August 11 - 20, 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!
August 11, 2008
Original Guess Who bassist Jim Kale is 65.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd recorded "Apples and Oranges" at Abbey Road Studios. The song became their third single and was truly as lame as the title would lead you to believe.
On this day in 1973, Joe Walsh released the song "Rocky Mountain Way" as The Edgar Winter Group released "Free Ride."
On this day in 1984, "Cover Me" by Bruce Springsteen entered the singles chart.
AC/DC's Video
If you're going to be in London, England tomorrow, here's your big chance! AC/DC are doing a cattle call for fans to participate in a video shoot for the "Rock N' Roll Train" song from their upcoming album. Hey, there's nothing like authentic, cheap laborers when you're making a music video!
Beatles Top A Final Poll
No, this isn't another one of those silly Brit polls. The Beatles' "Abbey Road" has topped the Rollingstone.com readers' poll of Favorite Final Albums. The September 1969 release, described as "the runaway winner" in the survey, was the second-to-last album the group issued — but all of the material came from their final recording sessions, so it's considered to be their final album. The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Electric Ladyland" took second place on the list, followed by Nirvana's finale, "In Utero." The Police, "Synchronicity" held the #8 spot, while Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" rounded out the list of 15.
Cooper Down/Not Out
As happens from time to time on stage, Alice Cooper took a fall during his Redman, Oregon show late last month. Being ever the pro, Alice shook the fall off, finished the concert and played a few more gigs after that one. But after some prodding by his crew, Mr. Cooper finally visited a doctor — only to learn that he had suffered a broken rib and some ligament damage from the tumble! The doc advised three weeks off, but our Coop said no to that! Besides, he's got a show in Casper, Wyoming tomorrow!
A Bronze Nuge
If you've got some shelf space and like to explain your actions to friends and family members, KnuckleBonz.com is releasing a limited-edition sculpture of Ted Nugent in his iconic white trousers and suspenders (and mouth agape). Only 3,000 of these treasures will be made in time to ship for the holidays, so don't delay! Oh, by the way... if they don't sell out fast enough, Tedly may just melt 'em down to make some serious bullets or arrowheads!
More New/Old Who
Guitarist Pete Townshend has been very busy going through The Who's archives. His next release on DVD and Blu-Ray disc will be "The Who: Kilburn 1977." Due out on November 18th, the film features the band's original line-up performing a December 1977 show in the Kilburn section of London. The DVD will also include footage of The Who's first full performance of their concept album "Tommy" in 1969 at a different venue in Kilburn.
Quote Of The Day
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."
August 12, 2008
Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler is 59.
On this day in 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. The world's first bootleg and royalty lawsuits were just around the corner.
On this day in 1960, Pete Best became the drummer of the Silver Beetles. With Ringo Starr around the corner, Pete didn't last much longer than that band name.
On this day in 1967, Fleetwood Mac made their live debut at London's National Jazz & Blues Festival. The festival's headliners were two British artists who were neither blues nor jazz: Donovan and Pink Floyd. Oh, the Sixties!
On this day in 1969, Eric Clapton's supergroup Blind Faith made their live U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden. Too much too soon: they were doomed before they played their first note.
On this day in 1972, "Honky Cat" by Elton John entered the singles chart.
Super Bowl/Super Bruce
Sure, sure, the Super Bowl might be six months away, but lots of folks are talking about who will play the half-time show. Word out of New York puts Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band on that big stage. Until someone speaks up in an official manner, all you can count on is that Super Bowl XLIII will take place in Tampa on February 1st, 2009.
A Shrinking Stone
Say what you will about "Rolling Stone" magazine's editorial meanderings, but the iconic music rag is really shrinking. Start with the October 30th issue, the 41-year-old "Rolling Stone" will switch from its traditional large format to the standard size used by most other magazines. Founder, publisher and editor Jann Wenner says that while the magazine has "evolved," its "core tradition, the mission, remains the same." "Rolling Stone" will also be adding 16 to 20 more pages to each issue. For an estimate on how many of those new pages will be filled with ads for male sexual enhancement products, just check out the latest issue of "L.A. Weekly" magazine.
