March 1 - 10, 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!
March 1, 2009
Vocalist Roger Daltrey of The Who is 65.
On this day in 1957, 16-year-old John Lennon persuaded his Aunt Mimi to buy him a guitar.
On this day in 1969, Jim Morrison was arrested after a Miami Doors concert for alleged indecent exposure (he supposedly whipped it out during the show).
On this day in 1974, Queen launched its first headlining tour of England with a show in Blackpool.
On this day in 1975, the Eagles' "Best Of My Love" hit #1 on the singles chart, Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Roll On Down The Highway" peaked at #14 and Bob Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks" was the #1 album in the land.
On this day in 1995, R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry suffered a brain aneurysm on stage during a concert in Switzerland. He was rushed to a hospital and survived, but decided it was time to quit life on the road (and eventually the band).
March 2, 2009
Dr. Theodor 'Ted' Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss (actually pronounced like "voice"), would have been 105.
Lou Reed hits 67.
Eddie Money turns 60.
Jon Bon Jovi is 47.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles began filming "A Hard Day's Night."
On this day in 1968, Syd Barrett was pushed out of Pink Floyd.
On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers' "The Captain & Me" album was released.
On this day in 1976, Led Zeppelin released the "Presence" album.
Uber U2 Scheduling
As U2 begin their stand of five consecutive nights of performances on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" tonight, here's what they've been doing to promote their new "No Line On The Horizon" album which debuts tomorrow. They performed the LP's first single, "Get On Your Boots," as the opening act for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards last month. They played a surprise 20-minute set on the roof of the multi-story BBC Broadcasting House in London to 5,000 people last Friday. Rumor is that the Irish lads will perform on the campus of Fordham University this Friday for a spot on ABC's "Good Morning America." And next Monday they should start announcing dates for their world tour that will include their first U.S. stadium gigs since 1997's "PopMart Tour." Word is that ticket prices will be unusually low, and an innovative setup allowing for 360-degree seating around the stage is in the works. Why? Bono told "Rolling Stone" magazine that, "We want to play for each other as much as we want to play for the crowd this time... You just don't know how long you will be going to be doing this... You don't know what is around the corner." Right so!
All Hail Heart
Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson have been chosen to receive performing rights organization ASCAP's 2009 Founders Award. The sisters will be presented with the honor at ASCAP's 26th Annual Pop Music Awards on April 22nd at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. The invitation-only gala will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed pop songs of 2008.
Allman's Adding
The Allman Brothers Band has announced an extensive line-up for their fifth annual Wanee Music Festival. Besides the Allmans, the event in Live Oak, Florida on June 5th and 6th will highlight the Doobie Brothers, Little Feat, Gov't Mule, the Derek Trucks Band and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan's backing band, Double Trouble.
Elty & Billy Begin Again
Elton John and Billy Joel are launching their Face 2 Face tour tonight in Jacksonville. The first round of dates will include March 28th and 29th stops at the Honda Center in Anaheim before they break to allow Sir Elty to play another series of his Las Vegas gigs. The piano men are scheduled through July, but you know more shows will be scheduled into next year.
It was Tom Waits who said: "The large print giveth, but the small print taketh away."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "You cannot grow a beard in a moment of passion."
Bamming Bad Guys
My old buddy/celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse gave 70-year-old Ellen Basinski a new set of cookware after she used her five-quart Emeril Lagasse saucepan to chase off four teen burglars. The four youths entered her Cleveland home last Tuesday where they discovered a defiant Basinski waiting in the wings. The foursome quickly fled after Basinski struck one of them in the head with the pan. Police later apprehended the suspects and charged them with aggravated burglary. As for his motivation, Lagasse said "I feel terrible for her — not only about the situation she faced, but because she probably may not get that pan back." Bam indeed!
March 3, 2009
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley released his first #1 single, "Heartbreak Hotel."
On this day in 1966, Stephen Stills and Neil Young formed Buffalo Springfield in a small house near the intersection of Fountain and Gower in Hollywood. A Buffalo Springfield earthmover parked nearby inspired the group's name (granted, they really liked the initials B.S.).
On this day in 1967, former Yardbird guitar god Jeff Beck debuted his Jeff Beck Group featuring bassist Ron Wood, drummer Aynsley Dunbar and a new singer by the name of Rod Stewart.
On this day in 1973, Stealer's Wheel's "Stuck In The Middle With You" entered the charts.
On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin finally released the long-delayed "Physical Graffiti" album.
