September 21 - 30, 2008
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
September 21, 2008
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder is 61.
On this day in 1966, during his flight to London in search of a record deal as well as fame & fortune, James Marshall Hendrix changed the spelling of his nickname to Jimi. Upon his arrival in England, Jimi only had a few short days to assemble a band or he'd be kicked out of the country for lack of a work visa. Within the week the brand new Jimi Hendrix Experience was performing on stage.
On this day in 2006, original Bad Company bassist Raymond "Boz" Burrell died of an apparent heart attack at his home in Spain. He was 60 years old.
September 22, 2008
Vocalist David Coverdale of Whitesnake is 57.
Joan Jett is a rockin' 47.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles appeared on the cover of "Time Magazine."
On this day in 1985, the first Farm-Aid concert, organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to help the nation's farmers, was held in Champaign, Illinois and raised $10 million.
Robert & Alison & Levon Win
Robert Plant and bluegrass superstar Alison Krauss took home top honors at the Americana Music Association's 7th Annual Honors & Awards show last Thursday night at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The duo were on hand to accept the Album Of The Year and Duo/Group Of The Year awards for their album "Raising Sand." Another righteous award went to former Band drummer/singer Levon Helm, who was named Artist Of The Year.
Van Bans Beers
Anyone who ever saw the great Van Morrison perform in the Seventies and Eighties will find this story very ironic. The Irish singing legend is now banning fans from drinking alcohol at his shows. Yep — Van The Man banning beers. The 63-year-old denies that this is an attempt to impose his lifestyle on his audience. He says he gets really bothered when concertgoers move around instead of savoring the unique experience of seeing him live. The fact that those fans spent $80 to $210 to have fun watching the singing sprite doesn't seem to come into the plan. What do you say we just see how that works out for Mr. Morrison?
Stewart Stimulates
Turns out that former Eurythmics leader Dave Stewart isn't just a musician promoting a new album, "The Dave Stewart Songbook – Volume One," he also runs a top end (so to speak) erotic boutique. So when Dave appeared on The View last week to promote his album, while backstage he presented hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasselbeck with 14-karat gold vibrators from his Coco De Mer store. A disturbing visual, perhaps, but one I felt needed to be shared.
Hamburg (Very Belatedly) Salutes The Fabs
If a city takes 48 years to salute the biggest Rock & Roll band ever, are they still exploiting it? Almost five decades after an unknown band called The Beatles played many long nights in a sleazy little Hamburg club, the German city has finally created a memorial to honor the band. The tribute features five stainless steel sculptures that vaguely resemble John, Paul, George and original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, as well as a hybrid of drummers Ringo Starr (who did not play with the Beatles in Hamburg) and Pete Best (who did). Wonder if that will draw more tourists than Hamburg's recently renovated red light district that was the burgh's claim to infamy throughout the 20th century?
A KISS Dog Just For You
The latest item in the KISS merchandise empire is a dog… an iDog. The robot dog decorated in classic KISS makeup can play music through a built in speaker and it can be hooked up to your headphones. If that weren't enough, when he hears music, the KISS iDog dances to the beat. You can get yours at HasbroToyShop.com.
Quotes Of The Day
It was W.C. Fields who said: "Start off every day with a smile and get it over with."
It was Louis Brandeis who said: "Behind every argument is someone's ignorance."
Wot a Language!
The bandage was wound around the wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
The cowboy decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
I did not object to the object.
The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
They were too close to the door to close it.
The buck does funny things when the does are present.
September 23, 2008
Jazz legend John Coltrane would have been 82.
Ray Charles would have been 78.
Bruce Springsteen is 59.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan released the song "Positively 4th Street" as "Yesterday" by The Beatles entered the charts.
On this day in 1967, The Doors released "People Are Strange."
On this day in 1972, Elton John's "Honky Cat" peaked at #8 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, "Double Vision" by Foreigner entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1978, Boston played the first of two "Summer Fest" dates at Anaheim Stadium.
On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's "Runnin' Down A Dream" peaked at #23 on the charts.
