October 1 - 10, 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!
October 1, 2008
On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Abbey Road," the last album they ever recorded, was released in the United States.
On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix was buried in Seattle, his hometown. The mourners included Miles Davis, Johnny Winter, Eric Burdon and all the members of Derek & the Dominoes, including Eric Clapton.
On this day in 1973, Elton John released his classic "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album.
On this day in 1973, John Lennon and Yoko Ono separated, and John began living in Los Angeles with Yoko's secretary, May Pang.
On this day in 1976, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band's "Night Moves" album was released.
On this day in 1988 , U2 released the "Desire" single.
On this day in 2004, Buffalo Springfield bassist Bruce Palmer died of a heart attack at the age of 58.
AC/DC's Gaming
Looks like Wal-Mart struck a bigger deal with AC/DC than we thought. Just like the Aussie band's new album "Black Ice," the 18-song "AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack" — featuring their 1992 concert album "AC/DC Live" — will be available exclusively from Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores, and via the retailers' websites. The Xbox and PlayStation versions of the game will hit shelves on November 2nd and the Wii edition comes out on November 16th. Meanwhile, the actual "Black Ice" album gets released on October 20th, eight days before the world tour begins.
Billy & The Boss
Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel will perform together for the first time on October 16th at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. The two are teaming up to support Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama — and the 2,500 tickets won't be cheap! Lounge seats will go for $10,000, premiere seats cost $2,500 and balcony tickets are list priced at $500.
A Trick Anniversary Trick
A four-disc package celebrating the 30th anniversary of Cheap Trick's classic 1978 live album, "Live At Budokan," will be issued on November 11th. The "Budokan! 30th Anniversary Edition" will include a previously unreleased DVD with Japanese TV footage of the '78 Budokan shows, an expanded 19-song CD version of the original album, and two additional CDs filled with performances from the band's 1998 Budokan concert series. And that, my friends, is a whole lot of Trick!
Quotes Of The Day
It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said: "Shallow men believe in luck and circumstances. Strong men believe in cause and effect."
It was golfing legend Gary Player who said: "The harder you work, the luckier you get."
Top 10 Advantages Of Being Over 40
1. You can live without sex but not without glasses.
2. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
3. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
4. Things you buy now won't wear out.
5. You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
6. You sing along with elevator music.
7. Your eyes won't get much worse.
8. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the National Weather Service.
9. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
10. You can't remember where you saw this list.
October 2, 2008
Don "American Pie" McLean is 63.
Guitarist Mike Rutherford of Genesis is 58.
The multi-tasking, multi-talented, bass playing singer named Sting is 57.
On this day in 1971, Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" hit #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1975, yer Uncle was there when a bomb scare cleared out Milwaukee's Uptown Theatre where Bruce Springsteen was performing with his E Street Band. [They actually finished three songs before the police made everyone leave.] Bruce went back to the Pfister Hotel to wait for the gig's rescheduled midnight commencement. Making use of the bar, the usually conservative Springsteen got — in his own words — "a little loose." The rescheduled show was a wild two-hour performance. But the most lasting impression was the comment of a British writer along for the ride back to the hall when Bruce got out and rode on top of the car: "I have seen the future of rock & roll and he is on my windshield." Rock on!
On this day in 1976, Rod Stewart released the song "Tonight's the Night."
On this day in 1982, John 'Cougar' Mellencamp hit #1 with the song "Jack and Diane."
On this day in 1982, vocalist Peter Gabriel performed with Genesis for the first time since leaving the band in 1975. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and their crew helped out with a concert to benefit WOMAD, thus saving Gabriel's ailing world music organization.
On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band brought their "Born in the U.S.A." tour to a close with a four-hour show at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
On this day in 1987, Bruce Springsteen released his "Tunnel Of Love" album, which seemed to document the collapse of his marriage.
On this day in 1994, drummer Stan Lynch performed with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers for the last time. The gig was part of Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit Concert.
On this day in 1994, John Mellencamp admitted that he had suffered a mild heart attack, which was caused by high cholesterol and a four-packs-a-day cigarette habit. Sharp, John, real sharp.