Metallica's Ready To Roll
Good news from Metallica! The band has finished mixing and mastering their upcoming album, "Death Magnetic," which comes out on September 12th, and they'll start an indoor arena tour of the States and Canada October 21st. Preliminary indications are that they'll hit the yet-to-open 11,000 seat Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario on December 12th and good old The Forum on December 17th.
Tiny Top Tour
As expected, ZZ Top will kick off their In Your Face theater tour on September 26th. As of now, the scheduled dates stretch through a November 1st Amarillo gig. Guitarist Billy F Gibbons said, "Earlier this year, because of a routing quirk, we accepted a 'fill-in' date at a little old theater in Knoxville. That experience reminded us of our roots, both in terms of a stripped-down, gut-bucket musical approach and the direct connection with the people who came to see us. So we said, 'why not do this on a more extended basis and have some real fun?'" As for a Southland theater stop, the boy's only current SoCal date is their Love Ride 25 gig with the Foo Fighters on October 26th at the Fairplex in Pomona. Let's hope they come back for a Christmas show (or three)!
Allman's Suing
Members of the Allman Brothers Band are suing UMG Recordings over profits from CD and digital sales of the band's early work, recorded when the group was under contract with Capricorn Records. ABB members Gregg Allman, Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson, Butch Trucks and former singer/guitarist Dickey Betts are behind the suit, which contends that they haven't been paid "at the correct royalty rate" (50%) for discs, downloads, and ringtones. The wronged Brothers are seeking over $13 million.
New/Old Classic U2 Video
"Live at Red Rocks," U2's first concert video (and a true classic), will at long last be released on DVD on September 29th. The film of the 1983 concert in a rain shower at the famed Colorado venue will also include five unreleased tracks and a director's commentary. Additionally, the band will also reissue their "Under a Blood Red Sky," a 1983 collection of live recordings from three shows on the young group's War Tour through Europe and America. In case you missed the pattern here, you can expect all of U2's old material to be reissued before their newest album is officially announced for a November release.
Quote Of The Day
It was Bill Cosby who said: "A word to the wise ain't necessary — it's the stupid ones who need advice."
August 13, 2008
On this day in 1952, Blues maven Big Mama Thornton recorded the original version of "Hound Dog," which soon became a #1 R&B hit. But little did the world know, Elvis Presley was just waiting in the wings!
On this day in 1964, The Kinks entered the U.K. charts for the first time with "You Really Got Me."
On this day in 1965, the Jefferson Airplane made their live debut at San Francisco's Matrix Club. Marty Balin, the group's vocalist and guitarist, owned the club, thus making the audition process go a lot smoother.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles' best album to date, "Revolver," hit #1 on the British charts, while anti-Beatlemania raged Stateside following John Lennon's remark that the group was "more popular than Jesus."
On this day in 1973, Jethro Tull's "A Passion Play" album hit #1.
On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band began their legendary five-night, two shows per evening stand at New York's Bottom Line club, setting the stage for the breakthrough success of "Born To Run" two weeks later.
On this day in 1977, "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, Bachman Turner Overdrive announced they were splitting up, sending all of Canada into mourning.
On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones released "Start Me Up" from their "Tattoo You" album.
Queen + Paul Did It All
Word is that Queen + Paul Rodgers' upcoming album, "The Cosmos Rocks," features Rodgers, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor's co-production. The trio also co-wrote all of the songs and played all the instruments on the 14-track disc. The album, which is dedicated to late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, will be released October 14th in the States and Canada and September 15th elsewhere.
Steve & Joey Play The Game
Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and drummer Joey Kramer will be performing during the finale of the Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Rocks The Hard Rock competition in Boston on August 25th. Before that, they'll award a custom-made Red Wing motorcycle that Tyler designed to the video-game contest's grand prize winner.
One Big Ass Sale
The Beatles' first contract with manager Brian Epstein and the piano that the band used while recording the group's self-titled "White Album" and the single "Hey Jude" are among the items going up for bid at The Fame Bureau's Rock 'N' Roll Auction in London. The contract dates back to 1962, and includes the signatures of all four Beatles as well as those of Harold Hargreaves Harrison and James McCartney, who had to co-sign because their sons were under the age of 21. While group members signed the document in January 1962, Epstein didn't sign until that October — after he secured a record deal for the band. The contract has an estimated value of $600,000 - $800,000 just like the Bechstein Grand Piano the band used in Abbey Road Studios. In addition to The Beatles, Elton John, David Bowie, Queen and Supertramp are among those who also used the keyboard. The Rock 'N' Roll Auction, which will also feature the first guitar Jimi Hendrix set on fire on stage, one of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's drum kits, a set of Elvis Presley's fingerprints and the late Doors frontman Jim Morrison's last writings, will take place on September 4th.
