November 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!
November 1, 2008
Bassist Ric Grech of Blind Faith and Traffic would have been 62.
Dan Peek of America is 58.
Lyle Lovette is 52.
Singer Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 46.
Drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard is 45.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles topped the American charts with the "Abbey Road" album. It was so good, it stayed at #1 for 11 weeks!
On this day in 1980, John Lennon released his "(Just Like) Starting Over" single.
November 2, 2008
Keyboard whiz Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 64.
Former Jethro Tull/Fairport Convention bassist David Pegg is 61 and glad to be alive.
On this day in 1974, George Harrison opened his North American tour in Vancouver. It was the first-ever solo tour by a Beatle and the first time Harrison himself had hit the road since 1966.
On this day in 1976, in an interview with the BBC program The Old Grey Whistle Test, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and manager Peter Grant explained that they got the idea to make "The Song Remains the Same" after using large TV screens at their 1975 Earl's Court concerts. Unfortunately, they forgot about writing a simple screenplay so that the film would make some sense.
November 3, 2008
On this day in 1967, The Beatles completed filming for their TV special "Magical Mystery Tour" at Ringo's country house in Weybridge, Surrey. The day's work was mainly done in the backyard, where each Beatle was filmed pretending to play a white cello.
On this day in 1977, Elton John announced another of his "100% total retirements from performing live." This time the hiatus lasted almost 15 months.
On this day in 1988, the U2 documentary "Rattle and Hum" was released.
On this day in 1998, U2's "Best of 1980-1990/The B-Sides" was released.
Townshend In The Attic
As The Who has toured the States over the past few years, guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend has hosted a series of semi-secret small venue performances with various guest artists and his girlfriend, singer/songwriter Rachel Fuller. The good news for those of us who missed the "In The Attic" gigs is that a double-CD/single-DVD set featuring highlights from the concert series will be released on March 3rd exclusively via Best Buy. Wonder if the compilation will include anything from their November 7th "In The Attic" L.A. gig to benefit the MusiCares Foundation?
Big Park/Cool Rides For Sale
Six months after opening, the Hard Rock Park — the only major U.S. theme park to open in the last decade — is for sale. The massive $400 million Myrtle Beach park celebrating rock & roll with roller coaster rides based on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" and the Eagles' "Life in the Fast Lane" couldn't cope with less-than-expected attendance and a severely faltering economy. They say that the park didn't have enough money for promotion when it opened, and the credit crisis made it impossible to get more. Too bad that was probably the scariest roller coaster ride of all.
Neil Postpones Another
You'd have to figure that Neil Young fans are used to delays. After decades of hype, the release of his "Archives" DVD was recently pushed back (again) to next year. And now comes word that the release of his highly anticipated "Sugar Mountain Live At Canterbury House 1968" CD/DVD has been shifted from November 25th to December 2nd. And so it goes.
Aero Zep
Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford agrees with us that guitarist Jimmy Page has been possibly "trying to light a fire under" Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant to entice him to tour. Brad confirmed that frontman Steven Tyler recently jammed with members of the Zep "for fun," and — last night at the Experience Hendrix show — he told me that he thinks Steven and Joe Perry are getting back to work on the new album.
Caffeine & Charity
U2's Bono was a surprise speaker last Wednesday at the Starbucks leadership conference in New Orleans. Turns out he was there to make the announcement that the coffee company was partnering with his (Red) campaign. Through the initiative, Starbucks will donate 5 cents to the Global Fund for each holiday beverage it sells from November 27th through January 2nd. After that, Starbucks will designate certain products as (RED) to benefit the Global Fund's fight against AIDS in Africa.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Mahatma Gandhi who said: "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes."
It was William Feather who said: "Setting a good example for children takes all the fun out of middle age."
November 4, 2008
American humorist Will Rogers would have been 129. (See News Of Note below.)
Guitarist James Honeyman-Scott of The Pretenders would have been 51.