On this day in 1978, Van Halen began its first world tour at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Through much of that tour, the Pasadena band was the opening act for Black Sabbath or Journey.
New/Newer U2
As U2's incredible "No Line On The Horizon" album is finally released today, the Edge says that there will likely be a companion album "with a more meditative and processional tone" arriving before the year is over. Between that and the world tour being announced next Monday, do these guys ever sleep?
Dr. Feelgood's 20th
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Motley Crue's release of "Dr. Feelgood," their first #1 album on the Billboard charts. To celebrate, the Crue will perform the entire "Dr. Feelgood" album — from beginning to end — at every performance on their Summer festival tour, Crue Fest 2... and that includes their July 31st stop at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore!
Jackson's Coming Back
Jackson Browne has scheduled a new North American tour leg in support of his 2008 album, "Time the Conqueror." The Summer outing will include an August 12th gig at the Greek Theatre. The singer/songwriter currently is in the midst of an Australian and European road trip.
Woodstock Redux
How about a 40th anniversary celebration of the historic Woodstock concert? Michael Lang, the promoter behind the original 1969 Woodstock Music & Arts Festival, is hoping to stage a pair of free two-day events in New York and Berlin. The New York festival is targeted for August 15th and 16th, the exact same days as the original 1969 festival. The Berlin festival is being planned for an abandoned airfield on August 22nd and 23rd. No acts have been revealed yet, nor has there been any mention of the infamous Woodstock mud. Stay tuned!
Faces?
In case you were still wondering, that long-rumored Faces reunion may still happen. Keyboardist Ian McLagan says that guitarist Ron Wood and drummer Kenney Jones have discussed that "we do a couple shows and film it... It's what the three of us would like Rod (Stewart) to agree to." McLagan says he hopes "to get a call eventually, and maybe we'll do something in June or July. I've worked for 30 years trying to make it happen. It's now in the lap of the gods — or the hands of Rod, maybe."
It was Mark Twain who said: "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so."
It was Benjamin Disraeli who said: "Little things affext little minds."
What Women Really Want
Here are some interesting, if not debatable, statistics from a recent issue of "Glamour" magazine (and thanks to Jim Ladd for pointing them out!).
73% of women say a man's sense of humor is a turn-on
46% of women say the same about a man's intelligence
35% of women had feelings for a male friend but never fessed up
13% of women say they'd lie to a guy to impress him
One is the number of hours, on average, a woman takes to decide if a guy is worth a second date.
March 4, 2009
Bassist Chris Squire of Yes is 61.
On this day in 1877, Emile Berliner invented the microphone. Where would we be without him?
On this day in 1966, John Lennon's controversial comment about The Beatles being, "more popular than Jesus right now" was published in the London "Evening Standard" newspaper.
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this date in 1972, "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T. Rex peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd kicked off their "Dark Side of the Moon" American tour in Madison, Wisconsin.
On this day in 1986, pianist/vocalist Richard Manuel of The Band hung himself following a concert in Florida. The suicide was a total surprise to everyone who knew him. He was only 42.
Name That Street
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg took to the frigid streets of Times Square yesterday to temporarily name Broadway "U2 Way." All four of the Irish lads were on hand for the event. Bono praised the mayor for his humanitarian work throughout the years and told the crowd that the Big Apple is "the place everyone comes to be themselves." Edge, Larry Mullen, Jr. and Adam Clayton also took to the mic, with Larry joking that the road should have been titled "Larry Mullen Place." As the bandmates each received their own street sign to take home, Bono quipped, "Edge just said that's the first time he was photographed with a street sign and not arrested." The street will be called "U2 Way" for the rest of the week.
A Degree In Beatles
Here's a news flash from The Beatles home town! England's Liverpool Hope University, has introduced a Master of Arts program called "The Beatles, Popular Music and Society." Students enrolling in the postgraduate class will be required to complete four 12-week modules and write a dissertation. But wait — there's more! A most auspicious Liverpudlian school official has formally declared: "Forty years on from their breakup, now is the right time and Liverpool is the right place to study The Beatles." Sayeth we, the commoners and punters who grew up with The Fab Four, what the hell took you so long?
Mega Photo Trove
The late Bob Bonis served as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones U.S. tour manager for their first treks in America... and he carried a camera everywhere he went. So imagine his heirs surprise at finding a previously-unknown stash of 3,500 photographs from Bob's mid-Sixties tours! The never-before-published pictures include shots of Beatles and Stones both on and off stage, in concert and prepping for performances, in the studio and doing mundane things like getting a haircut or just relaxing. Right now Bonis' collection is on display through April 14th in "The British Are Coming: The Beatles and The Rolling Stones 1964-66" showcase at the Not Fade Away Gallery in New York. The exhibit should hit the Southland sooner rather than later, so stay tuned!
