 June 21 - 30, 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! June 21, 2008
The Kinks leader Ray Davies is 64. 
On this day in 1966, Britain's top session guitarist, Jimmy Page, made his live debut with The Yardbirds at a show at the Marquee Club in London. His transformation of that group into Led Zeppelin was just two years away. On this day in 1975, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple, the band he had carefully formed seven years earlier. On this day in 1981, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen put Steely Dan on a hiatus that lasted 13 years. On this day in 2001, blues legend John Lee Hooker died in his sleep at the age of 83. Hooker was perhaps the most influential of all the old bluesmen, with songs covered by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, The Doors and many more.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Yes and Joe's brand new conversation with singer Jon Anderson. 
Thorogood To BatA one-time Minor League player, George Thorogood will be batting for charity this weekend. George will join a variety of other celebrities, including actors like Christian Slater, former basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and comedian Carlos Mencia for the annual Hollywood Stars game today at Dodger Stadium after the Los Angeles Dodgers/Cleveland Indians game. Money raised through the Hollywood Stars game will go to the Los Angeles Dodgers Dream Foundation. Let's just hope George doesn't pull any of his guitar-playing muscles! Rush To Walk Of FameRush, The Miracles and The Village People are among the 25 celebrities chosen to be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year. No word on exactly when the Canadian trio's star will be unveiled, but you know that the boys will be here to enjoy the ceremony. Stay tuned! The Biggest Earning Rock Song EverWhat's the biggest earning rock song of all time? New research says Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" is the top dog, having brought in $562 million since it came out in 1971. The eight-minute track remains immensely popular and was even a top download last year after the band put it up on iTunes. It's songwriting royalties from album and DVD sales are figured at about $8.6 million. Radio airplay of an estimated 2.98 million times (that would be 45 years of uninterrupted airtime) should be worth about $2 million in royalties, and another $2 million in royalties should have been collected for ringtones. The song is also reportedly the best-selling piece of sheet music in rock history, earning another million. "Stairway" grossed the most money, however, in DVD and album sales — fans have paid a total of $548 million dollars to buy the discs that feature the track. And since the Zep won't allow the song to be used in commercials, you could say that "Stairway" really isn't living up to its full earning potential. Considering how much this one Led Zeppelin song has earned, do you need to ask why Robert Plant isn't interested in doing a reunion tour for money? Crue Film SidetrackedMotley Crue are back with a new album, a song that's a hit with gamers and their upcoming Crue Fest tour, but the long awaited movie about their lives is going nowhere. Two years ago they announced a deal with MTV Films/Paramount to start production of a biopic based on their best-selling autobiography "The Dirt." But as often happens in Hollywood, the only thing that announcement led to was meetings and more meetings. Now the band is looking for new partners. If you're interested in taking a meeting with them, just know that they'll be on the road until the first of September at the earliest. 
Quote Of The DayIt was Katherine Whitehorn who said: "Outside every thin woman is a fat man trying to get in." Summertime!"Summertime, and the livin' is easy." It was an early one! We celebrated the Summer Solstice at 4:59pm Friday — the first time since 1896 that the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere has occurred before June 21. Both the longest day and shortest night of the year, this marks the official changing of the seasons. "Solstice" is derived from two words: "sol" meaning "sun," and "sistere," meaning "to stand still." On the day of the solstice, the sun rises an imperceptible amount, in a sense, it "stands still." Scary, perhaps, but what an excuse to party! And when it comes to partying, who knew more than the ancients. An utterly astounding array of ancient cultures built their greatest architectural masterpieces specifically to align with the solstices and equinoxes. Stonehenge is a perfect marker of both winter and summer solstices. Native Americans created countless stone structures linked to equinoxes and solstices, including the 20-acre amphitheatre in Vermont called Calendar One and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming. Since the time of the ancients, this time of year — between the planting and harvesting of the crops — has also been the traditional period for weddings. Besides fertility, planting seeds, gathering of herbs, pagan rituals and partying in Santa Barbara, Summer Solstice means so much more here in Southern California. OK, it primarily means bikini waxing and sunscreen, but it is meaningful none-the-less. Just be wary of that fertility thing! June 22, 2008
Todd Rundgren is 60.
