January 11 - 20, 2009
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!
January 11, 2009
Venerable blues legend Slim Harpo would have been 85.
Sax player Clarence Clemons (The Big Man) of Springsteen's E Street Band is 67.
Keyboard player Tony Kaye of Yes is 63.
On this day in 1963, the Whiskey-a-Go-Go (the first Rock & Roll club in L.A.) opened on Sunset Boulevard. They claim that the floors have actually been fully cleaned at least twice since then.
On this day in 1964, Bob Dylan's classic "The Times They Are A Changin'" single was released.
On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix recorded the song he had written the day after Christmas 1966. In the intervening 17 days, he had changed the lyric from "Jesus Saves" to "Purple Haze."
On this day in 1969, both Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull released their debut albums in the U.K.
On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin played "Kashmir" live for the first time during a gig in Rotterdam.
On this day in 1980, The Pretenders released their debut album in the States.
On this day in 2005, Jefferson Airplane drummer Spencer Dryden died of stomach cancer at the age of 66.
January 12, 2009
English blues singer Long John Baldry, who gave Rod Stewart and Elton John their first real gigs, would have been 68.
On this day in 1993, Cream surprised even themselves by reforming for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Other inductees that evening included The Doors, Van Morrison and Creedence Clearwater Revival — whose leader, John Fogerty, refused to play with the other two surviving members.
On this day in 1998, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Santana, among others. Outside of the first public appearance in years by founding Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, no drama unfolded.
On this day in 2003, Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees died in Miami after an emergency surgery. He was 53.
Bruce Closing In On Oscar
Looking more and more like The Boss may snag another Oscar! Last night Bruce Springsteen won the Best Original Song — Motion Picture Golden Globe Award for "The Wrestler," from the film of the same name. Sting presented the honor to Bruce, who thanked Mickey Rourke, the movie's star. Just last Thursday Springsteen took home the Critics Choice Award for Best Song.
Playing The Inauguration
The list of musicians heading to our nation’s capital for Barack Obama’s inauguration keeps growing. The latest additions are Elvis Costello and Sting, both of whom will play at the President-elect’s inauguration concert on January 20th. While not yet official, you can expect Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Barbra Streisand to also perform at events during the week. Stay tuned!
Tommy & Michael Playing T. Oaks
Tommy Shaw of Styx and former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald are on the bill for a February 27th fundraiser to benefit the Arts in the Las Virgenes Unified School District. The gig will also feature performances by LVUSD student musicians at the Fred Kavli Theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
Gregg Ripped Off
You can bet Allman Brothers Band singer/keyboardist Gregg Allman is getting a new security system installed in his southeast Georgia home! While Gregg was out of town over the Holidays, a modern day Bonnie & Clyde broke into his home and stole a case containing Allman's collection of 19th-century silver dollars and two safes filled with gold coins, personal papers, collectible knives and several tapes of unreleased recordings. No word on how the pair were captured, but all of the belongings except one handgun have been recovered and the two criminals are being held pending additional charges.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: ""Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."
Five Quick Verbiage Factoids
'Stewardesses' is the longest word typed with only the left hand, and 'lollipop' is the longest word typed with only the right hand.
No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.
'Dreamt' is the only English word that ends in the letters 'mt'.
The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (they're called palindromes).
There are only four words in the English language which end in 'dous': tremendous, horrendous, stupendous and hazardous.
January 13, 2009
Producer Chris Thomas, who has worked with Pink Floyd, Pete Townshend as well as The Pretenders, is 62.
Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan sax player Cornelius Bumpus would have been 57.
Guitarist/singer Trevor Rabin of Yes is 54.
On this day in 1968, "Love Me Two Times" by The Doors peaked at #25 and Jimi Hendrix's "Foxey Lady" topped out at #67 on the singles charts as Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 1973, the song "Living In The Past" by Jethro Tull peaked at #11 on the charts.
On this day in 1973, Eric Clapton performed at the Rainbow Theatre concert organized by his friend Pete Townshend in order to help Clapton shake his heroin addiction. Eric opened his set, and much later ended the show, with "Layla."
On this day in 1978, The Police began recording their debut album "Outlandos d'Amour."
On this day in 1979, "We've Got Tonite" by Bob Seger peaked at #13, and "Bicycle Race/Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen peaked at #24 on the charts.
