March 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!
March 21, 2009
Keyboardist J.S. Bach would have been 324.
Original Yes guitarist Peter Banks is 59.
Guitarist Roger Hodgson of Supertramp is 59.
On this day in 1961, The Beatles played Liverpool's Cavern Club for the first time.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "She Loves You" hit #1 as "I Saw Her Standing There" peaked at #14. So what did you accomplish today?
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their famous "bed-in" at The Amsterdam Hilton (later referred to in The Beatles song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko").
On this day in 1970, The Beatles "Let It Be" debuted at #6 as "Evil Ways" by Santana peaked at #9 and The Guess Who's "American Woman" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1980, Bob Seger's "Against the Wind" album hit #1.
On this day in 1981, REO Speedwagon's "Keep On Lovin' You" hit #1, John Lennon's "Woman" peaked at #2 and Styx's "The Best Of Times" topped out at #3 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1983, Pink Floyd released "The Final Cut," the last album of new studio material that featured Roger Waters.
On this day in 1986, The Rolling Stones released their "Dirty Work" album.
On this day in 1987, U2's "With Or Without You" entered the charts.
On this day in 1991, Leo Fender, the inventor of the electric guitar, died at home at the age of 81.
On this day in 1994, Bruce Springsteen won the Best Song Oscar for his "Streets of Philadelphia" from the movie "Philadelphia." It was the first song Springsteen had written specifically for a film.
March 22, 2009
Emmy Award-winning actor William Shatner is 78.
Singer Keith Relf of The Yardbirds would have been 66.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan released his "Bringing It All Back Home" album, which contained his first electric guitar driven rock. Oh, the scandal!
On this day in 1967, The Who played their first live gig in America, a 20-minute set at New York's Paramount Theater. And yes, they were very, very loud.
On this day in 1974, the Eagles released their "On The Border" album.
On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti" was the #1 album in the United States.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones began working in Munich, Germany on what eventually became the "Black and Blue" album.
On this day in 1986, Heart's "These Dreams" hit #1 on the singles chart.
On this day in 2005, Foghat guitarist Rod Price died after suffering a heart attack and falling down a stairway in his home. He was only 57.
March 23, 2009
Singer/guitarist Ric Ocasek of The Cars is 60.
On this day 1958, George Harrison first played on stage with John Lennon and Paul McCartney as a member of the pre-Beatles group The Quarry Men (sometimes listed as The Quarrymen). They played at the cellar club called The Morgue in Broadgreen.
On this day 1963, the Beach Boys released the single "Surfin' U.S.A."
On this day 1979, Van Halen released their "Van Halen II" album.
On this day 1983, ZZ Top released their most successful album, "Eliminator."
E.C. Joins A.B.B. (Briefly)
After years of fan anticipation, Eric Clapton finally made an appearance at the Allman Brothers Band's annual residency at New York's Beacon Theatre. During last Thursday and Friday night's shows, the boys jammed on several songs including some from E.C.'s classic 1970 Derek & The Dominoes album, "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" — the very album that Duane Allman played such an important role in recording. Check out YouTube if you want to see for yourself!
Roddy Helps Some Vets
Rod Stewart is donating nearly $11,000 to fund a trip to Normandy for British veterans of the D-Day invasion. June 6th will be the 65th anniversary of the landmark World War II battle, and Rod said he was "outraged" that the U.K. government wasn't planning to finance the trip and send the vets as an official delegation. He said, "These men sacrificed everything and we owe them this." The 64-year-old Stewart was born seven months after the Normandy invasion, and his only condition in giving the money is, "I'd like to meet them and talk to them." Right so Roddy!
Send In His Son
Drummer Max Weinberg is going to miss a gig for the first time since joining Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band in 1974. With the June 2nd premier of the "Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" — featuring Max as the bandleader — conflicting with Bruce's next tour, something had to give. The semi-official word is that Max's 19-year-old son Jay Weinberg will likely be subbing for his dad on a number of shows on the European leg of the tour. Meanwhile, Springsteen and his band have scheduled their traditional pre-tour rehearsal concerts today and tomorrow in their home base in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Hall Of Fame Update
This year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame all star jam promises to be a guitar fan's dream! Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica's James Hetfield will all be ready to play at the April 4th ceremony in Cleveland. The new class of inductions will include Flea, whose own band will become Rock Hall-eligible next year, doing the honors for Metallica. Also of note will be the last Yardbird guitarist inducting his predecessor as Jimmy Page salutes his former bandmate Jeff Beck. Beck first entered the Hall as a Yardbird in 1992; this time it's for his solo work. It should be quite the night!
It was Jerry Seinfeld who said: "Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason."
It was Mark Twain who said: "Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer."
