October 21 - 31, 2008
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
October 21, 2008
Guitarist Steve Cropper and bandleader/keyboardist Manfred Mann are both 67.
Blues guitarist Elvin Bishop is 66.
Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland would have been 56.
Toto guitarist Steve Lukather is 51.
On this day in 1961, 20-year-old Bob Dylan recorded his first album. It cost $400 to produce, was finished in one day and you could understand every word on it.
On this day in 1972, America released their song "Ventura Highway."
On this day in 1983, Yes released "Owner of a Lonely Heart," which went on to become their first #1 hit.
Aerosmith Meanderings
Aerosmith's Brad Whitford says the group is planning to hit the road in March, but it might be without a new album to promote. He says the "guts of a new album" are ready, but, "Typical Aerosmith— everybody's off in their own little world and I'm not sure we're going to get it done before we go out." One thing he'd like is for the band to perform their "Rocks" and "Toys In The Attic" albums in their entirety in sequence — a first for sure!
New/Old OzzFest
Don't look for OzzFest 2009 to be a free show like this year's edition was. Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon, has announced that they're planning to return to "what we originally were." Word is that — unlike 2006 when Ozzy only played select shows — Ozz-man will headline next year's OzzFest.
Stock For U2
With the way the economy has tanked, would you accept payment in stocks? U2 are about to receive 1.56 million shares of Live Nation, worth roughly $19 million, as part of the payout from the 12-year touring contract that the band signed with the concert giant earlier this year. The deal includes the band's tours, merchandising and their official http://www.u2.com website (long regarded as one of the best on the web). Considering that, as U2's 2005-2007 "Vertigo" tour made over $400 million in revenues, the deal could potentially reap billions for Live Nation. The Irish band's highly anticipated new album and tour is due early next year.
R.E.M.'s 25th
Hard to believe that it's been 25 years since R.E.M. released their debut album, "Murmur." To mark the anniversary, the double-CD "Murmur: Deluxe Edition" will be released on November 25th. The new package will include a remastered version of the band's 1983 full-length debut, as well as a disc featuring 16 previously unreleased performances recorded at a Toronto club gig in July of that year. The live disc includes renditions of nine "Murmur" songs, plus songs that appeared on 1982's "Chronic Town" EP, as well as early versions of songs from 1984's "Reckoning" and 1986's "Life's Rich Pageant."
Jimi Vodka Nixed
Almost 40 years after his death, people are still fighting over Jimi Hendrix's name and likeness. Yesterday a U.S. district court judge finally issued a permanent injunction to stop the sale of Hendrix Electric Vodka. The ruling forbids the Electric Hendrix Spirits company, owned in part by Jimi's half-brother Leon Hendrix, from using trademarks associated with the late guitarist on all merchandise they produce, and also orders that existing products be removed from the market. The ruling is part of an ongoing trademark-infringement lawsuit initiated by Experience Hendrix, the family business entity that oversees Jimi's estate.
Probably AC/DC's Last
AC/DC kicks off their world tour next Tuesday to promote their latest album, "Black Ice." Brian Johnson, their always straightforward speaking singer, says, "At 61, this could be my last shot." One way the band is promoting their new album is through TV, but not through the usual talk show appearances. Their new song "Rock 'n' Roll Train" will be featured on the CBS drama "Criminal Minds, this Wednesday evening.
Quote Of The Day
It was Marcus Tullius Cicero who said in 55 BC: "The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."
October 22, 2008
Guitarist Leslie West of Mountain is 63.
Keyboardist Greg Hawkes of The Cars is 56.
On this day in 1976, Keith Moon played his last show with The Who before a paying audience at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.
On this day in 1977, "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner peaked at #6 as Queen's "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1982, "The Eagles Greatest Hits Volume II" was released.
On this day in 1983, "Burning Down The House" by the Talking Heads peaked at #9 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1994, producer Jimmy Miller died in Boulder, Colorado. After surviving The Rolling Stones' lifestyle from the late Sixties through the mid-Seventies, Jimmy finally succumbed to lung cancer.
ZZ Top/Black Keys/Rubin
The Black Keys will be in L.A. this weekend for songwriting sessions with ZZ Top's Billy F. Gibbons and producer Rick Rubin for the Top's upcoming, Rubin-produced album. After performing with fellow Akronites Devo and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders at last Friday night's Democratic party fund-raiser, the sessions with Billy are going to be a breeze!