New Aerosmith Book
The cleverly titled "Aerosmith: Essential Interviews" will be released May 17th. In its 300 pages, the book documents, through numerous interviews done over the last 35 years, just what the boys have learned as they've survived as a band.
KISS In Studio
KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley says that the band is finally in the studio working on its upcoming studio effort. "It's going to be very much a throwback to what we did in the beginning," he says. We can only hope he's referring to the creative process and not the catering!
It was the immortal Frank Zappa who said: "There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life."
It was Harry Truman who said: "It's a recession when your neighbor losses his job; it's a depression when you lose yours."
March 5, 2009
Dire Straits keyboardist Alan Clark is 57.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles released the "Nowhere Man" single backed with "What Goes On."
On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin performed "Stairway to Heaven" in concert for the first time. Belfast, Northern Ireland was the chosen spot.
On this day in 1982, comedian John Belushi, "Saturday Night Live" veteran and Blues Brother, died of an overdose at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles. He was 33.
On this day in 1994, Grace Slick pointed a shotgun at police in her Tiburon, California home. By June, she had been sentenced to 200 hours of community service and three month's worth of Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Boston as well as more of Joe's conversation with Tom Scholz and Brad Delp.
Macca/Ringo On The Same Stage
Don't get too spun-up about this, but the last two surviving members of The Beatles will actually perform together next month. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will take the stage at New York's Radio City Music Hall for the April 4th The David Lynch Foundation benefit to promote transcendental meditation in schools. Donovan, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Sheryl Crow will join many others at the event. By the way, the last time Macca and Ringo shared a stage was during the 2002 George Harrison tribute concert. For more info, go to http://www.DavidLynchFoundation.org.
Guns 'n Roses Tour Rumor #6,793
Does this sound familiar? Axl Rose is "reported" to be planning a worldwide Guns n' Roses stadium tour for this Summer. If it comes to pass, the tour to support last year's release of "Chinese Democracy" would mark the first U.S. stadium dates for the current line-up of Guns (whoever that may include). And contrary to a persistent on-line rumor, Axl says that the band has absolutely no plans of playing Spain's Kobetasonik Festival in June. For sure. No, really. Seriously dude, they're not kidding this time.
Stones Save The World (Or At Least Metallica)
Evidently Metallica was on the verge of breaking up in the Summer of 2005 when a surprise call from The Rolling Stones saved the band. Drummer Lars Ulrich says there wasn't much hope that the hard rockin' Hall Of Famers would continue when Mick Jagger and The Stones invited Metallica to open for them in San Francisco. When Metallica quickly convened for the first time in months to begin rehearsals for the big gig and the lack of film crews, producers, psychiatrists, minders and babysitters allowed the members to reconnect in a way that Lars described as "effortless." That set the tone for the next three years of huge, mega-success. But of course if Mick hears any of that story, he may demand a percentage!
Bob Pulls A Surprise
Who knew Bob Dylan was recording, much less that he'd be releasing a new album in April? Well just a few short months after the release of his outtakes collection "Tell Tale Sings," Mr. D. will release an as-yet-untitled album filled with "raw country love songs."
Jimi/Queen/Guitar Hero
Downloadable track packs featuring songs by Jimi Hendrix and Queen will be available for the Guitar Hero: World Tour video game on March 19th and March 26th, respectively. Hendrix's pack will offer "Angel," "Freedom" and a live performance of "Foxey Lady" recorded at the 1969 Woodstock festival. The Queen collection will include "We Are the Champions" and "Fat Bottomed Girls," as well as "C-lebrity" from their 2008 "The Cosmos Rocks" album done with Paul Rodgers.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown, too?"
It was Rosemarie Rossett who said: "Adversity precedes growth."
Zippy Language Tips for Doo-Dah People
The word "tip," as in a gratuity, is actually an acronym for "To Insure Promptness."
The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
The only English word that contains a triple letter is "goddessship."
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" is commonly believed to be the only English sentence devised to include all the letters of the alphabet. However, for years typesetters have had another such sentence: "Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs." Once word of this gets out, typing tutorials may never be the same.
March 6, 2009
Guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is 63.
On this day in 1976, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks-penned "Rhiannon" entered the charts where it eventually peaked at #11.
