December 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!
December 21, 2008
Frank Zappa would have been 68.
English blues guitarist Albert Lee (Eric Clapton's buddy) is 64.
Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys would have been 62.
KLOS' own Denise Westwood is finally turning 31.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the clarinets used on "When I'm Sixty-Four."
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones released their psychedelic stinker "Their Satanic Majesties Request" in the U.S., where it reached #2 on the album charts right behind The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour."
On this day in 1968, The Bob Seger System released the song "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man."
On this day in 1974, Bad Company was joined for a jam onstage by Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin at London's Rainbow Theatre.
On this day in 1974, ELO released the song "Can't Get It Out Of My Head."
On this day in 1978, Rod Stewart settled out of court with drummer Mickey Waller, who claimed he was not paid royalties for his work on 1974's "Smiler" album. Anybody know where Mickey is today?
On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" was released.
On this day in 1992, legendary blues guitarist Albert King died from a heart attack in Memphis at the age of 69.
Unc's annual Holiday music festival is going to rock Christmas Eve on KLOS! Starting at 7pm and running again at 10pm, you'll enjoy three hours of your favorite Classic Rock & Roll Christmas songs, conversations, stories and rare Nuggets — along with songs from John Lennon, Boston, Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, U2, Camp Freddy, The Black Crowes and Stevie Nicks, among many others. Check out the playlist!
December 22, 2008
Guitarist Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick is 62.
On this day in 1965, The Byrds recorded the song "Eight Miles High" (initially inspired by flying at 50,000 feet elevation).
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd played the "Christmas on Earth Revisited" event at London's Olympia Theater. Throughout the concert, singer Syd Barrett simply stared at the audience in a hallucinogenic daze. Quite the showman, that Syd.
On this day in 1973, "Hello It's Me" by Todd Rundgren peaked at #5 Gregg Allman's "Midnight Rider" entered the charts.
On this day in 1978, The Who announced that the Faces' Kenny Jones was the replacement for their late drummer Keith Moon.
On this day in 1979, Paul McCartney held the first of three Concerts for Kampuchea at London's Hammersmith Odeon to benefit relief efforts in the war-torn country. Besides the Walrus, The Clash, Elvis Costello, and The Who appeared on the bill.
On this day in 2002, Joe Strummer, lead singer/guitarist/songwriter for the seminal British punk band The Clash, died of a heart attack in his home at the age of 50.
Doors Doc Up For Prize
It's official! "When You're Strange," the new documentary about The Doors, will be in competition for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The long in production movie will debut on January 17th at the Park City, Utah event. Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek has called it "the anti-Oliver Stone" film. Produced with writer/director Tom DiCillo at the helm, Ray says this "will be the true story of The Doors." And the fact that the other two surviving members of the band agree with Ray is almost more amazing!
Pulled From YouTube
If you've noticed a lot of videos missing from YouTube recently, it's because talks over licensing fees broke down between the website and the Warner Music Group, prompting the label to pull all their music videos. Even those created by fans using Warner songs are being removed. In 2006, Warner became the first major record label to strike a deal with YouTube to put videos from its artists on the website. That contract paid the record labels either a portion of advertising revenue or a fee of less than one cent for every time a video was watched. Wonder who'll flinch first when it comes to upping the fee?
The Scots Salute You (Sort Of)
An esteemed member of Scotland's Parliament, South of Scotland MSP Christine Grahame, has filed a motion named AC/DC, We Salute You which calls for the achievements of AC/DC to be acknowledged in their fatherland. You see, AC/DC founding members Angus and Malcolm Young were actually born in Glasgow before their family moved to Australia in 1963. And former frontman Bon Scott was born in the Scottish town of Kirriemuir. Granted, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide since they were formed in 1973 as well as being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003, doesn't hurt the Aussies' chances of a parliamentary salute. And the boys will be taking their "Black Ice" tour into Glasgow next year. As Ms. Grahame pointed out: "When they played Glasgow in 1978 the whole band wore the Scotland national football strip as their concert took place just ahead of the World Cup finals and it would be fitting if they were to do the same when the band play Hampden national football stadium next June." Talk about keeping the punters happy!