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan played at New York's Carnegie Chapter Hall to an audience of 43 people. Ten times that many bootlegs of the show have since appeared.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles performed for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon at the Royal Variety Performance in London. That was the gig where John Lennon quipped "Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands. All the rest of you, rattle your jewelry."
On this day in 1972, The Moody Blues' "Nights In White Satin" peaked at #2 on the charts as The Doobie Brothers' "Listen To The Music" topped out at #11.
On this day in 1978, The Who's song "Who Are You" peaked at #14 on the charts.
On this day in 1980, R.E.O. Speedwagon released the song "Keep On Loving You."
On this day in 1983, The Rolling Stones released their "Undercover" album.
On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" entered the singles chart.
Woodie's Big Offer
Assuming he doesn't blow all his cash before the deal is done, 61-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood will be paying his beleaguered wife of 23 years, Jo Wood, $410,000 per month in a divorce settlement worth an estimated $82 million. Woodie's affair with the bottle and 19-year-old Russian cocktail waitress Ekaterina Ivanova has dominated the latest phase of his life, and reports are that he was keen to settle his latest divorce outside of court. A source spinning the story for the Brit tabloids said, "Ronnie feels the marriage is over but he wants to do the right thing by Jo — even though they have not talked for months." And there you go.
Warren's Xmas Jam
Allman Brothers Band/Gov’t Mule/Grateful Dead guitarist Warren Haynes is not only a great instrumentalist (and a really cool guy), he's helped raise millions for Habitat for Humanity. To that end, the 20th Anniversary Warren Haynes Presents: The Christmas Jam" will roll on December 12th and 13th in Asheville, North Carolina. For the first time ever, the celebration will expand to two days and nights featuring performances from the Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule, The Derek Trucks Band, Joan Osbourne and many others. A special feature this year (for everyone except the kiddies) will be the Christmas Jam Comedy Show featuring Lewis Black. For more information, head to XMasJam.com.
Bruce Debuts New Song To 80,000
While the effect of rock stars like Bruce Springsteen on a presidential election probably has more to do with fundraising than soliciting votes, anytime you can get Bruce debuting new songs in front of 80,000 people, life is good. This past Sunday in Cleveland, during his six-song set of his final rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, Springsteen rolled out a brand new song called "Workin' On A Dream." No word on an official release, but there are about 79,000 cellphone recordings of the tune (complete with crowd noise) floating around the internet right now!
New Old Genesis
Is it hype to sell a big box set or is it going to happen? With a third large box set of catalog upgrades due out next Tuesday, a reunion of Genesis' revered 1971-75 lineup is once again being discussed. Keyboardist Tony Banks says, "I know Phil (Collins) would be quite happy with the idea of just playing the drums; it would be quite fun for him. Mike (Rutherford) and I are certainly happy to do it. I know Steve (Hackett) is keen as well. I think it'd be down to Peter (Gabriel) more than anyone else." Rutherford says, "It would be fun to do something like that purely for the fun of working together again and seeing where it takes you." And semi-reclusive Hackett has said, "I think we should do this before one of us dies; we're not getting any younger, to quote one of the songs, so maybe one day it'll happen." The seven-CD/six-DVD "Genesis: 1970-1975" box set includes upgraded editions of all five albums the group recorded between those years. Each has a DVD of time-appropriate performance footage and new interviews, as well as a set of rare "Extras." It's the third in a series of boxed reissues, saved for last even though they're the earliest recordings. Now where's that darn Peter?
The Wisdom Of Will Rogers
Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back in.
If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around.
There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.
It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.
Don't squat with your spurs on.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
November 5, 2008
Singing sensation Art Garfunkle is 68.
Country rock legend Gram Parsons of The Byrds would have been 62.
Rocker/photographer Bryan Adams is 49.
On this day in 1965, The Who released "My Generation," and the music world was changed forever.