Chuck's House Of Rock
The Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has finally recommended that the modest, one-story red-brick house that Rock & Roll legend Chuck Berry bought in 1950 be considered for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Experts say Berry and his family lived in the home in the city's Ville neighborhood during his most productive early songwriting period. It was in that house that Berry developed his distinctive guitar style, rehearsed, wrote and recorded many of his classic songs including "Maybelline," "Johnny B. Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven." Sure Berry sold the house in 1958, but why did it take the preservationists so long to make the National Register move?
Chapman's Parole Denied
The man who killed John Lennon, Mark David Chapman, has been denied parole for the fifth time. The Attica parole board decided that although Chapman has had a clean record since 1994, his release "would not be in the best interest of the community." Earlier this week, Yoko Ono lobbied against the murderer's release. Chapman will serve at least two more years on his 20-years-to-life sentence for the 1980 slaying before he'll be up for parole again.
Quote Of The Week
It was Napoleon Bonaparte who observed that "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."
Three Animal Quickies
* A hare can travel up to 45 miles per hour, whereas the rabbit can achieve an average speed of just 35 miles per hour.
* The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds.
* The elephant is the only mammal that can't jump.
August 14, 2008
Singer/guitarist David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Byrds fame, is 67 and still living large!
Bassist Tim Bogart of Vanilla Fudge fame is 64.
Comic god Steve Martin is 63.
On this day in 1962, Ringo Starr was nearing the end of a three-month engagement with Rory Storm & the Hurricanes when he was approached by The Beatles manager Brian Epstein about replacing drummer Pete Best. Much to Pete's chagrin, Ringo started four days later.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles released the song "Help," Bob Dylan released "Like A Rolling Stone" and The Animals released "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place." What a day!
On this date in 1965, The Beatles taped an appearance for CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show." Recording at Studio 50 in New York City, they performed "I Feel Fine," "I'm Down," "Act Naturally," "Ticket to Ride," "Yesterday" and "Help!" The program was broadcast on September 12th, for the season-opener of "The Ed Sullivan Show."
On this day in 1971, Rod Stewart's classic "Maggie May" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's "Rock 'N Me" entered the singles chart as Peter Frampton's album "Frampton Comes Alive" hit #1.
On this day in 1982, "Keep The Fire Burnin'" by REO Speedwagon peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1985, Michael Jackson snookered Paul McCartney by bidding $47.5 million for the ATV music publishing catalog and the Northern Songs Catalogue of The Beatles' copyrights, which included 251 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
N.Y.C. Rock Hall
With the East Coast bias that the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame selection committee has always shown, you shouldn't be surprised that the Hall's first Rock Annex will open in the Big Apple this November. Billy Joel joined New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at yesterday's press conference to announce that the annex to the iconic Cleveland museum would be in the SoHo section of the city, which is home to Hall Of Famers Paul Simon, Blondie, the Velvet Underground and Joel himself. The outpost will feature a host of exhibits and artifacts, including an Elvis Presley motorcycle jacket, the piano John Lennon used at the Record Plant recording studio, a handwritten Jim Morrison poem, the phone booth from the famous New York punk club CBGB, one of Eric Clapton's acoustic guitars and Bruce Springsteen's first car — a 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible. With luck, a Los Angeles annex should be announced next year.
Sammy's Real Hawaiian Grill
Sammy Hagar just opened his Beach Bar & Grill at Maui's Kahului International Airport with plans to donate the profits to local community children's charities. The 4,000 square-foot eatery is the first of the former Van Halen frontman's signature restaurants to be part of an airport.
