 May 11 - 20, 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! May 11, 2008
Eric Burden of The Animals and War is 67. 
On this day 1970, The Who unleashed their "Live at Leeds" album and The Beatles released their "The Long and Winding Road" single. On this day 1981, reggae legend Bob Marley died of a brain tumor at the age of 36. On this day in 2003, Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding died in Ireland at the age of 57. May 12, 2008
Multi-instrumentalist/singer extraordinaire Stevie Winwood is 59.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "Satisfaction" in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. Two days earlier, they had unsuccessfully attempted to record the song at Chess Studios in Chicago. On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd played one of their first experimental concerts in quadraphonic sound at the "Games for May" event at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall. On this day in 1971, Mick Jagger married his first wife, Bianca, at the St. Tropez Town Hall. The large Roman Catholic service was attended by the other Rolling Stones, as well as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and Steven Stills. Think any of that group caught a buzz? On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released their classic "Exile on Main Street" album. On this day in 1973, Steely Dan's "Reeling In The Years" peaked at #11 on the singles chart. On this day in 1979, singer Mickey Thomas made his debut with the Jefferson Starship at a free concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. 
Sir Paulie's Finally SingleSir Paul McCartney is officially a divorced man today. By the time you read this, he and ex-wife Heather Mills will have had a London court finalize their split. Of course this means that Heather is also single, so consider yourself warned. Mellencamp's Next OneYou have to figure that the new owners of Starbucks' record label knew that John Mellencamp was going to be the next to join their roster. The Hall Of Fame singer/songwriter will issue "Life, Death, Love, And Freedom," his first release on Hear Music, on July 15th. The album will be available as a two-disc set, a standard CD and a DVD version using CODE technology which reportedly offers audio quality that's hard to distinguish from the master recordings. The CODE edition is being paired with the CD in case there are compatibility issues, but the set will be priced as a single disc. Camp Freddy's StandBolt down the furniture! Camp Freddy has taken over The Roxy for Thursday night jam sessions this month. Last week's session featured the regular group of Billy Morrison, Dave Navarro, Matt Sorum, Donovan Leitch and Chris Chaney being joined by Velvet Revolver's Slash and Duff McKagan, The Sex Pistols' Steve Jones and Paul Cook, Motley Crue's Tommy Lee, Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, Alice In Chains' Jerry Cantrell, Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath and The Cult's Billy Duffy. That left exactly enough room in the infamous club for six paying customers and nine bouncers. Only the gods of Rock & Roll know what will happen this Thursday! Dr. SteveTraffic frontman/Hall Of Famer Steve Winwood was among the honorary doctorate recipients from the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston this weekend. He recalled that as a 15-year-old music student, he got in trouble for his love of American rock and R&B when he admitted to liking Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Ray Charles as well as Igor Stravinsky. His English school masters told him to forget rock music or leave their music school. Steve said that it wasn't a tough decision then, and he sure doesn't regret it now. Sammy Saves The Day (Sort Of)As often happens at these events, the live auction at the fundraiser was running late and the featured entertainment (as well as the crowd) was getting restless. In this case the money being raised was for the California Oak Hill School for autistic children, and the entertainment was Dana Carvey and Robin Williams. So up steps Sammy Hagar and his friend, venture capitalist Larry Goldfarb, who each put up $50,000 to buy out the rest of the auction so the show could move on. The former Van Halen frontman later explained, "It wasn't showing off. Autism gets very little attention and I had just been made aware of the fact that it's controllable and treatable through good teachers and good programs... I just got caught up in all that." Right so Sammy! 
Quote Of The DayIt was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere." Gridlock!Surprise, surprise! Drivers in Washington, D.C. have it the worst. According to Forbes.com, the nation's capital is the most congested city in the U.S.A., with D.C. drivers spending 60 hours per year in their car. About 28% of residents there have commutes longer than 45 minutes. D.C. is followed on the list by Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. Rounding out the Top 10 of the most congested U.S. cities are New York, Riverside-San Bernardino, Chicago, Dallas and Boston. May 13, 2008May 13, 2008
Rock & Roll pioneer Ritchie Valens would have been 67 today.
On this day in 1966, The Kinks recorded "Sunny Afternoon." On this day in 1970, The Beatles' pseudo-documentary "Let It Be" premiered in New York. On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's classic "Full Moon Fever" album entered the charts.