Finally: Beatles: Rock Band
The Beatles are finally entering the modern digital world! "The Beatles: Rock Band" will arrive in stores on September 9th (that's 9/9/09 for you numerologists). They say that the game, which will be available for Xbox, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii, "takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band's legendary career." While there's no playlist or word about venues and avatars, there will be instruments modeled after the guitars, basses and drums that John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr used in real life. McCartney, Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison are all backing the game, which is being overseen by "Love" co-producer Giles Martin.
A Plaque For Moonie
After fans spent decades working through layers of the English bureaucracy, The Who's Keith Moon will be honored this weekend with a special "blue plaque" at the Marquee Club in London. The location was chosen for this rare public tribute to the legendary drummer because the Hall Of Fame band made their 1964 performance debut there. Surviving Who members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey are expected to be on hand to unveil the plaque on Sunday.
Chickenfoot Chickenfoot Chickenfoot
Even the band admits that the name Chickenfoot is just downright weird. But singer/guitarist Sammy Hagar and bassist Michael Anthony (both Van Halen alums) as well as guitar god Joe Satriani and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith have joined up because "We like hanging out together and the music is a bonus." The band made their debut a year ago at a Hagar concert where they played three cover songs including Led Zeppelin's "Rock & Roll" and Traffic's "Dear Mr Fantasy." Since then, they've recorded an album with famed producers Andy Johns and Mike Fraser and are putting together a summertime European festival tour. Hagar — who last year sold an 80% interest in his Cabo Wabo tequila company for $80 million — said: "I'm not looking for fortune and fame out of this... I've had enough of that to last five lifetimes. So what am I doing it for? The music and enjoyment." Right so!
Plush Lennon Toys
A new line of ecologically friendly plush toys based on sketches John Lennon made for his son Sean will be available on April 1st. The Imagine A Better World collection will include stuffed elephants, rhinoceroses and giraffes made from organic terry cloth, natural corn fibers and other "green" fabrics. In June, a canvas diaper bag will be added to the offerings. Feel free to add your own punchline here at your own convenience.
It was Garry Shandling who said: "They should put expiration dates on clothes so we would know when they go out of style."
It was Katherine Whitehorn who said: "I am firm. You are obstinate. He is a pig-headed fool."
Spring Ahead
At 2 am this Sunday, groggy Americans will turn their clocks forward one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). The time shift runs (in most States) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. Have fun adapting on Monday!
March 7, 2009
Singer/bassist Chris Taylor-White of The Zombies is 66 and virtually invisible.
Vocalist Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band is 63.
Drummer Kenny Aronoff (Mellencamp, Fogerty, Etheridge) is 56.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles finished recording "Lovely Rita" for the "Sgt. Pepper" album.
On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travelin' Band" peaked at #2 on the charts.
On this day in 1973, legendary A&R man John Hammond suffered a heart attack while attending a showcase concert by his brand new signing, Bruce Springsteen. Fortunately, both John and Bruce survived.
On this day in 1975, David Bowie shocked his fans by going "soul" with the release of his "Young Americans" album.
On this day in 1979, Bad Company released the "Desolation Angels" album.
On this day in 1987, Peter Gabriel's "Big Time" peaked at #8 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1988, The Beatles albums "Past Masters Volume 1" and "Volume 2" were released.
March 8, 2009
Pseudo-drummer Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees is 64.
Bassist/singer Randy Meisner, a founding member of the Eagles and Poco, is 62.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles held the top two positions on the U.S. album chart with "The Beatles" (better known as the "White Album") and the "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack album.
On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary" peaked at #2 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1973, Ron "Pig Pen" McKernan became the first of several Grateful Dead keyboard players to die while working with the band. "Pigpen" had been ill for a few years before passing on at the age of 27.
On this day in 1974, Bad Company played their first real gig at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England.
On this day in 1977, Foreigner released its debut album.
On this day in 1990, Robert Plant released the album "Manic Nirvana."
March 9, 2009
Guitarist Robin Trower is 64.
On this day in 1974, David Essex's "Rock On" peaked at #5 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 2007, 55-year-old Boston singer Brad Delp took his life in his home.
U2 Tour Announcement
October 25th is the day: the Rose Bowl is the venue! U2's "360" world tour was officially announced this morning. The boys will start in Barcelona on June 30th, hit the States on September 12th in Chicago, roll into the Southland for at least one date and finish the first leg of the tour on October 28th. The 40-45 stadium-only shows will feature an innovative cylinder-shaped video screen, an in-the-round seating plan and thousands of low-priced tickets. For the record, the Irish band's 2005-2007 "Vertigo" tour is second only to The Rolling Stones' "A Bigger Bang" trek as the highest-grossing tour ever. Stay tuned for on-sale info!