On this day in 1847, the doughnut was invented. On this day in 1968, The Jeff Beck Group debuted in New York City. Their lead singer, Rod Stewart, was so nervous he hid behind the speakers for the first few songs. No, there wasn't a young blonde back there with him, but we all know how he likes doughnuts. June 23, 2008
Original Beatle bassist Stuart Sutcliffe would have been 68.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney & Wings wrapped up their "Wings Over America" tour at The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood. Macca didn't tour the States for another 13 years — do you think somebody ticked him off? On this day in 1979, Supertramp's "Breakfast in America" album hit #1 just as The Knack's "My Sharona" entered the charts on its way to #1. On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" album entered the charts on its way to seven weeks at #1. On this day in 1984, Van Halen's all-time driving classic "Panama" entered the singles charts.
On Stage TonightRobert Plant and Alison Krauss are playing the first of two nights at the Greek Theatre tonight. Bruce Keeps WorkingBruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's late Summer tour will begin with a three-night stand at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey in late-July, and conclude on August 30th at the Harley Davidson 105th anniversary festival in Milwaukee. Bruce is touring in support of his 2007 album "Magic," which has sold more than one million copies Stateside. Since launching last October, his tour has grossed nearly $84 million and drawn 873,000 fans to 50 shows. Word is that there's a chance he may roll back through the Southland before the end of the year. Stay tuned! Magical Mystery RecapAn hour-long documentary on the making of The Beatles' 1967 film "Magical Mystery Tour" will be released on September 2nd. The brand new "Magical Mystery Tour Memories" DVD will feature interviews with several people who participated in the movie's production — including actor Victor Spinetti, who also appeared in "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!." "The Magical Mystery Tour" was the first film The Beatles made following the death of their manager, Brian Epstein, in August 1967. The made-for-TV movie was panned as an hour-long stoned-out self-indulgence when it aired in England in December 1967, but the soundtrack album spent eight weeks at #1 in the States and was nominated for the Best Album GRAMMY Award in 1968. While the DVD also promises previously unseen home movies, it's unclear if any Beatles music was approved for the soundtrack. The Nuge Goes HomeIf he was going to do it, then it probably should be for the old hometown crowd. Ted Nugent will play his landmark 6,000th live show at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit on July 4th. The Motor City madman promises, "It is guaranteed to be the most emotional, sensual, grind fest of what you've witnessed so far... The feeling will be indescribable." But we all know that somehow Tedly will come up with the exact words to perfectly capture the moment. U2's First Three AgainU2's first three albums are being re-released on July 22nd. Following the re-mastered release of "The Joshua Tree" last year, guitarist The Edge has overseen a similar re-working of 1980's "Boy," 1981's "October" and 1983's "War," all of which have been re-mastered from the original audio tapes. Each album will be reissued as a standard single CD, a deluxe double version including a disc of B-sides, live tracks and rarities, and an LP version pressed on 180gm virgin vinyl. The packaging for all three titles has been restored and expanded, with new liner notes for each record, previously unseen photos and full lyrics. The only question is whether or not the band's fourth album, 1984's "The Unforgettable Fire," will be re-released in remastered form before the group's "currently in production" new album. Faces Discussing ReunionRod Stewart says that he and his former Faces bandmates, Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones, will be meeting on July 3rd to officially discuss a reunion. Stewart told the British press that, "I admire the way [Led] Zeppelin just did the one show... [The Faces] could probably do one show somewhere and see what reaction we get." Considering it might be their first sober show ever, it's hard to say how hard the boys will be rocking — but if Rod and Ronnie get kicking, it will be highly entertaining! Meanwhile, although Roddy hasn't mentioned his proposed album of country cover songs lately, it does sound like he'll release an album of soul covers just before Christmas 2009.