Random Animal Factoids
* Cats can hear ultrasound.
* An elephant may consume 500 pounds of hay and 60 gallons of water in a single day.
* A giraffe can clean its ears with its tongue. (Easy there pal — I said a giraffe!)
March 24, 2009
Bassist Dougie Thompson of Supertramp is 58.
On this day in 1962, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first performed together in public as Little Boy Blue & the Blue Boys. Can't imagine why that name didn't stick.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" album entered the charts both in Britain and Stateside. It stayed on the U.S. "Billboard" album chart for over 700 weeks.
On this day in 1974, The Doobie Brothers released their "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits" album, featuring the hit "Black Water."
U2 Getting Ready
U2 spent the last few days in Fez, Morocco — the very place they recorded much of their latest album "No Line On The Horizon" — shooting a video for their next single, "Magnificent." Meanwhile, they've named the massive stage set-up for their forthcoming "360-degree" world tour "The Claw." The direct inspiration for the device is the Encounter restaurant/lounge in the middle of Los Angeles International Airport — the 1960s building that looks like a spaceship on four legs. U2's 164 foot tall structure (30 feet taller than the LAX restaurant) has four sides, each with their own full-size soundsystem including 72 separate subwoofers. Those alone should cause people to dance around — or perhaps just rearrange their internal organs!
Hetfield Speaks Truth
God bless Metallica singer James Hetfield! When asked if he thought any other Hard Rock bands should be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he immediately replied "Motorhead, for sure, Deep Purple, Rush, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and even stuff before that... Steppenwolf! (and) it's crazy that Ted Nugent is not there; that dude is about as rock and roll as it gets. Alice Cooper, KISS... that's a pretty good list. These are bands that represent history and mean a lot to so many people. I think that alone means they should be in there too." Right so James!
Neil's Behemoth
After many, many release announcements over the years, Neil Young's highly-anticipated, decades-in-the-making "Archives Vol. 1 1963-1972" will finally be out on June 2nd. The 10-disc box set features 128 tracks, 43 unreleased recordings, three live concerts, a 236-page full-color hardcover book and Young's debut feature film "Journey Through The Past," which is being released for the first time since its 1973 theatrical run. The set spans Young's career from the Squires to Buffalo Springfield to his early solo works and finally his 1972 album "Harvest." You'll find many more details at http://www.neilyoung.com.
Great Gobs Hendrix
The Experience Hendrix organization — which controls Jimi Hendrix's publishing rights — says they've got about 10 more years worth of fresh releases in the vault. This year alone they're planning on releasing two "new" Jimi albums and a DVD of behind-the-scenes footage shot in 1969. Just think how much music they could release if Jimi hadn't died 39 years ago!
It was Mae West who said: "There are no good girls gone wrong, just bad girls found out."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "There are some desires that are not desirable."
March 25, 2009
Soul goddess Aretha Franklin is 67.
Sir Elton John is 62.
On this day in 1960, Roy Orbison recorded "Only the Lonely" and Ray Charles recorded "Georgia on My Mind." So, what have you done today?
On this day in 1967, The Doors' incredible debut album entered the charts.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Led Zeppelin as well as conversation with guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones.
Dr. Love/Dr Pepper Cherry
In a part he was born to play, KISS' Gene Simmons will become "Dr. Love" for the upcoming Dr Pepper ad campaign to promote the new flavor, Dr Pepper Cherry. The spots, which will also feature Simmons' son Nick, will begin airing next week. Two other pop culture figures have taken part in Dr Pepper's "Trust Me, I'm a Dr" ads: basketball legend "Dr. J" Julius Erving and actor Kelsey Grammer, better known as Dr. Frasier Crane.
Bruce Works 'Em Up
Bruce Springsteen has wrapped up his traditional pair of tour rehearsal concerts in Asbury Park, New Jersey’s 85-year-old Convention Hall. Playing for a sold-out crowd of 3,000 lucky fans each night, Springsteen worked The E Street Band through a variety of material from greatest hits to brand new songs in a two-and-a-half hour show. With a new album out, new members in the band and a new president in office, Springsteen seemed to offer a renewed sense of purpose and optimism onstage. About half of the new album was performed, and later in the set Max Weinberg’s 18-year-old son Jay sat in with the band in preparation for his role as the substitute drummer when his father returns to lead Conan O’Brien’s house band on the Tonight Show. By the time Bruce and his crew hit the L.A. Sports Arena for two nights next month, they'll be playing like a well-oiled machine!
Oklahoma Is Just O.K.