Macca's Head Disappears
Here's one from the "Only In Britain" file. A wax replica of Paul McCartney's head has gone missing after its owner (a real sharp tool) left it underneath a train seat while riding around England. The sculpture by some obscure Sixties artist had been on display at a Brit museum, and was expected to sell for between $10,000 and $20,000 at an auction this Sunday in Maidenhead (no, really!), England. Strange to say, but much higher bids have been coming in since the waxy noggin's disappearance. Stay tuned!
New Beck
Guitar god Jeff Beck's new album "Performing This Week Live At Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club" is scheduled for a November 25th release. The 16-song collection, recorded over several nights last year at the London venue, includes material spanning the one-time Yardbirds guitarist's entire career. No clue as to why the companion DVD won't be issued until next year, but any chance to see the lovely Tal Wilkenfeld play bass with Beck, drum god Vinnie Colaiuta and keyboard whiz Jason Rebello is well worth the price... and the wait!
Keef To Nashville
Rolling Stones guitarist/rock icon Keith Richards is going to participate in the Musicians Hall Of Fame & Museum Awards Show next Tuesday in Nashville. Booker T. & The MGs and Bob Dylan collaborator Al Kooper are among this year's inductees... and you know all of those guys have Keith stories to tell!
Some Private Who For Xmas (Sort Of)
The Who will play two private shows (Christmas gigs, if you will) exclusively for members of TheWho.com fan club. The actual performances will take place on December 14th and 15th somewhere in London, giving you plenty of time to sign up and get access to the shows.
Primetime GRAMMY Noms
The Recording Academy will forgo it's traditional early morning GRAMMY Awards nomination announcement ceremony in favor of an hour-long prime time TV special. "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live! – Countdown To Music's Biggest Night," will air from the Nokia Theater on December 3rd on CBS. Do you suppose they're doing this because musicians can't get up before noon? The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place at it's normal time in Los Angeles on February 8th.
Quotes Of The Day
It was author Ambrose Bierce who said: "The gambling known as business looks with austere disfavor upon the business known as gambling."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut."
October 23, 2008
Johnny Carson would have been 85.
Dwight Yokam is 52.
On this day in 1965, "Turn!, Turn!, Turn!" by The Byrds entered the charts on it's way to becoming their third big hit. The song's lyrics were drawn from the Biblical 'Book of Ecclesiastes.'
On this day in 1975, Elton John played a sold-out show at Dodger Stadium on the final night of his "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" tour.
On this day in 1976, ELO released the song "Livin' Thing."
On this day in 1982, "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #12 and "Hold On" by Santana topped out at #15 on the charts.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Dire Straits as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist/singer Mark Knopfler.
AC/DC Selling Large
AC/DC fans are snapping up the band's new album, "Black Ice," at an amazing pace. First week sales are estimated to be over 800,000 units — especially impressive considering it's only being sold at Wal-Mart stores and on the band's Web page. To put those numbers in perspective, the Aussie's last album, 2000's "Stiff Upper Lip," sold 131,000 copies in its first week and to date has only moved 900,000 units.
USC/Music B.S.
Starting with auditions in January, USC's highly regarded Thornton School of Music will be accepting pop music singers and instrumentalists, breaking a long-standing higher education tradition requiring students to dedicate themselves either to classical music or jazz. The new Bachelor Of Music in Pop Music Performance degree will be the first of its kind at a major university, and Steve Miller, Randy Newman and producer Glen Ballard have already agreed to be guest lecturers. Students will be required to study music theory, history, songwriting, entertainment law, record promotion, marketing, publicity and other fields needed to succeed in the evolving music business. They'll also be required to take a year of drum lessons to emphasize the critical role that beat and groove play in pop music.
G&R Again
After (what seems like) 37 years in production, Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" album will go on sale exclusively from Best Buy on November 23rd. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.
Mudcrutch Redux
Mudcrutch, Tom Petty's recently reunited pre-Heartbreakers band, will issue an EP called "Extended Play Live" on November 11th, the same day a Peter Bogdanovich produced Mudcrutch documentary will premiere on VH1 Classic. The documentary tells the story of Mudcrutch from their days playing at Dub's in Gainesville to their 2007 reunion. But how long will it be before they play live again? Stay tuned!
