November 11 - 20, 2008
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
November 11, 2008
Yardbirds guitarist Chris Dreja is 62.
On this day in 1972, The Allman Brothers 24-year-old bass player, Berry Oakley, was killed when he plowed his motorcycle into a bus in Macon, Georgia. Ironically, the accident happened just three blocks from the spot where Allman Brothers' guitarist Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident 13 months earlier.
On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' "Beast Of Burden" peaked at #8 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1983, the album "90125" by Yes was released.
On this day in 1986, Pink Floyd issued a statement saying that although Roger Waters had declared that he would no longer work with the band, they would continue using the name. As they figured, that made Roger very, very angry.
Macca The Tour Guide
After Paul McCartney collected the Ultimate Legend prize at the MTV Europe Music Awards last Thursday in Liverpool, he offered the presenter — an Irish lad named Bono — a personal tour of his hometown. So the next day, there was Sir Paulie cruising around town showing the U2 lead singer the actual places that inspired various Beatles songs. As Macca told the assembled press, "I love Liverpool. There is nothing like coming home." And Bono was quick to say it was something of a surreal experience because McCartney is treated like royalty, "It was like being in the Popemobile with the Pope driving."
Gene's Big Winnings
KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons' appearance on Fox's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" last Friday went quite well. After his surprising difficulties with geography (real or imagined?) added drama to the extremely slow moving game show, Gene won $500,000 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation — a record sum earned by a celebrity guest on the game show. To Gene and host/famed comedian Jeff Foxworthy, we say right so!
Sammy's Cabo Problemo
Sure the instant cash was nice, but now Sammy Hagar is learning the downside of selling his name to a bar. Evidently the folks responsible for Fresno's new Cabo Wabo Cantina haven't paid all the contractors for last Summer's work, and the ticked off workers are going after Sammy. But the restaurant is not run by nor owned by the former Van Halen singer, who created the Cabo Wabo Cantina chain. Hagar only sold them the right to use the name and logo. But now Sammy is threatening to revoke the licensing agreement if the true owner, Fresno Rock Taco, LLC, can't settle the issue. Next thing you know, they'll be watering down Sammy's brand of tequila!
Woodie's Pix
Over the years, many of Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood's drawings have sold for very big bucks. But how much do you think a print of Wood's portrait of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun signed by the surviving members of Led Zeppelin and Wood himself will go for when it's auctioned off by Christie's in New York on November 24th? The piece commemorates last year's Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert where Zep played their one-off reunion gig and took time to sign the artwork, titled "A Tribute to Ahmet."
Whiter Shade Of Royalties (Again)
The battle over "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" continues. Former Procol Harum keyboard player Matthew Fisher is appealing the latest British court decision in the matter, saying he's "hopeful that my claim will be allowed in full." For almost three years Fisher has been seeking 50% control over the 1967 hit's copyright and nearly $2 million in back royalties from his former bandmate, singer Gary Brooker. Back in 2006, London's High Court awarded Fisher 40% control of the copyright of the track after he successfully argued that he wrote the organ music to the song, but he didn't get any back royalties. Brooker appealed that decision, and a judge ruled in April of this year that while Fisher should be credited with co-writing the song, the fact that it took him nearly 40 years to take the case to court means he shouldn't benefit financially.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is the national holiday set aside to honor the men and women who served the United States in war. Initially known as "Armistice Day," it was established in 1926 to recognize the end of fighting in World War I at 11am, November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). It was renamed "Veterans Day" after World War II, and has always centered on special memorials at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. At some point today, take a moment to remember those who fought to protect our freedom, especially those who paid the ultimate price, from the fields in France to the deserts of Iraq.
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 and cheer on Randy Balough as he races his Uncle Joe's Super Gas Corvette toward another Final Round! And on Sunday, J.B. will be giving away another Harley Davidson. Here's what it looked like last year.
November 12, 2008
Keyboard great Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the MG's is 64.
The incredible Neil Young is 63.
Guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser of Blue Oyster Cult is 61.
On this day in 1966, the Hollywood Sunset Strip Riot took place, providing the lyrical inspiration for Stephen Stills to write Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth."