George Carlin R.I.P.George Carlin, the acerbic, GRAMMY-winning comedian/actor/author whose career spanned more than 50 years, died of heart failure at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica Sunday evening at the age of 71. Carlin, who had a history of heart and drug-dependency problems died about 6pm after being admitted earlier in the afternoon for chest pains. Known for his raunchy but often insightful material, Carlin became an anti-Establishment icon in the Seventies with stand-up bits full of drug references and a routine called "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television." But George's comedic sensibility usually came back to a central theme: humanity is doomed & and he always made you think while you were laughing. He produced 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, three books, a couple of TV shows and appeared in several movies. It was announced just last week that he would receive the 2008 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a Kennedy Center ceremony in November. Carlin's typically wry response: "Thank you Mr. Twain. Have your people call my people." Rest in peace, George, rest in *#&$@*! peace. June 24, 2008
Guitar god Jeff Beck is 64.
On this day in 1965, John Lennon released the follow-up to his first book, "In His Own Write." The book's title, "A Spaniard In The Works," was a play on the phrase "A Spanner In The Works." Because we Americans didn't know "spanner" was another name for a "wrench," the joke was completely lost on us. Oh well... On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' classic album "Some Girls" entered the charts on its way to #1. On this day in 1984, Talking Heads premiered their classic concert movie "Stop Making Sense" directed by Jonathan Demme. On this day in 1996, Van Halen announced that Sammy Hagar had left the band, and that David Lee Roth had returned as a (very) temporary replacement. On this day in 1999, Eric Clapton auctioned off 100 of his guitars to raise money for his Crossroads Clinic in Antigua. The 1956 Fender Stratocaster on which he composed "Layla" fetched a (then) record price of $497,500. On this day in 2000, KISS began auctioning off costumes and props from their 25 years in show business. Last we checked, they still haven't left the building.
On Stage TonightRobert Plant and Alison Krauss are playing their last of two nights at the Greek Theatre tonight. Beatles/Rock Band/Guitar HeroWord is that both Rock Band and Guitar Hero are discussing the possibility of a Beatles-themed video game with reps for the Fab Four. While an executive at Sony, which holds more than 200 of the English group's copyrights, says a deal could be reached within a few weeks, officials with The Beatles' Apple Corps and EMI, which owns the band's master recordings, aren't commenting. Since breaking up in 1970, The Beatles have been extremely slow in embracing new technology, and very selective in making licensing agreements. The band was one of the last of the classic rock giants to release its catalog on CD, and Beatles material still isn't available digitally. Stay tuned! The Donald Courts The HeatherGood Lord. Word is that Heather Mills (briefly known as Mrs. Paul McCartney) may be competing in this Fall's "Celebrity Apprentice." The "New York Post" reports that, "[Donald] Trump really likes her, so he was into the idea." Yup. Sounds like a swinging deal for sure! Fogerty's RecordingThey'll be recording tonight's John Fogerty concert at London's Royal Albert Hall for a CD/DVD package due out later this year. The gig will be the last of the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman's European tour. Next up is a swing through North American in August. Viggo/Sheryl/Rick/HorsesA new 27-minute documentary short called "Saving the American Wild Horse," starring Viggo Mortensen and Sheryl Crow, will debut on the Documentary Channel's "Primetime Premieres" on July 7th. Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen contributed to the soundtrack of the film, which examines the government's policies regarding wild horses on public land. Sir Elty Helps WhalesIf you've never been to Sea World, take my word that beluga whales are the coolest creatures. Or take Elton John's word for it. Sir Elty is backing a project to research and preserve an endangered variety of belugas that live in Alaskan waters. He even allowed information from the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Conservation Fund to be distributed at his recent concerts. If that weren't enough, his namesake, Sir Elton John Beluga, is a very vocal beluga whale. A lovable vocal large white whale — it was meant to be.