Ozzy Hates Variety
Ozzy Osbourne and his family will return with a new variety TV show in January. But the Prince of Darkness has just declared: "The word variety sticks in my throat. It's not like we're Sonny & Cher or something." Daughter Kelly Osbourne says that there won't be a bunch of A-list guests, the show will instead center more on audience participation. Wonder if that is their excuse for butting heads with the Writer's Guild?
Robin's Teeing Off Again
Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander's third annual Rockin' The First Tee charity concert and golf tournament will be held November 21st and 22nd in Clearwater, Florida. The first night will see the Trick perform The Beatles' entire "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album with the Florida Rock Symphony and various guest artists. The fundraiser supports Robin's First Tee of Clearwater, which aids underprivileged youths in the area.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Winston Churchill who said: "I am always ready to learn, but I do not always like being taught."
It was Sherlock Holmes who said: "No, Watson, this was not done by accident, but by design."
October 24, 2008
Bassist Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones is 72.
Producer Ted Templeman, who worked with Van Morrison, the Doobie Brothers and Van Halen, is 64.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd arrived in the U.S. to begin their first North American tour. Their first stop was Bill Graham's famed Fillmore West in San Francisco and, by all accounts, group mastermind Syd Barrett was physically present — no more, no less.
On this day in 1970, The Kinks' "Lola" peaked at #9 on the charts.
On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney received a rhodium disc from the Guinness Book of World Records celebrating his status as the world's best-selling songwriter.
On this day in 1981, "Leather & Lace," the Stevie Nicks/Don Henley duet, entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released her album, "The Wild Heart."
On this day in 1987, George Harrison's cover of "Got My Mind Set On You" entered the singles chart.
Foreigner On Stage
Foreigner will be rocking the House Of Blues on Sunset tonight and the House Of Blues in Anaheim Sunday night.
Dr Pep Delivers
To follow up on one of the best promotions of the year, Dr Pepper is making good on a prior promise to provide every person in America a can of the soft drink if Guns N' Roses' long-delayed "Chinese Democracy" album were to arrive in 2008. Actually, they specified they would give a free soda to everyone except for former GN'R members Slash and Buckethead. Assuming the LP actually comes out as advertised on November 23rd, interested fans need to visit DrPepper.com on that day. After registering online, fans will receive a coupon redeemable for a 20-oz. Dr Pepper wherever the drink is sold. No matter whether you like "Chinese Democracy," the coupon is only available for 24 hours and will expire on February 28th.
Macca's Head Found In Rubbish Bin
Remember the Sixties-era wax sculpture of Paul McCartney's head that went missing last week after its owner left it under his train seat on the way from London to Reading, England? Darned if a homeless man didn't discover it in a rubbish bin at the Reading station! Finder Anthony Silva said of the $4,000 reward money, "It's just what I need and I hope my luck has changed for the better." As for the head, it's still going up for auction and — thanks to the goofy publicity from losing it — the forgetful owner expects it to sell for over $20,000.
Watch Bono/Brian Write
Details aren't complete yet, but U2 frontman Bono will write between six and 10 columns for the "New York Times" next year, and Queen guitarist Brian May is also expected to reprise his guest columnist role. Both will likely be working on their Op Ed pieces while on the road. Queen + Paul Rodgers "Cosmos Rocks" tour will hit the States about the time that U2 releases their new album in February or March, and U2 will follow that with an extensive world tour. But somehow I don't think either guy will be writing "It sure is lonely out here on the road" pieces for the "Times."
No Bootleg Beats For You
Earlier this year reps for The Beatles filed a $15 million lawsuit against Fuego Entertainment to prevent the release of recordings made at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany in 1962, shortly after Ringo Starr joined the group. Apple Corps claimed in its suit that the 46-year-old tape is of "poor quality," and its release would damage the Beatles', quote, "extraordinarily valuable image." In addition, the bootleg recording was allegedly made without the band members' permission. To no one's surprise, the case has been settled out of court. Of course the terms have not been disclosed, but Fuego has agreed not to market or distribute the recordings.
Some Just Don't Learn Well
Word is that Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington was arrested near his home in Milton, Georgia last month for driving under the influence. Rossington, who inspired the Skynyrd song "What's That Smell," was busted at the scene of a traffic collision in which he was involved. He was booked for two DUI counts, cited for a traffic violation and released.