On this day in 1970, The Doors performed live for the last time with Jim Morrison. Drummer John Densmore later said that Morrison seemed to lose "all his energy" when the show ended.
On this day in 1973, Queen began their first tour of Britain at Leeds Town Hall in Yorkshire, opening for Mott the Hoople.
On this day in 1980, Bruce Springsteen hit the top of the charts with his double album "The River."
On this day in 1983, David Bowie's "Modern Love" peaked at #14 on the charts.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Pretenders and more of Joe's extensive conversation with Chrissie Hynde.
New Bruce On NFL
Talk about making an entrance! The studio version of Bruce Springsteen’s new “Workin’ On a Dream” will make its official debut this Sunday night during NBC's broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys/Washington Redskins football game. The song, which Bruce debuted in acoustic form while stumping for Barack Obama, will be included on Springsteen’s as-yet-untitled new album due out in January 2009. Of course, Bruce and the NFL's partnership will culminate when Springsteen and his E Street Band headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 1st. Rock on!
Eleanor Rigby's Return (Sort Of)
Did you ever wonder where Paul McCartney came up with the name and the character for The Beatles song “Eleanor Rigby”? Well, a few years back Paul donated a Liverpool City Hospital salary register dated November 30, 1911 to a charity. The document includes the signature from E. Rigby, who worked in the kitchen making just over $67 per year. How Sir Paulie came into the paperwork or initially learned of Eleanor Rigby is not known, but the papers are finally set for auction at London’s Idea Generation Gallery on November 27th. The proceeds from the sale — estimated at $750,000 to $1million — will go to the Sunbeam Music Trust to provide music therapy for children with special needs and disabilities, adults with Alzheimer's and people with dementia.
Plant & Eagles Do CMA Awards Show
Robert Plant and the Eagles are both nominees for the upcoming Country Music Association Awards. The Led Zeppelin frontman has a shot at Musical Event of the Year for "Gone, Gone, Gone," his GRAMMY-winning collaboration with bluegrass singer Alison Krauss.The Eagles are in the running for Vocal Group of the Year, and they'll also take part in the ceremony as a performer. The 42nd annual CMA Awards will be presented in a ceremony in Nashville and aired on ABC tonight.
Bob Digs Neil
This is one of the coolest stories of this year! It was a typically cold and snowy November 2nd in Winnipeg when John Kiernan and Patti Regan came home from buying groceries to find Bob Dylan standing in front of their house. In town for a concert, Bob had decided to check out the childhood home of Neil Young, but the couple — accustomed to rock fans making pilgrimage stops at their place — didn’t recognize Dylan. Kiernan said, “I’m looking around, and I realize, this guy having a tuque on has really great cowboy boots on. He was wearing really nice leather pants. And then I realize I’m staring face-to-face with Bob Dylan.” Bob spent about 25 minutes talking with the couple, who took him into Young’s old bedroom. “[Dylan said] ‘OK, so this was his view, and this was where he listened to his music,’” said Kiernan. A real Young fan, last year Dylan told Rolling Stone magazine, “Neil is very sincere... and he’s got a God-given talent, with that voice of his, and the melodic strain that runs through absolutely everything he does. He could be at his most thrashy, but it’s still going to be elevated by some melody. Neil’s the only one who does that. There’s nobody in his category.” And now, Bob's seen the view out of Neil's childhood window... rock on!
Opening For The Crue
Monday night The Last Vegas, a five-piece band from Chicago fronted by charismatic singer Chad Cherry, won the Guitar Center’s On-Stage contest to open for Motley Crue on their 2009 tour. The Chi-town boys beat out 8,000 groups for the touring gig, $25,000 in cash, $20,000 in exclusive new gear from Gibson Guitar, as well as a management and record deal. They're recording their first single right now and they'll make their stage debut with The Crue at this Friday's Hollywood Palladium gig. Welcome to the fast lane boys!
Ringo/Paulie Update
Ringo Starr was on hand to accept the Diamond Award presented to The Beatles at the 2008 World Music Awards last Sunday in Monaco. The trophy honors artists who have sold more than 100 million albums across the globe. Meanwhile, Sir Paul McCartney has announced to the world that he would like to serenade U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, with a rendition of the classic Beatles tune "Michelle."
