January 21 - 31, 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 21, 2009
On this date in 1966, George Harrison married Patti Boyd, with Paul McCartney serving as best man. The couple met while The Beatles were filming "A Hard Day's Night." (Patti played one of the schoolgirls in the train scene near the start of the film.) But the Harrison/Boyd union didn't last, and she eventually married George's pal Eric Clapton.
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together" entered the charts.
On this date in 1978, the song "Point Of Know Return" by Kansas peaked at #28 on the charts.
On this date in 1984, Yes hit #1 with the song "Owner of a Lonely Heart."
On this date in 1988, U2 was named the biggest live attraction in the U.S., according to Pollstar magazine, the trade magazine for concert promoters.
Joel/AC/DC
Seriously, has the mere thought of Billy Joel covering an AC/DC song ever crossed your mind? Didn't think so — but last Friday night in Hollywood, Florida, there was the Piano Man whaling on guitar as one of his roadies sang "Highway to Hell." Turns out that Joel has been friends with AC/DC for years, and he was even joined on stage at a 2002 Tampa concert by singer Brian Johnson and bassist Cliff Williams for a rendition of "Highway to Hell." Still having trouble getting your brain around that? Check out last week's Joel head banging performance on YouTube!
Doors Agree
It's extremely rare that the surviving members of The Doors would appear together or even agree on anything. But last Saturday there they were at the Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of "When You're Strange," director Tom DiCillo's new documentary about the band. "Tom's picture of [late frontman Jim Morrison] has a sweetness to it that I really liked," drummer John Densmore says. That's reason enough for me to see it!
GFR's Booking
Grand Funk Railroad plan to celebrate their 40th anniversary by playing 40 concerts this year. They've announced a dozen so far, and it sure sounds like there'll be a Southland gig in the mix toward late Summer. Meanwhile, former Grand Funk frontman Mark Farner (who hasn't worked with the others in many years) has signed on for the March 14th Rock & Pop Masters concert in Weston, Florida.
Another Rush Comp
You knew that with Rush deciding to take a little time off, they'd be releasing some sort of compilation sooner rather than later. So just like clockwork comes word that the Canadian trio's "Retrospective III (1989-2008)" has been set for a March 3rd release.The two-disc CD/DVD features new remixes, music videos, rare television appearances, a previously unreleased live track and more. And if that isn't enough, the Deluxe Rush Fan Pack features all of that and a limited edition lithograph highlighting the Rush albums featured on "Retrospective III." Woohoo!
It was H.L. Mencken who said: "For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong."
It was poet Bertrand Russell who said: "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt."
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.
January 22, 2009
Sam Cooke, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, would have been 78.
Singer/actor Meat Loaf is 63.
Journey singer Steve Perry, another of the greatest voices of the 20th century, is 60.
INXS frontman Michael Hutchence would have been 49.
On this day in 1966, "Day Tripper" by The Beatles peaked at #5 on the charts.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles began recording what became their "Let It Be" album. Billy Preston, who was hanging out in the lobby getting high, was invited by George Harrison to join in. Thus, Billy became the first sideman credited on a Beatles record. Those were the days!
On this day in 1977, "Somebody To Love" by Queen peaked at #13 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1983, the song "Rock The Casbah" by The Clash peaked at #8 on the chart.
Whacking Balls
Alice Cooper, Stephen Stills, former Eagle Don Felder and Huey Lewis are among the stars hitting the links this week at the 2009 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic golf tournament. The benefit event raises money for a variety of charities and continues through Sunday at various courses in the Palm Springs area. The Golf Channel is providing coverage of the event.
Ronnie & Roddy Have Written
Now here's some unexpected great news! Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood says that he and Rod Stewart have finished writing songs for the soon-to-be reunited Faces' first album since 1973's "Ooh La La." Woodie claims they wrote the songs over three days during vacations in Miami, Bermuda and Costa Rica, saying "It wasn't so much a holiday but a mini-world tour." As for a replacement for the late Ronnie Lane, word is that Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea will join the boys for their reunion. In theory, they would release their new album just as they hit the road later this year. One more thing: Woodie has also confirmed what we've been saying for months — The Stones should be returning to the road in 2010.