On this day in 1977, Ozzy Osbourne quit Black Sabbath for the first of many times.
On this day in 1982, Phil Collins released his "Hello, I Must Be Going" album.
On this day in 1983, Yes' "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" entered the singles charts as "One Thing Leads To Another" by The Fixx peaked at #4.
On this day in 1994, R.E.M.'s song "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" — inspired by CBS newsman Dan Rather's bizarre N.Y.C. experience — peaked at #21 on the charts.
On this day in 1999, Van Halen parted ways with their third lead singer, Gary Cherone, after one mediocre album.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Bob Seger and more of Joe's extensive conversation with Bob.
More Brit Awards
It's only partial hype when they say that the British "Classic Rock" magazine's "Classic Rock Roll of Honour" awards ceremony is a celebration of the most vital and vibrant genre of music. You have to admit that Ozzy Osbourne's a household name and bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Guns N' Roses are getting more headlines and front covers than ever. So this year's gala awards party, held Monday in London's Park Lane Hotel, saw the Foo Fighters — who have only been together 13 years — crowned as the Classic Rock Band Of The Year. The much older Whitesnake picked up the Best Classic Rock Album award for their new "Good To Be Bad." Ozzy was given the Classic Rock Living Legend award by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, and KISS guitarist Paul Stanley was named Showman Of The Year. Led Zeppelin won Event Of The Year for last December's one-off reunion at the O2 in London. AC/DC won DVD Of The Year for "Plug Me In" while Metallica won the Reissue Of The Year for the reissuing of their first three albums. Guitar hero Jeff Beck was presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood while music promoter Harvey Goldsmith was given a special award by Ozzy's wife Sharon. Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett, who didn't make the show because he died in 2006, was honored with the Inspiration Award. Sounds like a good time was had by all.
Portable Guitar Heroes
Nintendo DS' "Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades" hits stores November 16th. The second edition of the portable version of "Guitar Hero," features 28 songs songs pulled from the master recordings by Queen, Boston, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey, Free, Bon Jovi, the Edgar Winter Group, Sammy Hagar, R.E.M. and more. Batteries not included.
(Original) Journey Selling Large
Journey's 1981 hit "Don't Stop Believin'" has become the first catalog track in history to attain online digital sales of more than two-million units. The single first became available on the iTunes store on April 28, 2003, and has since become the #1 selling catalog track in iTunes history.
Axl Erases Brian May
Way, way back in 1999, Queen's Brian May recorded lead guitar parts for the Guns N' Roses song "Catcher N' The Rye." But when the tune finally surfaced on the long-delayed "Chinese Democracy" album, word was that GN'R's singer/mastermind Axl Rose had erased Brian's work. Dr. May has responded to online inquiries by saying, "It is a shame, perhaps… I did put quite a lot of work in, and was proud of it... [but] I could understand if Axl [Rose] wants to have an album which reflects the work of the members of the band as it is, right now." You can hear (or not) for yourself when Chinese Democracy hits shelves on November 23rd.
Take That John!
Besides an official statement denying an endorsement and the threat of legal proceedings, what happens when a politician uses a musician's song without permission? Whitesnake singer David Coverdale has been very upset that his song, "Here I Go Again," was used at a rally for John McCain. David's statement said, "I must respectfully object to having my music misappropriated for a political campaign that I do not personally support." And then, as a newly minted U.S. citizen, David voted for the first time in a Presidential election. Yep, Coverdale voted for Obama!
Quotes Of The Day
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal."
It was Henry David Thoreau who said: "A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone."
November 6, 2008
Singer/songwriter Glenn Frey of the Eagles is 60.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' song "Get Off Of My Cloud" hit #1, Bob Dylan's "Positively Fourth Street" peaked at #7 and The Animals released the song "It's My Life." Not a bad day at all!
