March 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!
March 11, 2009
On this day in 1978, Steely Dan's "Peg" peaked at #11 as Lynyrd Skynyrd's "What's Your Name" peaked at #13 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton recorded an episode of "MTV Unplugged." The resulting album, released over Slowhand's objection, became the best-selling album of his career. Lesson learned: Don't expect your guitar gods to know retail.
On this day in 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney became Sir Paul McCartney at the hand of his Queen. Shortly afterward, Ringo Starr and George Harrison began referring to their former bandmate as "His Holiness."
Auction For The Brazilian Kids
Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Slash, Jack Bruce of Cream and The Animals' Eric Burdon have all autographed guitars for an auction to benefit Task Brazil, a charity that aids poor Brazilian children. Iron Maiden, Genesis, some of the Eagles and The Turtles have also signed various items for the auction. You can check it out by searching for "Task Brazil" eBay.
Old Woodstock Again
The new two-hour documentary "Woodstock: 40 Years Later" has been made to mark the 40th anniversary of the original Woodstock Festival & Aquarian Exposition held at Max Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel, New York. Michael Lang, the co-creator of the 1969 fest, is the executive producer and two-time Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple will direct. Using first-hand accounts and archived footage, the filmmakers plan to cover the full scope of the event including the advance preparations, the major incidents that occurred during the festival, and the performers who took part in the show. It'll also cover Woodstock's impact on society at the time and its legacy. "Woodstock: 40 Years Later" will first air on Vh1 and Vh1 Classic on the anniversary of the event in mid-August.
Cool Stuff In The Cafe
The new Hard Rock Café in Seattle will be displaying some very unique, rare rock memorabilia. Topping the list so far is Jimi Hendrix's 1969 Fender Stratocaster guitar and a snow globe that topped Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's wedding cake. The 14,000 square-foot memorabilia laden eatery will open on Pike Street later this Summer.
That Darned Old House
Jimi Hendrix's dilapidated childhood home may soon be torn down. The house's current owner moved what was left of the old shack from Seattle to a Renton, Washington trailer park near Jimi's grave in 2005. Any hopes he had to develop the tiny building into a Hendrix memorial evaporated in the collapsed economy, and the structure has fallen into complete disrepair. With area residents understandably complaining, Renton officials say they'll demolish the building unless it's relocated by March 27th.
It was Steven Wright who said: "Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country."
It was Harry S. Truman who said: "Intense feeling too often obscures the truth."
Hot Rods In Costa Mesa
This Sunday, 11am - 1pm: Unc will be hanging with the KLOS Cool Patrol at the 3rd Annual Meguire's Orange County Get Together Hot Rod Show, chatting with fans and admiring over 2,000 of the best Hot Rods the O.C. has to offer! Here's what it looked like last year.
March 12, 2009
Singer extraordinaire James Taylor is 61.
Keyboardist Billy Payne of Little Feat is 60.
Badfinger drummer Mike Gibbins would have been 60.
On this day in 1969, Beatle Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman.
At 9:30pm E.S.T. on this day in 1971, the Allman Brothers Band began recording their legendary "At the Fillmore East" album.
On this day in 1974, John Lennon and fellow songwriter Harry Nilsson were thrown out of the Troubadour in West Hollywood for being far, far, far too drunk. The stories and photos in the press brought to a head Lennon's troubled life when he and Yoko Ono were separated.
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle" peaked at #2, Bob Seger's "Night Moves" peaked at #4, and Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" topped out at #10.
On this day in 2007, Van Halen, R.E.M. and Patti Smith were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young as well as Joe's brand new conversation with Graham Nash.
#1 Again
As expected, U2 topped the U.S. album chart for the seventh time in their career with "No Line On The Horizon," selling almost one-half million copies in its first week of release. U2 is now tied with Led Zeppelin for the second-most U.S. #1 charting albums by a band, behind only The Beatles' 19.