More Bookings For Obama
U2's Bono, John Mellencamp and, as expected, Bruce Springsteen are among the 19 artists slated to perform this Sunday in Washington, D.C. at the opening celebration for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. The entire free/open to the public "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial" will also be broadcast live January 18th on HBO on an open signal starting at 4pm Eastern time. The "We Are One" opening celebration opens a four-day schedule of Inaugural events that will include 10 official Inaugural Balls, as well as an Inauguration-Day-eve youth concert. Stay tuned for more info!
Keef Translated Into English
How great is this? A 256-page book called "What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations From A Rock And Roll Survivor" will hit shelves in May. It compiles a variety of truly memorable remarks by The Rolling Stones guitarist, quotes like "I would rather be a legend than a dead legend." Fortunately, the book uses English translations of Keef's infamous mumblings, allowing us punters to understand (perhaps for the first time) the true wisdom of whatever the hell he was talking about.
First U2 Performance Of New Material
On February 17th, U2 will play their new single, “Get On Your Boots,” at the annual Brit Awards in London. The song leads off their highly anticipated new album "No Line On The Horizon," which will be out on March 3rd. While U2 have taken home seven Brit Awards in the past, they won't be up for any of the nominations to be announced on January 20th — but just wait until next year!
Tyler Talks
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has never been known to hold his tongue. That fact alone would make his new interview in "Elle" magazine a must-read. In typical Tyler-ese, he touches on his tumultuous relationship with guitarist/songwriting partner Joe Perry, his first sexual experience and his history with twins. You might find more at http://elle.com — just don't be looking for any pictures!
It was Elvis Presley who said: "I never met anybody who learned by talking."
It was Edward Langley who said: "What this country needs are more unemployed politicians."
January 14, 2009
Longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde is 42.
Head Foo Fighter/former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl is 40.
On this day in 1956, Little Richard entered the pop chart at #26 with "Tutti Frutti." The world of music would never be the same.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones played their first gig with drummer Charlie Watts. London's Flamingo Jazz Club was the place, and Rock & Roll has never been the same.
On this day in 1983, Van Halen's "Jump" entered the chart. The first release from their album "1984," it not only became the band's first #1 single, it spent five weeks on top of the charts!
On this day in 2000, Melissa Etheridge revealed that David Crosby fathered her two children with Julie Cypher. Imagine our surprise!
Woodie's A Giver/Poet
Oh, to be in love (or something of that nature)! Ever the generous guy, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood has given his 40 years younger girlfriend, Ekaterina Ivanova a guitar once played by Jimi Hendrix. Woodie paid $19,000 for the semi-famous instrument — a hefty price since Ekaterina doesn’t know how to play guitar. Ronnie is teaching her though, and he even had her initials inscribed on the guitar next to a message he composed that reads “Sweet as a daisy, sweet as a pearl, you’ll always be my little kitten.” No, really... that's what he said. And the band played on.
A Cooper Reunion (Sort Of)
Does a band have to perform together to make a reunion a reunion? Word is that Alice Cooper will reunite with the other surviving founding members of his namesake group at the Monster-Mania Con 12, a horror-film convention that's running March 13th through the 15th in New Jersey. Alice, guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith aren't expected to perform during their appearance, although they will sign autographs. Never on the best of personal of terms, they last played together in public at Cooper's 2006 Christmas Pudding charity concert. A follow-up tour would be the surprise of the century, but you never know...
Kansas' Anniversary
Kansas' February 7th performance with the Washburn University Orchestra in Topeka, Kansas — marking the band's 35th anniversary — will be captured for a DVD. The concert will feature several special guests, including two legendary former Kansas guitarists: founding member Kerry Livgren and current Deep Purple axeman Steve Morse. Fans buying tickets to the event online will receive a free copy of the DVD, which will be titled "There's Know Place Like Home."
Rich's Pad Foreclosed
Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson's Stamford, Connecticut home was sold for $1.2 million at a foreclosure auction on Saturday. The guitarist and his ex-wife, who divorced last year, purchased the five-bedroom home in 2003. Foreclosure proceedings were initiated in August 2008 after the couple racked up more than $400,000 in outstanding federal and local taxes for the property. Sure sounds like the basis for a blues song in that story!
It was Mark Twain who said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
It was Diane Kavelaras who said: "Good design should solve problems, not just decorate."