"In Lap Of The Gods"
Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour says his first extensive solo tour last year "was the most satisfying and enjoyable experience in my touring life. I think on the last solo record ('About Face') I made back in '84, I was a bit nervous about the Pink Floyd thing and wanted to stay away from it, whereas most of what the Pink Floyd thing is is a sound that I love. On (2006's 'On An Island') I finally got to a place where I felt free from any pressure either way from that whole specter." His latest recording, "Live In Gdansk," will be released in five different CD and DVD packages on September 16th. "I want to get ('Live in Gdansk') completely put to bed before I even worry about anything new," Gilmour says. "I've got a lot of material left over, so... I've got a lot of start points... But how many of them I will actually use is anyone's guess. That's in the lap of the gods."
A Word From Woodie
The Rolling Stones' Ron Wood is hoping his seventh stint in rehab will finally do the trick. The guitarist is undertaking a strenuous program at the Life Works facility in Southern England. The 16-hours-a-day regimen begins with an hour of meditation before breakfast, followed throughout the day with several personal and group therapy sessions, writing assignments, tai-chi, yoga and meetings with an Alcoholics Anonymous counselor. With three caretakers assigned to him, Woodie's on a strict, personalized diet that doesn't allow caffeine or sugar. Having entered rehab nearly a month ago, he's expected to spend at least three more weeks at the facility at a cost of over $1,100 a day. Let's pray he keeps at it and can join The Stones when they tour next year.
Macca Collaborates
First came word that U.K. electronica artist Nitin Sawhney collaborated with Paul McCartney on a song called "My Soul" that supposedly addresses the former Beatle's relationship with ex-wife Heather Mills. The acoustic ballad will be featured on Sawhney's upcoming album, "London Undersound," due out in October. Now we hear that Macca has also collaborated with Yusuf Islam — the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. Bluegrass star Alison Krauss and country legend Dolly Parton also contributed to "Boots & Sand," Islam's song about being denied entry into the United States in 2004 because he'd been placed on the government's "no-fly" list as a potential security risk.
Quote Of The Day
It was Miriam M. Wynn who said: "If you're afraid to ask the question, it's probably because you already know the answer."
August 15, 2008
Doobie Brothers guitarist/singer Tom Johnston is 60.
Drummer Tommy Aldridge, who worked with Black Oak Arkansas, Whitesnake and Ozzy Osbourne, is 58.
On this day in 1964, "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles peaked at #53.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles performed in front of 56,000 people at Shea Stadium in New York. It set a record for concert attendance at that time, however most of those there heard nothing but screaming as fans drowned out the pathetic P.A. system.
On this day in 1969, three days of "Peace, Love and Music" known as the legendary Woodstock Music & Arts Fair began on Max Yasgur's farm in upstate New York. For the next three days, almost half a million people braved rainstorms and traffic jams to see Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Joe Cocker, among others.
On this day in 1970, Sugarloaf released the song "Green Eyed Lady" as Free's "All Right Now" entered the singles chart and The Who's version of "Summertime Blues" peaked at #27.
On this day in 1978, Boston's "Don't Look Back" album was released a year before group leader Tom Scholz wanted it to be. Soon, there would be hell to pay.
On this day in 1981, "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins peaked at #19 on the charts.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Cheap Trick as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with guitarist Rick Nielsen.
On Stage Sunday
Jethro Tull will wrap up their U.S. Summer Tour and the KLOS Summertime Concert Series at the Greek Theatre Sunday evening.
Jackson Sues John
Singer/songwriter/well-known liberal Jackson Browne has hit John McCain and the Republican National Committee with a lawsuit for copyright infringement and violation of right of publicity. Turns out that the presidential nominee didn't have permission to use Jackson's classic "Running On Empty" in a TV ad attacking rival candidate Barack Obama. The suit also claims that the commercial is misleading by implying that Browne, a lifelong Democrat, endorses the Republican senator. You can expect an immediate injunction to stop McCain from ever using Jackson's music again, as well as an eventual settlement over damages. So much for the Law & Order candidate!
Lennon Lithos In Waukesha
While it's unlikely that John Lennon ever set foot in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha, that's the very place where the public can see 27 of his pen and pencil drawings for the first time ever. Those drawings, as well as some lithographs and serigraphs on loan from an anonymous collector, are on display in the Coming Together Through The Art Of John Lennon exhibition at the Waukesha County Historical Society Museum. It should be noted that Yoko Ono is so protective of those drawings that she won't let them be photographed in full for fear that they will hit the Internet and be counterfeited. Wonder how she feels about all the bratwurst and cheese being served?