Sir Paulie's Selling Tix Quick
While you can't believe every press release that comes out of Las Vegas, it appears Paul McCartney broke a world record by selling all 4,000 tickets for his April 19th Hard Rock Hotel & Casino gig in seven seconds. Only God knows how much those tickets for the gig at the Hard Rock's new Joint venue will eventually sell for, but you know Macca has it calculated out. Meanwhile, the organizers of the April 4th David Lynch-organized benefit concert in New York that will include performances by McCartney and Ringo Starr have apologized because fans were unable to purchase tickets from Ticketmaster even though scalping websites were selling them beforehand. Oh my my!
Way More Neil For The Brits
Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen really aren't in a competition to see who can play the most Brit festivals this Summer, but if they were... In addition to headlining this year's Isle of Wight festival on June 14th, Neil will be headlining one of the nights at the giant Glastonbury Festival (which Springsteen will also headline) and the Hard Rock Calling concert in London's humongous Hyde Park on June 27th. That same week he'll also be headlining dates in Nottingham and Aberdeen on June 23th and 24th. Let's just hope his voice doesn't give out!
Bruce Gets Back To It
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have begun rehearsals for their upcoming "Working On A Dream" tour in Asbury Park's Paramount Theatre. In their first sessions yesterday, the group was working up five songs from the new album. The tour launches on April 1st in San Jose.
Rockaway Scores
One of the greatest record stores still functioning in America, Rockaway Records in Silverlake has just purchased one of the world's largest Led Zeppelin collections. The entire collection included 2,500 pounds (!!) of Zep albums and 45s, CDs, books, magazines, concert programs and tickets, T-shirts and memorabilia. A small part of the collection is on sale at Rockaway's online store, while the bulk of the collection is available at the Rockaway Records retail store. Tell 'em yer Uncle Joe sent you!
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."
It was Paul Harvey who said: If there is a 50-50 chance that something can go wrong, then nine times out of ten it will."
March 13, 2009
Bassist Adam Clayton of U2 is a well-dressed 49.
On this day in 1852, Uncle Sam first appeared in a political cartoon.
On this day in 1935, Donald Duck made his crotchety debut.
On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds to play the blues with John Mayall. (Six months later he left Mayall's band.)
On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You" entered the U.S. singles charts as The Beatles hit #1 with "Eight Days A Week."
On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first gig at London's legendary Marquee Club (previous home to The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds and The Who).
Remember how I mentioned yesterday that in 1970, the Allman Brothers Band began recording the gig that became their live "At the Fillmore East" album? It was around 3am on this day in 1970 that they finished playing.
On this day in 1971, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's song "Lucky Man" entered the charts where, a few weeks later, it peaked at #48.
On this day in 1976, the Eagles' "Take It To The Limit" peaked at #4 as "Love Hurts" by Nazareth topped out at #8 and Foghat's "Slow Ride" charted at #20.
The Return Of Bad Company
Remember when the three surviving original members of Bad Company played a one-off concert in Hollywood, Florida last August to legally reclaim their name? The inside word back then was that the trio got along much better than expected, but guitarist Mick Ralphs wasn't interested in coming out of retirement and singer Paul Rodgers was working with Queen and drummer Simon Kirke was... playing a lot of golf. Well lo and behold, a DVD of last year's reunion performance will be out shortly, and so will the band! Stay tuned for specific June/July reunion tour dates!
Now It's CSN/NY/BS @ Glasto
OK, is there anybody besides Metallica and Paul Revere & The Raiders who won't be playing at this year's giant Glastonbury Festival in South West England? Neil Young is confirmed as a headliner, and now we find out that Crosby, Stills & Nash have just signed on for the June 27th Glasto date — the very one that Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will be headlining! Sure hope they don't get into a wicked backstage food fight!
Ray Sings With The Chorus
Did you know that The Kinks' Ray Davies has been collaborating on an album with the Crouch End Festival Chorus since 2007? He's announced that the project should be released in June. Among the 15 songs the vocalists have worked on are renditions of several Kinks tunes and a few Davies' solo compositions. Ray has also promised several live performances in support of the album. Stay tuned for info!