Quote Of The DayIt was Diane Sawyer who said: "I have a photographic memory. But I don't have same-day service." Sleep/NotA brand new survey by 1800Mattress.com found that 38% of those polled admitted to falling asleep while at work. In order to improve your sleep quality, 1800Mattress.com recommends doing your best to stay on a regular pattern of going to sleep and getting up to within a one-hour window for consistency, establishing a regular routine to follow before sleep to help train the body to wind down and to prepare for sleep, and keeping your bedroom between 65 and 70 degrees because cooler environments are more conducive to prolonged sleep. And perhaps take fewer on-line polls. June 25, 2008
Original Moody Blues bassist Clint Warwick is 66.
On this day in 1966, The Troggs' "Wild Thing" entered the American Top 40, scaring the bejesus out of melodic pop combos everywhere. It eventually peaked at #1. On this day in 1967, The Beatles performed "All You Need is Love" live on the first worldwide satellite television broadcast. Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Keith Moon, among others, were on hand to help (or be seen). On this day in 1969, guitarist Mick Taylor played his first gig as Brian Jones' replacement in The Rolling Stones. The Colosseum in Rome was the venue. On this day in 1984, Patti Scialfa joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as a back-up singer, four days before the "Born in the USA" world tour began. On this day in 1994, Boston's fourth album, "Walk On," entered the charts a mere eight years after the band's "Third Stage." On this day in 1994, Chet Helms, who founded and managed Big Brother & The Holding Company with Janis Joplin, died in San Francisco of complications from a stroke at age 62. It was Helms who staged the free concerts at Golden Gate Park that became the backdrop for the Summer of Love in 1967. Chet was also instrumental in helping bands like the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Country Joe & The Fish develop the "San Francisco Sound."
On Stage TonightTom Petty & The Heartbreakers along with Steve Winwood are playing the Hollywood Bowl tonight. Wrecking Crew TodayMembers of the famed Wrecking Crew, the studio band featured on hundreds of Los Angeles recordings in the Sixties, will be inducted into the Hollywood Rockwalk today. The ensemble — which at times included such master musicians as guitarists Glen Campbell and Al Casey, keyboardists Leon Russell and Dr. John, sax players Plas Johnson and Steve Douglas, bassist Max Bennett, guitar and bass player Carol Kaye, and drumming gods Hal Blaine and Jim Gordon — are credited with creating Phil Spector's famed "Wall Of Sound." They also worked with the Beach Boys as well as The Mamas & The Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, The Monkees, The Byrds, Sonny & Cher and the Carpenters. The Wrecking Crew's Rockwalk induction is set for noon at the Guitar Center Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard. Best/Worst Cover Songs EverThe Jimi Hendrix Experience's rendition of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" from the 1968 album "Electric Ladyland" has topped "Total Guitar" magazine's list of the Best Covers Ever. The Beatles followed with their take on "Twist And Shout." On the flipside, Celine Dion's performance of AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long," which she sang with Anastasia at the 2002 VH1 Divas Las Vegas benefit show, has been named the Worst Cover Ever. The U.K. rock publication describes that particular tune as "vile" and "sacrilege." You'll find the lists of the Best and Worst Covers Ever in the current issue of "Total Guitar," but be forewarned that the Brits get more than just a "little weird" with their lists (ie. It's a wonder Celene didn't bump out Jimi on the "Best" list). Send In The F.B.I.Last week, California blogger Kevin Skwerl briefly posted nine leaked Guns N' Roses "Chinese Democracy" album tracks on his site, including three previously unheard songs. The resulting flood of traffic soon crashed out his Internet Service Provider and garnered the idiot a cease-and-desist letter threatening possible legal action. But wait — there's more! Monday, Skwerl was surprised by two F.B.I. agents who paid a visit to his day job, and later inspected his home. So what is Mr. About To Be Sued Into The Stone Age have to say about it? "It's a legal grey area since it wasn't for download, it wasn't a finished product. We aren't sure who owns the recordings. I feel like I might survive this." Riiiiiiiiight. Chief Justice Quotes DylanChief Justice John Roberts quoted the master in his dissenting opinion on a ruling this week. The case dealt with collection agencies being able to sue customers when they have no financial stake in the matter, about which Roberts wrote: "The absence of any right to the substantive recovery means that respondents cannot benefit from the judgment they seek and thus lack Article III standing." He clarified that by noting, "'When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose.' Bob Dylan, "Like a Rolling Stone," on "Highway 61 Revisited" (Columbia Records 1965)." While those lyrics are officially correct, in the song itself, Dylan sings "When you ain't got nothing, you got nothing to lose" — but I can't imagine anyone is going to object! Who To Tour (But Not Here)Don't know whether or not this is a sign of more to come, but The Who have scheduled a four-show Japanese mini-tour in mid-November. Stay tuned! 