Uncle Joe's Update Archives - May 21

May 21 - 31, 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!

May 21, 2008

Stan Lynch, the original drummer for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, is 53.

On this day in 1966, Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & #35" peaked at #2 as "Eight Miles High" by The Byrds topped out at #14. Those were the days!

On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" was the #1 album in the U.S.

On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Book Of Dreams" album entered the charts.

Ooops! Bowie: NOT The Musical

Good god of all that's theatrical! It was just yesterday that we first heard of a musical featuring David Bowie's songs assembled around the storyline of his creepy 1976 sci-fi film "The Man Who Fell To Earth" — a singing and dancing musical (choreographed by Peter Schaufuss) set to debut in that hot bed of Broadway musicals — Denmark! Well forget about it! Today Bowie says that the story is an "absolute toss. I have no idea who Peter Schaufuss is either." And David's publisher, RZO Music, has vehemently denied the reports, saying, "We have licensed absolutely no material written by Mr. Bowie to Schaufuss. We have never been requested to and we do not intend to." Furthermore they say, "We are close to the Walter Tevis Estate and we have first hand knowledge that they have not licensed the musical rights to "The Man Who Fell to Earth" to Schaufuss either." Schaufuss, meanwhile, claims that he has paid cash to secure proper authorization to produce the play. That means it should open in New York as the lawsuits drag through the court system. You can bet that the theatrical gods are pleased!

More More More For The Edge's Auction

U2 guitarist The Edge has assembled an unprecedented collection of music memorabilia for his annual auction to benefit Music Rising, which aids musicians in the Gulf Coast region as they recover from the devastation brought on by recent hurricanes. The Police have just donated a signed guitar to the Music II Auction, which will be held on Saturday, May 31st at the Hard Rock Café in New York. Collectors items from Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Miles Davis, Slash, The Beatles and Johnny Cash are all on the auction block. To learn more about the auction, head to JuliensAuctions.com.

Disciplining Hootchie Mamas

The perfect job for the wife of The Prince Of Darkness — disciplining hootchie mamas! Sharon Osbourne will host the second edition of VH1's "Rock Of Love: Charm School." Truthfully, who better to bitch smack/gently guide the "special" contestants of Bret Michaels' "Rock Of Love" romance series through etiquette classes. Unfortunately it doesn't sound like she'll get to work on Bret Michaels, but at least it's a start!

Ringo Checks Out George's Garden

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was on hand Monday to celebrate the opening of a garden paying tribute to his late bandmate George Harrison at London's 2008 Chelsea Flower Show. The exhibit, "From Life To Life: A Garden For George," was co-designed by Harrison's widow, Olivia. "I think it's a nice gesture for George," said Starr. "He loved the garden." Also in attendance at the event was renowned Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

Quote of The Day

It was Robert Anthony who said: "When you blame others, you give up your power to change."

Top Names Of Kids

The Social Security Administration says that Jacob and Emily were once again the most popular boy and girl names in the U.S. last year. Emily first topped the list in 1996, while Jacob has been the most popular name for a boy since 1999. Jacob is followed by Michael, Ethan, Joshua and Daniel, while Emily is followed by Isabella, Emma, Ava and Madison.

May 22, 2008

Drummer Dallas Taylor, who worked with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, is 72 and glad to be alive.

Elton John's longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin is 58.

On this day in 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis announced he'd married his 13-year-old cousin Myra. It's a wonder she never appeared in "Playboy."

On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" knocked "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" by Herman's Hermits out of the #1 spot on the American charts.

On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" album, considered by many to be their finest, topped the American charts one week after its release.

On this day in 1976, Steely Dan's classic "The Royal Scam" album entered the charts.

On this day in 1997, a reunited Fleetwood Mac taped an "MTV Unplugged" special here in Los Angeles. The concert later became their best-selling "The Dance" album and video.