Quotes Of The Day
It was Oscar Wilde who said, "One should always play fairly when one has the winning cards."
It was Confucius who said: "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."
November 13, 2008
On this day in 1965, The Who's "My Generation" entered the British charts. The music world would never be the same.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles' animated feature "Yellow Submarine" premiered in the U.S. The movie was the fourth film to be made by or about The Fab Four, although the other three were live-action and not animated.
On this day in 1976, Rod Stewart hit #1 with "Tonight's the Night" as "Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1982, Tom Petty released his "You Got Lucky" single.
On Stage Tonight
Joe Satriani and Mountain featuring Leslie West will be rocking the Wiltern tonight!
Plant Scores/Eagles Nada
Who would have ever guessed that the former "Golden God" lead singer for Led Zeppelin would win an award from the country music community. Robert Plant's duet with Alison Krauss, "Gone, Gone, Gone," took the Musical Event Of The Year award at last night's 42nd Annual Country Music Association Awards. The Eagles, however, didn't fare quite as well losing the Vocal Group Of The Year award to Rascal Flatts.
Faces Facing Reunion
The Faces reunion you've been craving may finally happen next year. Rod Stewart will be getting together with guitarist Ron Wood, keyboardist Ian McLagan and drummer Kenney Jones on Monday to jam and see if it's something they want to pursue. They'll be joined by Stewart's touring bass player filling in for the late Ronnie Lane. Never a big hit Stateside like in the U.K., The Faces broke up in 1975 after Woodie left to join The Rolling Stones and Stewart's solo career really kicked into gear.
Macca/Shrek
The Brit tabloids are reporting that Paul McCartney will voice a character for the upcoming "Shrek" film. The former Beatle has reportedly said that he and his young daughter Beatrice are big "Shrek" fans, and indeed his "James Bond" theme "Live And Let Die" made its way into "Shrek The Third." The fourth "Shrek" film is slated for release in 2010.
Elty & Billy Redux
Anybody surprised by this announcement needs to get a grip. Elton John's upcoming world tour with Billy Joel will begin Stateside in March, eventually running off and on for at least two years. Let's just hope no pianos are harmed during this adventure!
Eddie's Nuptials
Sorry girls. Eddie Van Halen has confirmed that he will be getting married in June to his publicist, Janie Liszewski. No word on where they're registered, but it probably won't be the Home Depot or the Guitar Center.
Mitch Mitchell R.I.P.
Jimi Hendrix's acclaimed drummer Mitch Mitchell was found dead in a Portland, Oregon hotel yesterday morning. Initial indications are that the 61-year-old died due to natural causes. The first musician Jimi hired upon landing in London in 1966, Mitchell was a top British studio player whose drumming was a combination of rock and jazz styles heavily influenced by Elvin Jones and Max Roach. He and bassist Noel Redding comprised the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s rhythm section from 1966 until 1969. Mitch also backed Jimi's legendary performances at the Isle of Wight and Woodstock. With the death of Hendrix in 1970 and Redding in 2003, Mitchell was the last surviving original Hendrix Experience member. (Jimi's other drummer, Buddy Miles, passed away this past February.) Mitch most recently had performed on the Experience Hendrix tribute tour which wrapped this past Friday in Portland. My only personal encounter with the master percussionist came when he joined myself and Robby Krieger of The Doors in conversation backstage at the Experience Hendrix's Greek Theatre show on November 2nd. He was obviously enjoying life, especially in hearing the music he helped create performed live on stage. As many have said, he was a wonderful man and a brilliant musician. Rest in peace.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Robert Frost who said: "Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence."
It was Steven Wright who said: "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."
November 14, 2008
Styx guitarist James "J.Y." Young is 59.
Former Bon Jovi bassist Alec John Such is 52.
On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin began recording their third album at Olympic Studios with a run-through of "Since I've Been Loving You," live to tape. That recording turned out so well, they included it on the album. Robert Plant later described it as "the closest thing ever to a Led Zeppelin live concert."