Bruce Is Booking
You can just forget about seeing Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band playing any Southland dates this June or July. Of course they'll be touring America to promote their latest album, "Working on a Dream," which hits shelves next Tuesday. But Bruce and his band will exclusively be doing European stadium gigs in June and July. We'll all have a chance to see them (briefly) on February 1st when they play the halftime show at Super Bowl XLIII. And yes, guitarist Nils Lofgren will be with them — thanks to a bionic hip. The E Street Band guitarist underwent hip replacement surgery in October and reports that his recovery is going well. Nils also says he'll be fine to play the 12 minute halftime show and may even be well enough to head on the road with The Boss when the still-to-be-announced tour launches.
Brit Awards/AC/DC
AC/DC have been nominated for the International Group and International Album 2009 Brit Awards. But don't plan on seeing them at the party. While U2 will perform their new single, "Get On Your Boots," at the February 18th ceremony in London, AC/DC will be in the midst of their European tour. One other Classic Rock band of note will be present: Iron Maiden, whose "The Number of the Beast" topped the British charts in 1982, have been nominated in the British Live Act category. Rawk on!
It was Bill Cosby who said: "Parents aren't interested in justice, they are interested in quiet."
It was Roy Qualley who said: "If it tastes good, it's trying to kill you."
Amazing Factoids
According to "Harper's Index":
1. Only 30% of us can flair our nostrils.
2. 75% of us store our dollar bills in rigid order with singles leading up to higher denominations.
3. 90% of us believe in divine retribution, but only 10% believe in the 10 Commandments.
4. 47% of us drink straight from the carton when no one else is looking.
5. The average American bra size today is 36C, whereas 10 years ago it was 34B.
6. 85% of American women wear the wrong bra size.
7. Four out of five of us sing in the car, though it's unknown how many actually sing in tune.
January 23, 2009
Organist Danny Federeci of Springsteen's E Street band would have been 59.
Singer Robin Zander of Cheap Trick is 57.
Some sources list today as Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons' B-day, but it's actually October 19th.
On this day in 1971, Elton John's "Your Song" peaked at #8 on the charts just 53 weeks after he and lyricist Bernie Taupin began working together.
On this day in 1977, Pink Floyd released their "Animals" album as they started their biggest world tour to date.
On this day in 1978, Chicago's guitarist Terry Kath blew his brains out playing Russian Roulette at the age of 31. At the time of his death, Chicago's song "Baby What A Big Surprise" was in the Top 10.
On this day in 1982, Bob Seger's "Feel Like A Number" peaked at #48 while "Leather And Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley peaked at #6.
On this day in 1990, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins died of pneumonia at the age of 37. He had been paralyzed from the waist down since crashing his car in 1986.
On this day in 1997, Richard Berry, who wrote the classic "Louie Louie" and never saw a dime for it, died of an aneurysm at the age of 61 in South Central Los Angeles.
On this day in 2005, the greatest talk show host ever, Johnny Carson, died of emphysema. A longtime smoker, Johnny was only 79.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD 2008 with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Police as well as more of Joe's conversations with drummer Stewart Copeland, guitarist Andy Summers and bassist/singer Sting.
One For Peter/Nada For Bruce
Peter Gabriel is in the running for an Oscar. The former Genesis frontman's "Down To Earth, which he co-wrote for the animated film "WALL-E," is up for the Best Original Song at the 81st Annual Academy Awards on February 22nd. Even though Bruce Springsteen won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for Best Song for his title track to the film "The Wrestler," he was shut out of the Oscars. In fact, Springsteen's song "The Wrestler" wasn't even nominated. For some unknown reason, only three songs made the cut — and two of those were from "Slumdog Millionaire."
What's Woodie Been Smoking?
Good Lord! Two days ago Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was telling anyone that would listen that he and Rod Stewart had written an album's worth of songs for the soon-to-be reunited Faces, and that Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea would join the boys on their tour. Yesterday Roddy and Flea both said nope, that's not the case — and in fact there are no plans for a Faces reunion trek in '09. Hmm...
Double Taylors/Double Bass Drums
Queen drummer Roger Taylor will be performing for the first time with his 17-year-old son Rufus at a star-studded concert Saturday in London. That gig will also feature a rare appearance by Electric Light Orchestra co-founder Roy Wood as well as former Manfred Mann's Earth Band singer Chris Thompson — one of the best voices in rock.
More Of Neil's Searing Leads
What does Neil Young do in his spare time? He plays lead guitar on nine of the 10 songs on the upcoming album by legendary soul keyboardist Booker T. Jones. The album, called "Potato Hole," will be out on April 21st. An explanation of what "Potato Hole" means should be forthcoming.
Hot Rods Are Coming!
