February 21 - 28, 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!
February 21, 2008
Talking Heads keyboardist Jerry Harrison is 60.
On this day in 1975, David Bowie released his "Young Americans" album.
On this day in 1976, Peter Frampton's "Show Me The Way" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1981, AC/DC's "Back In Black" peaked at #37 on the singles chart.
February 22, 2009
On this day in 1965, The Beatles flew to the Bahamas to begin filming their second movie, "Help!"
On this day in 1967, The Beatles recorded the piano chord used at the end of "A Day in the Life."
On this day in 1968, Genesis released their debut single, "The Silent Sun." It really wasn't very good, but they eventually scored a commercial breakthrough — 10 years later.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles began sessions for their "Abbey Road" album with a take of John Lennon's "I Want You (She's So Heavy)."
On this day in 1969, T. Rex kicked off a British tour with a young David Bowie as the opening act. For this auspicious debut, David bypassed a musical performance to do a mime about a Tibetan monk. No, really — I didn't make that up.
On this day in 1975, Grand Funk Railroad's "Some Kind Of Wonderful" peaked at #3 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1978, The Police appeared as blondes in an advertisement for Wrigley's chewing gum. They never made a group decision to keep the look, but it sure worked out for them.
On this day in 1979, "Rolling Stone" magazine reported that Journey had entered into a deal with Budweiser, becoming one of the first corporate sponsorship agreements between a company and a rock act. Thus did their staging become bigger, video screens were added and Mick Jagger took serious notice of a new way to finance tours.
February 23, 2009
Blues guitarist Johnny Winter is 65.
Guitarist Rusty Young, who played with the Ides of March and Poco, is 63.
Sweet bassist/singer Steven Priest is 61.
Guitarist Brad Whitford of Aerosmith is 57.
On this day in 1972, Pink Floyd began recording the soundtrack for "Obscured by Clouds" at the Chateau d'Herouville in France.
On this day in 1974, Billy Joel's "Piano Man" entered the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
On this day in 1979, Dire Straits began their first American tour in Boston.
On this day in 1980, Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" hit #1. It's true, Freddie Mercury wrote it while in a bathtub.
On this day in 1980, the Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why" broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 2003, bassist Howie Epstein of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers died of an overdose in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the age of 47.
U2 Leaks & Streams
So what happens if the Australian branch of your record label leaks your highly anticipated new album two weeks before it was due to be released? U2 decided to immediately stream their new album, "No Line On The Horizon," in its entirety on their MySpace page. With the LP due for release on March 3rd, the Irish lads have also scheduled their first-ever live performance on a U.S. morning television show — a March 6th appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America."
A Brucely Weekend In Jersey
As if you really needed an excuse to spend a weekend in New Jersey! The second Glory Days: A Bruce Springsteen Symposium will be held Sept. 25th through the 27th in two New Jersey cities: West Long Branch and Eatontown. The first event, held in 2005, featured a variety of presentations by numerous associates of the Boss.
Giant Jovi Book
Someone's doing all the heavy lifting for Bon Jovi fans who crave more info. "The Bon Jovi Encyclopedia" will feature all things Jovi from A to Z — every song they’ve recorded, members past and present, tours, gigs, events, albums, singles, bootlegs, books, DVDs, associated bands, exclusive interviews and hundreds of photos. It literally hits shelves on May 7th.
Advice For Arnel
Former Journey singer Steve Augeri, who killed his vocal chords belting out Steve Perry's soaring vocals for a few years, has urged new frontman Arnel Pineda to be mindful about overworking his voice. "I pray that Arnel takes really good care of himself [and] that the band looks after him, because after several vocalists down the line, you gotta get wise," maintains Augeri. Actually, it's possible that Arnel should be concentrating on his health first and foremost.
R.I.P. E.L.O. Bassist
Longtime Electric Light Orchestra bassist Kelly Groucutt passed away in Worcestershire, England last Thursday after suffering a heart attack the previous day. The 63-year-old Groucutt was E.L.O.'s third bassist, joining Jeff Lynn's group in 1974 and leaving in 1983. He played on eight albums and most of E.L.O.'s biggest hits. Rest in peace music man.