Voice Mail Messages for the New Year
Just another of yer Uncle Joe's timely services!
1. Hi there. Now, you say something.
2. Hello. I'm David's answering machine. What are you?
3. Hi! John's answering machine is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.
4. This is not an answering machine. This is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your reason for calling and a number where I can reach you, and I'll think about returning your call.
5. Hi. I am probably home. I'm avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you.
6. Hello. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back.
January 15, 2009
Ronnie Van Zant, the singer and heart of Lynyrd Skynyrd, would have been 59.
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones performed on the Ed Sullivan Show and were forced to change the lyrics of "Let's Spend the Night Together" to "Let's Spend Some Time Together." Oh, those were scandalous times!
On this day in 1992, Dee Murray, Elton John's longtime bassist, died of cancer at the age of 55.
On this day in 1994, singer/writer Harry Nilsson died from heart disease at age 52.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD 2008 with Joe Benson will feature the music of — and conversation with — Eric Clapton.
On Stage Tonight
Famed producer/musician Alan Parsons will be shooting a DVD of his latest The Alan Parsons Project Live at The Grove of Anaheim tonight.
'09 Hall Of Fame
Guitar god Jeff Beck, heavy metal superstars Metallica, hip-hop pioneers Run DMC, and Sixties icons Little Anthony & The Imperials and Bobby Womack will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during an April 4th ceremony at Cleveland's Public Hall. (Along with Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, Beck previously entered The Hall in 1992 as a member of The Yardbirds.) Additional 2009 inductees include rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson in the early influence category, as well as Elvis Presley's bassist and drummer, Bill Black and D.J. Fontana in the sideman category.
Ouch!
After having total replacement surgery on one knee last March, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry fractured his other knee during a band rehearsal in Boston last week. Then — because Joe's doctors ordered him not to perform for three-to-four months to allow the injury to heal properly — the band pulled out of their only concert obligation of the next six months: a February 1st concert in Venezuela. Now they can work on that new album without any distractions... other than Joe's knee rehab sessions.
More Mac Just For Us
Fleetwood Mac just announced the second leg of their "Unleashed" tour, and among the 29 new shows are stops at the Honda Center in Anaheim on May 23rd and the Staples Center on May 28th. And yes, if you buy enough tickets, they'll add more concerts in the Southland.
Trick To Vegas
Elton John, Celine Dion and Bette Midler did it, so why not Cheap Trick? The band is close to signing a deal with the Las Vegas Hilton which would have them performing The Beatles’ classic album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band live with a full orchestra just like they did at the Hollywood Bowl in 2007. Word is that the Trick’s performances could begin as soon as March and stretch throughout the year.
Ozzy Postponed
"The Osbournes Reloaded," the new Fox variety show featuring Ozzy Osbourne and his wack-a-licious family, has been rescheduled to premiere sometime this Spring. Six episodes have been taped so far, but producers plan to gauge how popular the program is before filming more (translation: it's rougher than they thought it would be). As Ozzy says about the project, "We are a very dysfunctional family, doing a very dysfunctional show." Indeed!
It was Will Rogers who said: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
It was Voltaire who said: "Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do."
January 16, 2009
On this day in 1970, John Lennon's London Art gallery exhibit of erotic lithographs, "Bag One," was closed by Scotland Yard and eight prints were confiscated as evidence of pornography. Yes, Yoko was his inspiration, but why did you ask?
On this day in 1980, when the Japanese police found a half pound of marijuana in his baggage at the airport, they threw Paul McCartney into a Tokyo jail for 10 days. Bummer.
On this day in 1982, Journey's song "Open Arms" entered the charts on its way to becoming one of the band's biggest hits.
On Stage Saturday
Famed producer/musician Alan Parsons will present his latest The Alan Parsons Project Live at the House Of Blues on Sunset this Saturday night.
New/Old Roddy
It's about time! Rod Stewart's excellent 1993 "Unplugged... And Seated" album will be reissued as a deluxe collector's edition on March 10th. The new package will feature a remastered version of the original recording plus two bonus songs ("Gasoline Alley" and "Forever Young") as well as a DVD of the performance which originally aired on MTV (remember when they used to play music?). Also on March 10th, a remastered version of Roddy's definitive 1989 box set "Storyteller" will be released.