Xmas Factoids
Over 16% of the people who decorate their yards and houses spend more than six hours each year putting up the decorations.
The first documentation of decorating a Christmas tree was in 1604 in Strasburg, Germany. Decorating Christmas trees became a tradition in the U.S in the mid-1800's and has evolved over the subsequent 150 year period into the industry we know today.
In 1851, Mark Carr hauled two sleds loaded with trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York City and opened the first retail tree lot in the U.S. Until fairly recently, all Christmas trees came from forests, not farms.
It takes up to 12 years to grow a Christmas tree of average retail height, which is 6-7 feet.
The tallest living Christmas tree on the North American continent is believed to be the 161-foot, 120-year-old Grand fir on Lake Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho.
Happy Holidays to all!!
December 23, 2008
Original Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen is 68.
Mott the Hoople guitarist Ariel Bender and Spooky Tooth guitarist Luther Grosvenor are both 59, and never, ever seen together. Hmmm...
Guitar whiz Adrian Belew, who worked with Frank Zappa, David Bowie and King Crimson, is 59.
Vocalist Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 44.
On this day in 1957, Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock" entered the chart for the first time. Don't worry — I will NOT play his version of that song on Uncle Joe's Rockin' Christmas Show!
On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix released his "Foxey Lady" single.
On this day in 1969, Elton John and Bernie Taupin began writing songs together. One year later, their composition "Your Song" was an international hit. Since day one, John has always provided melodies to Taupin's lyrics.
On this day in 1978, Rod Stewart released the song "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy." That was the exact point where his old band The Faces thanked the heavens that Roddy had left them behind.
On this day in 1999, police arrested a stalker at George Harrison's Hawaiian home. The unemployed woman appeared to be living in the empty mansion, using the phone, washing machine and ordering pizza. There was no truth to the rumor that she also had an audition tape for him.
On TV
Not sure what they'll be talking about, but The Who's Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey are scheduled to visit CBS' "The Early Show" this morning. With Pete's tendency to spout off, they'd better be sure to have the show broadcast on delay!
They'll Buy Anything
An unnamed bidder paid $30,000 for a recording of John Lennon singing Lloyd Price's "Just Because" while drunk. The previously unreleased six minute long recording, sold by Bonhams & Butterfields auction house in Los Angeles, was recorded in the Fall 1973 during the former Beatle's so-called "lost weekend" when he was estranged from wife Yoko Ono. Lennon later recorded a more coherent version of the song for his 1975 covers album "Rock 'n' Roll."
U2's Release Plans
Sometimes (like with Guns 'N Roses) it backfires, but when you spend a couple of years recording your next album, you have plenty of time to plot release and touring strategies. After recording 50 to 60 songs over the past year or two, U2 will finally release their new album, "No Line On The Horizon," in five different formats on March 3rd. Besides the standard CD and double-vinyl versions, one limited edition will contain a 36-page booklet, a poster and a downloadable film about the band. Another version includes a 60-page soft-cover book and the top/bucks up package will be a box set featuring a hardcover version of the book, the poster and a DVD of the film. Now stay tuned for the tour info!
Robert Speaks Up (Sort Of)
We've got a quickie from Robert Plant courtesy of some Brit press weasel. When recently asked for the billionth time whether he'll get back with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones to resurrect Led Zeppelin, Plant said, "I still see Jimmy quite a lot and he's very complimentary and supportive of what I'm doing, but we are in different places now and you have to go on to do different things." In referencing his "Raising Sand" partner Alison Krauss, he said "I'm doing very well with Alison and I'm enjoying that." And that's that!
Brian Will Write
AC/DC singer Brian Johnson has signed a book deal for a 300-page collection of "thoughts and anecdotes" he's compiled in his years with the Australian band. But it won't be anything like Motley Crue's "The Dirt." "I like humor a lot," Johnson said, "and cars have been a big part of my life... Instead of doing drugs, I did motorcars. I'm not sure which one is more expensive." No title or print date has been announced yet, but you can be sure it will be after the band finishes their "Black Ice" world tour in the next year or two.