On this day in 1998, singing cowboy Gene Autry died at the age of 91. His biggest hit was, of course, the original version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
On this day in 1999, former Led Zeppelin bass player John Paul Jones played his first solo concert ever in Galway, Ireland. No other former Zep members were present.
Queen Brings The Ukraine To You!
If you really wanted to see the first concert of Queen + Paul Rodgers' tour last month, but had no desire to travel to the Ukraine to eat Ukrainian food, drink Ukrainian beer and join 100,000 Ukrainians rocking out in an Ukrainian soccer stadium, here's the news you've been waiting for! "Cosmos Rock: Queen + Paul Rodgers Live From The Ukraine" will be screened in high-definition and surround-sound in over 300 U.S. theaters on November 6th. Can a DVD be far behind?
Van's Astral Show
You've probably heard us giving away tickets to these shows on KLOS. Van Morrison will perform his legendary 1968 "Astral Weeks" album in its entirety (for the first time ever!) November 7th and 8th at the Hollywood Bowl. Even more impressive is the fact that the mercurial singer will be backed by the surviving members of the same ensemble of jazz musicians that played on the original recording. The shows will be filmed for a DVD titled "Astral Weeks Live At The Hollywood Bowl."
Cash/Dylan/Mellencamp/Ozzy
John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan and Ozzy Osbourne are among the folks included in the new "Johnny Cash's America" documentary. The film, which focuses on the late icon's beliefs and influential career, will receive its theatrical premiere this Saturday at the Woodstock Film Festival in Bearsville, New York. The movie's TV debut will take place on October 23rd on the Bio Channel, and the CD/DVD package will be out on October 28th.
Naughty Alice
You have to wonder how much of this was planned out before hand. When Alice Cooper appeared on "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" earlier this week to promote his latest album, "Along Came A Spider," he freaked the CBS-TV censors into full panic mode. The album deals with a serial killer and as part of the song "Vengeance Is Mine," Alice planned to re-enact part of his video by using a silk scarf to "choke" a female "victim" from the audience. Guess again! Even though Ferguson loved the idea, the "murder" didn't make the show because the CBS censors would not allow it. So much for selling more copies of the album on late, late, late night TV!
Nils' Hips Changed
Talk about a double hurt! E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren underwent replacement surgery on both of his hips yesterday. He said “a long, beautiful life on the road that’s included leaping off drum risers and trying to break stage floors with pounding legs” made the surgery necessary. True — but ouch!
Quotes Of The Day
It was Theodor Seuss Geisel who said: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes."
October 3, 2008
Texas blues guitar legend Albert Collins would have been 76.
Eddie "Summer Time Blues" Cochran would have been 70.
Twist meister Chubby Checker is 67.
Master musician Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is 59.
Guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan would have been 54.
Drummer Tommy Lee of Motley Crue is 46.
On this day in 1967, legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie died at the age of 55 after years of suffering from Huntington's Chorea.
On this day in 1969, Mississippi acoustic blues guitar legend Skip James, whose influence extended from Robert Johnson to Eric Clapton, died at age 67.
On this day in 1970, "Lookin' Out My Back Door" by Creedence Clearwater Revival hit #2 on the charts.
On this day in 1970, while working on her "Pearl" album, Janis Joplin listened to a playback of the instrumental "Buried Alive in the Blues," fully intending to cut a vocal the next day. Instead, she went back to her hotel room and died of an overdose.
On this day in 1980, Bruce Springsteen launched his "River" tour in Ann Arbor, Michigan by immediately forgetting the words to "Born To Run." Later in the show, Bob Seger joined the Boss on "Thunder Road" (and Bob remembered the words just fine, thank you).
On this day in 1981, Journey's "Who's Crying Now" peaked at #4 as Blue Oyster Cult's "Burnin' For You" topped out at #40 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, Heart's "Who Will You Run To?" peaked at #7 and John Mellencamp's "Paper In Fire" topped out at #9 as Bruce Springsteen's "Brilliant Disguise" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1996, David Lee Roth and Van Halen parted ways for a second time. The band and Roth had gotten back together in June after an 11-year separation, recorded a couple of songs for a greatest hits album and then they fired him.