Stand By, History Buffs

It was on this day:
In 1841, the first reclining chair was patented;
In 1892, the toothpaste tube was invented;
In 1967, "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" debuted on PBS;
And in 1982, John Mellencamp's "Hurts So Good" and Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" were released.
Coincidence? I don't think so! But because of these brave pioneers, today in 2008 you can relax in your reclining chair while wearing your cardigan sweater, playing with a toothpaste tube until... well, you know where this is going!

Tyler Checks In

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler reportedly checked himself into Las Encinas Hospital's drug rehabilitation clinic in Pasadena yesterday for treatment of unspecified substance-abuse problems. The treatment center is where noted addiction medicine specialist and radio talk-show host Dr. Drew Pinsky practices, and it has served as the stage for his "Celebrity Rehab" reality series. The singer was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2003, but did not publicly reveal his situation until late 2006 when he had undergone 11 months of chemotherapy-type treatment to strengthen his immune system. Of course, Tyler's no stranger to addiction. Throughout the Seventies and early Eighties, the singers various addictions garnered him and lead guitarist Joe Perry the nickname "The Toxic Twins." Tyler successfully received several treatments for his disease and was close to 20 years of sobriety before this alleged setback. God speed, Steven!

Real Musicians On Idol Finale

A few KLOS favorites were among the guest performers on last night's season finale of Fox's American Idol. ZZ Top joined eventual winner David Cook for a rendition of "Sharp Dressed Man," Graham Nash did a beautiful duet with Brooke White on his Crosby, Stills & Nash tune "Teach Your Children," and Bryan Adams performed a couple of his songs too.

Pink Floyd Named Polar Winner

Pink Floyd has won the 2008 Polar Music Prize. Judges for the prestigious Swedish music award cited the band's extensive and influential career, including their significant contribution to the, "fusion of art and music in the development of popular culture." Past recipients of the Polar Music Prize include Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin and Elton John. The Floyd, who is sharing the 2008 honor with American opera great Renée Fleming, will be formally recognized at a gala and banquet in Stockholm on August 26th. And no, this doesn't mean Pink Floyd are going to reunite.

Saluting The Who

Some big names have been added to VH1's Rock Honors homage to The Who in July. Pearl Jam, the Foo Fighters and The Flaming Lips will all perform live before Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey unleash The Who on stage. The edited version of the show will air on July 17th on VH1 and VH1 Classic. Tickets for the July 12th L.A. taping go on sale to The Who's fan club on June 6th, and to the general public on June 8th.

GRAMMY GRAMMY

Just in case you were wondering, the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will air live from the Staples Center on February 8th, 2009. The appropriate nominations will be announced on Thursday, December 4th. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.

Quote of The Day

It was Robert Anthony who said: "When you blame others, you give up your power to change."

May 23, 2008

Robert Moog, the guy who made synthesizers manageable, would have been 74.
J. Geils Band bassist Danny Klein is 62.

On this day in 1970, The Beatles' song "The Long And Winding Road" entered the charts on its way to #1 as their farewell album "Let It Be" set a record with 3.7 million advance orders.

On this day in 1979, Tom Petty filed for bankruptcy after MCA bought his old record label and tried to change his personal contract. The result was a new contract and his breakthrough "Damn The Torpedoes" album.

On this day in 1979, The Who's excellent documentary "The Kids Are Alright" debuted in theaters.

On this day in 1981, John Lennon's song "Watching The Wheels" peaked at #10 on the charts.

On this day in 1987, 12 of the 16 former members of The Doobie Brothers gathered for a reunion concert at the Hollywood Bowl to raise money for Vietnam veterans. It marked the first and last time that so many Doobie alumni ever gathered on the same stage.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Grand Funk Railroad as well as more of Joe's conversation with singer/guitarist Mark Farner.