On this day in 1965, legendary concert promoter Bill Graham presented his first show when he rented out the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco for $60. The show, a benefit concert for the city's mime troupe, featured the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, who were anything but mimes.
On this day in 1971, The Who released their song "Behind Blue Eyes" as Cat Stevens' "Peace Train" peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's "Rock 'N Me" hit #1, Heart's "Magic Man" peaked at #9, and Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" topped out at #12 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Phil Collins released his "But Seriously" album.
On this day in 1993, R.E.M.'s classic "Everybody Hurts" peaked at #29 on the charts.
Old Jack's No Zep Fan
Not once since he first appeared on the British music scene in the mid-Sixties has anyone ever said that Cream bassist/singer Jack Bruce is a mellow fellow. True to form at Monday night's Classic Rock Roll Of Honour awards gala in London, Jack launched into a signature verbal tirade. "Everybody talks about Led Zeppelin, and they played one f***ing gig — one f***ing lame gig — while Cream did weeks of gigs... F**k off, Zeppelin, you're crap... Cream [are] 10 times the band that Led Zeppelin is." Later, during a radio interview, Bruce admitted to being a bit jealous of the Zep and he said that his comments were "fairly tongue in cheek, but it's also the truth." He also revealed that Cream chose not to play at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert where Zep reunited because they felt it wasn't in keeping with the spirit of the evening, which was to honor the late founder of Atlantic Records. That charge is almost identical to what The Who's Pete Townshend as well as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones said around the time of the gig. Hmmm...
Zep Signs Big Deal
So what do the guys from Led Zeppelin do when they're not driving the music press and Cream bassist Jack Bruce crazy? They hire Alfred Publishing to be their exclusive licensing agent for their legendary catalog of songs. Ron Manus, Alfred's Executive V.P. said: "The single most exciting day in my life was going to London to meet with the gods of rock, Led Zeppelin. To be in a room with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones was almost more then I could take, I couldn't sleep for two days prior to the meeting, needless to say, I was freaking out!!!" Yeah, and he was also freaking out because the Zep has sold over 300 million records worldwide and that means B-I-G B-U-C-K-S. Tell it like it is, Ron, tell it like it is.
Making Up Honors
When they run out of honors for someone like Paul McCartney, they just start making 'em up. Thus, Sir Paulie will be honored with the Ultimate Legend Award at the MTV European Music Awards tonight in his hometown of Liverpool. Can the title Grand Poobah Of All Music For Ever And Ever be far behind?
A Busy Boss
You sure can't deny he's driven! So far this Fall, Bruce Springsteen has finished a world tour promoting his latest album, "Magic," and successfully campaigned for Barack Obama. Next up: a new album of course! Word is that The Boss may even have the album out before Obama's January inauguration. Then, a week or so later, Bruce and The E Street Band will perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. And after that...
Maybe Kinks/Maybe Not
A lot of people feel that most of the biggest problems The Kinks faced were directly caused by guitarist Dave Davies' refusal to admit that his older brother, singer/songwriter Ray, was the bandleader. So with Ray telling anyone who'll listen that the band is writing songs for a possible reunion album, Dave's got to be fuming! Stay tuned.
AC/DC Sells
For the second week in a row, AC/DC's "Black Ice" album is #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Even more impressive, the Aussie band has moved more than a million units in the United States in that same two weeks.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."
It was Mark Twain who said: "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
November 7, 2008
Singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell is 65.
Longtime KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer is 48.
On this day in 1970, Chicago released the song "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"
On this day in 1974, Ted Nugent won the National Squirrel Shooting Archery Contest, nailing 27 of the furry rodents and even picking off one at a distance of 150 yards. No wonder chicks dig the Nuge!
On this day in 1981, Bob Seger's "Tryin' To Live My Life Without You" peaked at #5 as "Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, the giant "Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Live 1975 - '85" box set was released. It went on to become one of the biggest-selling box sets of all time.