On this day in 2000, The Cars bassist/singer Benjamin Orr died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 53. Among the many songs he sang lead on were "Just What I Needed" and "Drive."
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of ZZ Top and more of Joe's extensive conversation with guitarist/singer Billy F. Gibbons.
On Stage
Santana will be performing at the Nokia Theatre LA Live again tonight.
The Brothers Score A Trophy
There's a lot to be said for surviving! The Allman Brothers Band will receive the Legend of Live award at this year's Billboard Touring Awards on November 20th in New York. Billboard said, "They're an American institution and concert icons." The trophy recognizes a touring professional who has had a significant and lasting impact on the concert industry. In the past, Elton John and The Rolling Stones were gracious winners.
Bruce Does The Right Thing
Bruce Springsteen and his wife, E Street Band singer Patti Scialfa, are on the bill for the second annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit concert on November 5th in New York. The star-packed event will support the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which raises money for wounded servicemen and their families.
AC/DC Grunts Real Loud
You'd think that AC/DC's deal to sell their new "Black Ice" album exclusively through Wal-Mart should pay dividends all the way around. But just like when Wal-Mart and Sam's Club began selling their "exclusive" Eagles "The Long Road Out Of Eden" last year, independent record stores across the U.S. will again be retailing albums imported (at far less cost) from around the world! A compromise has been reached that would give 700 Indie stores across America the exclusive vinyl release of the album as well as a 7" vinyl release of the single "Rock & Roll Train." As a store source said, “With technology and international accounts, if a major label like Sony BMG America decides they don’t want to do business with us, then we will do business with other territories. Why should we allow them to disadvantage our businesses and piss off our customers”.
He's a Fragile Bob
Either Grateful Dead singer/guitarist Bob Weir has a bad cold, or he broke a few ribs when the band's tour bus driver had to slam on the brakes Saturday night. His rep eventually weighed in by saying, "He had a cold, which is why he really couldn't do the event this past Sunday." But Weir should be able to perform with his surviving Dead bandmates at the October 13th Barack Obama fundraiser in Pennsylvania.
Quotes Of The Day
It was George Bernard Shaw who said: "The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Three Quickies
There are only four words in the English language which end in '-dous': tremendous, horrendous, stupendous and hazardous.
The average person will spend two weeks over their lifetime waiting for the traffic light to change.
If we had the same mortality rate now as in 1900, more than half the people in the world today would not be alive.
October 4, 2008
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan made his concert hall debut at New York's Carnegie Hall. About 50 people attended, mostly friends, and he reportedly earned $20.
On this day in 1963, The Yardbirds invited Eric "Slowhand" Clapton to replace guitarist Anthony "Top" Topham. Clapton was an art-college friend of vocalist Keith Relf and a real sharp dresser, so it only made sense!
On this day in 1968, Paul McCartney recorded "Martha My Dear" for The Beatles' "White" album.
On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Green River" album was #1 on the American charts, while The Beatles' "Abbey Road" held the top spot on the British charts.
On this day in 1970, Janis Joplin was discovered dead in Hollywood's Landmark Hotel from an overdose of heroin and alcohol. Like Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, who both died earlier in 1970, she was only 27.
On this day in 1974, Irish rockers Thin Lizzy played their first date with the twin-guitar lineup of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. The crowd in Aberystwyth, Wales went crazy (but then it was in Wales).
On this day in 1980, Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" hit #1 on the singles chart.
On this day in 2005, Badfinger drummer Michael Gibbins died in his sleep of natural causes at his home in Florida at the age of 56.
October 5, 2008
Space cowboy, gangster of love and guitar master Steve Miller is 65.
AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson is 61.
Sweet vocalist Brian Connolly is 59.
Live Aid founder Sir Bob Geldof, who marginally sang with the Boomtown Rats, is 54.
On this day in 1969, Cream kicked off their highly calculated (and profitable) farewell tour — the first of its kind.
October 6, 2008
R.E.O. Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin is 57.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles recorded 13 takes of "Eight Days a Week." That marked the first time that they took an incomplete song into the studio, then finished it while recording it.