17 Long Ass YearsBet you thought Guns N' Roses's 13-years in production "Chinese Democracy" held the record for the longest in production album in history. Nope! After a full 17 years in the making, Peter Gabriel's "Big Blue Ball" collaborative album finally came out yesterday. The eclectic music features artists from all over the world, so it's no surprise that only half the songs are in English. Others are in Arabic, Congolese, Hungarian, Swahili and Madagascar languages. Wonder how long it would take Axl Rose to translate his material into those tongues?
Quote Of The DayIt was "Dennis The Menace" cartoonist Hank Ketcham who said: "Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it, but don't swallow it." Naked Cowboy's SuingFor years, a unique fellow known as The Naked Cowboy has been dancing around Times Square in his underwear, cowboy boots and hat, playing goofy songs on his guitar. Imagine his surprise when he first saw M&M's billboards featuring a blue M&M wearing only a hat, boots, undies and a guitar! So of course the infamous New York City street performer is suing Mars Inc. for trademark infringement, contending they stole his signature look. On Monday, the case was approved to be taken to trial, to which the Naked one said "Sounds like I've got $4 million coming my way." Meanwhile, in a poll taken by "People" magazine, 67% of readers found the blue M&M sexier than The Naked Cowboy. Right so! June 26, 2008
Chicago blues pioneer Big Bill Broonzy would have been 115.
On this day in 1963, John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote "She Loves You" in a hotel room in Newcastle, England. On this day in 1964, The Beatles released their "A Hard Day's Night" album, which was sold in either a stereo or mono mix. In fact, only the instrumental tracks were issued in stereo or mono — The Beatles' songs were mixed in mono on both versions. On this day in 1973, British police raided Keith Richards' London home, where they discovered guns, ammunition and Chinese heroin. The Rolling Stones guitarist was immediately arrested with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg. On this day in 1973, singer Marsha Hunt named Mick Jagger in a paternity suit in London. Hunt claimed the Rolling Stone was the father of her then-two-year-old daughter. A blood test proved otherwise and the lawsuit against Jagger was dismissed. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Led Zeppelin as well as conversation with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.
Brian's Paper PublishedLooking for some light Summer reading? This isn't it. The thesis that earned Queen guitarist Brian May his Ph.D. in astronomy from London's Imperial College last year will be published for human consumption next week. "A Survey Of Radial Velocities In The Zodiacal Dust Cloud" details May's decades-long study of the phenomenon known as the Zodiacal Light. Man, just spelling "Zodiacal" was enough of a challenge for me! AC/DC ExhibitEver wonder what AC/DC looked like when they first got going? The Blender Gallery in Sydney is hosting an AC/DC Exposed exhibition featuring photographs by the famed Aussie shutter-bug Philip Morris. Philip's work includes shots of the band's original line-up, publicity photos for their early albums "High Voltage" and "Jailbreak," previously unseen pictures from the studio sessions for "Dirty Deeds" and photos of the group's last live show with Bon Scott. You'd think an exhibition like that would be headed Stateside in time for the release of the new AC/DC album, wouldn't you? For more info on the Aussie show, head to Blender.com.au. Neil Likes ItThe soundtrack to the Neil Young-directed Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tour documentary, "CSNY: Déjà Vu," will be out on July 22nd. The movie itself spotlights the quartet's 2006 Freedom of Speech Tour, which ruffled a few political feathers with its protest songs. But Young claims that the raw-sounding disc is the best album the group has ever made. "The basic mixes are the mixes that people heard when we were playing it. So it's got rough spots all the way through it, which I think is refreshing, especially considering the subject matter." The movie hits theaters on July 25th — the same day it's released on home video. Selling The PriestJudas Priest's latest studio effort, "Nostradamus," has become the band's highest-charting album ever on the Billboard 200. The double-disc concept album sold about 42,000 units in its debut week to land at #11 on the chart. They'll be loudly performing much of that new music on August 30th at the Glen Helen Pavilion. George/B.B./ElvinGeorge Thorogood, B.B. King and Allman Brothers Band guitarists Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks are among those making guest appearances on Elvin Bishop's upcoming album, "The Blues Roll On," which is due out September 23rd.