Joe's New Knee
A twist on the Joe Perry knee story has surfaced that is both interesting and painful. Contrary to the band's publicist's original report, the Aerosmith guitarist did not fracture his knee while rehearsing with the band. But he did undergo surgery on the joint to correct a complication stemming from his March 2008 knee-replacement surgery. Now they're saying that Perry is still hospitalized and may require treatment with antibiotics and an IV for up to two months. Bottom line is that Joe's ailment forced Aerosmith to cancel their February 1st Venezuelan concert — their only official live date of the new year. That alone should give them time to finish their long awaited new album. And whatever is going on with Joe's joint, we sure wish him a speedy recovery!
Macca Talks Nice
So what did they think Paul McCartney was going to say — fat chance he'll ever play with his wanker former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr again? But sure enough, during Macca's Wednesday appearance on ABC's "The View," those wacky girls got him to say that he'd "love to" perform again with Ringo. "We do things from time to time together [but talk of collaborating] doesn't always come up," said Sir Paulie. "It'd be great. He's a great drummer and we're used to each other." Hopefully one or more of the "View" hostesses will hold her breath until that happens.
Ringo Resurfaces (Briefly)
Ringo Starr is denying reports that he's intentionally refraining from adding messages on his website because he's received negative press from the tabloids and bloggers. The legendary drummer says that he's revamping his online home, as well as working in the studio on a new album and contributing to director Martin Scorsese's upcoming documentary about his late Beatle bandmate, George Harrison. Starr surprised a lot of people last Fall when he declared that he would no longer respond to requests for autographs or accept fan mail. He later explained that his frustration stemmed from people profiting from his generosity by requesting numerous free autographs only to later sell them online. Right so, Mr. Starkey!
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "A good man's work is effected by doing what he does, a woman's by being what she is."
It was Dale Carnegie who said: "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
Making A List And Checking It Twice
A worldwide survey by Kelton Research found that the U.S. is the country most dependent on to-do lists. Over 75% of Americans keep at least one list while some handle three or more at the same time. The poll revealed that the tool reduces stress for 73% of respondents. Those who do keep a list report that an item can stay on the list for as long as 22 days. Three-quarters of respondents reveal that they tackle the most important or the item at the top of the list first. Actually, I think I had that written down somewhere on the list that I can't find now.
January 19, 2009
Janis Joplin would have been 66.
Rod Evans, the first Deep Purple singer, is 64.
Smooth dancing, swell dressing singer Robert Palmer would have been 60.
Dewey Bunnell of America is 58.
Martha Davis of The Motels is 58.
On this day in 1984, R.E.O. Speedwagon released their second #1 hit single, "Can't Fight This Feeling."
On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." peaked at #9 on the singles charts.
On this day in 1998, Carl "Blue Suede Shoes" Perkins died in Nashville at age 65. Although he never received the recognition accorded to Elvis Presley, his guitar-playing and songwriting defined the rockabilly genre and greatly influenced The Beatles.
A Historic Show!
History was made in the extreme cold yesterday in Washington, D.C. Bruce Springsteen, U2, John Mellencamp, James Taylor, Garth Brooks and Beyonce were among those performing at the "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial." The two-hour event celebrating the country's first black president held at the feet of the monument honoring the country's great emancipator, Abraham Lincoln, combined high-minded political rhetoric with the very best of pop culture. Over a half a million people stretched out over a mile long on the National Mall. Springsteen launched the performances with his post-September 11th song of inspiration, "The Rising." Mellencamp contributed "Pink Houses" while Taylor teamed up with John Legend and Jennifer Nettles for his "Shower The People." U2 preceded President-elect Barack Obama's short speech with two of his favorite songs: "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" (their tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) and "City Of Blinding Lights." What a day, what a show!
More Perry News
Last week, word was that Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry had to undergo emergency surgery on his recently replaced knee. This week, word is that Joe is still hospitalized battling a serious infection stemming from that knee-replacement surgery. Doctors believe there's a chance Joe will need an IV and antibiotics for up to eight weeks. Let's hope he gets through this soon!
Dead's Barack Ball
Just a week after confirming their first tour in five years, the reunited Dead will rock the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. tomorrow night. Mickey Hart, The Dead's iconic percussionist, has said that "[Barack Obama] picked us specifically, so it was quite an honor." And he's quite dubious about a jam at the ball: "It's pretty tight, about an hour set. When you play these kinds of things you say, 'How can I be of service?'" As for the F.B.I.'s background check, Mickey said they passed the test. "Oh, yeah, we don't look so bad on paper. It's not as bad as you might think." The band now features founding members Hart, bassist Phil Lesh, guitarist/singer Bob Weir and drummer Bill Kreutzmann joined by keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and Allman Brothers Band/Gov't Mule guitarist Warren Haynes. Party on!