He's A Busy Bachman
Guess Who/BTO guitarist Randy Bachman has recorded a collaboration with his old buddy Neil Young for his next solo album. Randy also recorded (for the first time in many, many years) with his former Bachman Turner Overdrive bandmate Fred Turner. Randy hopes to release the project this Summer, though it's unlikely that he'll tour very far from home.
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."
It was Henry Ford who said: "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."
March 14, 2009
Railroad engineer Casey Jones would have been 146 today — and the Grateful Dead song would have had a completely different ending!
Quincy Jones, a true musical genius, is 76.
Saxophonist Walter Parazaider of Chicago is 64.
On this day in 1964, as The Beatles' cover of "Twist And Shout" entered the charts, Billboard magazine reported that the Fab Four's records made up 60% of the singles market.
On this day in 1981, Genesis singer/drummer Phil Collins' first solo album, "Face Value," entered the charts. It eventually sold over four million copies — more than any Genesis album to that date!
On this day in 1981, Eric Clapton was admitted to a St. Paul, Minnesota hospital after a serious attack of bleeding ulcers. He was forced to cancel a 60-date U.S. tour and eventually quit drinking.
March 15, 2009
The Ides Of March Rock & Roll B-day Boys
Blues guitar legend Lightnin' Hopkins would have been 97.
Bassist Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead is 69.
Beach Boy Mike Love is 68.
Superflake Sly Stone is 66
Legendary guitarist & producer Ry Cooder is 62.
On this day in 1975, The Doobie Brothers' "Black Water" hit #1 and ELO's "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" peaked at #9 as Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" broke into the Top 100 singles chart.
On this day in 1980, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Refugee" peaked at #15 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, The Rolling Stones' "Harlem Shuffle" and Van Halen's "Why Can't This Be Love" both broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 1999, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
On this day in 2004, the late George Harrison, Traffic, ZZ Top, Bob Seger and Jackson Browne were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
March 16, 2009
Original Alice Cooper Band guitarist Michael Bruce is 61.
Nancy Wilson of Heart is 55.
Current Van Halen bassist Wolfgang Van Halen is 18.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd began recording their debut album, "Piper at the Gates of Dawn," at Abbey Road studios.
On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" hit #1 on the singles chart just over three months after his death in a plane crash.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles released the "Let It Be" album.
On this day in 1991, Van Halen's Eddie Van Halen and wife Valerie Bertinelli became parents to son Wolfgang.
Long Lost Woodstock Video
No, it's not just another repackaged movie release. The Ultimate Collector’s Edition of the four-hour director’s cut of the 1970 Oscar-winning documentary "Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music" features some long lost, legendary performances including Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Grateful Dead! The two extra hours of rare performance footage also features things you haven't seen from The Who, Santana and Joe Cocker, among others. The whole package will be released on June 9th, well before the 40th anniversary Woodstock hoo-hah rolls through in August. Just don't eat the brown acid!
That Sting's A Corker
Yes, it was the singing/songwriting/famed bassist from The Police, that modern renaissance man named Sting, who announced last week: "I am a farmer who looks after the land to nourish it and not to plunder it." While no one has admitted to checking under his fingernails for gardening dirt, Mr. Sting has actually been producing various edible organic items on his 741 acre estate in Tuscany, Italy for a number of years. The latest product from his 16th-century villa, Il Palagio, will be 30,000 bottles of 2007 vintage organic Chianti and a Tuscan red wine made from Sangiovese grapes. The hardest part for us will be waiting until September to purchase the Sting-a-licious vino.
Chickenfoot For All
Chickenfoot — the budding supergroup with the goofy goober name — has finished their debut album. You can expect an announcement shortly that guitarist Joe Satriani, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and former Van Halen members Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar will perform at a few Chickenfoot release parties Stateside before they do some European Summer festivals. A U.S. headlining tour is in the works for this Fall.