Scoring For Their Scores

You can be sure that The Who's Pete Townshend, former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and former Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin never ever thought about writing TV show theme songs when they first started playing with their bands. But this past Wednesday evening they all scored awards at BMI's 2008 Film & Television Awards here in town. Pete was a three-time honoree at the performance rights organization's bash, nabbing BMI Television Awards for writing the theme songs to CBS' "CSI," "CSI: NY" and "CSI: Miami." Byrne received a Cable Award for his work on the score of HBO's "Big Love," and Rabin took home a Film Award for his compositional contribution to the hit movie "National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Ivors For Phil & David

Singer/drummer Phil Collins of Genesis and singer/guitarist David Gilmour of Pink Floyd were among the honorees at the 53rd annual Ivor Novello Awards. The two were recognized for their career accomplishments at the event's ceremony in London Thursday night. Collins quipped that his nod for International Achievement was a good way to cap things off, repeating his plans to retire from performing. In accepting his Lifetime Achievement award, Gilmour called his professional path, "a long, bumpy, and exhilarating road." The Ivor Novello Awards honor the best in U.K. music, giving special recognition to songwriters and publishers.

Bonnaroo For You (On TV)

Less than a month away from this year's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival the festival's organizers have just signed a three-year deal with the Fuse TV cable channel. That means live highlights and artist interviews from the famed Manchester, Tennessee cow pasture will air on national television for the first time ever, negating your need for sunscreen and insect repellent to enjoy the gig. Of the many, many artists who will be performing between June 12th and 15th, you can count on great sound bites from Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh, The Band's Levon Helm and the Allman Brothers Band's Derek Trucks. Rock on!

A (Big) Brand Name Compilation

June 3rd is the release date for the brand new "Now That's What I Call Classic Rock!" compilation. The CD will feature 20 tracks, including The Who's "My Generation," the Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Fire," Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising," Boston's "More Than A Feeling," Foreigner's "Cold As Ice," Grand Funk Railroad's "We're An American Band," Queen's "We Will Rock You," Heart's "Barracuda," Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water," George Thorogood's "Bad To The Bone" and 10 other legendary hits. It actually sounds like the soundtrack for a great class reunion, doesn't it?

Edgar's Newest

Edgar Winter has just about finished his first new studio album in many years. The 11-track "Rebel Road" album will feature guest appearances by Edgar's legendary brother, blues guitarist Johnny Winter, along with former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and country star Clint Black. No word (yet) if Edgar plans on releasing the new album before touring with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band later this Summer.

Thought For The Weekend

It was French President Charles de Gaulle who said: "The graveyards are full of indispensable men."

Memorial Day

Time for a few thoughts on Memorial Day. The basic problem is that people increasingly take the holidays we celebrate throughout the year for granted, as nothing more than a day you don't have to go to work or school, and a gimmick for advertisers and merchandising. But the reality is that Memorial Day was established to honor all the men and women who have served, are currently serving, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country and our freedoms. It's also a day to pay tribute to the families whose loved ones died, or were taken captive and never returned. We thank them for shouldering this burden, and for giving us our future at the cost of their own. The idea is that this Monday, before you hit the malls, light up the barbecue or hit the road, STOP for a moment and reflect. Remember the heroes, those who came home and the ones who never made it, all of whom helped build and preserve the American dream.

May 24, 2008

Bob Dylan turns 67 today. Bob has released over 42 albums since his self-titled 1962 debut, and it was he alone that introduced lyrics that meant something to pop music.

Guitarist Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes is 39.

On this day in 1963, legendary blues slide guitarist Elmore James died in Chicago of a heart attack at the age of 45.

On this day in 1965, John Lennon published his second volume of prose, "A Spaniard in the Works."

On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Get Back" hit #1 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1969, The Who released their landmark "Tommy" album in the States.

On this day in 1970, founding member/guitar wizard Peter Green quit Fleetwood Mac to become obscure.

On this day in 1974, American jazz great Duke Ellington died in New York from cancer at the age of 75.

On this day in 1979, fans buying tickets to a Genesis benefit show at the Roxy were shocked to find the band members manning the box office.

On this day in 1991, vocalist Gene Clark of The Byrds died in Sherman Oaks at the age of 46.

May 25, 2008

Jazz icon Miles Davis would have been 82.
Scorpions singer Klaus Meine is 60.