On this day in 1965, promoter Bill Graham opened his San Francisco club, the Fillmore Auditorium, for business. For the debut concert at the venue, Graham lined up the Grateful Dead and the Jefferson Airplane. Very, very trippy indeed.
On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers' "China Grove" peaked at #15 on the charts.
On this day in 1975, The Who released the album "Who By Numbers."
On this day in 1979, Fleetwood Mac rush-released their double album "Tusk" after tracks were leaked to radio stations.
On this day in 1979, the Eagles released "Heartache Tonight" and Styx released the song "Babe" as Van Halen's "Beautiful Girls" peaked at #84 on the charts.
On this day in 1992, R.E.M. released their "Automatic For The People" album.
Aerosmith To Mac
About time, we'd say! Guitar Hero: Aerosmith has been adapted for Apple’s Mac computers. The newest version of the game — due out later this month — features over 40 songs including a couple dozen Aerosmith numbers. Game on!
Partridge Redux
As if there weren't enough things wrong with this country today, NBC has signed on to remake The Partridge Family. As opposed to the original lightweight Seventies sitcom where the kids recruited their mom to front the band, the remake will focus on, "a struggling, sort of well-meaning mom pimping her kids in order to create a wholesome-slash-sexy cash cow." Golly, how do they ever come up with wild, wacky ideas like that?
Macca Takes A Swipe (Maybe)
Paul McCartney's latest electronica music project recorded under his alter ego The Fireman will be released next month. And wouldn't you know that the Brit tabloids are raving that the album's title, "Electronic Arguments," is a direct reference to the texts and e-mails that Sir Paul exchanged with his beloved Heather Mills as their marriage fell apart. You can judge for yourself (or not) when the disc is released Stateside on November 18th. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.
Status Quo For Charity
Queen guitarist Brian May, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Alice Cooper and Deep Purple bassist Roger Glover are among the Brit celebs who have redesigned "classic Status Quo single and album covers" for a November 5th auction to benefit the Prince's Trust U.K. youth charity. The event is being staged in honor of the 40th anniversary of Status Quo's hit "Pictures Of Matchstick Men."
Woodie's Marriage On The Rocks
Following his daughter's wedding last Summer, Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood disappeared on a 10-day drinking binge with a Russian waitress more than 40 years his junior. Another in a continuing series of six-week rehabs followed that well-documented escapade, and then (if the Brit tabloids are to be believed) Ronnie brazenly bought a huge new bed and reconnected with the waitress. Now it's time to pay the piper. Woodie's estranged wife, Jo, is reportedly going for half of his $200 million fortune — which includes a $24 million mansion and a $500,000 cottage in England as well as a $9 million castle in Ireland — and a continuing 20% commission off his work. But will the waitress dump him before the next Stones' tour?
Quotes Of The Day
It was Will Rogers who said: "Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else."
It was Frank Zappa who said: "You are what you is."
October 7, 2008
Kevin Godley, one-half of 10cc, is 63.
Dave Hope, the original bassist for Kansas, is 59.
The ever ornery and sometimes melodic John Mellencamp is 57.
Drummer Tico Torres of Bon Jovi is 55.
On this day in 1975, John Lennon's fight to remain in the U.S. finally ended when a three-judge U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the deportation order against him, noting that "Lennon's four-year battle to remain in our country is a testimony to his faith in [the] American dream."
On this day in 1977, guitarist Steve Hackett left Genesis. Drummer/vocalist Phil Collins, guitarist Mike Rutherford and keyboardist Tony Banks responded with an album called "And Then There Were Three."
On this day in 1978, Toto released "Hold the Line" as "Don't Look Back" by Boston peaked at #4 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Genesis released their multi-million selling "Genesis" album.