The Boss Of Vinyl
A new Bruce Springsteen vinyl single will be released exclusively via independent music retailers for the annual Record Store Day on April 18th. The 7-inch will include "What Love Can Do" — a track from the "Working On A Dream" album — and the 2008 rarity "A Night With The Jersey Devil." Meanwhile, E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons says his book "Big Man" will be published in September.
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "The past is not what it was."
It was Harry S. Truman who said: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
Monday Morning Factoids
It took Leonardo da Vinci 10 years to paint Mona Lisa's lips.
It was the custom among men in ancient Rome, when swearing to tell the truth, to place one's right hand on one's testicles. The English word "testimony" is related to this custom.
To double the firepower, British infantry once fired volleys from two ranks with the rear rank standing behind the front rank kneeling. Rear rankers about to fire warned front rankers to keep heads down by calling out, "Beware before!" Then, "'Ware before!" Then just, "'Fore!" And now you know why golfers yell "Fore!"
March 17, 2009
Jefferson Airplane/Starship founding member/guitarist Paul Kantner is 68.
Guitarist Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy is 58. (Note: Although the band was Irish, Scott was a SoCal guy from Santa Monica.)
Guitarist/pseudo-singer Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins fame is 43.
On this day in 1967, The Grateful Dead released its self-titled debut album but no one outside of San Francisco knew what to do with it.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" album entered the American charts. Little did anyone know of the impact it would have.
On this day in 1973, The Moody Blues' "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)" peaked at #12 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive released the "Bachman Turner Overdrive 2" album featuring "Let It Roll" and "Takin' Care of Business."
On this day in 1979, Bad Company released the song "Rock & Roll Fantasy" and Styx released "Renegade."
On this day in 1990, former Traffic and Blind Faith bassist Rick Grech died of a drug overdose at the age of 43.
Crue Fest 2 Will Roar
In their signature over-the-top fashion, Motley Crue grandly announced their second annual Summer festival tour, Crue Fest 2, yesterday in New York City. The best news of all is that the Crue will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first #1 charting album by playing "Dr. Feelgood" from beginning to end every night of Crue Fest 2. They'll be joined by Godsmack, Theory Of A Deadman, Drowning Pool and the Charm City Devils. While the boys will be ripping up the roads between July 19th and September 5th, our shot to partake in the mayhem comes on July 31st at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore.
Bob's Gotta Title & A Smell
Bob Dylan’s just named his surprise new album "Together Through Life." Produced by Jack Frost (Dylan’s studio alter ego), the LP no one knew he was recording will be released on April 28th. Evidently the album sprang from a song Bob wrote for French director Oliver Dahan's forthcoming film "My Own Love Song." Meanwhile, some of Dylan's Malibu neighbors are righteously upset with a smelly porta-potty on his property, which is creating an undesired stench in the area. Sounds like grounds for a new song and a long lawsuit!
Kid Skynyrd Redux
OK, anybody surprised by this news needs to have their head checked. After the "unbelievable success" of last year’s "Rock & Rebels" tour, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd will hit the road together again this Summer. The road trip starts on June 26th in Florida and will run through an August 2nd New York City gig. For better or worse, no Southland dates are planned at this time.
Priestly Action
Judas Priest have begun to unveil their North American Summer tour. So far, they've announced four weeks with Whitesnake finishing with an August 2nd gig at our Gibson Amphitheater. Looking to next year, the Priest plan to play their classic 1980 "British Steel" album in its entirety during a special 30th anniversary tour. Rock on!
A Rothbury Delight
The line-up for the second Rothbury Festival boasts some huge names playing in a weird place. At the four-day event over the July 4th weekend, The Dead will make their only Summer appearance and Bob Dylan will play one of his many 2009 shows. Among the other 60 acts on the bill at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan are the Black Crowes and Gov’t Mule. Guaranteed that on the 4th of July, every mosquito in western Michigan will be having a field day!
It was Derek Bok who said: "There is far too much law for those who can afford it and far too little for those who cannot."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "A woman is like a tea bag — you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.