Guitar Hero's Heroic Bucks Up
Did you ask how big of an influence the Guitar Hero video game had on the music business? "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith" sold more copies in its first week than any Aerosmith album ever — 567,000 copies generating $25 million in revenue. The only cash generating trick missing from this picture is another Aerosmith tour.
Weirdest Zep Story Of The Month
This story doesn't sound right to me, but England’s "The Sun" tabloid has reported that Led Zeppelin has given singer Robert Plant an ultimatum. We've known that guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham have been rehearsing in London, but "The Sun" says they've been using a stand-in vocalist and have told Plant they are ready to tour with or without him. Of course Plant has been busy touring the world with bluegrass singer Alison Krauss and professes not to be the least bit interested in the money a Zep reunion tour would generate. Stay tuned...
Hall Of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's short list of possible inductees for the class of 2009 includes Metallica, Jeff Beck and Run-DMC. Besides those three, two more of the field of nine nominees will be chosen in January to be inducted into the Hall during an April ceremony in Cleveland. Too bad Yes, Jethro Tull, Rush, Styx and Journey weren't East Coast bands — they would have at least stood a chance at being nominated.
Neil's Bridge School Line-up
This year's version of Neil Young's annual Bridge School Benefit Concert will mark the Bridge School debut of that lil' ol' band from Texas, ZZ Top. They and Norah Jones will headline the first night with Neil, while the Smashing Pumpkins and Josh Groban will top the bill with Neil on the second. Proceeds from the shows will go to the Bridge School, a special educational facility that helps children with severe speech and learning disabilities. Both of Young's sons went to the Bridge School.
Leppards (Not) On Ice
On many different levels, the low point of most musician's careers would be performing in the horrible acoustics of a hockey rink. But Def Leppard have worked their way around that problem to open the National Hockey League season on October 9th. Just before the Detroit Red Wings raise their 2008 Stanley Cup Championship banner prior to their home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Joe Louis Arena, Def Leppard will open the NHL Face-Off Rocks show at Detroit's Fox Theatre. The concert will stream live on NHL.com, and portions of the show will air on the Versus cable channel.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Steven Wright who first asked: "If you shoot at a mime, should you use a silencer?"
It was Kurt Vonnegut who said: "Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."
September 24, 2008
Linda McCartney would have been 67.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles' song "Eleanor Rigby" peaked at #11 on the charts.
On this day in 1966, Jimi Hendrix arrived in London with his new manager, Chas Chandler of The Animals. It was on that flight from New York that Hendrix changed the spelling of his name from "Jimmy" to "Jimi."
On this day in 1977, Styx released "Come Sail Away." Four months later, it peaked at #8.
On this day in 1977, "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #3 as "Telephone Line" by ELO topped out at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, Boston played the second of two dates ("Summer Fest") at Anaheim Stadium.
On this day in 1979, Led Zeppelin's final studio album, "In Through The Out Door," hit #1.
Making The Other Zep Boys Wait
Hurricane Ike caused the cancellation of Friday's Robert Plant/Alison Krauss concert in The Woodlands, Texas. So the occasional Led Zeppelin singer and his "Raising Sand" collaborator will instead perform in Oklahoma City Friday to benefit victims of the storm via the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund. Then the duo will kick off the newest leg of their U.S. tour next week in Kansas City. So it looks like Pagey and Jonesy and the Bonham kid will just have to wait until Robert's ready to do those Zeppelin songs again!
Dead & Brothers Together
While a battle of the bands would be great entertainment, instead it's the Grateful Dead playing with the Allman Brothers to make a political statement next month. Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart of the Dead will join Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks and Oteil Burbridge of the ABB for Change Rocks: A Concert To Benefit Obama For America at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania on October 13th.
Sexy Dudes
Granted, none of us has ever heard of the wowOwow.com web site, but their recent poll of the Sexiest Men Over 50 is good for a few laughs. Former Beatle Paul McCartney came in at #3 behind Richard Gere, who topped the list, and Denzel Washington. And good old California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger followed at #4. The celebrities were also divided into five categories — musicians, entertainers, journalists, public figures and businessmen (sexy businessmen?). Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, David Bowie and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler topped the rockers list. No idea how Jim Ladd and yer Uncle Joe were overlooked, but just the same, congrats to all those other geezers for their success!