Quote Of The DayIt was Douglas Adams who said: "I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." Carlin TributesThree of the HBO channels are running most of George Carlin's 14 comedy specials over the next few days, including one 12-hour marathon on Saturday. Also on Saturday, "Saturday Night Live" will pay tribute to George by airing the show's very first program from October, 1975. Carlin hosted the NBC show's inaugural broadcast, which featured Gilda Radner, John Belushi and Chevy Chase as members of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players." Meanwhile, here's the link to Jerry Seinfeld's "New York Times" piece on George. Another interesting insight comes from Britt Allcroft, producer of the PBS children's show "Shining Time Station." These are both well worth checking out! June 27, 2008
Captain Kangaroo, Bob Keeshan, would have been 81.
On this day in 1949, Gene Autry recorded "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' self-titled debut album entered the British charts, two months after it was released. On this day in 1970, seven weeks after the Kent State Massacre that it was written about, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's blistering "Ohio" was released. On this day in 1970, the English band Smile made its performance debut under its new name, Queen. On this day in 1971, the legendary Fillmore East in New York City closed. Performers on the last night included The Allman Brothers Band, The Beach Boys, J. Geils Band and Mountain. On this day in 1976, John Lennon finally received his green card. On this day in 1977, Led Zeppelin played the last of seven legendary nights at the Forum in Los Angeles. On this day in 1978, at a special ceremony, UNICEF named Kansas as its first musical ambassadors of goodwill. Not having been told anything about the honor, the band was extremely surprised! On this day in 1989, occasional Eagle Don Henley released his classic "The End Of The Innocence" solo album. On this day in 1989, The Who performed the rock opera, "Tommy" in its entirety for the first time in 19 years at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The revived show raised money for a children's charity as well as the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. On this day in 1993, Lyle Lovett married Julia Roberts — you go boy! On this day in 2002, rock's greatest bass player, John Entwistle of The Who, died in his sleep from a heart attack in Las Vegas on the eve of the band's North American tour. He was only 57 years old.