Gilmour/Mellencamp/Q Awards
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour received the Outstanding Contribution to Music trophy at the Q Awards 2008 held yesterday at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. While accepting the prize, David paid a heartfelt tribute to late Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright. The event's other winners included John Mellencamp, who was given the prestigious "Q Magazine" Classic Songwriter award, and Meat Loaf, whose "Bat Out Of Hell" was named the top Classic Song. By the way, Mellencamp will appear on the famed "Later... with Jools Holland" BBC-TV program today on his 57th birthday. Taking even further advantage of his Brit trip, John will also perform a five-song acoustic mini-set tomorrow (Wednesday) at London's legendary Borderline club. Why only five songs? It must be a mini-set for a mini-trip.
Eddie's Gettin' Hitched
Sorry girls — Eddie Van Halen is engaged to his girlfriend/publicist, Janie Liszewski. Word is that nuptials will take place next June.
Bowling In Hollywood
Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, Meat Loaf, former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum and several other rockers will take part in the VH1 Classic Celebrity Bowl-Off on November 13th at the Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood. The event is part of VH1's Classic Rock Autism campaign to raise money for autism research.
Guitar Party
To celebrate the Martin Guitar company's 175th anniversary, the American manufacturer will release a special album featuring artists playing Martin Guitars. "My Favorite Martin" features performances from folks like Steve Miller, Yes' Steve Howe, Heart's Nancy Wilson and many others. The disc will hit shelves on November 18th.
Pretenders
Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders will appear on NBC's "Today" show this morning to promote their new album, "Break Up the Concrete." While the band seems to be avoiding radio promotion this time around, a recent live performance was taped for a Nissan Live Sets online feature.
Just An Observation
Isn't it interesting how proudly some enjoy their freedom of speech, but object to it for people who disagree with them.
Quote Of The Day
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither."
October 8, 2008
Johnny Ramone, the Ramones original guitarist, would have been 57.
On this day in 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis recorded his classic "Great Balls Of Fire" after a lengthy dispute with his producer over whether he was supposed to be playing the devil's music. Kinda makes you wonder who won the argument, doesn't it?
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones released "Have You Seen Your Mother Baby (Standing In The Shadows)." To this day, no one is quite sure what the song is about.
On this day in 1971, John Lennon recorded his classic song "Imagine."
On this day in 1983, "King Of Pain" by The Police peaked at #3 on the charts.
On this day in 1988, Cheap Trick's cover of "Don't Be Cruel" peaked at #4 on the charts.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with John Fogerty.
Glastonbury Denies Denying The Floyd (Sort Of)
In case you've forgotten, England is a very small place where all kinds of nonsense takes on surreal importance. During Monday's "Q Awards" in London, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour said that a final wish of keyboardist Richard Wright was to perform at Britain's humongous Glastonbury festival, but it never happened "for all sorts of strange reasons." (Wright died of cancer two-and-a-half-months after the event.) But the festival organizer, Emily Eavis, says that there wasn't anything "strange" about it — it was simply a matter of logistics. She says, "I think maybe he has been misinformed by someone that it was some sort of thing about them, but it wasn't at all, it was just purely because we couldn't fit them on anywhere." She says her team was contacted just three weeks before the festival, and they just didn't feel that they could bump one of the slated headliners to accommodate Gilmour and Wright. Hmmm... Pink Floyd playing for the last time or going with Kings of Leon, Jay-Z or The Verve as headliners.
Definitely No More Dire
There are a lot of concert promoters who agree with former Dire Straits bass player John Illsley's recent comment that he'd like to get his old group to reunite. Illsley said, "I think we've definitely got one more tour left in us, and probably another record too." However, John admits that band leader/singer/guitarist Mark Knopfler is content with his career away from the group. "He's doing different kinds of music now... He's doing incredibly well as a solo artist, so hats off to him." In fact, Knopfler recently repeated the reason he'd given me for folding Dire Straits at the peak of their fame: "It just got too big... If anyone can tell me one good thing about fame, I'd be very interested to hear it."
Bruce/Heroes Benefit
Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa have signed on to perform at the "Stand Up For Heroes" benefit on November 5th at New York City's Town Hall. The fundraiser supports the Bob Woodruff Foundation — named after ABC News anchorman Bob Woodruff who was grievously injured while reporting in Iraq in 2006 — which assists members of the U.S. military who have been injured while serving in the war. Last year's inaugural event brought in more than $2 million. You can find more info at http://www.ReMind.org.