On this day in 1968, the second Monterey Pop Festival was canceled because of pressure from the local government and citizenry. In the wake of the cancellation, $52,000 was discovered missing from the previous festival's profits and the festival's bookkeeper, Mrs. Sandra Beebe, couldn't be located. The shock! The horror!

On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin and The Who appeared together in concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Not one person in the crowd could hear anything whatsoever when the show finally finished.

On this day in 1978, The Who performed a second "secret" concert in London for their documentary movie on the band's history, "The Kids Are Alright." That marked Keith Moon's last public performance with the band before his death.

May 26, 2008

Drummer Levon Helm of The Band is 68.
Chanteuse Stevie Nicks is 60.
Lenny Kravitz is 44.

On this day in 1973, Deep Purple's classic song "Smoke on the Water" entered the U.S. singles charts and the consciousness of the Free World.

On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark" entered the charts on its way to becoming his biggest hit single ever at #2. Ironically, it was the last song (of over 100) written and recorded for the "Born In The U.S.A." album.

May 27, 2008

Bassist/keyboardist Pete Sears, most famous for his work with Rod Stewart and Jefferson Starship, is 59.

On this day in 1962, Bob Dylan released his second album, "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," which contained two all time classics: "Blowin' In The Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall."

On this day in 1972, Procol Harum's live version of "Conquistador" entered the U.S. singles charts.

On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' "Miss You," the first single from their forthcoming "Some Girls" album, entered the charts. It went on to become the Stones' third and final #1 hit in the Seventies, and "the song" of the Summer of '78.

On Stage This Week

The Police will be doing their two last Southland shows ever tonight and tomorrow at The Hollywood Bowl. R.E.M. will be playing that same venue on Thursday, and then on Friday, Iron Maiden opens a fierce two-night stand at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

Dr. Sir Paulie

Former Beatle Paul McCartney was one of eight receiving honorary doctorates yesterday at Yale University's Commencement. "Hey Jude" was played as Sir Paulie stepped to the podium to accept his Doctor of Music degree. Yale President Richard Levin told Macca, "Your songs awakened a generation, giving a fresh sound to rock, roll, rhythm and blues." Borrowing a title of a Beatles song he added, "Here, there and everywhere, you have pushed the boundaries of the familiar to create new classics." The crowd gave McCartney a standing ovation as he accepted his degree.

Just Don't Ask Joe About Steven

While the Boston press is rife with reports putting the blame on Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler's girlfriend Erin Brady for his relapse into substance abuse, his longtime bandmate Joe Perry doesn't have a clue. The guitarist frankly said, "I actually haven't talked to [Steven] in a while... We spend most of our time off the road split up — that's just how it goes." Does he know what Tyler's in rehab for? "I'm not sure, but I hope he's doing OK." Other sources suggest that Tyler's numerous health issues over the last few years — including a bout of hepatitis C, two foot surgeries and a procedure on his throat — led to a dependence on painkillers. And as one "friend" said, "He's been in a lot of pain. And she's a party girl. Not a good combination." Meanwhile, Perry is undergoing his own recovery from a total knee-replacement surgery. "I'm about eight or nine weeks out from it," he says. "I still walk with a cane, but I'll be up and running probably within the next month." God speed to both those Aerosmith boys!

Sammy & Satch

We'd been hearing for a while that Sammy Hagar had teamed with acclaimed guitarist Joe Satriani, Red Hot Chili Pepper drummer Chad Smith and former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony. Now Sammy says that the group, under the working name of Chickenfoot, has a recording date. "We've written eight, nine songs. We've just got to go in the studio on September 1st," Hagar said. As for ongoing Van Halen drama, Hagar has reiterated that, "I love Eddie, but we don't love each other. I heard that he got cleaned up again. Hopefully he stays that way and doesn't die, because before we both die, we have to be friends again. But like I said, people have to be level-headed and have to be healthy before you can settle a feud." Although it's "great that they finally did the reunion with Dave," Hagar said he had no desire to take in the show. "Mikey should have been there. It's ridiculous... [and] I'm really not interested in being in that band right now. I'm so much more interested in our little Chickenfoot project," Hagar said. "To me that's 10 times Van Halen, because it's functional, and we all like each other." Doesn't that just say it all?