Jimmy & That Singer
When you think of Olympic athletes, is Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page the first to come to mind? Word from England is that Jimmy will perform with Brit pop star Leona Lewis at the August 24th closing ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. They claim that the British artists will be "symbolically" passing the torch from Beijing to London, which hosts the 2012 Summer Olympics. Wonder how the Chinese will feel about Pagey performing "Kashmir"?
The Who Will Donate
The Who will donate all of the proceeds from their October 21st gig in Auburn Hills, Michigan to the Gleaners Food Bank and Focus: Hope — charitable organizations serving the Detroit area. Singer Roger Daltrey explained the move by saying, "The first gig we ever played in the U.S. was in Detroit, and we have always had an affinity with this part of the country. Pete (Townshend) and I are very aware of the problems people are having in Michigan and feel we should give something back for all the support we have had over the last 40 years." Right so!
38 & Trace Special
38 Special will tape an episode of the CMT Crossroads show with Trace Adkins next Tuesday in Nashville. Considering that Trace is at least a foot taller than 38 Special singer Donnie Van Zandt, they should be pretty easy to tell apart when the episode premieres on September 24th.
Jethro Tull
This Sunday Jethro Tull will finally play the Greek Theatre — and you know yer Uncle Joe will be introducing his old friends onstage! Here's a peak at the last time they got together.
Time Waits For No One
Mick Jagger didn't say it this way, but it's true: "Time is a great teacher, but it kills all its pupils."
Dog Days Indeed
The term "Dog Days" means the hottest days of Summer. The Ancient Romans believed that there was a period during the Summer when "the brightest star in the heavens, the dog star 'Sirius,' added its heat to the sun's, making those days a veritable inferno."
August 16, 2008
INXS guitarist Tim Farris is 51.
Singer/dancer/saucy girl-next-door Madonna is 49.
On this day in 1938, Blues legend Robert Johnson (from whose music most Rock & Roll evolved) died at the age of 27 after being poisoned by a jealous husband (or so the story goes).
On this day in 1962, The Beatles replaced drummer Pete Best with Ringo Starr. Twenty years later, in 1982, Best released an album of early Decca Record auditions on which he was featured with the legendary group, and his backbeat was still all over the place.
On this day in 1977, Rock & Roll legend Elvis Presley died at the age of 42. Heart attack or heavy drug abuse, it doesn't really matter — he's not living in Kalamazoo, he's dead.
August 17, 2008
Former Boston drummer Sib Hashian is 59.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles played their first gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool with their new drummer, Ringo Starr. Some of original drummer Pete Best's fans began a fight as the Fab Four entered the club, and George Harrison finished the night with a black eye.
On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin began their seventh North American tour in just three years. The band was at the height of their creative success, having just completed the "Led Zeppelin IV" album. The music and partying were legendary.
August 18, 2008
Former Foreigner drummer Dennis Elliott is 58.
On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers released "China Grove."
On this day in 1973, "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" by Chicago peaked at #10 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1977, The Police played their first gig as a three-piece after the departure of guitarist Henri Padovani.
On this day in 1978, The Who released the "Who Are You" album.
On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones released their "Tattoo You" album.
On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "Panama" peaked at #13 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, Bon Jovi released their third album, "Slippery When Wet." It eventually sold over six million copies.
Fresh Old Zep On TV
Like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin were always strict about licensing their music to corporations for commercials. But, unlike The Beatles, Led Zeppelin didn't loose the rights to their music through backroom shenanigans. The first time the Zep guys decided to expose their music to a new audience while making some corporate bucks was when they collected millions from Cadillac for the use of "Rock and Roll" in a 2004 TV campaign. The next time they collected money for TV airplay? The current NBC commercial using the Zep's "Bring It On Home" to drive home the catch phrase for this Summer's Olympics, (with "It" meaning gold medals). One thing for sure about this run of commercials, It will be over next week!