Slash's Busy
Considering how many wacky singers he's worked with, you've got to hand it to Slash for planning to use a different singer for each track on his upcoming solo effort. The former Guns N' Roses guitarist says he's "going to record the album next year," but is unsure of a release date. Meanwhile, McFarlane Toys is manufacturing a new Slash action figure based on his Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock video-game avatar. The figurine should be available in February.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Dave Barry who said: "If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
It was the astronomer Galileo Galilei who said: "You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself.
October 9, 2008
John Lennon would have been 68.
Bassist John Entwistle of The Who would have been 64.
Jackson Browne is 60.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne's wife/manager, is 56.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "Get Off Of My Cloud" entered the charts as The Beatles hit #1 with the song "Yesterday."
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones recorded their first (of what seems like 50+) live album, "Got Live if You Want It," at London's Royal Albert Hall on the last date of a tour of Great Britain. The recording was so bad, the din of the audience (some of which was overdubbed) drowned out almost all of the music.
On this day in 1967, the "Fifth Beatle," Murray the K was fired from his DJ slot at WOR in New York because of his "inability to live with direction." Kind of ironic that it took Tom Petty 35 years to write about it.
On this day in 1975, after the U.S. immigration ruling in his favor two days before, John Lennon and his wife Yoko celebrated his 35th birthday with the birth of their only child, Sean Ono Lennon.
On this day in 1976, "Lowdown" by Boz Scaggs peaked at #3 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1993, "Cryin'" by Aerosmith peaked at #12 on the charts.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with John Fogerty.
Faces & Woodie Off
Though most Americans never noticed, the legendary British party band The Faces split up in 1975 when their singer — Rod Stewart — found he could make more money as a solo act and guitarist Ronnie Wood joined The Rolling Stones. But ever since that one-off Led Zeppelin reunion gig last December, rumors have been flying that the surviving Faces would get back together for some sort of 2009 comeback tour. Now comes word that Woodie is demanding more money to work with Roddy and the boys. And the tabloids have flagged Wood's new girlfriend, a 20-year-old Russian waitress, as the cause of further problems. Quoted sources say that The Faces "want Ronnie to dedicate 100%. He already has trouble with alcohol. He doesn't need the added distraction of a girlfriend." But he does need to pay for that forthcoming divorce!
Macca/McDonald's
Maybe they were thinking that since he doesn't live there anymore, he'd never notice. But lo and behold, one of the world's highest profile vegetarians and ardent animal rights advocates, Sir Paul McCartney, is busting McDonald's for using photos of The Beatles to sell burgers at their Liverpool locations. Sir Paulie's longtime spokesman, Geoff Baker, says, "What sort of morons do McDonald's think Beatles fans are? It's ridiculous and insulting to use those images to peddle hamburgers." A rep for the fast food giant explained the pictures were simply intended to "acknowledge the outstanding contribution The Beatles made to both local and global culture." Yeah... and sell burgers in Macca's (former) backyard.
Yoko Drops Stein Suit
Last year the filmmakers behind the Ben Stein film about scientists who oppose evolution used a 15-second clip of John Lennon's song "Imagine" without asking for permission. So John's widow, Yoko Ono, and EMI Records filed a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement. But this past June, a judge ruled against Ono and EMI, so now they've finally dropped their legal proceedings. An attorney for the filmmakers said: "We think it was clear from the beginning that our clients had every right to use the 'Imagine' clip as they did, and we're happy we've vindicated that right." The first thing that comes to mind is what Shakespeare said in "King Henry VI" — "The first thing we must do is kill all the lawyers."
Foos Join Halens, Mellencamp, Browne & Heart
The Foo Fighters are upset with Presidential candidate John "To Hell With Copyrights" McCain because the band's 1998 hit song "My Hero" is being used at McCain rallies without permission. Band leader Dave Grohl says that the use of his song tarnishes its original purpose "as a celebration of the common man and his extraordinary potential." Van Halen, John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne and Heart are among the artists who have served McCain and his vice presidential running mate Sarah Palin cease and desist orders for using their songs without permission.