Ginger & Jack Waiting On Eric
The ever cranky Ginger Baker of Cream fame will be the main honoree at the 2008 Zildjian Drummers Achievement Awards on December 7th in London. We now have a confirmation that his old sparing partner, Cream singer/bassist Jack Bruce, will definitely be among the guest performers at the event. Now everyone is waiting on Eric Clapton to confirm his participation in a mini-Cream revival... so if you see Slowhand, tell him to get with it!
Elty's Latest DVD
Anybody who's surprised by this announcement really hasn't been paying attention. A group of specially packaged audio and video recordings of Elton John's "Red Piano" concert series at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas will be released on October 28th exclusively through Best Buy. The "Red Piano" will be issued as CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray multiple-disc collections, and will also be available as a three-LP vinyl set. The show, which debuted in 2004, has run more than 200 excellent performances, and Sir Elty will draw closer to retiring the show with a series of Caesars dates starting on October 22nd.
Big Bucks Wastebasket
A New York auction of designer waste baskets (or bins as the Brit's call them) saw Bono's custom-designed Vipp bin sell for $30,000 last Thursday. Bono's Trash, which contained unpublished lyrics off the Irish band's next album, set a new record price. Baskets designed by R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, rapper Q-Tip and supermodel Christy Turlington sold for an average of $1,750 each. Hosted by Danish supermodel Helena Christensen, the silent auction at the Winston Wachter Fine Art Gallery in Manhattan raised over $60,000 for the Food Bank For New York City and Chernobyl Children's Project International.
Quotes Of The Day
It was writer Gore Vidal who said: "A good deed never goes unpunished."
It was Mark Twain who said: "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
Must... Have... Sleep...
According to a Better Sleep Council survey, nearly 75% of Americans aged 44 to 62 say they don't usually sleep eight hours a night, while almost 17% claim to have chronic sleep problems. Some say they'd swap other pleasures or conveniences for a guaranteed full night's sleep every night, with 27% willing to give up chocolate. Another 22% said they would trade in their cell phones for sleep, and 4% of women (and 0% of the men) said they would give up sex if it would mean they'd sleep better for the rest of their lives. Some boomers even daydream of sleep, with 12% saying they fantasize about sleeping in each morning and waking whenever they want.
September 25, 2008
On this day in 1967, The Beatles recorded Paul McCartney's "Fool On The Hill" in Abbey Road Studios.
On this day in 1970, Janis Joplin recorded "Me and Bobby McGee."
On this day in 1971, Yes released the song "Your Move" and Cat Stevens released "Peace Train."
On this day in 1976, Boston's debut album entered the charts. It eventually climbed up to #3 and became the fastest-selling debut album in history.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney's band Wings played a benefit and raised $50,000 for the restoration of water-damaged art treasures in Venice's St. Marks Square. But the 25,000 audience members unknowingly set back the restoration project when their combined weight loosened paving stones and allowed water to seep through into the Square.
On this day in 1980, Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham died of overindulgence at the age of 32. Bonham passed away at guitarist Jimmy Page's home after a night of heavy drinking (reportedly 40 shots in just a few hours). The coroner reported that both asphyxiation and alcohol poisoning caused his death.
On this day in 1981, Genesis released their "ABACAB" album.
On this day in 1982, Aerosmith released the album "Rock in a Hard Place" as Don Henley's solo debut album, "I Can't Stand Still," and The Who's last studio album, "It's Hard," both entered the charts.
Reunions Yield Big
Trust me — The Police didn't get back together to play a spirited game of Bridge or Canasta, so this news item shouldn't surprise anyone. The Police easily topped "Forbes" magazine's new list of the world's best-paid musicians. The briefly-reunited trio took in about $115 million between June 2007 and June 2008. The faux-reunion version of Van Halen charted at #8 with their $35 million in receipts, and Genesis' short run of reunion gigs billed $31 million, ultimately ranking them at #9. With Metallica, AC/DC and U2 all touring next year, who do you think will top the 2009 "Forbes" list?