On this day in 1987, Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" peaked at #4 as U2's "Where The Streets Have No Name" topped out at #13 on the charts.
Van On Stage
They'll be filming Van Morrison's first ever complete performances of his "Astral Weeks" album at the Hollywood Bowl Friday and Saturday nights.
The Who On Stage
Look for The Who to blow the roof off the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live Saturday and Sunday nights.
More Cream Shenanigans
What a week it's been for the Sixties supergroup Cream! First bassist/singer Jack Bruce trashes Led Zeppelin at an awards show, then drummer Ginger Baker offers to display his willy in court in order to win a lawsuit! Baker has accused a former assistant of defrauding him out of $47,000, but the woman claims that while she was Baker's lover, he gave her the money as a gift. That led the rascally Ginger to tell the court, "I've a scar that only a woman who had a thing with me would know... and she doesn't know it's there." As you try to clear your memory banks of the visual of Mr. Baker whipping it out for the judge, you more clearly understand why guitar god/singer Eric Clapton has been holding back from working with those guys again!
Homeboys Honor Tony
Come November 23rd, founding Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi will be given a spot on the Walk Of Stars in his hometown of Birmingham, England. Having sold over 80 million copies of 18+ albums with Sabbath and two solo efforts, Iommi will be honored for his successful career as well as his influence on heavy metal. "I was shocked," says Iommi of learning the news. "It's so nice being recognized in your hometown." Since occasional Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne was the first person to receive the honor last year, we can only hope that Jeff Lynne of the Electric Light Orchestra will be inducted next year.
Gene Challenges Fifth Graders
While it's not a question often asked in public, do you think KISS bassist Gene Simmons actually knows more than a fifth grader? If the questions have to do with business, then Gene will blow them away when he joins Jeff Foxworthy for a special edition of the FOX game show "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" tonight. And because the gig is a charity fundraiser — all the cash Gene wins will go to the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Right so!
CSN Xmas Album
This should be a real Holiday treat. Crosby, Stills & Nash are going to release a special limited-edition "A CSN Christmas" album exclusively through Wal-Mart. Stay tuned for more details!
Smother's DVD
The Doors, Ike & Tina Turner, George Harrison, Ray Charles and George Carlin are among those featured in the newly issued "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: The Best of Season 3" compilation. The first DVD set of the controversial Sixties series to ever be released contains all 11 uncensored episodes from the show's third and final season. Great stuff!
A Thought For The Weekend
Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
November 8, 2008
Bram Stoker, the author of "Dracula," would have been 161.
Singer Bonnie Bramlett (of Delaney & Bonnie fame) is 64.
Guitarist Roy Wood, who founded both the Move and the Electric Light Orchestra, is 62.
Blues guitarist Bonnie Raitt is 59.
On this day in 1969, on the second gig of their first U.S. tour in three years, The Rolling Stones broke a California concert record set three years earlier by The Beatles. Although Keith really couldn't remember it the next day, fans paid a total of $150,000 to see the Stones rock at the L.A. Forum.
On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin released their fourth album, variously called "IV" or "ZOSO" for the Viking-like runes on its cover. Considered by many to be the greatest rock album ever, it somehow failed to reach the #1 spot while charting for a record 158 weeks.
November 9, 2008
Guitarist Tom Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival would have been 67.
Original drummer Alan Gratzer of REO Speedwagon is 60.
On this day in 1963, the Oregon band The Kingsmen released the Rock & Roll classic "Louie, Louie." Many radio stations banned the song when they decided the indecipherable lyrics must be obscene. That, of course, helped sell a lot more records.
On this day in 1966, John Lennon and Yoko Ono met for the first time. She claimed not to know who he was... and he believed her.
On this day in 1966, Roger McGuinn booted David Crosby out of The Byrds, and replaced him by bringing back original band member Gene Clark.
On this day in 1967, "Rolling Stone," the first rock oriented magazine, published its first issue. The magazine featured a picture of John Lennon on the cover and included a free "roach clip."