It was Dr. Seuss who said: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
It was Hal Lee Luyah (was that really his name?) who said: "There's a deception to every rule."
So What's Your Excuse?
While the economy has forced many to curb spending, it doesn't seem to have had much effect on suppressing people's desires to get close. Nearly four out of five of those responding to a Consumer Reports National Research Center poll say financial problems haven't affected their sex lives, with 79% noting they haven't changed the frequency in which they get intimate with their partner. However, the economy could be indirectly causing problems in the bedroom. More than 80% admit that over the past year they've skipped opportunities to have sex. Insomnia and illness — both of which can be brought on by stress — are the top two reasons why, with 53% saying they've been "too tired" for sex and 49% noting they've felt "too sick."
February 24, 2009
For many years George Harrison believed he was born on February 25th, but in 1992, he announced, "I only learned recently after all these years that the date and time of my own birth have always been off by one calendar day and about a half hour on the clock." So in fact, though we still celebrate it on the 25th, his birthday was really today. He would have been 66.
Keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, who most notably played with The Rolling Stones and The Who, would have been 63.
The mighty George Thorogood is 59.
On this day in 1958, The Champs' "Tequila" broke into the Top 40 within a month and stayed on top of the charts for five weeks, thereby assuring the fall of Western civilization.
On this day in 1969, the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed its last concert, at London's Royal Albert Hall.
On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin released the album "Physical Graffiti," the group's long awaited follow-up to 1973's "Houses of the Holy." The double-album hit #1 on the "Billboard" charts two weeks later, a record at the time.
On this day in 1979, "Roxanne" by The Police entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1998, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Elton John at Buckingham Palace.
Feds/Ticketmaster/Live Nation
On the eve of the U.S. Department of Justice Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights' first hearing to decide whether the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster violates monopoly laws, one of the key players has made a move. Yesterday Ticketmaster Entertainment reached a national settlement with the New Jersey Attorney General agreeing to alter some of its business practices and pay $350,000 to cover fees associated with the investigation of the controversial on-sale for Bruce Springsteen's upcoming North American tour. More than 2,000 complaints were filed after fans trying to buy Springsteen tickets were re-directed to Ticketmaster's re-sale website, Ticketsnow.com, where tickets were going for four-times their face value. As for today's "The Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger: What Does it Mean for Consumers and the Future of the Concert Business?" subcommittee hearing, confirmed witnesses include Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff, Live Nation president Michael Rapino and JAM Productions chairman Jerry Mickelson. Among the politicians sitting on the subcommittee will be New York Senator Chuck Schumer, who openly criticized Ticketmaster concerning the Springsteen ticket fiasco. Rock on!
U2 Morning TV
U2 will make their first appearance on an American TV morning show next Friday. Three days after the release of their 12th studio album, "No Line on the Horizon," the sure-to-be-sleepy Irish lads will perform on ABC's "Good Morning America." Considering that the location of the concert has not yet been announced, wouldn't it be funny if they were actually performing in Ireland?
Bruce To Glastonbury
It's official. As rumored for weeks, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's first ever U.K. festival show will be in front of a sold-out crowd of 170,000 at the infamous Glastonbury Festival on June 27th. (Note: Neil Young is also rumored to be on the Glastonbury bill.) And then the very next day Bruce will play the massive Hard Rock Calling gig in London's Hyde Park! Bruce has already revealed plans to headline a night of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee on June 14th, and there's a gap in his touring schedule for the Saturday of the Coachella Festival. Of course, after performing for the Super Bowl halftime show in front of an audience of hundreds of millions, all of this is probably more like playing the clubs!
Browne vs. McCain Continues
A California judge has denied an attempt by Sen. John McCain and the Republican National Committee to dismiss Jackson Browne's copyright lawsuit. The singer sued last August for false endorsement, copyright infringement and violation of right of publicity after his song "Running On Empty" was used in a presidential campaign commercial without Browne's permission. A late-April hearing regarding the case has been scheduled. "The court's decision is a solid victory for songwriters and performers," says Browne's lawyer.
Spider-Man Broadway Delayed
Not that anyone was lining up for tickets, but the Broadway stage version of "Spider-Man" — featuring songs penned by U2's Bono and the Edge — has been delayed again because of production issues. They say the musical will now open in early 2010. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.