Scary Coop Programming
Alice Cooper will host "The Monstrous Munster Mash" eight-hour marathon of episodes of the classic Sixties sitcom "The Munsters" on the WGN America cable network on Halloween. Following the "Munster Mash" at midnight, WGN will premiere "Alice Cooper's Along Came a Spider," a 30-minute special featuring music videos and clips from the Coop's new album of the same name. Now that's scary!
Thought For The Weekend
Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job.
2008 Love Ride
This Sunday Uncle Joe and the KLOS Cool Patrol will be rockin' the 25th Annual Love Ride and the 2008 California Bike Week event at the L.A. County Fairplex in Pomona. There will be thousands of motorcycles, hundreds of vendor booths and dozens of activities with Jay Leno serving as the Grand Marshal and yer Unc introducing ZZ Top and the Foo Fighters. As always, the money raised will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and local children's charities. Check out some snapshots from last year.
October 25, 2008
Vocalist Jon Anderson of Yes is 64.
Guitarist Matthias Jabs of the Scorpions is 52.
Guitarist Robbie McIntosh, who worked with Paul McCartney and The Pretenders, is 51.
On this day in 1960, a 17-year-old Mick Jagger coincidentally met his old school chum Keith Richards on a train. While the two bonded over a mutual love of R&B records, fame and the "Glimmer Twins" were still a long way off.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones appeared for the first time on the "Ed Sullivan Show." Afterward, letters from concerned parents — chastising the program's producers for the booking — flooded the show's offices. Despite CBS's promise that The Stones would never grace their studio again, they were back on the show a few months later. Oh, the scandal! Oh, the ratings!
On this day in 1991, concert promoter Bill Graham (who ran the Fillmore East & West) was killed in a helicopter crash north of San Francisco.
October 26, 2008
On this day in 1965, The Beatles were awarded M.B.E. (Members of the British Empire) medals by Queen Elizabeth II. The Fab Four were the first non-military recipients of the award, which was given in recognition of the amount of attention, financial and otherwise, that the group had generated for Britain. Although none of the other Beatles ever confirmed it, John Lennon said the boys smoked "a bit of marijuana" in one of the palace bathrooms to calm their nerves. Talk about a high point in their career!
On this day in 1978, The Police played their first American show at Boston's Rat Club.
On this day in 1981, David Bowie and Queen recorded "Under Pressure" in Montreux, Switzerland.
October 27, 2008
Bassist Garry Tallent of The E Street Band is 60.
On this day in 1962, the fledgling Rolling Stones made their first recordings at London's Curly Clayton Studios. Vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarists Keith Richards and Brian Jones, pianist Ian Stewart and drummer Tony Chapman covered blues songs by Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Bo Diddley, but no record deal resulted.
On this day in 1973, Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" peaked at #12 as Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen was hailed as the most important artist of the day on the covers of both "Time" and "Newsweek" magazines, even though he'd never had a hit single or sold very many albums.
On this day in 1979, Foreigner's "Dirty White Boy" peaked at #12 as Journey's "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" topped out at #16 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, Pat Benatar's "We Belong" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, The Police's compilation album "Every Breath You Take: The Singles" was released.
On this day in 2002, Tom Dowd, one of the most legendary record producers in the history of Rock & Roll, died of natural causes at the age of 77 in Florida.
Burning Through Macca's Millions
She's evidently a woman on a mission to spend it all! The British press reports that Heather Mills has spent half of her $50 million divorce settlement with Paul McCartney in just seven months. Documented expenditures include $2 million for a swimming pool for one of her English homes, $5 million for a New York City apartment, $12 million in renovations to her other houses around the world and about $1 million in wages for her staff. Poor Heather has also had to settle large bills from her divorce lawyers (who sued for the payments) and her former publicist, who branded Mills as "a calculating, pathological liar and the biggest bitch on the planet." Meanwhile, most think that Sir Paulie asking his new girlfriend, Nancy Shevell, to move in with him will only spin Heather's head around faster and faster.
Skating Soundtracks
Judas Priest, the Clash and War have all placed songs on the soundtracks for the new skateboarding video games "Skate It" (due out before Christmas) and "Skate 2." Black Sabbath and Electric Light Orchestra will also have songs on "Skate 2," which will be released early next year.