Billy's Working It
ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons may be a busy guy, but he can't wait to hit the studio with super producer Rick Rubin to work on the band's next album. So far Rubin has suggested hooking the Top up with the Black Keys for some writing and recording. Gibbons says, "that's pretty down and dirty, which is good for ZZ Top." In May, Billy demoed 15 songs in a 15-day studio run, and he hopes the Top hits the studio shortly after its tour wraps in November. Meanwhile, the Lil' Ol' Band From Texas will release an expanded 25th anniversary Collector's Edition of their "Eliminator" album on August 26th. And then there's that "Metal Christmas" compilation, due out later this Fall, for which Billy just recorded a version of Chuck Berry's "Run, Rudolph, Run" with the Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister. He's a busy boy!
If Anyone Still Cares
Negotiations are underway to release "Chinese Democracy," Guns N' Roses' 14-years-in-production album, exclusively through Wal-Mart or Best Buy. Axl Rose's latest manager, Irving Azoff, is well known for issuing albums exclusively through retailers, most recently with the Eagles' "Long Road Out Of Eden." Don't be surprised if some official word comes out soon.
Grandpappa Macca (Again)
Paul McCartney's eldest daughter Mary gave birth to her third child last week, making Macca a grandpapa for the sixth time. The former Beatle took a break from his Route 66 road trip/vacation with new girlfriend/socialite Nancy Shevell to jet back to the U.K. to visit the new mom and grandkid. Congrats to all!
Wexler R.I.P.
Another of the music industry giants has left us. Legendary record producer Jerry Wexler passed away in his Florida home Friday morning at the age of 91. As a music writer in 1949, he coined the term "Rhythm & Blues" to replace the term "Race Music." He joined Atlantic six years after its formation and, along with late label founder Ahmet Ertegun, was a key figure bringing us Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and Ray Charles. In addition, he also produced many, many others including Bob Dylan. Rest in peace.
Quote Of The Day
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability."
August 19, 2008
Cream drummer Ginger Baker is 69.
Ian Gillan, vocalist with the best-known incarnation of Deep Purple, is 63.
Queen bassist John Deacon is 57.
On this day in 1959, 61-year-old blues guitar legend Blind Willie McTell died in Milledgeville, Georgia from a brain hemorrhage. Just the same, The Allman Brothers Band (unlike a big English band or two) still gave him writing credits when they covered his material 10 years later.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles hit #1 with "All You Need Is Love."
On this day in 1978, Boston released the song "Don't Look Back."
On this day in 1991, Bob Seger released his album "The Fire Inside."
On this day in 1997, Fleetwood Mac released "The Dance," the soundtrack to a TV special featuring the recently reunited/most famous line-up of the classic band.
AC/DC Pre-Pre-Sale
So whose new album will be the most successful? U2, Metallica or AC/DC? AC/DC's new one, "Black Ice" is available for pre-order right now at the "special price" of $11.88 at ACDC.com, Walmart.com and Samsclub.com. The Brendan O'Brien-produced album, the band's first in eight years, won't physically be in Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores until October 20th, but the first single, "Rock 'N' Roll Train," will debut on August 28th. Furthermore, word is that the band may have already begun rehearsals (in a secret location!) for its first world tour since 2001. That yet-to-be-announced tour will launch in late October.
New U2 Leaked (Sort Of)
Do you think Bono really knew that fans outside his south-of-France beach house were recording the music he was blasting from his home stereo last Friday? Whether it was intended or not, the new U2 songs were immediately posted on YouTube, and then were quickly taken down from the site when the lawyers came running in. The real version of U2’s new album will come out in October. And yes, those were lousy recordings of what sounded like great sounds — rock on!
Ozzy's Latest Deal
To no one's surprise, Ozzy Osbourne has signed a new three-album deal with Sony. To herald the deal, Ozzy's wife/manager Sharon has officially announced: "Ozzy had an unbelievable last record [2007's "Black Rain"], an unbelievable year touring and he's in the studio right now recording." The only weird part of her proclamation was the way she somehow neglected to mention the forthcoming Osbourne family variety TV show. Hmm...