Bruce's Double Dip
Cashing in on Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's Super Bowl appearance, Wal-Mart will exclusively release a new version of the group's "Greatest Hits" at a low price on January 13th. Unlike Springsteen's 1995 collection "Hits, the new "Greatest Hits" will focus on Bruce's work with The E Street Band, and won't include any unreleased material. Springsteen's newest songs will come out two weeks later when his "Working On A Dream" album hits stores.
December 24, 2008
The mighty George Thorogood is 58.
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin left Britain to start their first American tour. Robert Plant later said, "It was Christmas, and Christmas away from home for the English is the end of the world."
On this day in 1992, Doobie Brothers percussionist Bobby LaKind died after a long battle with cancer. He was only 47.
Jovi's Brucely Surprise
Bruce Springsteen joined Hope Concert headliners Jon Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny to cap the 2008 edition of the annual New Jersey benefit at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on Monday Monday night. Springsteen joined Bon Jovi for "Run Run Rudolph" before leading the house band through a medley of "Merry Christmas Baby" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." After a performance of "634-5789," Bon Jovi came back out to join Bruce on "10th Avenue Freeze-Out," followed by the set-closing "Having A Party." How long do you think it will be before recordings of those performances become available?
Doors Doc Up For Prize
It's official! "When You're Strange," the new documentary about The Doors, will be in competition for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The long in production movie will debut on January 17th at the Park City, Utah event. Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek has called it "the anti-Oliver Stone" film. Produced with writer/director Tom DiCillo at the helm, Ray says this "will be the true story of The Doors." And the fact that the other two surviving members of the band agree with Ray is almost more amazing!
More Xmas Factoids
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer. But male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually between late November and mid-December, while female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, every single one of those magic caribou — from Rudolph to Blitzen — had to be female. While this is a bit on the nontraditional side, it does make sense. Only women, while pregnant, would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost! You go girls!
Rudolph is definitely the most famous reindeer of all, so much so that he's even had movies based on his exploits. The other 8 tiny caribou [Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donder (or Donner), Prancer, and Vixen] were first named in 1822 by American poet Clement Clark Moore in his poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas." Rudolph was first written about in 1939 by Robert May, who included him in a story for the Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogue. Commerce, baby, pure commerce!
Santa Claus, as we know him, was introduced in a 1931 Coca-Cola advertisement. Famed commercial artist Haddon Sundblom (who was also responsible for Aunt Jemima) drew Santa as a very plump human with a jovial face and big beard, rather than the traditional middle-European elf. Today, it is the image of Sundblom's Santa that slips down chimneys and warms hearts around the world. Santa and Rudolph — commerce, baby, warm and fuzzy marketing genius!
The common abbreviation for Christmas, Xmas, was derived from the Greek alphabet. X is the letter Chi, the first letter of Christ's name in Greek. Not invented in America, not even for commerce.
Mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship in ancient Scandinavia. Even in the time of the Druids, mistletoe was believed to have magical properties. People who met under a tree bearing mistletoe were forbidden to fight, even if they were enemies, and anyone who entered a home decorated with mistletoe was entitled to shelter and protection. The kissy face stuff came later. Commerce? You be the judge.
Charles Dickens' initial words for Scrooge's outburst in the book, "A Christmas Carol," were "Bah, Christmas!" He eventually changed it to the now immortal, "Bah, Humbug!", but never really got the big cash payoff.
Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," from the soundtrack of the holiday movie classic "Holiday Inn," is the biggest selling Christmas single of all time. More than 30 million copies have been sold. (In fact, only Elton John's "Candle in the Wind '97" has sold more copies, at 33 million.) Good ol' American commerce!
Happy Holidays to all!!
December 25, 2008
Bassist Noel Redding of the Jimi Hendrix Experience would have been 63.
Parrot Head Jimmy Buffett hits 62.
Singer Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics is 54.
On this day in 1959, young Richard Starkey received his first drum set for Christmas. The 18-year-old apprentice engineer seemed to have a knack for pounding the skins, and later become world famous as Ringo Starr, drummer for The Beatles.