On this day in 1970, "Cry Me A River" by Joe Cocker peaked at #11 as Van Morrison's "Domino" entered the singles chart and Santana released "Black Magic Woman."
On this day in 1973, Billy Joel released his breakthrough "Piano Man" album as Bruce Springsteen released his classic "The Wild, The Innocent, & The E Street Shuffle" album.
On this day in 1975, Queen released the "A Night At The Opera" album, which contained their signature song, "Bohemian Rhapsody."
On this day in 1978, Led Zeppelin began recording their "In Through the Out Door" album in Abba's Polar Studios.
On Stage Tonight
Motley Crue will be rocking the Hollywood Palladium tonight!
No Plant/No Zep
It sure seems like last year's Led Zeppelin reunion concert just whetted the appetites of Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham for more — but it was enough to close out that chapter of his life for Robert Plant. As we know, the three musicians have been holding rehearsals with various singers, and just last month Jones said, "We really want to do something, and Robert doesn't want to do this, at least for the moment. He really doesn't want to make loud music anymore. We do." This past Wednesday, Page cleared up another major point about the new project by simply reiterating, "Whatever this is, it is not Led Zeppelin. Not without the involvement of Robert Plant." Wonder if anybody has registered the name Fred Zeppelin yet?
Roddy Plays For Charlie
Rod Stewart will be performing for Prince Charles' private 60th birthday party tomorrow. The former Faces frontman is a longtime friend of Charles and his wife Camilla, and Roddy's also an ambassador for the Prince's Trust. Stewart's set will include the hits "You Wear It Well" and "Maggie May," not his 1979 chart-topping "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy." It's worth noting that the notoriously penny pinching Stewart's fee for a private show typically runs more than $1.7 million, but he's doing this one for free. You could say that this weekend he's a prince of a guy.
Les Paul Tribute Concert
ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, The Ventures and Elvis Presley's guitarist James Burton are among the stars performing at Saturday's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame concert salute to guitar pioneer Les Paul. The show to recognize the inventor and musician for his accomplishments caps off the Rock Hall's 2008 American Music Masters series profile on Paul. Others on the bill at Cleveland's State Theater include former Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora, and Velvet Revolver's Slash.
Casting Screwed Up 7-Year-Olds
How pathetic is this? Ozzy Osbourne is looking for a 7-year-old boy with a penchant for swearing to play him in the forthcoming series "The Osbournes: Loud And Dangerous." The casting call says, "Our mini Ozzy will need a Brummie (Birmingham) accent and dark hair. The scripts contain strong adult language that must be performed in a believable and compelling way." They're also searching for a girl to play Sharon Osbourne at the same age with the same lack of couth.
A Thought For The Weekend
There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4am. It could be a right number.
November 15, 2008
Singer Chad Kroeger of Nickelback is 34
On this day in 1992 at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, Ozzy Osbourne swore he was playing his last concert ever. Then he was joined in an emotional reunion onstage by Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. No matter if it was clever marketing or happenstance, the Ozz-man has toured continuously ever since.
November 16, 2008
On this day in 1978, in their usual flamboyant style, Queen spiced up their Madison Square Garden concert with a group of mostly naked women riding bicycles onto the stage during the performance of "Fat Bottomed Girls." Oh, the glory!
On this day in 1978, the film version of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" opened, starring Peter Frampton, the Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, Alice Cooper, Steve Martin and a lot of other people at the lowest point in their careers.
On this day in 1979, Pink Floyd released their single "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" in the U.K., where it went directly to #1.
On this day in 1985, Stevie Nicks' "Talk To Me" entered the singles chart.
November 17, 2008
Gordon Lightfoot is 70 and glad to be alive.
Byrds guitarist/songwriter Gene Clark would have been 64.
Jethro Tull lead guitarist Martin Barre is 62.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles completed the recording sessions for their "The Magical Mystery Tour" soundtrack album.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones released their classic "Let It Bleed" album.
On this day in 1970, Elton John recorded his "11-17-70" album live in a New York studio in front of an invited audience of 100 people.