Neil Delays Again
Anybody who professes to be surprised by the announcement that Neil Young has once again postponed the release of his "Archives" collection is either delusional or lying. After being discussed for decades, the eight CD/double DVD package of the first volume of the "Archives" was originally due out last year, then delayed until this Fall and now postponed until who knows when. Eventually the set will include rare footage, performances, recordings and collaborations spanning the first decade of Neil's career. Meanwhile, a 22-track live collection culled from Young's 1968 concerts may be out on November 28th... or not.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who said: "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius."
It was poet Robert Frost who said, "Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper."
October 10, 2008
The legendary David Lee Roth is 54 (and yes, that is his real age).
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is 34.
On this day in 1981, "Waiting For A Girl Like You" by Foreigner entered the charts.
On this day in 1987, Bruce Springsteen released his ninth album, "Tunnel of Love" as Whitesnake hit #1 with the song "Here I Go Again."
On this day in 2001, Styx's Dennis DeYoung sued the rest of the band for going on tour without him and for allegedly misusing the Styx logo. Those were litigious times, indeed.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with John Fogerty.
On TV
Jackson Browne will be performing tonight on NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno."
(Oh Boy) G&R Again
They say that Guns N' Roses' 13-years-in-the-making "Chinese Democracy" album will finally be issued on November 23rd. While it's not known if anybody stills cares about the album, the Best Buy-exclusive disc is being released on a Sunday instead of the traditional Tuesday because the retail chain's sales week begins on Sunday... but it won't "officially" chart until the first week of December. Of course if this release finally does take place, then Neil Young's "Archives" collection may soon claim the distinction of being "The Longest-In-Production Album Ever."
Smacking The Osbournes
Sharon Osbourne, wife/manager of the Ozz, is well acquainted with pushing people in the music industry around with great gusto. But the Writers Guild of America is an animal of a different sort. With the tentatively titled "The Osbournes: Loud and Dangerous" TV show expected to premiere with a Christmas special, the W.G.A. has just warned their members that their guild membership will be in jeopardy if they work on the Osbourne series. It seems that the show's producers offered the union a “sub-standard contract” demanding that writers be treated as though they were working on “half-scripted” shows, greatly reducing their fees. Perhaps they've just confused "half-scripted" with half-assed.
Big Big Broadway Bucks
Not that you or I are likely to see it, but the upcoming Broadway musical adaptation of "Spider-Man" — as scored by U2's Bono and The Edge — may be the most expensive production in theater history. With a rumored budget of $40 million, the lavish show being directed by Julie Taymor (of "The Lion King" fame) is set to open next year at New York's Hilton Theatre.
Jackson Action
Now this is an interesting bill! Jackson Browne, Smokey Robinson and Earth Wind & Fire will perform at the Dream Believe Achieve Inspiration Gala on October 21st in the Ahmanson Ballroom at the Skirball Cultural Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit three nonprofit groups that "provide educational, recreational and cultural opportunities" for South Los Angeles youths and their families.
Eagles Extension
No new Southland dates yet, but the Eagles are continuing to extend their "Long Road Out of Eden Tour" with new dates for the new year. The latest bookings begin with a trio of January shows in Florida. The Eagles, who will be in the running for Vocal Group of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards in November, have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earning five #1 singles and five GRAMMY Awards. To date the Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers' "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" has sold over 29 million copies, making it the best-selling album of all time in the USA.
Yes (More Or Less)
Yes bassist/founding member Chris Squire says singer/founding member Jon Anderson is without a doubt still a member of the legendary band. Chris has reiterated that the group decided to tour this Fall with a substitute singer because Yes hasn't been able to hit the road in several years due to Anderson's health problems. As for Jon's angry response to the announcement of his replacement, Squire says "at the last count I believe we have his blessings to go out and do this."
A Thought For The Weekend
After a certain age, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead.
Bug Smelling/Shrimp Swimming/Pigs Burning
* A snail breathes through its foot.
* An ant's sense of smell is stronger than a dog's.
* Shrimp can only swim backwards.
* Pigs get sunburned.