It was Carl Zwanzig who said: "Duct tape is like the Force. It has a dark side, it has a light side, and it holds the Universe together."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right — for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."
February 25, 2009
For many years George Harrison believed he was born today. But in 1992, he announced "I only learned recently after all these years that the date and time of my own birth have always been off by one calendar day and about a half hour on the clock." So in fact, his birthday was really yesterday, February 24th. He would have been 66.
On this day in 1957, Buddy Holly & The Crickets did their first session with New Mexico record producer Norman Petty. They recorded "That'll Be the Day," which soon became their first #1 and biggest hit.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles released the single "Penny Lane" backed with "Strawberry Fields Forever."
On this day in 1993, Marshall Tucker Band guitarist Toy Caldwell died of heart failure at age 45 in his Spartanburg, South Carolina home.
Rockin' Tootsies
How loud are your feet? Have you seen the Converse line of Ozzy Osbourne themed shoes yet? How about those KISS Vans or the Converse All Star The Who shoes? Word is that sneakers with Pink Floyd artwork on them will be out next month, followed by Metallica and AC/DC inspired shoes this Fall. Check out the styles at http://Journeys.com.
Lennon Cold Case
The March 22nd episode of CBS' "Cold Case" — titled "Mind Games." — will showcase several as-yet-unannounced John Lennon songs. Reason enough to set the DVR!
Uber U2 Video Cache
In honor of the release of their 12th studio album, U2 has completely revamped their U2.com web site with tons of video features including the track “Breathe,” off "No Line On The Horizon," performed live in Paris this week. Another exclusive collection of high-definition U2 performances is now available through the Comcast cable service's On Demand feature. That footage includes almost 50 in-concert and promotional clips from throughout U2's career.
Woodie Joins Simon (Briefly)
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood will be joining Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke and several other musicians to perform at the second annual Supergroup benefit concert in Boston. The April 26th event will raise money for the Right Turn organization, which provides support and rehabilitation to artistic people dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction and mental-health problems.
It was Mae West who said: "She's the kind of girl who climbed the ladder of success wrong by wrong."
It was Henry David Thoreau who said: "It's not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?"
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February 26, 2009
Johnny Cash would have been 76.
Rock & Roll Icon Mitch Ryder is 65.
Keyboardist Jonathan Cain of Journey is 59.
On this day in 1966, "19th Nervous Breakdown" by The Rolling Stones entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, the song "Hotel California" by the Eagles entered the charts.
On this day in 1987, the first four Beatles albums were released on Compact Disc.
On this day in 2008, drummer Buddy Miles died of congestive heart failure at his home in Austin, Texas at the age of 60. During his long career Miles had worked with many musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Wilson Pickett, Carlos Santana, David Bowie and Stevie Wonder.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Aerosmith and conversation with singer Steven Tyler, guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford and bassist Tom Hamilton as well as producer Jack Douglas.
Crue Fest/Circus
This year's Crue Fest is literally going to be a traveling circus! Motley Crue will bring Crue Fest 2: The White Trash Circus to the Southland on Friday July 31st at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore. While we won’t know who is playing the event until the Crue's March 16th press conference, we do know a Motley ticket pre-sale is happening right now at http://CrueFest2.com.
CSN/Bon Jovi/Rascals
Crosby, Stills & Nash, Bon Jovi's Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora along with Felix Cavalieri and Eddie Brigati of The Young Rascals are among the artists who will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame on June 18th in New York. The 2009 awards dinner and induction ceremony will also will mark the Hall's 40th anniversary, which should inspire some really cool party favors.
Bun E.'s Busy
In the 34 or 35 years I've known Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, I've never really seen him move out of the shadows. But lately that boy has been really busy! With the Trick hoping to release their next studio album by the time their Summer tour begins, Bun E. is "looking forward" to playing a few shows (including the South By Southwest festival in two weeks) with his new one-off supergroup Tinted Windows. The Loves Park, Illinois native also reports that he's recently drummed on new albums by Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen's son, Miles, and the Chicago-based Vandalettes. Wonder if he used those giant drum sticks?
It was Mahatma Gandhi who said: "There is more to life than increasing its speed."