At last — a way to enjoy Oklahoma without ever setting foot in the state! A limited edition coffee table book is coming out to immortalize last year's first ever Rocklahoma festival. Just imagine the pure joy of examining over 450 photos of groups like Queensryche, Tesla, Warrant, Ratt, Night Ranger, Bret Michaels and Sebastian Bach. Just log on to http://RocklahomaBook.com now to pre-order your copy.
CSN's Demos
A collection of raw versions of songs by Crosby, Stills & Nash will be released on June 2nd. The "Crosby, Stills & Nash Demos" album will feature various early recordings of famous songs by the trio and its individual members. The trio has also scheduled a brief U.S. tour to run from a June 3rd St. Louis gig through a June 14th concert in Boston. A lengthier North American trek will follow in August and September.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "I didn't really say everything I said."
It was Plato who said: "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something."
Super Chevy
This Saturday, 10am - Noon: The Super Chevy Hot Rod Show and Drag Race and Uncle Joe with the KLOS Cool Patrol will return to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana for some Springtime fun! Hundreds of cars will be on display and racing. Check out last year's photos!
March 26, 2009
Vocalist Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and keyboardist Richard Tandy of the Electric Light Orchestra are both 61.
Fran Sheehan, the original bassist in Boston, is 60.
On this day in 1965, Jeff Beck, as recommended by Jimmy Page, officially replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds. Thus did The Yardbirds encompass the holy trinity of British rock guitar gods (and who knew that they all grew up within 15 miles of each other!).
On this day in 1975, The Who's strange film version of their rock opera "Tommy," as directed by Ken Russell, debuted in London.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Led Zeppelin as well as conversation with guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones.
Dead Stuff For Charity
In an excellent move, The Dead will auction off the best seats for their upcoming tour for charity via charityfolks.com. Guitarist/singer Bob Weir said, "Needless to say, like any charity these days, their revenues are down right now. They're hurting... We want to do what we can to keep these folks up and running and in business." The iconic jam band kicks off their tour on April 12th in North Carolina and will hit the Southland for a May 5th gig at The Forum in Inglewood. Right so!
Cool Metallica Move
Metallica will reunite with former bassist Jason Newsted when they're inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland on April 4th. Guitarist Kirk Hammett said the decision to include Newsted can be credited to the Heavy Metal gods' revulsion at the crass way Blondie handled their Hall Of Fame induction. After former Blondie members Frank Infante and Nigel Harrison begged Deborah Harry on television to let them perform with the rest of the band to no avail, the Metallica guys looked at each other and said "We don't want any of that." Right so!
Chickenfoot Mania (Sort Of)
No matter how goofy their name Chickenfoot seems, former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani are really rocking! Hagar described their music perfectly: "Like kind of Zeppelin, Van Halen — you know hard rock-y, Rush-y, kind of progressive a little bit. Hard rock. Hard sophisticated rock." The Chickenfooters will release their self-titled debut album via Best Buy on June 7th. The album will include 11 songs and heat-sensitive artwork: if you put your hand over the band's square peace sign (also known as a "chickenfoot") logo, the black space fades to reveal pictures of the band. Yes, they will be touring the States later this Summer and yes you can download a couple of songs right now from their web site. Rock on!
All Hail Ann & Nancy & Jeff
Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson will receive their Founders Award honor from ASCAP on April 22nd during the performing rights organization's April 24th I Create Music Expo in Los Angeles. Two days later, Electric Light Orchestra frontman Jeff Lynne will be presented with ASCAP's Golden Note Award at the same conference.
It was Dudley Moore who said: "The best car safety device is a rearview mirror with a cop in it."
It was Arthur Baer who said: "It was as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of the rope."
March 27, 2009
Keyboardist Tony Banks of Genesis is 59.
Guitarist Andrew Farriss of INXS is 50.
On this day in 1965, "The Last Time" by The Rolling Stones and The Who's classic "I Can't Explain" both entered the charts. Good Lord!
On this day in 1971, "What Is Life" by George Harrison peaked at #10 on the singles charts.
On this day in 1979, Eric Clapton finally married George Harrison's ex-wife, Patti Boyd, in Tucson, Arizona.
On this day in 1981, the album "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" by AC/DC was finally released in the States. The album peaked at #4 and sold 2 million copies by year's end.
On this day in 1986, Sammy Hagar played his first gig with Van Halen.
On this day in 1987, U2 filmed the "rooftop" video for "Where The Streets Have No Name" in downtown Los Angeles.
Van Halen vs. The Beatles?