On this day in 1978, Led Zeppelin recorded their song "All My Love" in just two takes.
On this day in 1979, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Don't Do Me Like That" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1979, Jethro Tull bassist John Glascock died of a heart attack at the age of 28.
On this day in 1987, during a concert in the Los Angeles Sports Arena, U2's Bono pulled a fan from the audience up on stage to sing along to "People Get Ready." Once he got into the spotlight, the aspiring star handed Bono a demo tape. No, he never got signed.
Was That Beatles Song Really Lost?
Never far from the music headline-making machine, Paul McCartney spent last week telling the Brit press that he suspects "the time has come" to release a near mythical "lost" Beatles track recorded in 1967. The 14-minute experimental piece (think "Revolution #9") was inspired by avant-garde composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and was recorded at the height of The Beatles' musical experimentations with psychedelia. Because of that, "Carnival Of Light" has long been considered too adventurous for anyone but the most hardcore Beatle geeks (think "Revolution #9"). Just last week, Macca said his bandmates and producer George Martin had vetoed its inclusion on the exhaustive 1990s "Anthology" collection, but he confirmed that he still has the master tapes. Considering that almost everything recorded by The Beatles from their earliest days in Liverpool to their break-up in 1970 has been released to meet insatiable public appetite for anything to do with the legendary Liverpool quartet. Sir Paulie would need the consent of Ringo Starr, John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono and George Harrison's widow, Olivia Harrison, to release the track. Once again, think "Revolution #9."
Eagles Cut Ticket Fees
To no one's surprise, the Eagles have decided to extend their "Long Road Out Of Eden" tour into next year. The real surprise is that the cost of tickets for the newly-added January East Coast shows will not be accompanied by additional "convenience" fees. And if you get your ticket using the print-at-home TicketFast option, you won't have to pay delivery and handling fees. The elimination of all those fees came days after TicketMaster acquired a controlling stake in Irving Azoff's Front Line Management Group, whose roster of acts includes the Eagles. Azoff is now the CEO of Ticketmaster Entertainment with the stated goal of transforming the ticket agency into an "all-encompassing entertainment company." Gad-zooks — let's hope this gimmick expands everywhere!
Jonesy Joining Warren's Jam
It's doubtful that singer/rock god Robert Plant will make the show, but Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones has officially joined the line-up for Allman Brothers Band/Gov't Mule guitarist Warren Haynes' 20th Annual Christmas Jam charity concerts December 12th and 13th in Asheville, North Carolina. It turns out that Warren first asked Jones to perform in the Christmas Jam after watching the Zep play their acclaimed December 2007 reunion show. You have to wonder if he asked Jimmy Page as well?
Jovi Writes New Greatest Hits
Sure you knew Bon Jovi would finally release a "Greatest Hits" package just in time for Christmas next year, and you suspected that the boys would probably include a DVD containing footage from their recent, very successful "Lost Highway" tour. But would you ever have guessed that guitarist Richie Sambora and singer Jon Bon Jovi are already working on a new song or two for the Hits collection?
Quotes Of The Day
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalog: 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.'"
November 18, 2008
Mickey Mouse, occasional banjo player and fulltime icon, is 80.
John McFee, guitarist with the Doobie Brothers and Elvis Costello, is 54.
Former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell is 54.
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett is 45.
On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones classic album "Beggars Banquet" was released.
On this day in 1972, Steely Dan released the song "Do It Again," and no one could figure out who this Dan guy was.
On this day in 1978, "Double Vision" by Foreigner peaked at #2 as "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" by Styx topped out at #21 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, U2, while performing a second night in the L.A. Coliseum, decided to support themselves as a fictional country group called the Dalton Brothers. Good thing it was supposed to be a joke, because they really, really sucked.
On this day in 1988, Pink Floyd released the "Delicate Sound Of Thunder" album.
New Bruce In January
The rumors were true: On January 27th, just before he plays the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Bruce Springsteen will release a new studio album called "Working On A Dream." The 12 songs and two bonus tracks were produced by longtime collaborator Brendan O'Brien and were recorded with The E Street Band during breaks from this year's tour. Bruce is hoping that he's "caught the energy of the band fresh off the road from some of the most exciting shows we've ever done. All the songs were written quickly, we usually used one of our first few takes, and we all had a blast making this one from beginning to end." Rock on!