Billy's Down

Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell had emergency surgery last Wednesday to undergo a partial revision hip replacement. Since Billy's recovery could take another five weeks, Skynyrd has recruited an unidentified old friend to fill in while on the road with Hank Williams Jr. on the Rowdy Frynds Tour.

Old Film/Old Video

The Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead are among the acts featured on "Go Ride the Music & West Pole, a double-DVD set due out on June 24th. The sort-of-in-focus collection features live late-Sixties performances by various Bay Area-based artists that originally aired on TV as two one-hour specials hosted by the legendary music critic, "Rolling Stone" magazine co-founder Ralph J. Gleason. The "Go Ride The Music" portion of the release also includes cameo appearances from David Crosby and Jerry Garcia.

Quote Of The Day

It was Dave Barry who said: "You should not confuse your career with your life."

Creepy Crafters

So much for images of warm and fuzzy cheeseheads! Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cudahy, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee) has been dealing with a rash of stolen plastic flowers from grave sites. The cemetery's director of operations says that "middle-aged" women were seen taking the items, and when asked why, they reportedly said, "We use them to make crafts and decorations." Even though the biddies were given clearance to take anything they want from the cemetery's trash, the thievery problem still exists. Creepy is just one of the words that comes to mind!

May 28, 2008

Blues legend T-Bone Walker, credited as being the first to plug in his guitar and turn the blues electric, would have been 98 today.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty is 63.

On this day in 1966, The Beach Boys incredible "Pet Sounds" album finally entered the charts.

On this day in 1969, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and girlfriend Marianne Faithful were arrested in their London home on marijuana possession charges. Yes, she was naked, but why do you ask?

On this day in 1976, the Allman Brothers Band broke up in disgust after Gregg Allman testified against his road manager who transported his drugs.

On this day in 1977, Bruce Springsteen settled out of court with his former manager, Mike Appel. Their suits and counter-suits had prevented Springsteen from recording for almost two years.

On this day in 1983, the second US Festival opened in Devore. Headliners for each day — Van Halen, David Bowie and The Clash — were paid a cool million dollars each. Last reports were that 237 people are still wandering around the hills, looking for their cars.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Jimi Hendrix as well as Joe's brand new conversation with producer Eddie Kramer.

On Stage This Week

The Police will be doing their last Southland show ever tonight at The Hollywood Bowl. R.E.M. will be playing that same venue on Thursday, and then on Friday, Iron Maiden opens a fierce two-night stand at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

I Scream You Scream

And the newest Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor is: Imagine Whirled Peace! The tribute flavor to John Lennon that you've waited so long for is a concoction of caramel, fudge peace signs and toffee cookie pieces mixed into a sweet ice cream. No word on when Imagine Whirled Peace will be available at your local grocery store, or if Lennon actually liked any of those flavors.

Sir Paulie's Teeth

You can always tell when real news is getting hard to take in jolly old England — they poll the punters for astounding insight into amazing things. Like the fresh results of Britain's National Smile Month 2008 questionnaire where Paul McCartney has won the title for Sexiest Smile in the senior celebrities category. Realistically, just divorcing Heather Mills should have put Sir Paulie on the moon, much less shine his pearly whites. The former Beatle topped (so to speak) actress Helen Mirren, who took second, and Camilla Parker Bowles, who placed third. For the record, Mick Jagger came in last in the survey — but you know he really doesn't care.

Swinging Clubs

Members of Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Cheap Trick and The Moody Blues are confirmed to tee off at the Save The Planet Invitational charity golf tournament next Monday in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The event is part of the opening celebrations for the new Hard Rock Park, and will raise money for the attraction's Rock My World Children's Village.