Dead Obits
Another member of the Grateful Dead family has passed away. Keyboardist Merl Saunders died at a San Francisco-area hospital last Friday of complications from a stroke. The 74-year-old's death came just days after the passing of the Grateful Dead's longtime lawyer, Hal Kant, who was responsible for securing ownership of the Dead's music masters and publishing rights early in their career. Known as their legal "Czar," Kant died on October 19th in Reno of pancreatic cancer.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
It was Isabel Moore who said: "Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. And once you know and accept that, life becomes much simpler."
Why Pumpkins Are Better Than Men
1. Every year you get a brand new crop to choose from.
2. No matter what your mood, pumpkins are always ready to greet you with a smile.
3. They are always on the doorstep waiting for you.
4. If he starts smelling up your place, you can just throw him out.
5. A pumpkin is turned on (lit-up) only when you want him to be.
October 28, 2008
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," "Hound Dog" and "Reddy Teddy."
On this day in 1961, a customer asked Liverpool record store clerk Brian Epstein for "My Bonnie," a single by The Beatles. Epstein didn't have it, but after a second customer requested the record, he ordered it and tracked the group down to the Cavern Club. Epstein later became the band's manager.
On this day in 1964, filming of the T.A.M.I. Show began at the Santa Monica Civic. The highly influential concert movie was actually shot over three days, and featured Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones and a smoking performance by James Brown.
On this day in 1967, The Who's "I Can See For Miles" entered the charts as "People Are Strange" by The Doors peaked at #12.
On this day in 1977, the Sex Pistols released their album "Never Mind the Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols" in the United States. The album, which still stands as a testament to what punk rock was all about, eventually sold a million copies — though it took 10 years to do so.
On this day in 1977, Steve Perry joined Journey for their first public concert together, in San Francisco.
On this day in 1978, Bob Seger released the song "We've Got Tonight."
On this day in 1983, almost five years to the day after their first U.S. gig at a small club in Boston, The Police played Miami's Orange Bowl in front of an audience of over 48,000 people. During 1983's "Synchronicity" tour (the band's last), they set box office records with sold-out shows at stadiums across the States.
On this day in 1985, two highly successful albums were released: Robert Palmer's "Riptide" and ZZ Top's "Afterburner."
On this day in 1986, Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" album began an eight-week stay at #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Aerosmith's "Love In An Elevator" peaked at #5 on the charts.
On this day in 1991, Genesis released their "We Can't Dance" album.
No Plant/Some Zep?
After weeks of rumor and hearsay, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones has seemingly confirmed the band will soon hit the road again without frontman Robert Plant. Casually speaking at (of all places) a guitar show last weekend, Jonesy said Jimmy Page, Jason Bonham and himself are all "itching" to hit the road after reuniting in London back in December 2007. Among other things, he said "We really hope that something is going to happen soon... What we've done so far sounds absolutely fantastic." However, with Plant declining to reunite with his Zep bandmates for "a couple of years," Jones said the threesome would consider going on tour with another vocalist, to whom he referenced "As soon as we know who it is, we'll let you know who it is." While it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if all of this were just posturing, let's hope no one tours using the Zeppelin name without the Zeppelin's singer!
Stones/Olympic Games
Before you consider the likelihood of The Rolling Stones still breathing (much less functioning as a band) four years down the road, consider that word from London says the boys will be playing the 2012 Summer Olympics' opening ceremony! In addition, singer Mick Jagger is said to have chosen David Bowie and Elton John to join The Stones onstage (although Sir Elty working the same side of the stage as Keith Richards seems hard to believe). But truthfully, any of the billions of people who saw the Beijing Summer Olympics closing ceremony has to think that Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page would be the Olympic Committee's first choice — with or without Robert Plant.
Woodie's Daughter Preggers
You may recall that 61-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood went on his latest mega-bender (the one with a 19-year-old Russian waitress tagging/shagging along) immediately after his only daughter Leah got married last Summer. Now, after months of Woodie's public struggles with alcohol and a split from his wife of two decades in favor of his Russian tart, word is that Leah is expecting her first child (Ronnie's first grandchild) in the Spring. Since she's not been on good terms with Dad since he launched the affair on the eve of her honeymoon, Leah has not informed her father of her pregnancy. Sounds like the Holidays might be a bit strained around the old Wood homestead this year!