St. Pat Facts
Before he was declared a Saint, St. Patrick was a pig farmer in England who was carried off to Ireland as a slave. Somehow he eventually introduced Christianity to Irish pagans and they decided he would be their Patron Saint. Although the actual date of his death was uncertain, St. Patrick definitely died in 461 A.D. The story goes that Irish historians figured he died on either March 8th or 9th, so they compromised by adding the dates together, making the March 17th the official holiday date.
The truth is, St. Patrick wasn't Irish, he was British. And his color wasn't green, it was blue. Some historians think that there actually might have been TWO Saint Patricks, but neither of them looked like Bono or wore sunglasses like his. As they say in Dublin, right so and slainte (slan-cha)!
March 18, 2009
Drummer John Hartman of the Doobie Brothers is 59.
On this day in 1965, a British gas station owner refused to let The Rolling Stones use his facilities. So the long-haired hooligans took the matter into their own hands, and were arrested for urinating in public. Well after the publicity died down, Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards and bassist Bill Wyman were fined $8 each.
On this day in 1972, Neil Young topped the charts with "Heart of Gold," his only solo single to break into the Top 30.
On this day in 1978, California Jam 2 drew an estimated 250,000 fans to the Ontario Motor Speedway (the site where the Ontario Mills Outlet Mall is now located). Santana, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent and Foreigner headlined, and a live double album was issued later that Fall. To further commemorate the event, the Inland Empire birth rate spiked in December 1978.
Lennon Movie Moving Forward
The Weinstein Company has picked up the rights to the John Lennon film "Nowhere Boy" that began filming in John's hometown of Liverpool, England two weeks ago. Based on the book "Imagine This: Growing Up With My Brother John Lennon," written by the late Beatle's half-sister Julia Baird, the script focuses on Lennon's childhood and explores his relationships with his mother, Julia, who left the family when Lennon was a child, and his Aunt Mimi, who raised him. Kristin Scott Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff, along with Aaron Johnson, are the principle actors.
Sir Elty To The Podium
On May 19th, Elton John will be the keynote speaker for the Biotechnology Industry Organization's upcoming BIO International Convention. He'll address the HIV and AIDS epidemic as well as the role of biotechnology in developing treatments and possible ways to stop the spread of the disease. The 4-day Convention, which is expected to draw 20,000 people from around the globe, will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Maiden Does Texas
Iron Maiden's brand new documentary "Iron Maiden: Flight 666" will have its North American premiere tonight at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. The project follows the band on the first leg of their "Somewhere Back In Time World Tour," in which the band played 23 sold-out arena shows in 13 countries in 45 days, traveling over 40,000 miles and performing in front of a half-million fans. The band, their crew and 12 tons of equipment travelled the globe in a customized Boeing 757 piloted by singer Bruce Dickinson. "Iron Maiden: Flight 666" is scheduled to hit select theaters (with really good sound systems) for a special screening on April 21st.
It was baseball legend Joe Garagiola who said: "Oh well, half of one, six dozen of the other."
It was Henry Ford who said: "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
Three More Late Winter Factoids
1. People burn more calories sleeping than they do watching television.
2. February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
3. The King of Hearts is the only king in the deck of cards without a mustache.
March 19, 2009
On this day in 1974, the revamped Jefferson Airplane began their first tour under the name Jefferson Starship. The line-up included singer/guitarist Paul Kantner, singer Grace Slick, drummer Johnny Barbata, keyboardist David Freiberg, bassist Peter Kaukonen, guitarist Craig Chaquico and violinist Papa John Creach.
On this day in 1976, Free guitarist Paul Kossoff died of a heart attack on a London-to-New York plane flight. The 26-year-old had been troubled with heart disease most of his life.
On this day in 1982, 25-year-old Southern California guitar legend Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane crash while touring with Ozzy Osbourne.
On this day in 1983, U2's album "War" made its first appearance on the American charts. But the Irish band had to wait until 1987 to score a major hit song in the U.S., when "With Or Without You" reached #1.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Journey as well as more of Joe's conversations with Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory and Jonathan Cain.