It was Calvin Coolidge who said: "No man ever listened himself out of a job."
February 27, 2009
Guitarist Neal Schon of Journey and Santana fame is 55.
Singer Johnny Van Zandt of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 50.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd recorded their debut single, "Arnold Layne." Based on the true story of a man arrested for stealing women's underwear off of clothes lines (three years before The Kinks recorded "Lola"), the single eventually sold tens of copies.
On this day in 1977, Rolling Stone Keith Richards got busted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who found 22 grams of heroin, five grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia in his Toronto hotel suite. Talk about your wicked room service!
On this day in 2003, pioneering children's TV host Fred "Mister Rogers" died of cancer at age 74.
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is launching their first tour in five years this weekend. The "Unleashed" tour will hit the Honda Center in Anaheim on May 23rd and the Staples Center on May 28th. With no opening act or guest performers, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood will be playing their butts off! Their sets will include a mix of hits, fan favorites and other songs that are special to the band. Rock on!
Def Leppard/Poison/Cheap Trick
It seems like only just a few months ago that Def Leppard singer Joe Elliot and Poison frontman Bret Michaels were exchanging nasty jabs. But now the boys and their bands will be doing a Summer tour with Cheap Trick, and everything's just peachy. The trek kicks off on June 23rd and will wind down on either August 30th at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine or on September 6th at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore (oh, the indecision!). But wait — there's more! Joe Elliot has confirmed that re-mastered versions of the Lep's "Pyromania" and "Adrenalize" albums will come out this Spring. The new "Pyromania" will include never before heard live recordings and "Adrenalize" will feature a collection of B-sides that never made 1993's "Retro Active" compilation. Top that Bret!
Styx/REO/38 Special
Styx and REO Speedwagon have hooked up again and will launch the 2009 Can't Stop Rockin' tour with 38 Special in mid-May. They'll hit the Citizen's Bank Arena in Ontario on May 21st and the Nokia Theatre LA Live on May 22nd. But wait — there's more! Styx and REO have also recorded a new song called "Can't Stop Rockin'" — the first ever co-written by Tommy Shaw and Kevin Cronin. But wait — there's even more! As part of the three bands' "Rock n Roll Stimulus Package," they're offering tickets for as low as $13.50. Whew!
Bushfire Aid
Australia's Victoria bushfire, the worst natural disaster in that country in more than a century, has left 200 people dead and destroyed more than 1,000 homes. Word is that Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel have both signed on to contribute songs to the fundraising "Bushfire Aid — Artists for the Bushfire Appeal" album. The project will channel money into the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal. Stay tuned for more info soon.
It was Woody Allen who said: "I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."
Top 8 Mid-Winter Factoids
1. 75% of Americans want to change their bodies in some way, while only 13% say they'd want to change their intelligence.
2. Americans eat almost one million tons of potato chips each year.
3. The can opener was invented 44 years after canned food. In fact, until they came along, the thick-walled metal storage canisters had to be busted open with a hammer and chisel or bayonet.
4. If you pour a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death.
5. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top.
6. The 57 on Heinz ketchup bottles represents the varieties of pickles the company once had.
7. Coffee is the world's second largest item of international commerce. Petroleum is the first.
8. M&Ms are named after Frank Mars, the candy maker, and his business associate, Bruce Murrie.
February 28, 2009
Driving legend Mario Andretti is 69.
Brian Jones, founding member of The Rolling Stones, would have been 67.
On this day in 1970, under the threat of a serious lawsuit from the family of Ferdinand Von Zeppelin, the brand new Led Zeppelin band performed in Denmark under the name The Nobs (English slang for male genitalia).
On this day in 1970, "No Time" by the Guess Who peaked at #5 on the charts as Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" hit #1 for the first of six weeks.
On this day in 1970, "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)" by John Lennon and "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum both entered the charts.
On this day in 1976, the Eagles released their "Greatest Hits" collection, which eventually became the best-selling record in America ever.
On this day in 1977, bluesman Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White died of cancer in Memphis at age 75.
On this day in 1981, Billy Idol left Generation X to pursue a solo career just as Rockpile drummer Terry Williams joined Dire Straits.
On this day in 1983, U2 released their "War" album.