On Stage TonightMark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame and his excellent solo band will be playing the Greek Theatre tonight. On Stage SaturdayCheap Trick will anchor the Sgt. Pepper's... Revisited concert at the Hollywood Bowl Saturday evening. The performance with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra will feature a complete re-creation of the legendary Beatles album. Mandela's 90thHe may be in declining health, but Nelson Mandela's birthday is not going unnoticed. Today's star-studded outdoor concert in London's Hyde Park, featuring Queen + Paul Rodgers and Annie Lennox among others, will cap a weeklong birthday bash for the former South African president/Nobel Peace Prize laureate who turns 90 on July 18th. The concert coincides with the 20th anniversary of London's Free Mandela concert which called for his release from prison. Proceeds from today's concert — hosted by actor Will Smith — will benefit the 46664 campaign, an AIDS charity named for the prison number Mandela wore while imprisoned for 27 years during South Africa's apartheid regime. Highlights of the event will air Monday on VH1. As part of the weeklong fundraising activities, a dinner was held for Mandela on Wednesday with a guest list that included former President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker, and Sir Elton John, who sang "Happy Birthday To You" as part of his performance. Devo's McSuingYesterday it was New York's Naked Cowboy taking legal action over a misuse of his image, today it's Devo. The Seventies icons have sued McDonald's after the hamburger giant used the band's likeness in a Happy Meal toy without permission. Last April, McDonald's gave away lame "American Idol"-themed toys that had little plastic figures dressed up to represent different musical genres, including New Wave Nigel. Any idiot could see that the upside down red flower pot hat on Nigel's head was identical to Devo's iconic "energy domes" made famous in their "Whip It" video. Devo bassist (and "energy dome" creator) Gerald Casale says, "they didn't ask us anything. Plus, we don't like McDonald's, and we don't like "American Idol," so we're doubly offended." Making matters worse, New Wave Nigel's orange jumpsuit and sunglasses were strikingly similar to Devo's famous wardrobe. Sounds like McD's will be de-evolutionized from some big burger money! AC/DC's Product's RollingWith AC/DC's still to be named new album coming out this Fall, the rollout of their catalog product is just ramping up. Thus the double-disc "AC/DC DVD Collector's Box" documentary package has just been announced for an August 5th release. The set contains two previously unavailable TV programs: "And Then There Was Rock" (featuring Bon Scott on lead vocals) and "Back In Black: Classic Album Under Review" (featuring Brian Johnson on lead vocals). Each program contains rare and obscure footage, exclusive interviews, location shoots and studio/live versions of the band's best loved tunes. Or so they say. Too Much MoneyWhen Van Halen asked for $1.6 million to perform on Canada's Prince Edward Island on Labor Day weekend, the tourism minister was ready to pay. However, when the price kept getting jacked up, eventually hitting $4 million, the local government decided the concert wouldn't be a wise use of taxpayer dollars. The tourism minister told the press that when the Eagles (who share management with the Halens) signed for a similar amount to play a neighboring town, Van Halen wanted to match their price. He flat out declared, "We didn't believe Van Halen was at the same level." And so it goes.
Quote Of The DayIt was Bill Gates who said: "Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one." June 28, 2008
On this day in 1969, Crosby, Stills & Nash's debut album entered the charts as Stephen Stills was reconnecting with his Buffalo Springfield bandmate, Neil Young. Neil was, of course, talked into joining CS&N shortly thereafter. On this day in 1975, The Eagles' "One of These Nights" album entered the charts on its way to five weeks at #1. On this day in 1975, David Bowie released the song he cowrote with John Lennon, "Fame." It finally hit #1 on the charts on September 20th (real fame took a lot more time back in those days). On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton and Elton John co-headlined a concert at London's Wembley Stadium. The event marked Elton's first public outing since undergoing painful hair transplants. Oh, the courage he demonstrated! June 29, 2008
Deep Purple's drummer, Ian Paice, is 60.
On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were found guilty of trumped-up drug charges in London. The British music scene would never be the same. On this day in 1968, Pink Floyd's second album, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was released and they headlined at the first-ever large scale free rock concert in London's Hyde Park. Jethro Tull and T-Rex were also in the show's line-up. On this day in 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its last concert together on the final day of the three-day Denver Pop Festival at Mile High Stadium (an appropriate name indeed). On this day in 1974, Neal Peart replaced original Rush drummer John Rutsey as the band was about to leave on their first big tour. On this day in 1975, bassist/lyricist Roger Waters spit on the audience during a Pink Floyd show. He later said that experience inspired the multi-million selling "The Wall" album. Maybe good manners don't really matter after all. On this day in 1978, Peter Frampton survived a Bahamian car crash, although his career took a pretty severe hit. On this day in 1979, Little Feat leader (and master musician) Lowell George died of a heart attack at the age of 34. On this day in 1998, George Harrison announced that he had been receiving radiation treatment for throat cancer caused by smoking. June 30, 2008
Former Dire Straits rhythm guitarist Hal Lindes is 58.