This Saturday, Noon - 2pm: Time for an Uncle Joe Meet & Greet with the KLOS Cool Patrol at one of the biggest, most important hot rod shows in the world — the 60th Annual Grand National Roadster Show! Here's what last year's show looked like.
Thought For The Weekend
It was Ogden Nash who said:
"To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong admit it;
Whenever you're right shut up."
January 24, 2009
Neil Diamond is 68.
Acerbic songwriter Warren Zevon would have been 62.
Blues Brother John Belushi would have been 60.
On this day in 1962, record store owner Brian Epstein signed on as the manager of The Beatles. He helped guide the Fab Four into becoming the most dominant band in the history of Rock & Roll — and they did it all without a signed contract. Brian Epstein and The Beatles worked with just a handshake agreement — those were special times!
On this day in 1969, Jethro Tull's first U.S. performance was opening for Led Zeppelin at a show in New York City.
On this day in 1970, "Evil Ways" by Santana entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1976, KISS' "Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)" peaked at #12 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1984, Apple Computer launched the Macintosh. It contained virtually unknown features, including simple icons and an odd little attachment called a mouse. Two years later, the first Uncle Joe's Record Guide was published. Eight years after that, unclejoe.com was hand-coded into existence. So much for free time!
On this day in 2000, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played the opening date of their reunion tour in Auburn Hills, Michigan. That show marked the first time the quartet had performed together in 25 years.
January 25, 2009
Guitarist Joe Strummer of The Clash would have been 57.
On this day in 1858, Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" was performed for the first time at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter.
On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their classic song, "Proud Mary." Like Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March," "Proud Mary" has been played at virtually every wedding since.
On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney was released from jail in Japan after serving nine days for possessing a half-pound of marijuana. Where did he go next? Why Amsterdam, of course!
On this day in 1992, U2's song "Mysterious Ways" hit #9.
January 26, 2009
Acting God/philanthropist Paul Newman would have been 84.
Guitar God Eddie Van Halen is 54.
On this day in 1970, John Lennon wrote and recorded "Instant Karma."
On this day in 1977, Peter Green, one of Fleetwood Mac's founding guitarists, was committed to an English mental home after he fired a pistol at a messenger trying to deliver a check for his Fleetwood Mac royalties.
On this day in 1997, ZZ Top, James Brown and the Blues Brothers performed during the Super Bowl XXXI halftime show. It was just as scary as it sounds.
On this day in 2003, Billy Joel was hospitalized after crashing his car into a tree in Sag Harbor, New York. He was released — seemingly unscathed — early the next morning.
Brothers Booked (Into Festivals)
The 5th Annual Mountain Jam festival has booked one of the greatest jam bands ever: the Allman Brothers Band. Of course they did have an inside line on the May 29th through 31st gig in Hunter, New York. Allmans guitarist Warren Haynes is one of the event's organizers, and Gov't Mule — his other band — will headline the fest along with the Derek Trucks Band, fronted by the ABB's other guitarist. Not to be outdone by the Mountain Jam, the BamaJam Music & Arts Festival has just signed the Black Crowes (fronted by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson) to headline the June 4th through the 6th Fest in Enterprise, Alabama. Now, if only we could get those Van Halen brothers into a festival somewhere...
New/Old Bruce
Sure he's releasing his newest album, "Working On A Dream," tomorrow, but Bruce Springsteen is also readying a deluxe reissue of his classic 1978 "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" album for a Fall release. Just like the 30th anniversary release of "Born To Run," the reissued "Darkness" will feature the remastered album plus a documentary, live footage and other bonus features. Rock & Roll!
Another Fantasy
Former Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, former Grand Funk Railroad frontman Mark Farner and Yes drummer Alan White will be on board for the next Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp April 29th through May 3rd in Hollywood. Others on board this time include KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, former Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan and producer/engineer Eddie Kramer, who's worked extensively with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. The Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp gives would-be rockers a chance to learn about the music business and fulfill their rock star dreams (except for the groupies), getting first hand info by meeting and performing with some of rock's greatest artists.
Sundancing With The Stinger
Sting and his wife Trudie Styler are behind the documentary film called "Crude." In it they cover the world's largest oil-related environmental lawsuit, charging Chevron with polluting the Amazon River. This past week the power couple premiered their film to rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival. Afterward, Sting was documented by several news sources partying with Paris Hilton and Kevin Bacon. Now that could be one scary film!
It was Stuart Hughes who said: "No issue is too small that it can't be blown out of proportion."