On this day in 1964, jealous fans attending one of The Beatles' London Christmas shows attacked George Harrison's girlfriend Patti Boyd.
On this day in 1965, George Harrison proposed to Patti Boyd as they drove to a Christmas dinner in London. No fans got close enough to attack this time.
On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney, ever the romantic, became engaged to actress Jane Asher. Alas, they never did marry.
On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin released "Black Dog" as a single in the U.S.
On this day in 1976, the song "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas was released.
On this day in 2006, James Brown — "The Godfather of Soul," "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," "Soul Brother Number One" and "Mr. Dynamite" (and often introduced as all of the above) — died in Atlanta of congestive heart failure at the age of 73.
December 26, 2008
Note: J.B. is expected to return from a few days rest sometime next week.
Uber Producer Phil Spector is 68.
Drummer Lars Ulrich of Metallica is 45.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles "I Feel Fine" topped the charts, while their song "She's a Woman" hit #4. In 12 months, they had scored a staggering 30 charting hit singles. Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones — who had still not achieved any significant action on the charts — took out a full-page ad in the U.K. music press wishing starving hairdressers a Happy Christmas.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles premiered their psychedelic movie "Magical Mystery Tour" on British TV, and absolutely no one could figure it out.
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin began their first U.S. tour in Denver (all except bassist John Paul Jones had picked up nasty colds during their three-day-stay in Los Angeles — too much bare-ass running around!).
On this day in 1970, George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" peaked at #1 on the charts. It is still considered by many to be his best solo work.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, The Best Of OFF THE RECORD 2008 will feature music and interviews with Jon Anderson of Yes, Def Leppard's Phil Collen & Vivian Campbell, Boston's Tom Scholz and Fleetwood Mac producer Ken Caillat.
December 27, 2008
Scotty Moore, guitarist for Elvis Presley on the early recordings that helped define Rock & Roll, is 77 and still rockin'.
Keyboardist Michael Pinder of the Moody Blues is 67.
Pete Quaife, the original bass player for The Kinks, is 65 and well retired.
Foreigner's head guy, Mick Jones, is 64.
Guitarist David Knopfler, fired from Dire Straits by his brother Mark in 1983, is 56 and still bitter. But is he working?
On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Abbey Road" was #1 on the American album charts, "Led Zeppelin II" was #2, and The Rolling Stones' classic "Let It Bleed" was #3. Now that was some significant music!
On this day in 1976, Queen released the follow-up to their highly acclaimed "A Night At The Opera" album, "A Day At The Races." Both album titles were taken from Marx Brothers movies.
On this day in 1976, acclaimed blues guitarist Freddie King died in Dallas, Texas of a heart attack aggravated by a blood clot and internal bleeding ulcers. He was only 42.
On this day in 1980, John Lennon's "(Just Like) Starting Over," and the album it came from, "Double Fantasy," both hit #1 as Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart" peaked at #5 on the singles charts.
December 28, 2008
Multi-instrumentalist Edgar Winter is 62.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles' "White Album" hit #1 as The Doors released the song "Touch Me."
On this day in 1979, The Who and the Pretenders headlined the third of Paul McCartney's Concerts for Kampuchea.
On this day in 1983, Beach Boy Dennis Wilson drowned at the age of 39 after he dove into the ocean at Marina Del Rey.
On this day in 1985, "Small Town" by John "Cougar" Mellencamp peaked at #6 on the singles charts.
Note: J.B. is expected to return from a few days rest later this week.
December 29, 2008
Bassist Ray Thomas of the Moody Blues is 67.
Drummer Cozy Powell, who worked with Black Sabbath, Richie Blackmore and Jeff Beck, would have been 61.
Guitarist Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar's better half, is 53.
On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made their first-ever TV appearance on the BBC's "Top of the Pops," performing their new single "Hey Joe."
On this day in 1967, singer/guitarist Dave Mason left the recently formed Traffic, citing musical differences with group leader Steve Winwood. Within the year, Dave rejoined the band and then soon left once again. Hard to believe that upon Traffic's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 36 years later, Mason complained about not being included in their performance.