Big Bash For Seeger
Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, John Mellencamp and Emmylou Harris are among the 40 artists who will join Pete Seeger at New York's Madison Square Garden for The Clearwater Concert: Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders benefit on May 3rd. The 90th birthday celebration for Pete will raise funds for his Hudson River Sloop Clearwater organization, which focuses on keeping the Hudson River clean.
Shortening Those Osbournes
File this one under "Things That Make You Go Hmm." The premiere of the Osbournes' variety show — "Osbournes: Reloaded" on FOX — has been shortened from 60 to 40 minutes. The official reason is that "American Idol" will run 80 instead of 60 minutes that night. You can see for yourself if there was some other reason when the "shorty" premier airs on March 31st.
More Jimi Gaming
Three more Jimi Hendrix songs are available for "Guitar Hero World Tour." The brand new second "Jimi Hendrix Track Pack" features his live Woodstock performances of "Foxey Lady," "Freedom" and "Angel" from the 1971 posthumous release "The Cry Of Love." And next week — on March 26th — a highly anticipated three-song "Queen Track Pack" will be available for downloading. Guess we know what Jim Ladd will be doing for the next couple of weeks!
Live Dead Redux
A brand new free download service called the Live Music Archive is offering you the chance to listen to and download almost 6,500 live Grateful Dead shows. The non-profit/strictly non-commercial Archive.org site also features live recordings of other groups too.
It was Susan Richman who said: "The trouble with dawn is that it comes too early in the day."
It was famed cartoonist Charles M. Schulz who said: "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."
March 20, 2009
Drumming legend Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 59.
Blues guitarist Jimmy Vaughan is 58.
On this day in 1964, John Lennon's first book, "In His Own Write," was published.
On this day in 1968, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Richie Furay and Jim Messina were arrested at a private residence in Los Angeles and charged with "being in a place where it is suspected marijuana is being used." While the others had to pay small fines for the misdemeanor, Clapton (the world's reigning guitar god), was found innocent.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married at the Rock of Gibraltar.
On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's "Me And Bobby McGee" hit #1 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1972, T. Rex released the "Electric Warrior" album, which included the hit "Bang A Gong (Get It On.)"
On this day in 1982, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'N Roll" hit #1 on the pop singles charts for the first of seven weeks.
On this day in 1991, Eric Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, fell to his death from a 53rd story window in midtown Manhattan. The song "Tears in Heaven" was written in his memory.
Buying Into Courtney's World
Remember when an investment firm paid Kurt Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, $50 million for a 50% stake in Kurt's catalog just to license Nirvana music for use in commercials and video games? Word is that Courtney has made it difficult, asking potential buyers for twice the industry standard in licensing fees and scaring them away. To date, the investment company has only earned $2.3 million back on their deal. Are you surprised?
YouTubing For Peace
Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton, David Coverdale from Whitesnake, Paul Rodgers and Aerosmith's Joe Perry are among the many famous musicians seen reciting the lyrics to John Lennon's "Imagine" in a YouTube video series launched by the Rocking4peace.org campaign. The initiative seeks donations to circulate "the message of world peace and the ultimate goal of helping war-torn families." You can check it out by heading to YouTube.com/Rocking4Peace.
Tedly Rejoins Dukes
Ted Nugent will reunite with the other members of his late-Sixties group, the Amboy Dukes, at the 2009 Detroit Music Awards on April 17th. The psychedelic band, best-known for its 1968 hit "Journey To The Center Of The Mind," will receive a distinguished achievement honor at the event, then perform together for the first time in more than 30 years. Wonder if they'll still be yelling at the Nuge to turn his amps down?
Singing With Queen (Sort Of)
The new Queen-themed edition of the SingStar karaoke video game is set for an August 18th Stateside release. The game for PlayStation 2 and 3 consoles, will come loaded with several classic Queen songs, and many other tunes by the band can be purchased separately. Good luck hitting those high notes in "Somebody To Love!"
It was Wyatt Earp who said: "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything."
It was Mae West who said: "I used to be Snow White, but I drifted."