Extremely Rare Beatles LP For Sale
Did you know that The Beatles "White Album" was officially called "The Beatles"? But upon it's release on November 22, 1968, fans began calling it the "White Album" because of the minimalist cover artwork done by pop artist Richard Hamilton. And of the 19 million copies that were sold, only five were numbered. The first four copies — numbered one through four — were given to each of the band members. The fifth copy off the line was labeled #0000005 and was supposedly given by John Lennon an anonymous musician friend. Now, some 40 years later, good old #5 is up for auction on November 23rd. The double album was the last Beatles album to be released in both stereo and mono versions, and because this pressing is in mono, it's worth even more. Just look at it as one quick and easy way to wrap up your Christmas shopping early!
Quotes Of The Day
It was Dr. Seuss who said: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
It was William Feather who said: "Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go."
Helping Our Neighbors
From 5am-6:30pm today, 95.5 KLOS is joining ABC7 and the American Red Cross in Operation Lend A Hand 2008 to raise funds to provide food, shelter, medicine and clothing for families and individuals displaced by the recent firestorms. The joint effort will be held simultaneously at the Honda Center in Anaheim (where Uncle Joe will do his afternoon shift live from the parking lot) and at the Rose Bowl (where Cynthia Fox will be greeting donors during Mark & Brian's morning show). Everyone who would like to help is asked to drop off cash or checks (made payable to the American Red Cross) as they drive-thru designated areas at the Honda Center or the Rose Bowl. Listeners not able to make it to the drop off areas are encouraged to mail checks to: KABC-KLOS, Community Affairs Department, P.O. Box 790, Los Angeles, CA 90049, or log onto kabc.com and 955klos.com to donate directly online to the American Red Cross.
November 19, 2008
Drummer Matt Sorum of Velvet Revolver and Gun N' Roses fame is 48.
On this day in 1954, Sammy Davis, Jr. was involved in a serious auto accident in San Bernardino. Three days later, he lost sight in his left eye, which was then replaced with a glass eye. And now you know.
On this day in 1965, Kellogg's Pop Tarts were created. Many historians mark that day as the very moment modern civilization began to implode.
On this day in 1973, Led Zeppelin began sessions for their sixth album by recording a demo called "Driving to Kashmir." The song title would later be shortened to just plain "Kashmir."
On this day in 1977, Steely Dan released the song "Peg."
On this day in 1983, "Suddenly Last Summer" by The Motels peaked at #9 as Journey's "Send Her My Love" topped out at #23 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Badfinger bassist Tom Evans took his own life just as Badfinger singer Pete Ham had done eight years earlier. Evans was only 36.
On this day in 1984, Don Henley released his classic "Building The Perfect Beast" album.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of and conversation with Tom Petty.
Macca's Wish List
Once he gets to gabbing, Paul McCartney just talks and talks — and that keeps his publicist real busy. The latest Macca stream of consciousness involves his unfulfilled collaboration dreams. "Bob Dylan would be lovely, because I admire him and I was thinking the other day maybe David Byrne, because I like him too." McCartney also has recently said that the lyrics for his new album, "Electric Arguments" — due out on November 25th under the mysterious pseudonym The Fireman — were all spontaneously written in the studio.
Rainbow Redux
Here's a unique twist on resurrecting a band. After forming Deep Purple in 1968, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore split in 1975 to assemble Rainbow with singer Ronnie James Dio. For the next nine years, wholesale line-up changes, rather than successful album releases, ruled until Ritchie finally blew the whole thing up. Now former members of the later versions of Rainbow — singer Joe Lynn Turner, keyboardist Tony Carey, drummer Bobby Rondinelli and bassist Greg Smith — are regrouping under the name Over the Rainbow. No Ritchie still isn't talking with any of them, but his son, J.R. Blackmore, has taken on the guitar duties. How will Over the Rainbow be received? Well they're already booking a world tour starting in Russia in February. Yeah, Russia in February. Hmm...
