming to the Southland this Fall. His aptly named The Dave Stewart Songbook will feature guest musicians and a 30-piece orchestra performing selections from his catalog of work. In addition to Eurythmics hits such as "Sweet Dreams" and "Here Comes The Rain Again," the set list will include Stewart-penned compositions like Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More" and No Doubt's "Underneath It All." Just a few of the artists Stewart has worked with over the years whose material he may be showcasing include Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger and Bon Jovi. Dave and his crew will be playing the Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts on September 5th.

Quote Of The Day

It was Marty Indik who said: "Half of analysis is anal."

Maybe It's Not What You Eat

1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats, and still suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

April 29, 2008

Duke Ellington, generally considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century, would have been 109 today.

Tommy James, who recorded the classic "Hanky Panky" before forming the Shondells, is 61. Unfortunately, "Hanky Panky" pretty much ruined Tommy's chances to be considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century.

Comedian/icon Jerry Seinfeld is 54 (not that there's anything wrong with that).

On this day in 1976, Elvis fan Bruce Springsteen tried to scale the fence around Graceland in an attempt to meet his idol. Instead, he was escorted off by Presley's security.

On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd, his inspiration for "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight," filed for divorce.

On this day in 1993, Mick Ronson, genius guitarist and arranger for David Bowie during his "Ziggy Stardust" phase, died of cancer in England at the age of 47.

Waters Closes Coachella/Loses Pig

With the help of humongous pyrotechnic blasts and a large inflatable pig, Pink Floyd principal Roger Waters closed the ninth annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Sunday night with a set that included Floyd classics like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," "Have a Cigar" and "Wish You Were Here," as well as 1973's "Dark Side Of The Moon" in its entirety. By all accounts, the crowd was (as usual for a Pink Floyd performance) stunned and amazed — and particularly impressed when the two-story tall inflatable pig was let loose from it's moorings to float off into the ether. Except that the pig was not set loose, it actually broke free (as large inflatable Pink Floyd pigs have done before). Now the Coachella organizers are offering $10,000 and four festival tickets for life in exchange for the safe return of the drifting swine. Considering how the Santa Ana winds were blowing this past weekend, I'd guess the flying party porker has probably reached Guam by now!

Def On TV

Def Leppard's excellent new album, "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge," is officially out today, and you can see them on tonight's episode of ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars." The group will also visit "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" today, and tomorrow night they'll take the stage on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live." No, they won't be dancing on any of those shows — they'll be rockin' out... and that's a good thing!

Steely Books Southland Dates

After a career largely spent avoiding the business of touring altogether, Steely Dan is set to hit the road for their third straight year. Co-founders Donald Fagen and Walter Becker will roll their band of ace musicians into town for a July 23rd gig at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live and an August 4th show at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Stay tuned for more info!

Jack & Eric Do Hippiefest

Cream singer/bassist Jack Bruce and Eric Burdon's latest version of The Animals will headline the 2008 Hippiefest tour. Not sure who the support acts will be when the fest hits our Greek Theater on July 16th, but other dates on the "flower power"-themed extravaganza will be variously featuring The Turtles, Badfinger featuring Joey Molland and Jim Ladd's one-time paramour, folk singer Melanie. Wonder if there'll be a non-smoking section?

Go Directly To Jail/Do Not Tour

Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland, who has struggled with substance abuse off-and-on for years, has been sentenced to serve eight days in jail for his latest infraction. The punishment stems from his arrest in late November on a misdemeanor driving under the influence with a prior conviction count. He also must complete an 18-month alcohol program and has been put on a four-year summary probation period. Weiland has until May 28th to serve out his sentence, which might be a challenge with STP's reunion tour launching on May 17th.

Quote Of The Day

It was Peter F. Drucker who said: "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said."

April 30, 2008

Neil Young's buddy, the multi-talented Willie Nelson, is 75 today.

On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan began his British tour immortalized in the movie "Don't Look Back." At the same time, The Kinks began their first British tour, supported by The Yardbirds. Wow! Did anybody realize what was happening?!?

On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" entered the charts on its way to #8.

On this day in 1983, blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at home in Westmont, Illinois at the age of 68.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Don Henley as well as extensive conversation with the singer/drummer/occasional Eagle.

Big Pig Found

Roger Waters' two-story tall inflatable Pink Floyd pig has been recovered! Actually, the big ol' hog that was set loose or broke free Sunday evening as Roger closed out the annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival was found in two big ol' pieces by two different families who will split the $10,000 and four festival tickets for life. And just where did that rascally porker land? Just a few miles down the road near the La Quinta Country Club, where the ham sandwiches are divine!

Fake Jimi/Real (Old) Porn

Right now you can buy a download of a pornographic video allegedly featuring Jimi Hendrix. If you can wait just a little longer, a DVD of the flick will be released on May 6th. "Jimi Hendrix: The Sex Tape" includes 11 minutes of silent footage of a man said to be the guitar legend engaging in sex with two women. After looking at stills from the film, Jimi's longtime girlfriend Kathy Etchingham says it's not him, while Hendrix biographer Charles R. Cross notes he learned of the tape — and dismissed it — while researching his book "Room Full Of Mirrors." However, famed groupies Pamela Des Barres and Cynthia Albritton (aka Cynthia Plaster Caster) contend on the DVD's commentary track that the dude in the flick is Hendrix. (The fact that both women were paid for their contributions to the video makes their endorsements a little hard to swallow.) So far, no word on the film's authenticity from Jimi himself.

OzzFest Or Not

Some people seem to think that OzzFest will return this year as two separate two-day events. Some go so far as to say that one OzzFest will hit Dallas in late July or early August with Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica headlining. Not surprisingly, some people don't really seem to care. Maybe it would be best if we all just carry on as if nothing happened.

Another Lennon Sale

John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "Give Peace A Chance" will be up for grabs at Christie's Rock & Pop Memorabilia Sale on July 10th. Some think that the document will sell for as much as $600,000. Comedy writer Gail Renard sure hopes so! She actually received the lyric sheet directly from the former Beatle in 1969 in the Montreal hotel where Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono staged their famed "Bed-In" for peace. Renard, who was just 16 at the time, snuck into the hotel and became friendly with the couple. Eventually John gave her some mementos including the lyrics, telling her, "One day they will be worth something." Lennon also helped launch Renard's career by calling the editor of "The Beatles Monthly" magazine and having him publish her piece about the Bed-In protest. One lucky girl, that young Gail!

R.E.M./S.T.P./Voodoo

R.E.M. and Stone Temple Pilots will headline the 10th Annual Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans. The October 24th - 26th festival will also feature several other acts including the Neville Brothers, who will be playing their hometown festival for the first time.

Macca's New Linda Book

Paul McCartney's latest project is a book about the first Mrs. McCartney. Word is that the former Beatle will include a substantial number of Linda's photographs in the book, as well as details about their life together. Sources say that Macca is "delighted he can focus his mind on something else" now that his divorce from Heather Mills is over." Ya think so?

Quote Of The Day

It was Frederico Fellini who said: "Life is a combination of magic and pasta."

Does Size Really Matter?

Ever wonder why that outfit doesn't look the same on you? While the average American model is five feet eleven inches tall and weighs 117 pounds, the average American woman is five feet four inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.

Although most people think that Napoleon was short, he was actually five feet, six inches tall, an average height for a Frenchman in those days.

A ten-gallon hat actually holds 3/4 gallon or three quarts. So why did they call it a ten-gallon hat? Because everything's bigger in Texas — especially the lies!