Busy Busy Aerosmith
Before the Aerosmith boys head into the studio later next month to start work on their next album, the boys in the band are keeping busy busy busy. Of late, drummer Joey Kramer has been playing with bluesman James Montgomery while guitarist Joe Perry, who had been performing with his sons' group TAB, has been recovering from knee surgery. Singer Steven Tyler most recently sang with Chris Botti and Sting at a special Boston Pops gig, and guitarist Brad Whitford is set to play several shows with the Hendrix Experience. In spite of all the side projects, you know that the new Aerosmith album and tour will roll early next year.
Buck's Guitar Returns
Remember when R.E.M.'s Peter Buck had his prized Rickenbacker guitar stolen from the stage following the band's September 9th Helsinki, Finland gig? Word is that late last week an anonymous fan returned the purloined instrument to Buck. The signature "jangling" sound of the famed guitar has been an integral part of R.E.M.'s sound since the 1982 release of their "Chronic Town" album. So to that anonymous fan, we say right so!
Gilmour's Tribute To Rick
The BBC’s "Late Night... With Jools Holland" (hosted by the former Squeeze pianist) is a very popular British variety TV show renowned for showcasing real musicians. So it was no surprise that Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour would be booked on the show to perform with his solo band and Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright. But Wright sent the guitarist a text message three weeks ago saying he would not be able to play, and when he died last week after a brief bout with cancer, Gilmour did what musicians have been doing since time immemorial — he played the gig. David paid tribute to his old friend by performing "Remember A Day," a track written and originally sung by Wright for the Floyd's second album, "A Saucerful of Secrets." Following the performance, the obviously grieving Gilmour discussed Wright’s legacy, saying: “He was a very self-effacing but very talented, lovely chap. We’re incredibly sad to have lost him.”
Quotes Of The Day
It was Muhammad Ali who said: "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life."
It was Finnish composer Jean Sibelius who said: "Don't pay any attention to what the critics say. No statue has ever been erected over a critic."
Freestyle Motocross
This Saturday! As if the LG World Championship Freestyle Motocross — where top riders like Matt Rebaud, Mike Mason, Todd Potter, Adam Jones and Jeremy Lusk try for a shot at the 2008 FMX Title — weren't enough, J.B. will also be introducing Filter to rock the L.A. County Fair!
September 26, 2008
Crooner Brian Ferry of Roxy Music is 63.
Guitarist Craig Chaquico of Jefferson Starship fame is 54.
Los Lobos guitarist/singer/songwriter Cesar Rosas is 54.
On this day in 1964, The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" (their first American hit single) entered the charts.
On this day in 1965, Queen Elizabeth decorated The Beatles with the Order of the British Empire.
On this day in 1973, Paul and Linda McCartney and Denny Laine of Wings returned to England from Nigeria where they had recorded "Band on the Run."
On this day in 1975, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" opened in theaters.
On this day in 1979, The Clash released their first single, a remake of the Bobby Fuller Four's classic, "I Fought The Law."
On this day in 1981, The Police released their classic "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic."
On this day in 1986, Boston released their third album, "Third Stage," 10 years after their first.
On this day in 1987, Pink Floyd's "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason," Rush's "Hold Your Fire" and R.E.M.'s "Document" entered the album charts.
On this day in 1987, The Grateful Dead's "Touch of Grey" reached #9 on the singles chart — their only song to reach the Top 20 in a 40-plus year career.
On this day in 1987, Billy Idol's cover of the Tommy James & The Shondells song "Mony Mony" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 2003, singer Robert Palmer died of a heart attack in Paris at the age of 54.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Fleetwood Mac as well as Joe's brand new conversation with producer Ken Caillat.
On Stage
Carlos Mencia will be bringing the walls down at the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight and tomorrow (Saturday).
On Stage Sunday (And Tuesday)
Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick will be rocking the Greek Theatre Sunday and Tuesday.
On Stage Sunday
Santana will be playing at Soboba Sunday evening.
Faux Yes Skips Us
How interesting that the itinerary for the In The Present tour by the latest version of Yes doesn't include any Southland dates. The latest version of the great Progressive Rock band will feature three longtime Yes members — bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White) — as well as keyboardist Oliver Wakeman (son of longtime Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman) and a tribute band singer filling in for ailing frontman Jon Anderson. Still not sure why they couldn't wait until Anderson was healthy enough to tour next year, but what will be will be.