Collecting The Cash Up Front
Talk about tapping into the optimist's club! Neil Young has just launched a web page for fans to pre-order his extremely long-delayed "Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972" box set. People placing advance orders will also receive a rare, exclusive seven-inch single featuring two tracks by Young's early group The Squires. Of course an official release date for the collection hasn't been announced, but he's evidently willing to take your money.
Mott Redux
I'll guarantee you didn't see this one coming. Mott the Hoople, the British glam-rock band that had a huge hit in 1972 with David Bowie's "All the Young Dudes," are reuniting to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Don't worry — so far the reunion is just two shows, October 2nd and 3rd, at London's famed HMV Apollo. The concerts will mark the first time the original lineup — singer Ian Hunter, guitarist Mick Ralphs (later of Bad Company fame), organist Verden Allen, drummer Dale Griffin and bassist Overend Watts — will have performed together in 35 years. When asked why they are doing it, Hunter replied, "I can't speak for the others, but I'm doing it just to see what it's like." Right so!
It was Mark Twain who said: "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please."
It was William James who said: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Commemorating the life of a tremendously important American, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day on the third Monday of every January. One of America's greatest orators and civil rights leaders, at age 35 in 1964 he became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. On April 4th, 1968 he was assassinated. While legislation for a commemorative holiday was introduced four days after his assassination, it took 15 years and petitions signed by six million people endorsing the holiday submitted to Congress before the holiday legislation passed in 1983. King's actual birthday is January 15th, but the holiday was created a week later to overcome opposition claiming the 15th was too close to Christmas and New Year's.
All city, county, state and federal offices are closed today. That includes public schools, most banking institutions and all post offices. There will be no mail delivery, but most public transportation and trash pickup will continue as normal.
January 20, 2009
Blues legend Leadbelly (Huddy Ledbetter) would have been 120.
Paul Stanley of KISS (the guitarist with the star on his eye) is 59.
On this day in 1979, the Doobie Brothers released the "What A Fool Believes" single.
On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off of a bat during a concert in Des Moines, then was hospitalized and given a series of rabies shots. After undergoing the painful shots, the rocker said he thought the bat was plastic. He actually said something earlier, but no one could understand him.
Hetfield's Got It Right
Metallica singer/guitarist James Hetfield had a classic answer to the question if former bassist Jason Newsted, who was with the band from 1986 to 2001, was going to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "We want everyone to celebrate — everyone who's been a part of it. Jason has been a big part of that. You don't want to see the drama of a... unfortunately, Blondie or [Sex] Pistols or Van Halen. It's ridiculous. This is Metallica's moment — along with others — but let's celebrate. Let's forget the crap." Right so James!
He's A Busy Guitar God
On April 4th, guitar god Jeff Beck will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo artist, 17 years after he was honored as part of The Yardbirds. "I couldn't believe I was even nominated," the 64-year-old Beck says. "I thought The Yardbirds was as close as I'd get to getting in... It's very nice to hear that people have been listening." He'll perform at the ceremony with his own band, and is currently booking American shows around the event. But he'll be plenty busy before that! At the end of his current Australia/Japan tour, Beck's scheduled two shows with the man he replaced in The Yardbirds: Eric Clapton. "It was unthinkable we'd ever play together other than the [1983] Arms charity concert," Beck says. "But he came to play on a couple of numbers I did at Ronnie Scott's [Jazz Club] last year and it was really good fun. There was no sort of 'I'm better than you' thing going on." How will the historic shows go? "We'll do two separate sets and we'll link arms in the end." But as for some Yardbirds gems, Jeff says "Eric doesn't like the Yardbirds... I don't think he'll go back that far." Let's just hope those performances get recorded and released!
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
It was Philip J. Simborg who said: "Alimony is always having to say you're sorry."
Avuncular Reflection/Things I've Learned
1. The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.
2. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
3. Deja moo. The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
4. Psychiatrists say that one out of every four people is mentally ill. Check three friends. If they're OK, you're the one!
5. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
6. The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.