Another Warehouse Fire
Turns out that millions of dollars worth of rare and one-of-a-kind personal memorabilia belonging to The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John, Duran Duran and others was destroyed in a six-story warehouse in London in July. The blaze was actually the third to hit Iron Mountain warehouses in recent months, with fires in New York and Ottawa destroying the other facilities. The British artists have begun legal proceedings to seek compensation for the destroyed property, with Bowie reportedly still "distraught" after copies of his earliest professional contracts were lost in the blaze.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Thomas L. Friedman who said: "The first rule of holes is that when you're in one, stop digging."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see."
October 29, 2008
Guitarist/vocalist Denny Laine of the Moody Blues and Wings is 64.
Guitarist Peter Green of the original Fleetwood Mac line-up is 62.
On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their "Willy & The Poor Boys" album.
On this day in 1971, guitarist Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24.
On this day in 1973, John Lennon released the song "Mind Games."
On this day in 1976, the "Best Of The Doobies" was released to buy time as The Doobie Brothers worked up new music in the studio.
On this day in 1977, "Come Sail Away" by Styx and Fleetwood Mac's "You Make Loving Fun" both entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, Meatloaf released his classic "Bat Out Of Hell" album.
On this day in 1981, Rush released "Exit... Stage Left," named after their favorite Yogi Bear line.
On this day in 1999, the surviving members of The Who — Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle — reunited for the first time in two years for a concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to promote an Internet video company. Also performing that night were KISS, Tony Bennett and the Dixie Chicks.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of KISS as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist/singer Paul Stanley.
John Paul Keeps Yakking
For a guy who spent his life avoiding public speaking like the plague, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones sure has become a motormouth. His latest (and most professional to date) interview about touring with his Led Zeppelin bandmates Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham took place Monday with the BBC News. Jonesy said that — assuming singer Robert Plant won't tour with them — the guys don't want a clone of their vocalist. "There's no point in just finding another Robert," he said. No kidding, John.
Mega AC/DC Debut
Even though AC/DC's new "Black Ice" album is only available Stateside through Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and ACDC.com, it sold more than 780,000 copies in its first week of release, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart! In fact, the Aussie band's first new album in seven years debuted at #1 in England, Germany, Canada, France, Japan, Australia, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and 18 other countries around the world! More significantly, fans worldwide have already bought almost five million copies of the CD, and sales of over 10 million units by the end of the year seems within reach. Not bad for a little old bar band!
No Halloween Hot Sauce From The Boss
The note to the neighbors simply said: "So as not to inconvenience you this Halloween, due to 'catastrophic success' (read: too many visitors for the neighborhood to handle) and concern for the safety of kids and parents, we won't be having our usual Halloween display this year in Rumson." And with that, Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa cancelled their huge annual Halloween display at their New Jersey home. Wonder what will happen to all that candy corn...
Jackson At S.M. Civic
Jackson Browne will headline a November 29th concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to raise money for hurricane relief in the Gulf Coast, Haiti and Cuba. The event will directly support Operation USA, an organization that assists those in dire need. Details on ticket availabilities can be found at http://www.jacksonbrowne.com
Big Ol' Warner Bunny Book
Tracks from Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, the Grateful Dead, R.E.M. and many others are expected to appear on a 320-song USB flash drive packaged with the upcoming "Revolutions in Sound" book celebrating the 50th anniversary of Warner Bros. Records. The 240-page hardcover book, due out on December 9th, will be filled with photographs, interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at how some of the company's biggest hits were created.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Arthur Baer who said: "If you do big things they print your face, and if you do little things they print only your thumbs."
It was Charlton Heston who said: "Political correctness is just tyranny with manners."
The Creepiest Celebs Of All!
Marilyn Manson got the nod as this year's creepiest celebrity in a new e-Poll survey. Courtney Love, Keith Richards, Gene Simmons, and Tommy Lee were also on the Top 20 list. Other creepy stars include Carrot Top, Don Imus, Woody Allen, and Tom Green. Here's the Top 7.
1. Marilyn Manson – creepy to 76%, appeals to 9%
2. Michael Jackson – creepy to 67%, appeals to 14%
3. O.J. Simpson – creepy to 59%, appeals to 3%
4. Stephen King (the most appealing creepy celeb) – creepy to 51%, appeals to 61%
5. Howard Stern – creepy to 45%, appeals to 13%
6. Andy Dick – creepy to 44%, appeals to 17%
7. Ozzy Osbourne – creepy to 43%, appeals to 29%
October 30, 2008
Singer and rock icon Grace Slick of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship is 69 and still very feisty.