Quote Of The Day

It was Goodman Ace who said: "Familiarity breeds attempt."

May 29, 2008

Showbiz legend Bob Hope would have been 105 today.
Singer/keyboardist Gary Brooker of Procol Harum is 63.
Danny Elfman, lord of Oingo Boingo and many soundtracks, is 53.
Bass player Mike Porcaro of Toto is 50.
Melissa Etheridge is 47.

On this day in 1942, Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas," which went on to become the biggest selling Christmas song of all time.

On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" hit #1 Stateside, while their "Sticky Fingers" stayed at the top of the albums chart.

On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's classic "Fly Like An Eagle" album entered the charts.

On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley wandered off the stage in the middle of a Baltimore concert, and didn't come back. That marked the first time "The King" used Van Morrison's personal technique for terminating shows.

This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Jimi Hendrix as well as Joe's brand new conversation with producer Eddie Kramer.

On Stage This Week

R.E.M. will be playing at The Hollywood Bowl tonight. Then, tomorrow Iron Maiden opens a fierce two-night stand at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

Hendrix In Town (Sort Of)

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix's first American tour and the release of his classic "Electric Ladyland" album, the Celebrity Vault gallery in Beverly Hills is opening an extremely extensive showing of Hendrix photos tonight. "Hendrix Revealed: A Life Through The Lens," which debuted in London earlier this year, features the work of 17 noted photographers spanning Jimi's 1967 to 1970 career. It includes shots from his iconic performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, as well as a signed, limited-edition of David Montgomery's controversial image (naked ladies!) for the British cover of "Electric Ladyland." You can hear producer/engineer/photographer Eddie Kramer discuss recording Jimi as well as photographing the icon with me on OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson this Sunday evening at 9 on 95.5 KLOS.

Sir Elty/The Who/James Brown/TV

Here's something different for your Summertime viewing: VH1 will actually be programming music features! "VH1 Rock Doc: Elton John: Me, Myself And I" will debut on June 12th with Sir Elty taking viewers on a trip through the highs and lows of his 40-year career. July 17th will see the premiere of "VH1 Rock Honors: The Who featuring Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and their band sharing the stage with Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and The Flaming Lips. A double clinic on live performances — "Classic Concert: James Brown" and "Marvin Gaye: The Real Thing In Performance" — will begin airing next month. Music on TV — kind of a radical idea, wouldn't you say?

Jon's Home

Remember when Yes' Jon Anderson suffered an asthma attack on May 13th? Well the mighty singer just returned home from the hospital late last week, and is reported to be "resting comfortably." Hopefully he'll be back up to full strength for Yes' 40th anniversary Summer tour. Meanwhile, voting will run through June 6th for the finalists of Jon's VH1-sponsored Your Move With Yes contest to select a musician or band to perform onstage with Yes during their upcoming 40th anniversary Summer tour. I'll have Jon on OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson around then to bring us up to date.

Roddy Bucks The System

Not sure where he thinks this is going to take him, but Rod Stewart is butting heads with his record label, J Records, over his desire to record a country-inspired album. "Everybody there is against that, which makes me want to do it even more," the stubborn Scot maintains. And it's not like he doesn't have anything else to do: Roddy will release a pair of concert DVDs and two albums over the next year. Stay tuned to see how much twang is included!

New/Old Kansas

July 1st will see the reissue of Kansas' 1978 concert album, "Two For The Show." The massively expanded double-disc set will feature the live version of "Closet Chronicles" that was cut from the original 1989 single-CD version of the recording, 10 previously unreleased live tracks and a 24-page booklet. But wait — there's more! New Kansas ringtones will be available for purchase so you'll never be without a reminder of those People Of The South Wind!

Quote Of The Day

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

Somewhat Disturbing Mid-Week Factoids

On average, a disposable diaper can hold up to seven pounds (approximately one gallon) of liquid.

On average, an American home has three-to-ten gallons of hazardous materials.

The height of the 984-foot-tall Eiffel Tower varies, depending on the temperature, by as much as 6 inches. And yes ma-am, that's a real 6 inches, not some French guy's estimate.