Special Ladyland
A special deluxe collector's edition of "Electric Ladyland," the Jimi Hendrix Experience's last studio effort, will be issued on December 9th. The package will include a CD of the 1968 album and the "At Last... The Beginning: The Making of Electric Ladyland" DVD, an updated version of a 1997 installment in the "Classic Albums" documentary series.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Hal Lee Luyah (was that really his name?) who said: "A penny saved is a congressional oversight."
It was William Arthur Ward who said: "It is wise to direct your anger towards problems, not people; to focus your energies on answers, not excuses."
Let's Go To The Auto Show!
This Friday, Monday November 24th and Wednesday November 26th, 3pm - 7pm: Vroom! New dates — new cars! Like a kid in a candy shop, J.B. will be playing on the air from the newly rescheduled and revamped L.A. Auto Show!! See for yourself!
November 20, 2009
Blues legend Leadbelly would have been 120.
"Spirit in the Sky" Norman Greenbaum is 66.
Guitar god Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band would have been 62.
Guitar god & uber-goofball Joe Walsh of the James Gang and Eagles is 60.
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan recorded his first album. One of the best known songs on the album was his cover of "House of the Rising Sun," which the Animals turned into a huge hit three years later.
On this day in 1965, Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds of Silence" was released in a much different mix than they'd recorded it. Surprise!
On this day in 1970, "Lola" became The Kinks' first Top 10 single in the U.S. in five years.
On this day in 1973, drummer Keith Moon collapsed twice during the first date of The Who's U.S. tour in San Francisco after someone spiked his drink with horse tranquilizer. After guitarist Pete Townshend solicited a volunteer from the crowd, 19-year-old Scott Halpin got up on stage and drummed like a maniac for the last three songs of the set. Despite that shining moment in the limelight, Scott has never been heard from again.
On this day in 1976, Manfred Mann's Earth Band released their cover of the Bruce Springsteen song "Blinded By The Light."
On this day in 1994, David Crosby got the liver transplant that saved his life.
Jim To Celebrate Jim At Barney's
To celebrate what would have been Jim Morrison's 65th birthday on December 8th, famed L.A. hangout Barney's Beanery will dedicate a plaque on the exact spot where Morrison infamously once urinated on the bar. Fellow Doors Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger will be in attendance, and will sign copies of the band's new "Live At The Matrix 1967" album. Our own Jim Ladd will host a special live broadcast from Barney's on 95.5 KLOS, and winners of a 95.5 KLOS contest will get to meet and greet Manzarek and Krieger.
McCain's People Diss Jackson
Jackson Browne was just one of many musicians who were upset after Senator John McCain used their songs without permission. In Jackson's case, it was McCain's use of "Running On Empty" in a campaign ad about gas prices. Browne eventually sued the Republican presidential candidate for copyright infringement. Now, McCain's lawyers have alleged that the only reason Browne raised a stink about the ad was to promote his new album — as if he ever cared about sales at any point in his life. If the court agrees that because McCain was running for president and not trying to profit off the music, he should be able to use it whenever and wherever he wants, then all those artists upset that their tracks were used during the campaign won't have a leg to stand on.
Brian's Wicked Royal Variety Show
It was at the 1963 Royal Variety Performance hosted by the Queen of England that John Lennon famously said, "Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you'll just rattle your jewelry." Doubtful Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will be faced with such insolence at this year's 80th edition of the annual charity function on December 11th in London, but they will be entertained by Queen guitarist Brian May, among others. Dr. Brian will accompany singer/actress Kerry Ellis on a song from the hit musical "Wicked."
Aero/Eagles/AMAs
Never mind the Pop singing and dancing sensations that will be the focus of this Sunday's 2008 American Music Awards, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will be participating (to some degree) in the live broadcast from Los Angeles on ABC. As if that weren't wack-a-doodle enough, the Eagles have also been nominated for four trophies.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Dean Acheson who said: "A memorandum is written not to inform the reader but to protect the writer."
It was Arthur Baer who said: "A good neighbor is a fellow who smiles at you over the back fence, but doesn't climb over it."