Here Comes Neil
As predicted, Neil Young will be doing a two-month North American Fall tour, finishing on December 15th at New York's Madison Square Garden. He and his band will hit The Forum in Inglewood on October 30th, with a special KLOS Pre-Sale rolling this Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Small Phil Pays Large
After six years of marriage and two children, Phil Collins' third wife, Orianne Cevey, has received a $46.76 million divorce settlement from the singer/drummer/songwriter. That tops by $2 million what Sir Paul McCartney paid to be rid of Heather Mills earlier this year, giving Phil sole possession of the prestigious Britain's Biggest Ever Celebrity Divorce Settlement title. His second wife, Jill Tavelman, received $34 million after he ended their relationship by fax in 1994. His first marriage, to Andrea Bertorelli, ended in 1979 and inspired several of the songs on his surprise hit solo album, "Face Value." In all, the Brit press are saying that Collins' divorces have cost him $84 million — about a third of his estimated $280 million earnings. Do you think he'll ever learn how to spell the word "pre-nup"?
Quote Of The Day
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it."
August 20, 2008
Trombonist James Pankow of Chicago is 61.
Singer/rock god Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame is 60.
Thin Lizzy bassist/singer Phil Lynott would have been 56.
On this day in 1966, the title song of The Beatles' film "Yellow Submarine" entered the charts.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles were together in the studio for the last time as they finished recording "I Want You (She's So Heavy)."
On this day in 1977, The Marshall Tucker Band released the song "Can't You See."
On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band played at the L.A. Sports Arena in one of the first high profile benefits for Vietnam veterans.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Kinks as well as conversation with Ray and Dave Davies.
On Stage Tonight
America will be headlining at the Cerritos Center For Performing Arts tonight.
Queen + Rodgers Push Back
Queen + Rodgers have delayed the release of their debut studio album, "The Cosmos Rocks," from October 14th to the 28th. Meanwhile, Rodgers' one-off Bad Company reunion concert which he performed with fellow original members Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs in Hollywood, Florida on August 8th went over gangbusters! Yes, a DVD was shot of the joyous gig, but no more shows are planned. Like they said back in '73, "Just can't get enough!"
The Stinger Stays Busy
Not one to take it easy, Sting's scheduling his first live shows following the recently completed Police reunion tour — the third most successful tour ever. Before he revisits the States, Mr. Sting will spend November and December rolling through Australia and Asia accompanied by lute player Edin Karamazov. Why the lute? Because they'll be promoting the soon-to-be-released "enhanced" version of Sting's "Songs From The Labyrinth," featuring three bonus tracks including a version of The Police's "Message in a Bottle" performed with Karamazov on the lute! Wonder if Sir Sting has considered plugging his lute into a 100 Watt Marshall stack to bring more people to their feet?
Aerosmith's Recording/Court Schedule
Maybe we covered this before, but over the weekend drummer Joey Kramer confirmed that Aerosmith will begin recording their next album in October, and they'll launch a big ass tour next Spring. In less encouraging news though, a Hawaiian court granted class-action status to a lawsuit filed against Aerosmith over a canceled 2007 concert in Maui.
Jones' Blessing
Foreigner's founding member, Mick Jones, has given his blessing to Daughtry's cover of Foreigner's classic "Feels Like The First Time." The new version is being used to promote CNN's League Of First Time Voters initiative. Mick says he's pleased with the group's take on his hit. "They've modernized it a bit... brought it up to today's standards. When I first heard it, it made me think back to when we recorded the original." Kudos to Daughtry and Jones!
LeRoi Moore R.I.P.
The Dave Matthews Band is in mourning. Yesterday afternoon, saxophonist/DMB founding member LeRoi Moore unexpectedly died of complications from the injuries he received in an ATV crash on June 30th. The 46-year-old had returned to his L.A. home to rehabilitate, but in mid-July he was re-admitted to Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. While LeRoi hadn't been playing with the band on this leg of the tour, his passing came as a surprise. Rest in peace, jazzman.
Quote Of The Day
It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said: "A man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."
Dinner With Joe
Thanks to all the KLOS Radiothon listeners who kicked in big time to help Think Cure — the official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers — support critical cancer research at City of Hope and Children's Hospital Los Angeles last weekend!
But wait... the special KLOS Think Cure Auction actually continues until 11:59am this Saturday! Sure, there's some great rock memorabilia, but how about that "Dinner With Joe Benson"!?! Great food and stories with yer Unc, and 100% of the money goes to support critical cancer research — right so!