It was Charles Swindoll who said: "The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it."
January 27, 2009
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have been 253.
Blues guitar legend Elmore James would have been 91.
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason is 65.
Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey and J. Geils Band keyboardist Seth Justman are both 58.
On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released six weeks after he'd been killed in a plane crash. Recorded just three days before he died, it became his only #1 hit.
On this day in 1971, David Bowie arrived in the United States for his first promotional tour. While he didn't perform any live dates, he did manage to raise a few eyebrows by wearing a gingham dress.
Here Comes Bruce!
The first U.S. dates of a Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band tour in support of Bruce's new "Working On A Dream" album have been announced. The trek will kick off April 1 in San Jose, then hit the L.A. Sports Arena (a perfect venue for Bruce over the years) on April 15th. As I announced yesterday, tickets for the Sport Arena gig will go on sale next Monday at 10am. Meanwhile, a half-hour documentary on the making of "Dream" will premiere Saturday at 11pm on VH1.
Booking/Marrying Macca
Former Beatle Paul McCartney — who is up for two GRAMMY Awards this year — will perform at the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony on February 8th. The Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl will join Macca onstage as his “special guest drummer!” And then on April 4th, Macca will headline a New York benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation, which provides transcendental meditation education for children. Meanwhile, all the Brit tabloids are reporting that Sir Paulie is preparing to marry his girlfriend Nancy Shevell, now that her divorce has been finalized. The love birds apparently have the support of Paul's kids, unlike the second Mrs. McCartney. Considering Paulie recently paid out $50 million in a divorce settlement with his ex, Heather Mills, do you think there'll be a pre-nup this time?
Bowie Nixes Ziggy
Not sure who all thought it would happen, but David Bowie will not be back as "Ziggy Stardust." There were reports that the organizers of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival offered Bowie a bazillion dollars to perform his entire 1972 concept album "The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars." However, a spokesperson for the singer says that is not the case and those reports are false. Bowie famously killed off the "Ziggy" character on stage in 1973, and has been in semi-retirement since canceling a 2004 world tour after a heart scare. Do you think two bazillion dollars would have made it happen?
AC/DC At Wrestlemania As Bogus As Wrestlemania
Reps for AC/DC are denying that the band will perform at this year’s Wrestlemania XXV on April 5th at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. But Linda McMahon, wife of WWE chairman Vince McMahon, still insists the Australian rockers will play the event's yet-to-be-revealed theme song. Oooo... the drama!
New/Old Thin Lizzy
Considering how loose everybody associated with Thin Lizzy was in the band's last few years, it isn't surprising that they lost track of some recordings. What is surprising is that guitarist Scott Gorham found some unheard tapes while clearing some boxes out of storage, and after remixing and remastering, "Still Dangerous: Live At The Tower Theater, Philadelphia 1977" will be released on March 3rd. The show took place on the same tour and at the venue where the band's iconic 1978 "Live & Dangerous" album was done. In a way, the new "Still Dangerous" is a companion volume to "Live & Dangerous," only without the massive overdubbing found on that album.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Youth is wasted upon the young."
It was Aristotle who said: "Education is the best provision for old age."
January 28, 2009
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his national television debut on "The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show" on CBS.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones recorded a five song demo with producer Glyn Johns, vainly hoping to interest a record label.
On this day in 1967, Buffalo Springfield released "For What It's Worth."
On this day in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made its first non-nightclub appearance opening for The Who at London's Saville Theater. No guitars were burned, but everyone was deafened and had the time of their lives!
On this day in 1978, Van Halen unleashed "You Really Got Me," the first single from their self-titled debut album, and Kansas released "Dust In The Wind," the biggest song of their career.
On this day in 1978, the Doobie Brothers guest starred on "What's Happening!!," yielding the infamous line, "Which Doobie you be?" Who said Seventies TV sitcoms lacked depth?
On this day in 1985, a Who's Who in the music world showed up at the legendary A&M Studios in Hollywood to "check their egos at the door" and record "We Are The World" to aid Ethiopian famine relief. The most casual of all was Bruce Springsteen, who parked his car in a public lot across the street and walked on in.
On this day in 2005, Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi died in London at the age of 60 after a brief fight with stomach cancer.