Macca Does Israel
Before his first-ever concert in Israel, Paul McCartney spent some time touring the country with a reported 5,000 guards in tow. Word is that Sir Paulie hired the army of security from MI6 and Mossad at a cost of nearly $3 million. Macca's Tel Aviv gig in front of 40,000 fans Thursday evening was set up to honor Israel’s 60th anniversary. On stage, Paul dusted off his rudimentary Hebrew to welcome the crowd and wish them a happy Rosh Hashanah next week. His “Friendship First” concert featured 31 hits from Beatles’ singles to “Band On The Run” to the "Memory Almost Full" song “Dance Tonight.” During John Lennon’s “Give Peace A Chance,” McCartney let the crowd take over to sing the song’s final coda. And three months after playing it live for the first time, McCartney once again treated the crowd to the "Sgt. Pepper" classic “A Day In The Life.”
A Short Lived Thrill
Wow — that sure didn't last long! Hard Rock Park, the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina theme park filled with Rock & Roll rides, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The 140-acre amusement park opened in April, but the tanking U.S. economy has forced the park's owners to close for the rest of the season. They plan/hope to open again next year.
Tyler Chases Blogging Ghosts
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler sued a pair of unknown bloggers for impersonating him on the internet. The singer said that bloggers writing as if they were him posted intimate details of his actual life, including a discussion of the death of his mother and impersonating his girlfriend. Tyler was first hit by faux blogs in 2007, but Google intervened to take the sites down. This year, Blogspot was the host of the Tyler impersonators, but those sites have now been shut down due to “service violations.” Do you suppose that the 324,000 Steven Tyler mySpace pages are all fake too?
A Thought For The Weekend
Seat belts are much less confining than wheelchairs.
September 27, 2008
Guitarist/songwriter Randy Bachman of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive is 65.
Singer/actor Meatloaf is 61.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles spent several hours at Abbey Road Studios recording "I Am the Walrus."
On this day in 1979, just moments after beginning the tune "Better Off Dead," Elton John collapsed on-stage at the Universal Amphitheatre during an exhausting two man show with percussionist Ray Cooper. Even though he claimed he was suffering from exhaustion brought on by the flu, Elton returned after a ten minute intermission to finish the nearly three-hour-long concert. Thank God Ray didn't have to sing!
On this day in 1986, bassist Cliff Burton of Metallica was killed when the band's bus crashed. He was only 24.
September 28, 2008
On this day in 1968, Janis Joplin announced that she was leaving Big Brother & the Holding Company next month because she and the band "weren't growing together anymore." Ah, the Sixties!
September 29, 2008
Rock & Roll Icon Jerry Lee Lewis is 73.
Guitarist/singer Mark Farner of Grand Funk is 60.
Guitarist Mike Pinera, who worked with Blues Image, Iron Butterfly and Alice Cooper, is 60.
On this day in 1959, the cartoon show "Rocky And His Friends" debuted on ABC-TV. The first characters to be introduced were Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose as the heroes, along with Boris and Natasha as their enemies. Dudley Do-Right came on the scene a little bit later.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones began their first-ever tour of the U.K. supported by The Everly Brothers and Bo Diddley.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles recorded "Every Little Thing," "I Don't Want to Spoil the Party" and "What You're Doing" with producer George Martin at Abbey Road Studios.
On this day in 1967, drummer Mickey Hart joined The Grateful Dead.
On this day in 1967, BBC Radio broadcast a production of Shakespeare's "King Lear" at 7:30pm. Not only was John Lennon listening, he also recorded a bit of the broadcast to use in The Beatles' song "I Am the Walrus."
On this day in 1972, Cat Stevens played a sold-out show with an orchestra at L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium. He was supporting his #1 album "Catch Bull at Four."
On this day in 1973, Grand Funk Railroad hit #1 with "We're An American Band."
On this day in 1977, AC/DC released their album "Let There Be Rock."