May 30, 2008

On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "Love Me Do" hit #1 in the States.

On this day in 1968, The Beatles began recording their "White" album by doing 18 takes of "Revolution 1" (John Lennon was hard to please that day).

On this day 1970, the most powerful live album in the history of Rock & Roll, The Who's "Live at Leeds," and The Beatles last album, "Let It Be," both entered the charts.

On this day in 1980, bassist Carl Radle, who played in Clapton's Derek & the Dominos, died from a kidney ailment at the age of 37.

On Stage This Weekend

Friday and Saturday Iron Maiden will be rocking down the walls at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

Tyler Tells (Sort Of)

Sounds like Steven Tyler's foot injuries, not substance abuse, were behind his decision to enter rehab. Word last week was that the Aerosmith frontman checked into a famed Pasadena rehab facility for an unspecified substance abuse problem. But Tyler now says, "The doctors told me the pain in my feet could be corrected but it would require a few surgeries over time." But the "foot repair" pain was intense and the months of rehabilitative care and strain of physical therapy were "traumatic." "I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet." As for the band, Steven said: "There's a new album to record, then another tour to do." While Aerosmith remains a powerful, active entity, the ravages of time have begun to interfere. In 2006, Tyler underwent vocal cord surgery and bass player Tom Hamilton received radiation treatment for throat cancer. This year, after Tyler's most recent surgeries, guitarist Joe Perry underwent knee-replacement surgery. Perhaps Mick Jagger best described the situation when he sang: "What a drag it is getting old."

Edge's Auction

Guitarist/recording icon Les Paul will be among the many guests attending the Icons of Music II Auction fundraiser in New York City tomorrow (Saturday) night. Hosted by U2 guitarist The Edge, the event will benefit the Music Rising campaign that The Edge founded in 2005 to support hurricane-affected musicians, students and parishioners of the Gulf Coast Region. Conducted by Julien's Auctions,the event will be held at the Hard Rock Cafe – New York. Starting at 3pm Saturday, you can watch the auction action live at http://www.juliensauctions.com.

The Top Guitar Songs

There's one big advantage to "Rolling Stone" magazine ranking The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time — it's not based on another silly British poll. Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" was the excellent top choice, followed by Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze," Cream's "Crossroads," The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" and The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" at #5. Van Halen's "Eruption" took the sixth spot, followed by The Beatles "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," The Allman Brothers Band's "Statesboro Blues" and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in at #10. You're right — that's a great list! Now you need to read the magazine for more details.

Lost A Lotta Jewels

Jewelry valued at more than $350,000 and two laptop computers were stolen from former Free/Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke's Greenwich Village apartment over the Memorial Day weekend. Kirke and his family returned from out of town to find the jewels missing and the apartment's front and back doors unlocked with no sign of forced entry. Simon later told the police that he couldn't remember if he'd locked the doors or the safe that had housed the jewelry. Well that sure should make filing the insurance claim a bit easier!

Rush To The (Financial) Rescue

The three guys from Rush are donating $100,000 to help finance the building of the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. The money is actually coming from the ticket sales to this weekend's concert — Rush's first Winnipeg show in 26 years.

Top On TV

You can see ZZ Top performing in the finale of the two-hour NBC-TV special "America United: In Support of Our Troops" this Sunday evening. Meanwhile, the Top's Billy Gibbons and The Doors' Robby Krieger played in a benefit concert last week that was filmed last week for an episode of the Planet Green network's Battleground Earth reality series.

Thought For The Weekend

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Weekend BBQ Factoids

The average American consumes 29.8 pounds of ground beef each year.

McDonald's has sold 12 hamburgers for every person in the world.

The first fast-food hamburger chain in America was White Castle. It's first restaurant opened in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. As of May 19th, 2003, White Castle had sold 15,245,449,464 hamburgers. It had sold a million by 1923 and a billion by 1952. (McDonald's didn't open until 1955.)