Drummer Chris Slade, who played with AC/DC, Manfred Mann and Tom Jones, is 62 and still very bald.
Eagles bassist/singer Timothy B. Schimt is 61 and still very cool.
Tonight's Not The Night For Neil
Neil Young has cancelled this evening's concert at The Forum. After the Bridge School Benefit Concert this past Sunday, Young was advised that the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union was going to picket his show at The Forum, and Neil (who along with his wife Pegi are honorary lifetime members of the IATSE) has elected to cancel the performance rather than cross the picket line. "I am extremely disappointed to have to choose between satisfying my fans or backing my brothers and sisters of the IATSE," Young said from San Diego. " I will miss playing in Los Angeles and apologize to my fans for the inconvenience this has caused." Neil's L.A. date will be rescheduled for sometime in 2009. Ticket holders can get refunds at place of purchase.
Beatles To Rock Rock Band
Thursday morning MTV will announce an exclusive agreement with Apple Corps. regarding an "unprecedented global music project." Could this be the rumored arrival of The Beatles to the MTV Games-produced Rock Band games franchise? If so, Rock Band will have secured two of the top-selling catalog bands of all time. AC/DC recently became the subject of a Rock Band Track Pack featuring 18 live versions of their "hits," and both AC/DC and The Beatles remain absent from digital music services like iTunes. Stay tuned!
Zep's Promoter Says No
The fact that you don't know Harvey Goldsmith doesn't bother him in the least. He's made so much money over the years promoting Led Zeppelin concerts, as well as their one-off reunion last year, he's completely comfortable with his position in life and knowledge of the inner workings of the legendary group. So what does he think of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones discussing auditions of vocalists to take the place of frontman Robert Plant? Harvey told the BBC, "I just think it's a lot of talk, I think it's wishful thinking. Whether they all come together and do something in the future, they may. I think some of the band really want to go out and do it, and other parts of the band need to understand why they're doing it. And if there's no compelling reason to do it, then they shouldn't do it. I think that there is an opportunity for them to go out and present themselves. But I don't think a long rambling tour is the answer as Led Zeppelin."
Who For You
With The Who rocking the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 8th and 9th, you knew both frontman Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend would be hanging around town for a day or two. Now comes word that Roger will participate in a Q&A session at the Arclight Cinema in Sherman Oaks before the November 10th screening of The Who's upcoming At Kilburn: 1977 concert video. Featuring drummer Keith Moon's last public performance, "At Kilburn: 1997" will be released on DVD and Blu-ray disc on November 18th (when Roger and the band will be in the midst of their Tokyo run of gigs).
Dead Guy's Makin' Cash
You had to know that Elvis Presley would top the annual "Forbes" Top-Earning Dead Celebrities list again this year. But would you have guessed Elvis made an estimated $52 million over the past 12 months? In pulling in $3 million more than in '07, you could say that the 30th anniversary of Presley's death sure didn't hurt his bank account. The rest of the Top 5 Earning Dead Guys included "Peanuts" creator Charles M. Schulz, actor Heath Ledger, Albert Einstein and TV producer Aaron Spelling. John Lennon, who was in the #2 spot last year with an income of $44 million, fell to seventh place with earnings of a mere $9 million. Reason enough to finally release all those Beatles songs on iTunes!
Scary Scary Stories
Leave it to The Biography Channel to produce a one-hour "Celebrity Ghost Stories" special to air tonight. And perhaps the scariest tale of all comes from Sammy Hagar (and no, it has nothing to do with David Lee Roth). Others detailing encounters with the paranormal include Ernie Hudson from "Ghostbusters" and singer Belinda Carlisle.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
It was Aldous Huxley who said: "Experience teaches only the teachable."
Pumpkin Factoids
Pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables.
Pumpkins, gourds, and other varieties of squash are all members of the family Cucurbitacae, which also includes cucumbers, gherkins, and melons. Ever try to carve a gherkin?
Pumpkins are indigenous to the Western Hemisphere and were completely unknown in Europe before the time of Columbus. Jack-o-lanterns are an Irish tradition. In Ireland, oversized rutabagas, turnips and potatoes were hollowed-out, carved into faces and illuminated with candles to be used as lanterns during Halloween celebrations.
Pumpkins generally weigh from 15-to-30 pounds, although some weigh as much as 600 pounds (too much time spent watching TV, no doubt).
October 31, 2008
Singer/guitarist Russ Ballard of Argent fame is 61.