On this day in 1973, John Lennon's "Mind Games" peaked at #18 as Led Zeppelin's "D'yer Mak'er" topped out at #20 on the charts.
On this day in 1975, Grace Slick divorced her Jefferson Airplane cohort Paul Kantner.
Lennon Speaks From The Grave
Have you seen it yet? A full 28 years after he was murdered, former Beatle John Lennon is featured in the One Laptop Per Child charity's new TV spot. The well-respected charity aims to deliver tough, solar-powered computers to the world's poorest children. In the commercial — through digital chicanery — Lennon's seen saying: "Imagine every child, no matter where in the world they were, could access a universe of knowledge. They would have a chance to learn, to dream, to achieve anything they want. I tried to do it through my music, but now you can do it in a very different way." John's widow, Yoko Ono, has given her approval for the commercial, which has also been placed on YouTube.
Big Bucks For Kurt's Busted Git
Last week Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s smashed Fender Mustang guitar was sold at auction for $100,000 — the second-highest price for a Cobain item ever. Busted up and held together by duct tape, the instrument dates back to Nirvana’s first U.S. tour, where Cobain smashed it onstage in New Jersey. The late grunge icon has been a popular at auctions in recent years, with Courtney Love — his infamous ex-wife — selling everything from Kurt’s cardigans to handwritten lyrics for “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” You gotta wonder how this one slipped by her!
R.I.P. Delaney
Delaney Bramlett, a renowned singer, songwriter and producer, died at the age of 69 Saturday at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles as a result of complications from gall bladder surgery. Bramlett first hit L.A. as a guitarist in the house band of the Sixties TV pop show "Shindig." When that gig folded, he and his then-wife Bonnie Lynn formed the influential (but short-lived) Southern blues rock band Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. Their big break came as the opening act for the only tour of another short-lived band: Blind Faith — the supergroup featuring guitar god Eric Clapton. Delaney is credited with encouraging/pushing Clapton to launch a solo career while also teaching former Beatle George Harrison the basics of playing slide guitar. Bramlett co-wrote "Let It Rain" with Clapton, "Superstar" with Leon Russell and "Never Ending Song of Love," which was recorded by more than 100 artists including Ray Charles. Over the course of his career, Delaney also worked with many other stars — as a songwriter, producer or musician — including Joe Cocker, John Lennon, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jerry Lee Lewis. Rest in peace, music man.
Unc's annual Holiday music festival rocked Christmas Eve on KLOS! Check out the three-hour playlist! featuring your favorite Classic Rock & Roll Christmas songs, conversations, stories and rare Nuggets — along with songs from John Lennon, Boston, Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, U2, Camp Freddy, The Black Crowes and Stevie Nicks, among many others.
Reflections
As we approach the New Year, I thought I'd pass along 13 choice quotes people have sent in.
Happy Holidays to all, and God Bless!
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucius
"Live simply so that others can simply live." - Gandhi
"Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein
"Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing. Only one thing endures and that is character." - Abraham Lincoln
"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful." - Mae West
"I have had dreams, and I have had nightmares. I overcame the nightmares because of my dreams." - Dr. Jonas Salk
"We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." - Lee Iacocca
"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank
"Failure is the path of least persistence." - Anonymous
"Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
"Never argue with a fool. Someone watching may not be able to tell the difference." - Anonymous
"I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian." - Anonymous
"Some day you'll thank me for all this scary love." - Homer Simpson
December 30, 2008
Rock & Roll icon Bo Diddley is 80.
The Monkees' Michael Nesmith is 65.
The Monkees' Davy Jones is 63.
Poet/rocker Patti Smith is 62.
Jeff Lynne, head E.L.O. guy and occasional Traveling Wilbury, is 61.
Occasional Eurythmic Dave Stewart is 58.
Tiger Woods is 33.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles hit #1 with the song "Hello Goodbye."
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin performed at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. The resulting "Gonzaga '68" bootleg was the first ever made of the band, who later set a record for the most bootlegged performances ever.