Zep Rumor ResuscitatedIt's been a couple of months since we last visited this story, so see if any of this sounds familiar. Unnamed "sources" are saying that Led Zeppelin, with more than 300 million albums sold worldwide, are preparing to tour to mark their 40th anniversary later this year. And just like The Rolling Stones, each member of the Zep could make at least $20 million for their efforts. Those same "sources" say that singer Robert Plant — who is currently touring with Alison Krause — has been talked into the Zep tour by bandmates Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. Hmmm... do you think that the unnamed "source" might be Whitesnake's frontman David Coverdale? It was just yesterday that David told the British press that the Zep tour was "very likely" and he was expecting to be the support act. Ahhhh... that darn David! Well, let's just hope he has it right! Spidey YoungAn East Carolina University biology professor has named a new species of trapdoor spider after Neil Young. Professor Jason Bond found the arachnid in Jefferson County, Alabama last year, and through DNA research determined that it is its own separate species. His name for the bug: Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi [Mer-meh-keh-fee-lee-ah Neil Young-eye]. Bond explains that he had the freedom to name the spider anything he wanted, as long as he followed certain guidelines. He chose to name the spider after Young because, "I really enjoy his music and have had a great appreciation of him as an activist for peace and justice." Earlier this year the late Roy Orbison received a similar honor when an Arizona State University entomologist named a new species of whirligig beetle after the singer. The way this is going, what kind of a bug do you think they'll name after Jim Ladd? Metallica Tap The WebWith an obvious tip of the hat to U2's groundbreaking u2.com web site, Metallica has launched their MissionMetallica.com web site. The initial preview clip on the site shows the band recording and clowning around in the studio on their first new album in five years. Once inside the site, fans sign up to be eligible to "win backstage passes to every show this summer." And for a "special" price, fans can buy into a "platinum" level, entitling them to a copy of the new album delivered on its September release date, weekly "fly-on-the-wall" video clips, contests to travel to shows and/or Metallica's San Francisco compound, live show downloads, ringtones and more. Meanwhile, the band will launch its Summer tour with a benefit for the Silverlake Conservatory Of Music at our own Wiltern Theatre tomorrow night. The Conservatory is a non-profit organization founded by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea that provides scholarships to low-income students for music lessons and instruments. No "platinum" level membership is required for that, to which we say "Right So!" Santana Gets CloserCarlos Santana's latest anthology, "Multi Dimensional Warrior," will be released on August 5th. The first disc of the compilation will contain 14 vocal performances spanning Carlos' entire career, and the second disc will contain 14 instrumental performances from the same timeframe. To celebrate, Carlos is rolling his "Live Your Light" tour back into the western half of North America during which he and his band will be playing at the beautiful Nokia Theatre LA Live on October 2nd and 3rd. Sounds like a party!
Quote of The DayIt was U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson who said: "I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it." May 14, 2008
Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce is 65.
On this day in 1955, "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & the Comets entered the Top 40 on its way to becoming the first #1 record of the rock era. On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' cryptic "Paint It Black" entered the American singles charts. On this day in 1966, The Yardbirds' "Shapes Of Things," driven by Jeff Beck's mind blowing guitar work, peaked at #11 on the charts. On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released the song "Ohio," only 10 days after the fatal Kent State University shootings. On this day in 1976, former Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf electrocuted himself while tuning his electric guitar in the bathtub. On this day in 1988, Atlantic Records' 40th anniversary celebration at New York's Madison Square Garden saw the surviving members of Led Zeppelin reunite with John Bonham's son Jason on drums. On this day in 1998, Frank Sinatra died at the age of 82.
Just A Little OzzFestAfter someone out there spent months speculating, it turns out that OzzFest will reemerge for one "incredible performance" at the romantically named Pizza Hut Park in Dallas on August 9th. As you probably figured all along, Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica are the top dogs on the bill. This is actually the first time in its 12 year history that OzzFest won't be a touring festival, and — unlike last year's edition — fans will actually have to pay to get in. Realistically, it's pretty hard to argue with Sharon Osbourne's observation: "Ozzy just finished an 11-month world tour so I think he deserves a summer off." Motley Bumps It BackGroup leader/bassist Nikki Sixx has confirmed that the new Mötley Crüe "Saints Of Los Angeles" album will be out one week later than expected so that the band could record a new song written during last month's rehearsals. "Saints Of Los Angeles," which is based on the band's best selling autobiography "The Dirt," will now be available on June 24th. Big Benatar SetShe's a busy girl! Our old friend Pat Benatar will launch a 40-city tour this Friday, then late next month she'll release "Pat Benatar: Ultimate Collection" — a double-CD collection of 40 of her greatest hits. She and her husband/guitarist Neil Giraldo will stay on the road through the Summer, eventually hitting the Pacific Amphitheatre as part of the Orange County Fair on August 1st. Byrne's Musical BuildingIt's entirely possible that former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne has too much time on his hands. He's currently creating an art installation — "Playing The Building" — that will transform a New York building into a musical instrument. For the project that will run from May 31st through August 10th, Byrne is attaching devices to the Battery Maritime Building that will cause beams and pipes in the structure to vibrate and produce sound. He debuted a similar installation in Stockholm in 2005 that was a huge success. Of course it does get very cold during those long Swedish winters... Rutsey R.I.P.Founding Rush drummer John Rutsey passed away on Sunday due to complications from diabetes at the age of 55. John played the club scene with frontman Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson from 1968 until 1974, but quit the band due to health issues just after they finished their debut album. In short order he was replaced by Neil Peart.