On this day in 1979, "Bad Case Of Loving You" by Robert Palmer peaked at #14 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, "Drive" by The Cars peaked at #3 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Glenn Frey joined Don Henley onstage in Los Angeles for the first time since the breakup of the Eagles, eight years earlier.
On this day in 1992, Peter Gabriel released his "Us" album.
On this day in 1996, it was announced that Julian Lennon was the anonymous buyer who had purchased Paul McCartney's handwritten recording notes for the song, "Hey Jude," at auction for about $40,000. The song was written by McCartney for young Julian when John Lennon separated from his mother, Cynthia, in 1968.
Bruce Confirmed
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have been confirmed to headline the Super Bowl 43 halftime show! The "NBC Sunday Night Football Game" made the announcement during the halftime show of the Chicago Bears/Philadelphia Eagles match Sunday night. Super Bowl 43 will take place in Tampa on February 1st.
Zep Reunion Rumor #1,376
Yes, this is exactly what I predicted last Spring, but now the "ever-reliable" British tabloids are saying that Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant has finally agreed to do a reunion tour. The as-yet-unconfirmed outing would/should roll next Spring and Summer... or so they say. Meanwhile, in a statement on his Web site, occasional Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant says: "(He) has no intention whatsoever of touring with anyone for at least the next two years. Contrary to a spate of recent reports, Robert Plant will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin. Anyone buying tickets online to any such event will be buying bogus tickets." He goes on to say, "It's both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward. I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects." That said, he and Alison Krauss will wrap up their lengthy "Raising Sand" tour on Sunday. Hard to believe he'll spend next year at home, but you never know...
Jovi Docu Demo
Portions of the upcoming Bon Jovi documentary were screened during the Advertising Week conference in New York last week. In what won't be a shock to his real fans, Jon Bon Jovi didn't cut back on the profanity as he discussed, on camera, life on the road and what his group means to him. The screened demo clip also featured guitarist Richie Sambora talking about his addiction to pain killers. One of Jon's quotes in particular caught my attention: "You never saw us doing boy band dance moves or bringing a rapper on stage." Amen brother! The film should be released next Spring.
G&R (Maybe)(Again)
Does anybody really still care about Guns N' Roses' 13-years-in-gestation "Chinese Democracy" album? Word is that the epic effort will be available exclusively through Best Buy before the end of the year — in fact, unsubstantiated reports identify November 25th as the date with destiny. If you're still interested, stay tuned!
Another Les Paul Tribute
Peter Frampton, Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash have lent their talents to the latest tribute album to Les Paul, the 93-year-old electric guitar pioneer. The "Les Paul & Friends — A Tribute to a Legend" collection will be out on September 30th.
Carl Haas, Joe Benson and Paul Newman. Photo by Bill McDermott.
Paul Newman R.I.P.
Paul Newman — one of the most admired and universally loved figures in motion pictures, motorsports and philanthropy — died in his Connecticut home Friday at the age of 83 after a long battle with cancer. He was an Academy Award winning acting icon, but I knew him as a successful race team owner (I interviewed him and his drivers on many winner's podiums), an excellent race driver and an amazing philanthropist who was always working to help people. Becoming a race driver at 47, three years later he finished second at the 1975 24 Hours Of Le Mans, third at 1995's 24 Hours At Daytona (at the age of 70) and won four Sports Car Club of America National Championships. In recent years he raced his Corvette regularly in the SCCA GT1 Series, and just last year the 82-year-old drove his #82 car to two victories at Lime Rock Park. Flat out amazing!
But Paul derived his deepest satisfaction from his quiet work in philanthropy. In 1982, he founded Newman's Own — one of the first food companies to use all natural products — whose proceeds of over $250 million have been donated to thousands of charities. Because of him, over 170 companies and their executives are members of his "Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy," a forum of top business executives of major corporations who promote supporting the charitable sector. But it was his "Hole-in-the-Wall Camps" for children with life-threatening health conditions that were closest to his heart. Today there are "Hole-in-the-Wall Camps" in Santa Clarita, California as well as Connecticut, New York, Florida, North Carolina, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary, France, Italy and Israel with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Over 135,000 children have attended a Hole-in-the-Wall Camp free of charge since the first one opened.