Katie Does Metallica
For just one moment, think about perky Katie Couric at a Metallica concert. As it turns out, Katie will host a one-hour All Access GRAMMY Special on February 4th on CBS. She'll be interviewing several big names in music, including Metallica. The band, which is up for the GRAMMY Awards for Best Metal Performance, Best Rock Instrumental Performance and Best Rock Album, will try their best to sit still long enough to discuss their year and history with Couric.
Macca On Colbert
The ever charming Paul McCartney will guest on Wednesday's edition of "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central. This will be Sir Paulie's only scheduled appearance on a U.S. late night TV program. At least until that new album comes out!
He's A Popular Boss
Sure he's one of our greatest rock artists, but how often does a guy like Bruce Springsteen actually win a popularity poll? According to a new Rasmussen Reports poll, 65% of those planning to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday said they intend to stay tuned during halftime just to see Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band perform. Nearly 70% of respondents have a favorable opinion of Bruce, while 13% don't like him and 17% had no opinion. The Boss' popularity also crosses gender lines: 72% of women and 59% of men say they're looking forward to his Super Bowl performance. And you know that somewhere back in Jersey he's just shaking his head.
Graham Gets Spooky
Graham Nash — who has encountered ghostly spirits in Winchester Cathedral — says he "couldn't refuse" the offer to perform at the upcoming 50 Winters Later concert commemorating the 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. He says, "To play in that very ballroom on the 50th anniversary — that's kind of scary to me... I love it." The show takes place Monday in Clear Lake, Iowa.
All Hail Cheech & Los Lobos
Celebrating 43 years of assistance to the state's most vulnerable people, the California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) organization will honor actor Cheech Marin and Los Lobos at their Tequio Awards gala on February 9th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Cheech's long-time comic partner Tommy Chong will present the award to Cheech, Los Lobos will perform and both Ry Cooder and Carlos Mencia will be among those making presentations. Rock on!
It was Mike Ditka who said: "Success isn't permanent and failure isn't fatal."
It was John Lennon who said: "Life is what happens while you are making other plans."
January 29, 2009
On this day in 1977, the Eagles hit #1 with the "Hotel California" album, and the song "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1979, Emerson, Lake & Palmer disbanded for the first time.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend. They split a year later.
On this day in 1992, blues great Willie Dixon died of heart failure in Burbank at the age of 76.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pink Floyd as well as more of Joe's conversation with Nick Mason, Roger Waters, David Gilmour and producer Alan Parsons.
U2/Plant/GRAMMY Awards
U2 along with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss have been added to the already incredible list of performers at the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8th. While Robert & Alison are up for five awards — including the Album Of The Year — U2 aren’t up for any. But they are U2, and they do have a new album coming out and as "Rolling Stone" magazine reports: "Bono has a special pass that lets him play anywhere, anytime he wants," so playing the GRAMMY Awards on the biggest night in music makes perfect sense. This year’s GRAMMY telecast will feature arguably the three biggest bands on the planet right now (U2, Radiohead and Coldplay) along with the three biggest rappers, as well as a Beatle (Sir Paul McCartney) and Samuel L. Jackson! Rock on!
Billy Powell Passes On
After missing a Monday appointment with his heart doctor, Lynyrd Skynyrd pianist Billy Powell passed away early Wednesday morning at his home in Orange Park, Florida. He was only 56. Having worked as the band’s roadie for a year, Powell officially joined Skynyrd in 1973 and his piano work quickly became an important part of their sound. Billy survived the 1977 plane crash that took the lives of singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines and other crew members. Then, after a decade-long hiatus, he reunited with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band for some concerts in 1989, and ultimately remained with Skynyrd until his death. With Powell’s death, guitarist Gary Rossington becomes the lone surviving original Skynyrd member. Rest in peace, Billy.
A New Rainbow
They say that there's been a strong demand for Rainbow to reunite over the years, but guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has no interest in revisiting his past. Singer Joe Lynn Turner said he wouldn't want to do it unless it was authentic, meaning they had to have, “Blackmore on guitar.” But then he spoke with Blackmore's son Jurgen, a guitarist in his own right, and he agreed to join the band. Also on board are former Rainbow members Tony Carey, Bobby Rondinelli and Greg Smith. Turner adds that they have the blessing of Ritchie Blackmore, who's pleased to see his son get this kind of opportunity. Calling themselves Over The Rainbow, the group will officially make their debut next month on a tour of Russia. If it goes well, you'll see them here later this year.