Drummer Bob Seibenberg of Supertramp is 59.
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. of U2 is 47.
On this day in 1956, Paul McCartney's mother died from breast cancer. Mary McCartney had ignored pains in her chest, dismissing them as symptoms of menopause. By the time she consulted a doctor and underwent surgery, it was too late - the cancer had spread. 14-year-old Paul was devastated and buried his grief in an obsession with music.
On this day in 1973, Cheap Trick played their first gig. And yes, they were very, very loud.
On this day in 1975, Queen released their signature song, "Bohemian Rhapsody," in Britain. It went on to spend a record eight consecutive weeks at #1 there, then enjoyed a second life on the charts in the Nineties when it was featured in the film "Wayne's World." Scarra-Moosh!!
On this day in 1981, "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #2 on the charts.
On this day in 1981, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" entered the singles chart as Ozzy Osbourne released his "Diary of a Madman" album.
Beatles To Rock Rock Band (Sort Of)
As expected, yesterday MTV announced an exclusive agreement with Apple Corps for an as-yet-untitled interactive video game focusing solely on The Beatles. Due out late next year, the project is being put together with input from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison. Giles Martin — co-producer of The Beatles-themed Las Vegas stage production "Love" — also is collaborating on the game with the intent to feature the entire Beatles catalog in an "experiential journey" of the band. This is the first time Beatles music will be used in an interactive, video game format, but it's not clear whether Beatles content will also be available for the standard Rock Band game.
Ooooo... Scary Coop!
Alice Cooper will host "The Monstrous Munster Mash" eight-hour marathon of episodes of the classic Sixties sitcom "The Munsters" on the WGN America cable network on Halloween. Following the "Munster Mash" at midnight, WGN will premiere "Alice Cooper's Along Came a Spider," a 30-minute special featuring music videos and clips from the Coop's new album of the same name. Now that's scary!
Elvis Costello With...
Set the Tivo mama! The new 13-episode Sundance Channel variety program Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... will kick off December 3rd with an installment featuring Elton John (who's also an executive producer of the performance/interview show). Other guests of note include Lou Reed on December 10th, The Police (with Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers) on January 7th and John Mellencamp on January 21st.
Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Bob Seger, Steve Miller, John Mellencamp, Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Kinks' Ray Davies have all been nominated in the Performer/Songwriters category for the Songwriters Hall Of Fame class of 2009. The '09 inductees will be announced on November 20th.
AC/DC Fan Docu
AC/DC's just hit the road in support of their most successful album release ever, but it's their hard core fans that are the focus of a new documentary. The tentatively titled "AC/DC Rock N' Roll Caravan" is being filmed as the Aussie band's "Black Ice" tour picks up speed. The director says, "It's part self-documentary, part interview and part madness... It's about the fans and AC/DC's impression on them. Men, women, old, young — all kinds of people rally around the band." The film is expected to surface on the group's next concert DVD.
2008's Sexiest Halloween Costumes
Fortunately for you last minute shoppers, a TRUE.com poll has identified the specific outfits to entice that special someone. Yes, 34% of the women surveyed said they thought the sexiest man's costume is a "Cowboy," but it's not known if that's actually a reflection of Jim Ladd's persona. The runaway favorite woman's costume named by 48% of the guys is a "French Maid." The hardest of all to explain was that a Nun's costume was ranked as the sexiest by 4% of the men... men who never actually dealt with nuns, we'd venture to guess.
Scary Halloween Factoids
"Hallow" is an old word meaning holy, whilst "e'en" is Scottish for evening.
Halloween is believed by some to be the time when the dead and other demonic creatures rise to walk the earth once more.
Black cats are a symbol of Halloween because it was once believed that souls could travel back into the world of the living in the body of an animal — usually a black cat.
The ancient Celtic fire festival called "Samhain" (pronounced "sow-in") is the origin of modern Halloween. It was the "feast of the dead" that marked the close of the harvest and the initiation of the winter season, which continued from Pagan into Christian times.
Halloween marks modern witches' New Year's eve. It is a time spent celebrating death, fertility and renewal.
The tradition of witches riding their brooms didn't come about just because they were the handiest flight objects available. The broomstick was symbolic of the magical powers of females because it was used in the cleansing of ritual places.
It is estimated that between the 15th and 18th centuries two million people were executed for witchcraft, and 80% of that number were women.