On this day in 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America (R.I.A.A.) declared the Eagles' "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" the best-selling album of the century. The 20th century's biggest single was Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997."
November 10, 2008
Singer/bassist/guitarist Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 60.
On this day in 1961, Brian Epstein, the manager of several record shops in Liverpool, paid a noontime visit to the Cavern Club to see The Beatles, whom he heard about from a teenage customer. Impressed by the performance, he introduced himself to George Harrison and Paul McCartney. By the end of the month, Brian had persuaded the group that he should be their manager. On January 24, 1962, a contract was signed and history would never be the same.
On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen released their classic single "Louie Louie." The songs inaudible lyrics caused a true national scandal, inspiring thousands of young Rock & Rollers to pick up a guitar.
On this day in 1973, British actor David Essex released "Rock On," his self-penned, one and only U.S. hit single.
On this day in 1975, 29 crewmen died when the ore carrier "Edmund Fitzgerald" plunged to the floor of Lake Superior during a nasty storm. Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot was so moved, he wrote the 14-verse "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," which went on to become the most unlikely #2 charting hit record in history.
On this day in 1979, the Eagles' song "Heartache Tonight" hit #1.
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released his "Born In The U.S.A." single as Don Henley released his "Boys of Summer" single.
On this day in 1997, The Rolling Stones played the first of two nights at Dodger Stadium. Many consider that 2.5 hour show to be one of the highlights of their "Bridges To Babylon" tour.
Les Paul Tribute
Today marks the beginning of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 2008 American Music Master tribute to Les Paul, the legendary guitarist/inventor. The week-long event will include Paul's story in his own words with Thursday's presentation of the 2007 film "Les Paul — Chasing Sound!" and Friday's all-star tribute concert featuring ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, The Ventures, Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora and Velvet Revolver's Slash.
Mick Reflects
In a very rare bit of introspection, Mick Jagger has used an interview with Britain's "The Independent" to publicly reflect on The Rolling Stones' 45-year run. He says that while the group's continued success has been a factor in keeping them going, both the pleasure the guys get from making music and the loyal devotion of their fans have also played big roles. "You need those two things — the love of doing it and the love of other people wanting you to do it." Sir Mick, who turned 65 this year, acknowledges that he's a bit concerned that the day might come when he can't strut on stage while singing his songs, but he doesn't obsess on such worries. He says that he doesn't, "look at the clouds of tomorrow through the sunshine of today." Sounds like the lyric to a song, doesn't it?
Leaping Leppard's Book/Calendar
Just in time for Holiday gifting, Def Leppard are releasing a coffee-table book called "Shots From the Sparkle Tour." The large format book features 300 behind-the-scenes photographs taken on their recent tour. Word is that only 500 deluxe editions of the book will be made, with the first 250 all signed by the band. And don't be surprised if a 2009 Def Lep calendar suddenly becomes available through the band's website.
Dead/Neil/Bob/Jefferson
Word is that Neil Young, Jefferson Airplane and Bob Dylan have all agreed to contribute music to a Grateful Dead biopic based on "Home Before Daylight," the memoirs of longtime Dead roadie Steve Parish. Michael Grais, who produced the music bio "Great Balls Of Fire" and the downright scary "Poltergeist," is producing the Dead flick.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Winston Churchill who said: "Kites rise highest against the wind — not with it."
It was James Thurber who said: "Why do you have to be a nonconformist like everybody else?"
NHRA Finals Drag Races
This weekend: The Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona is the last big drag meet of the year and the final round of the POWERade Series Countdown to the Championship. Be part of the traditional Saturday and Sunday Uncle Joe's Meet & Greets with the KLOS Cool Patrol, J.B. will be giving away another Harley Davidson on Sunday and cheer on Randy Balough as he races his Uncle Joe's Super Gas Corvette toward another Final Round! Here's what it looked like last year.