His daughter Lissy says people wanting to pay tribute to her father should do so by showing kindness to friends, donating money to charity or by voting in the upcoming elections. She said, "Just look out for each other. That's really what he was all about. He was awesome to the end, and he is an awesome guy and his spirit will be with us forever and ever and ever." Donations can be made to the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps at http://www.HoleInTheWallCamps.org.
God speed, Mr. Newman.
September 30, 2008
Drummer Dewey Martin of Buffalo Springfield fame is 66.
Marc Bolan, who really was T. Rex, would have been 61.
On this day in 1955, James Dean, the icon of cool, died in an automobile accident at the age of 24.
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan began his recording career. His harmonica playing in a session for Caroline Hester's debut album captured the attention of record executive John Hammond, who signed Bob to a solo deal the next day. The rest, as they say, is history.
On this day in 1966, guitarist Noel Redding was offered the job of bass player in Jimi Hendrix's new band, the Experience.
On this day in 1967, "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1969, Crosby Stills & Nash's debut album was certified with "Gold" status, a half-million copies sold. Unfortunately, on that same day, David Crosby's girlfriend, Christine Hinton, died when her Volkswagen collided with a school bus in California.
On this day in 1971, Yes began their first tour with keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who had just joined the band the previous month.
On this day in 1978, Aerosmith's version of "Come Together" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1982, Bruce Springsteen released his most haunting album, "Nebraska."
On this day in 1997, The Rolling Stones released their "Bridges To Babylon" album. The album didn't do so well, but the following tour was one of their most successful — both artistically and commercially.
On Stage Tonight
Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick will return to the Greek Theatre stage tonight.
Some Real Zep News
There's one piece of real Zeppelin news to report: A special 10-disc boxed set featuring the band's nine studio albums plus the rarities album "Coda" in mini-LP replica sleeves with artwork from the original U.K. vinyl releases will be released on November 4th. It is said that the attention to the packaging's detail is eye-popping. "Led Zeppelin III" has its gatefold sleeve with a rotatable laminated card disc, while all six different versions of the cover for "In Through The Out Door" are featured. Even the complex "Physical Graffiti" inner/outer cover is faithfully reproduced. So how many copies of those albums do you already have?
Pete's Latest Meanderings
You can never be sure what Who guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend is gong to say. In a recent Q&A on The Who's web site, Pete blew off the previously announced "covers" album. "Recording an album without my songs? What would be the point of that? There are millions of musicians who can play other people's music better than I can." Then he closed with a true nugget: "I'm a composer. Covered in warts, arthritic, deaf, battered, bitter and tired. I'm ready for my best work." But does that mean he's ready to get back to work?
New Dead DVD
Today marks your first chance to buy a DVD of highlights from The Grateful Dead's performances at the foot of the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt. Just in time for the 30th anniversary of the event, the long awaited "Rocking The Cradle: Egypt 1978" includes 18 remastered tracks with over three hours of music — plus a bonus DVD with an additional 100 minutes of footage as well as 13 songs from the third and final Egypt show which took place during a rare lunar eclipse. Except for the lack of authentic camel and pyramid odors, you'll think you were there!
Metallica/Spinal Tap
For several years before he joined Metallica, bass player Robert Trujillo had a deal with Fernandes Guitars of North Hollywood — they supplied him with custom designed basses in return for using his name to endorse the product. Then in 2005, Robert joined Metallica just in time for the "St. Anger" tour. Now, with the release of their hit "Death Magnetic" album, someone decided that since the Metallica Corporation has a deal with ESP Guitars, Trujillo — as an employee — should be using ESP Guitars. Not sure why Robert couldn't handle the situation on his own, but Metallica Corp. has just sued Fernandes to stop them from using Trujillo's likeness or name in their ads. Wonder if any of those folks ever saw "Spinal Tap?"
Cummings' Solo
Don't get hung up on the reasons why Guess Who singer/keyboardist Burton Cummings' hasn't released a solo studio album since 1990, just know that his "Above the Ground" disc will be issued in Canada (but not the U.S.) on November 4th. Cummings says, "I've been on over 30 official commercial releases, yet this is the first time an entire album has contained only songs written by myself." Need we say more?