Quote of The DayIt was Natalie Wood who said: "The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby." Serious Animal Factoids (Sort Of)The distance between an alligator's eyes in inches, is directly proportional to the length of the alligator in feet. The opening to the cave in which a bear hibernates is always on the North Slope. May 15, 2008
Former Roxy Music keyboardist Brian Eno (Uber-producer for David Bowie, Talking Heads and U2) is 60.
On this day in 1965, The Byrds made their first entry into the charts with their cover version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man." Three months later, the song peaked at #1, and was a strong factor in Dylan's decision to switch from acoustic to electric music. On this day in 1965, "For Your Love" by The Yardbirds entered the charts. The song featured Eric Clapton on all the guitar parts except the solo, which was recorded by his replacement, Jeff Beck. On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney met Linda Eastman for the first time at the Bag O' Nails nightclub in London. They clicked big time and married on March 12th, 1969. On this day in 1970, Pink Floyd played a concert in front of a large lake at the Crystal Palace Bowl in South London. Not only were a great number of fish in the lake killed by the loud music, a full one-third of the audience blew their minds! On this day in 1970, Black Sabbath released its self-titled album. On this day in 1971, The Doors' "Love Her Madly" peaked at #11 on the singles chart. On this day in 1971, two truly classic albums, The Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" and Jethro Tull's masterpiece "Aqualung," both entered the charts on their way to #1. On this day in 1975, the most famous Fleetwood Mac line-up (Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and John & Christine McVie) made their live debut in El Paso, Texas. On this day in 1976, Steve Miller released his "Fly Like An Eagle" album. On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's classic "The Boys Are Back In Town" entered the singles charts. On this day in 1984, guitarist Nils Lofgren was drafted into The E Street Band by Bruce Springsteen to replace "Little Steven" Van Zandt.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's conversation with Tommy Shaw and James 'J.Y.' Young.
Coverdale Welcomes Publicity/Retracts Zep RumorAfter grabbing a metric ton of free publicity by wedging his band into the Led Zeppelin reunion tour rumor mill, Whitesnake's David Coverdale is now insisting that he was misquoted. The ever affable Coverdale says, "I have no idea where this started... supposedly saying I'm awaiting Lord Page's call to invite me to be the supporting act on the forthcoming Led Zeppelin world tour. What f---ing world tour, we ask ourselves? We're already out on our Good To Be Bad world tour, thank you very much!" And as usual, the former Deep Purple singer freely admitted to his past conflicts with Zep singer Robert Plant. "Why, after all the charming back-and-forths between one Monsieur Plant and oneself through the years, who could imagine such a premise possible? Not me. Whitesnake will not be joining Led Zeppelin on a world tour." But you can be sure he won't be booking any Whitesnake gigs against that Zep reunion tour! Simmons Writes Of What He KnowsAt 182 pages, it's not a very big book, but KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons' new "Ladies Of The Night" tome will be released on July 8th. To promote Gene's exploration of the history of prostitution, an essay contest has been launched offering the Grand Prize winner a personalized voice-mail greeting from Gene, a signed copy of the book, etc., etc. Meanwhile, Simmons will make another cameo appearance as himself on this Thursday night's episode of "Ugly Betty" on ABC-TV. Filming The HalenFrom the "Oh, really?" file comes word that the Van Halen boys are documenting shows on their ongoing reunion tour for release as a concert DVD. David Lee Roth says that Tuesday's concert in East Rutherford, New Jersey was the first gig to be filmed. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life. CSN&Y On Big ScreenCrosby, Stills, Nash & Young's 2006 tour documentary "CSNY Deja Vu" is finally headed into theaters. A U.S. distribution deal is set to bring the film to big and small screens (the latter via video-on-demand services) this Summer, and to DVD this Fall. The politically-charged film focuses on the interactions between the musicians, music and fans as well as the parallels between the political climate in the U.S. during the Vietnam War 40 years ago and the Iraq War now.
Quote of The DayIt was Malcolm S. Forbes who said: "Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."  NASCAR/SpeedTV/
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