Another Interview Show
Stevie Nicks and Chicago are among the performers slated to appear on the new Biography Channel series "The Chris Isaak Hour." Isaak says that through the series viewers will "really get to know my guests," and adds, "I also get to share in the thrill of meeting and performing with great artists like Glen Campbell... I'm having a blast." Trisha Yearwood is scheduled to be the guest for the premiere episode airing on February 26th.
It was Thomas Edison who said: "There ain't no rules around here! We're trying to accomplish something!"
It was Jean Giraudoux who said: "Only the mediocre are always at their best."
January 30, 2009
Jefferson Airplane's founder, Marty Balin, is 67.
Steve Marriott, the cheeky singer for the Small Faces and Humble Pie, would have been 62.
The multi-talented singer/drummer for Genesis, and uber-solo artist, Phil Collins, is 58.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles did their last public performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corp. Building in London. They played 42 minutes before the cops shut it down. A portion of that performance showed up in the "Let It Be" movie, another portion on the album.
On this day in 1971, "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.
On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's recording of the Kris Kristofferson song "Me and Bobby McGee" was released (four months after her death from a heroin overdose). It soon became her only #1 hit.
On this day in 1973, KISS performed together for the first time in makeup at Queens' Popcorn Club. Guitarist Paul Stanley later said that the makeup was inspired by the New York Dolls' outrageous appearance.
On this day in 1982, blues guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins died from cancer in Houston at the age of 79.
On this day in 1988, Aerosmith's "Angel" broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 1998, Sir Elton John received his knighthood from the real Queen of England.
Bruce & The Bowl
When Bruce Springsteen was asked yesterday about his plans with The E Street Band for the Super Bowl 43 halftime show this Sunday, he said it would be "a 12-minute party." But like a lot of us, he hasn't really followed the sport over the years. The Boss says the last time he actually played football was in his backyard when he was a kid back in 1958, and that when he thinks of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Terry Bradshaw — who was the team's star quarterback in the Seventies — is the name that comes to mind. Amen brother, amen!
Saving Olympic Studios
Word is that U2 may be buying one of Britain's most historic recording studios to save it from the wrecking ball. The EMI record label recently put the venerable Olympic Studios in South West London up for sale, and U2 are seriously considering an offer for the historic venue where legends Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones have recorded. Bono and the boys spent most of the last six months holed up in the famed studio finishing their forthcoming album, "No Line On The Horizon," and they reportedly fell in love with the place. Since they already have their own custom studios in Dublin, they evidently feel that Olympic would be a wise investment before it becomes a footnote in history.
Journey/Super Bowl
Journey and John Legend will both perform during the pre-game festivities before Sunday’s Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida. Wouldn't that be something if they got Legend to sing with Journey?
John's Boys
For the first time ever, John Lennon's two sons will perform together. Julian and Sean Lennon are scheduled to team up for the U.N. Millennium Goal Awards next month. Bon Jovi's Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are also scheduled for the closed to the public ceremony in the U.N. General Assembly Hall on February 26th. The former Beatle's kids hadn't spoken with one another for a number of years, which Julian has attributed to a rift between him and Sean's mom, Yoko Ono. But a year and a half ago, Julian extended the olive branch and since then the two have been spending time together.
Eric's Been Busy
Since Eric Clapton swore off serious touring, he's had more time to play with his friends. First out of the box will be some signature guitar work on his "Road to Escondido" collaborator J.J. Cale's "Roll On" album, which is due out on February 24th. Next out will be a couple of songs Slowhand spiced up on original Manfred Mann singer Paul Jones' upcoming album, "Starting All Over Again," which will be released March 10th. And after that...
It was George Bernard Shaw who said: "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."
It was poet Sam Brown who said: "Never offend people with style when you can offend them with substance."
Super Bowl Urban Legends
The great http://snopes.com website, which verifies or debunks urban legends, has focused on Super Bowl legends. So which of these do you think are true or false?
1. Sewage systems have overloaded due to the tremendous number of toilets being flushed simultaneously at halftime.
2. Two-thirds of all avocados sold in the U.S. are bought within three weeks of Super Bowl Sunday.
3. Super Bowl Sunday is a good time to visit Disneyland, because the park is virtually deserted.
Sorry — none of them are true! Now enjoy the game!
January 31, 2009
Guitarist Terry Kath of Chicago would have been 63.
John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) of the Sex Pistols is a very cranky 53.
On this day in 1967, Jack Bruce of Cream and lyricist Peter Brown wrote "Sunshine Of Your Love" at about 5:30am ("It's getting near dawn...").
On this day in 1970, "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.