On this day in 1956, Chuck Berry's classic "Roll Over Beethoven" entered the singles chart for the first time. On this day in 1975, Gregg Allman married Cher four days after she divorced Sonny Bono. Ten days later, she divorced Allman too. On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen kicked off his "Born In The U.S.A." tour in Minnesota as "Dancing in the Dark" peaked at #2 on the singles charts. On this day in 1989, the surviving Beatles sued for an injunction against Dave Clark, formerly of The Dave Clark Five, banning him from selling copies of the old Ready Steady Go! TV show featuring The Beatles. The case was eventually settled out of court. On this day in 2001, guitar god Chet Atkins died at the age of 77 in Nashville from complications of cancer. Chet was THE most recorded solo instrumentalist in history, with more than 75 albums of guitar instrumentals to his credit and more than 75 million albums sold worldwide. He played on hundreds of hit records, including those of Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Sr.. He collaborated with a wide range of artists including Sir Paul McCartney. His business acumen and guitar style influenced generations of country and rock musicians alike. Remember the first time you ever saw a picture of The Beatles performing? That was a Chet Atkins model Gretsch guitar George Harrison was playing.
Tyler Tells TruthSteven Tyler has finally admitted that he sought the "safe environment" of rehab last month to recover from a dependency on pain and sleep medication. In late May the Aerosmith frontman announced that he checked into the Pasadena rehab facility to recover from multiple surgeries to correct longtime foot injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident and his extremely physical performances. "To have your feet done, to have your leg done, you have to be on narcotics," Tyler said. "You have to be on sleep aids at night. I don't know about Joe (Perry who had a knee replaced in May) but I was off and running and I didn't like the me that was me." The 60-year-old Tyler famously survived incredibly heavy substance abuse in the Seventies and early Eighties, and successfully completed rehabilitation in 1986. After that, Aerosmith enjoyed the biggest successes of their career. Great to have you back Mr. Tyler! KISS Dropped In To Say HiKISS briefly visited with U.S. military personnel last Thursday at Germany's Spangdahlem Air Base en route to their concert in Luxembourg that evening. The band signed autographs for a number of troops before hopping back on their KISS jet and heading to the gig. No word if the name "Spangdahlem" is what initially drew their attention, but God bless 'em just the same! More Osbourne TVHow can we miss them if they never go away? Lovable metal lunkhead Ozzy Osbourne's family, who gained worldwide fame with their reality series on MTV, have a weekly variety show in the works. Word is that the program is loosely modeled after the hit Sonny & Cher show of the late Sixties and early Seventies, while also adding new concepts from different international variety shows. Manager/family matron Sharon Osbourne has signed Fremantle Media to produce the weekly series, and they say that four major networks have expressed interests in buying its rights. Wonder who owns the publishing to Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" nugget? Tedly's Big Mouth (Again)One would correctly think that gun rights advocates were generally thrilled with last week's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that Americans have the right to own guns for personal use. But not the raving publicity hound/loudest guitarist from Waco who was just re-elected to a fifth term on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association! There was Ted Nugent desperately looking for anyone willing to listen to him blast the four dissenting Supreme Court justices, referring to them as a "lunatic fringe of anti-freedom Americans." Of course he didn't stop there, but it isn't as if he had anything like a career to promote. Syd Tribute BrewingLooks like his hometown is finally going to get around to honoring the late Syd Barrett. "The City Wakes" tribute to the founding Pink Floyd member will take place in Cambridge, England this Fall. Planned events will include a concert and guided tours of Pink Floyd-related landmarks, among other activities. Two specific art exhibits are being developed: one of Syd's own psychedelic paintings, and another featuring the work of famed album cover artist Storm Thorgerson. A new book, with interviews with Barrett's family and friends along with some of his drawings and letters, is also in the works. You might want to check out http://TheCityWakes.org.uk.
Quote Of The DayIt was Yogi Berra who said: "If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's gonna stop them." Word Games
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