On this day in 1999, George Harrison and his wife were stabbed several times at their home in Henley-upon-Thames, England, by a crazed fan. Although one knife wound came perilously close to his heart, Harrison survived the attack.
December 31, 2008
Police guitarist Andy Summers is 66.
John Denver would have been 64.
Guess Who vocalist/keyboardist Burton Cummings is 61.
Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton is 57.
On this day in 1961, The Pendletons performed their first gig under their new name, The Beach Boys, at the "Ritchie Valens Memorial Concert" in Long Beach.
On this day in 1967, "Gimme Some Lovin'" by the Spencer Davis Group entered the U.S. singles charts.
On this day in 1969, Jimi Hendrix unveiled his new group Band of Gypsys at New York's Fillmore East. The concert, featuring the rhythm section of Billy Cox and Buddy Miles, was later released as the album "Band of Gypsys."
On this day in 1970, Paul McCartney filed a suit against John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison as The Beatles Co., effectively ending the band.
On this day in 1973, AC/DC — consisting of guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, Rob Bailey, Peter Clark and singer Dave Evans — made their debut at Sydney's Chequers Club. The gig went so well, the band recruited their roadie, Bon Scott, as their new singer.
On this day in 1974, a document signed by all The Beatles confirmed the dissolution of their partnership.
On this day in 1974, drummer Mick Fleetwood invited Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to join Fleetwood Mac. Mick met the pair in Van Nuys where they were recording their second album as a duo. The Fleetwood Mac lineup had been changing continually since 1967 (as it still does today), but the inclusion of the two American singer/songwriters formed the most successful version of the group.
On this day in 1984, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen was critically injured in a car accident in England. His arm was amputated, but later learned to drum with foot pedals and is still playing with the band today.
On this day in 1996, Paul McCartney was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD 2008 with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Allman Brothers Band as well as more of Joe's conversation with Gregg Allman, drummer Butch Trucks and guitarist Warren Haynes.
REALLY Selling Product
While most artists (especially Guns 'N Roses) have experienced trouble selling their newest releases in significant numbers this year, AC/DC's "Black Ice" album has now passed the two million mark in U.S. sales — that's double platinum! The Aussies' "Black Ice" world tour currently has dates scheduled through to the middle of 2009 with more expected through the end of '09. Rock & Roll!
Doobies Do A Bowl
The Doobie Brothers will headline the Seminole Hard Rock Orange Bowl Halftime Show during Thursday's 75th FedEx Orange Bowl game. The Orange Bowl Committee CEO noted that "the group has been a part of people's lives for decades, and we will be celebrating that tradition together in style on New Year's night." The 75th FedEx Orange Bowl, featuring Virginia Tech taking on Cincinnati, will take place at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. The game, along with the Doobies' performance, will air on Fox.
Styx Relaunching
Styx will be using tonight's headlining gig at the Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe, Arizona to kick off their '09 tour. They've already booked 22 dates throughout the first four months of the year, including February 13th at the House Of Blues in Anaheim and February 14th at the House Of Blues in San Diego. But it's possible that guitarist James "JY" Young may be missing a few of those gigs. His wife Susie suffered an aneurysm last Summer, and Young temporarily left the tour — the first time he's missed dates since he joined the band almost 40 years ago.
Gene Gets Animated
An animated likeness of KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons will appear in "Glenn Martin DDS," a stop-motion comedy series debuting next Summer on Nickelodeon's Nick at Nite. Simmons is voicing his character for the show, which follows a dentist and his family as they travel around the country in a motor home. No word if his character will also be surrounded by hot chicks, but knowing Gene...
New Year's Factoids
Who Started This?
The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. That was one fun loving group!
Resolutions
Making a New Year's resolution is a tradition that dates back to the early Babylonians. While modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking, the early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. Maybe they weren't such a fun loving group.
New Year Baby
The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year began in Greece around 600 BC. It seems that the Grecians celebrated their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth, but the Greeks had better publicists.
The Song
The song "Auld Lang Syne" is sung at the stroke of midnight to bring in the New Year in almost every English-speaking country in the world. Based on an old Scottish tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days." The version we know was at least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, and was first published in 1796 after Burns' death.