Another #1
Sure they've sold over 145 million albums worldwide, but today U2 topped the U.K. album chart for the 10th time in their career with "No Line On The Horizon." That achievement ties them for third along with Madonna and The Rolling Stones, but Elvis Presley (with 15) and The Beatles (with 11) lead the Brit pack.
U2 On Campus
"Newsweek" named New York's Fordham University the "Hottest Catholic School in America" back in 2007. Last Friday morning the Jesuit university more than lived up to the title as U2 tore through three tracks from their brand new "No Line on the Horizon" album in front of a crowd of ecstatic students for ABC's "Good Morning America" program. Following the TV broadcast, the band played three more songs for the assembled masses.
Neil Hits Brit Fests
It's almost as if Neil Young was in competition with Bruce Springsteen to see who could play the biggest Brit festivals this Summer. Official word on Friday confirmed that Neil will headline this Summer's Isle of Wight festival on June 14th. He'll also be playing dates in Nottingham and Aberdeen on June 23th and 24th, and he's been linked with the Glastonbury Festival (which Springsteen will headline) later the same month. Meanwhile, the new "Neil Young Trunk Show" concert film will premiere at the South by Southwest festival in Austin on March 21st. The movie consists of footage from two December 2007 Philadelphia gigs directed by Jonathan Demme, who also helmed Young's 2006 "Heart Of Gold" movie.
Bruce To The Hall Again (Sort Of)
With the Boss working a huge tour and a new album, it makes sense that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum would pay homage to Bruce Springsteen with an exhibit dedicated solely to him. Opening on April 1st, "From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen" is said to be the most extensive ever exhibit done at the hall — which is really saying a lot! The exhibit featuring scrapbooks, lyric notebooks and guitars among many other things, will open on April 1st and run through next Spring.
Devo Redux
Devo will play their entire 1978 classic "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo" for the first time in concert in London on May 6th. The performance comes two days before the band's slot at the All Tomorrow's Parties: The Fans Strike Back festival.
It was Steven Wright who said: "You can't have everything... where would you put it?"
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Impartiality is a pompous name for indifference, which is an elegant name for ignorance."
Brain Power/Management
In one day, the average adult speaks 48,000 words, exercises seven million brain cells, takes 23,000 breaths, laughs 15 times, and his/her heart beats 104,000 times. There is also an inverse proportion between the number of brain cells exercised and words spoken, i.e. more words/fewer brain cells used. And, of course, the closer one is to upper level management, the fewer times one's heart beats.
March 10, 2009
Boston's main guy, Tom Scholz is 62.
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament is 46.
On this day in 1973, both "Reelin' in the Years" by Steely Dan and "Frankenstein" by The Edgar Winter Group were released.
On this day in 1998, Eric Clapton released his "Pilgrim" album.
On this day in 2003, AC/DC and The Righteous Brothers were among the performers inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
U2's Tour
October 25th is the day: the Rose Bowl is the venue! The "U2 360˚" world tour was officially announced yesterday. The boys will start in Barcelona on June 30th, hit the States on September 12th in Chicago, roll into the Southland for at least one date and finish the first leg of the tour on October 28th in Vancouver. The 40-45 stadium-only shows will feature an innovative cylinder-shaped video screen, an in-the-round seating plan and thousands of low-priced tickets. For the record, U2's 2005-2007 "Vertigo" tour is second only to The Rolling Stones' "A Bigger Bang" trek as the highest-grossing tour ever. Stay tuned for on-sale info!
Tyler To Fantasy Camp
Steven Tyler will take a break from working on Aerosmith’s new album to headline the next installment of Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp April 29th through May 3rd in Hollywood. The singer joins a star-studded lineup of camp counselors that includes former Grand Funk Railroad frontman Mark Farner, Cars guitarist Elliot Easton, Yes drummer Alan White and Todd Rundgren.
All Hail Jon!
The Food Bank For New York City provides 300,000 meals to New Yorkers every day, and on April 21st they’ll be thanking Jon Bon Jovi for his help. The honors to Jon at the nonprofit organization's Can-Do Awards Dinner will also acknowledge his work with a number of charities including Habitat for Humanity and his own Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation. Right so!
It was Robert Frost who said: "I'm not confused, I'm just well-mixed."
It was Derek Bok who said: "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."