While record sales continue to slide, the music video game industry is booming. After only 15 months of business, the makers of Rock Band have sold over 40 million individual tracks and surpassed $1 billion in North American retail sales alone! Of course 2007's Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock was the first video game ever to break the billion-dollar barrier on its own, and both platforms will be chasing big bucks with big name games this year. Guitar Hero: Metallica will hit shelves on March 29th and The Beatles: Rock Band — the most-anticipated game in either franchise's history — will be released on September 9th, 2009. To counter that, Guitar Hero reportedly has a Van Halen-dedicated version on the way. Wait a minute... Van Halen countering The Beatles? Yeah, sure.
Rock Stars' Cars & Guitars
If you're near Dearborn, Michigan this Summer, you need to stop by the Henry Ford Museum to check out the Rock Stars' Cars & Guitars 2 exhibit. More than 20 cars combined with over 50 guitars and a wide array of rock memorabilia will be on display from May 16th until September 7th. Among the unique vehicles are Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason's Lola/Cosworth T297 sports racer with a wonderful "Wall"-themed paint job, Metallica frontman James Hetfield's 1953 Buick Skylark and Roy Orbison's 1967 Corvette. The Who's Pete Townshend loaned the museum his 1956 Lincoln and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons has his iconic 1932 Ford Coupe, "Eliminator," on display. Now about going all the way to Dearborn... why don't they bring the show to our Petersen Automotive Museum?
Ian's Solo Adventure
Never one to sit still for very long, Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson will headline a May 3rd concert in London as part of the Flutewise Live! series of gigs celebrating the flute. Then, once Tull finishes their lengthy European Summer tour, Ian will venture Stateside for a 16-date Fall solo tour that will hit The Grove of Anaheim on November 5th and the Wiltern on November 6th. You can count on about half the Tull band and a number of special guests to be backing him on that adventure, so we'll have plenty of stories to tell!
Fogerty Starts Booking 'Em
Evidently the recording sessions for John Fogerty's new album have been going well because the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman has just scheduled a string of late-Spring Canadian concerts. Then, after playing three nights at the Hollywood Bowl over the 4th of July, John and his hot little band will roll through a series of European shows before returning home for a Fall tour.
Bonham Joins The Band (Briefly)
SoCal's Led Zeppelin tribute band Led Zepagain is one of the best, but the folks at their House Of Blues show last Saturday night got an extra shot of Zep-mania. The real Led Zeppelin drummer, Jason Bonham, joined the Zepagain-ers for their encore of "Rock & Roll" — and the place came unglued!
It was Marty Indik who said: "Confusion is always the most honest response."
It was Peter F. Drucker who said: "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said."
March 30, 2009
Drummer Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues is 68.
Guitar god Eric Clapton is 64.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles shot the photo for the cover of their "Sgt. Pepper" album.
On this day in 1968, David Bowie made his debut with the Lindsay Kemp mime troupe in the show "Pierrot in Turquoise." It sucked.
On this day in 1974, the Ramones played their first live show at the Performance Studio on East 23rd Street in New York. At least some of the 30 people in the audience paid to be there.
On this day in 1976, the Sex Pistols performed their first show for a group of 50 at London's 100 Club. It's still not clear if anyone paid to be there.
On this day in 1977, the Eagles' "Hotel California" hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.
On this day in 1982, the Doobie Brothers announced their break-up.
On this day in 1994, Pink Floyd released their final studio album, "The Division Bell."
Dead/View
Of the thousands of shows the Dead have played, their weirdest performance may actually come this morning when they visit ABC-TV's "The View." After an acoustic performance by guitarist/singer Bob Weir, bassist Phil Lesh and touring guitarist/full time Allman Brother Band member Warren Hayes, the trio will try to get a word in edgewise with the show's hosts. Later next month, the entire jam band will take the stage on "The Late Show with David Letterman."
Metallica's Family Reunion
Metallica's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction is going to be a real family reunion. The iconic Metal band has invited former bassists Ron McGovney and Jason Newsted as well as founding guitarist Dave Mustaine, who (no surprise) is unable to attend. Ray Burton, father of the late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, will accept on behalf of his son. The band's guest list for the April 4th induction also includes staff from the band's previous record labels, journalists and photographers who have been supportive over the group's career, producers and musician friends. Meanwhile, "The Complete Metallica" digital box set, which includes the band’s entire 163-track recorded catalog, will now come out two weeks later than expected: April 14th exclusively on iTunes and then at all other digital outlets on April 28th.
Priest Playing Steel
It's official — Judas Priest will play their classic 1980 album "British Steel" in its entirety during each stop on their North American tour with Whitesnake. The boys will hit the Southland on August 2nd for a show at the Gibson Amphitheatre.
Rick's Bitchin' Chat Show
Longtime Yes keyboardist/British chat show host Rick Wakeman's "Face to Face" interview program can be viewed on the RockOnDigital.com site. The current episode features a relaxed conversation with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. Other artists scheduled for the weekly program include Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, Queen's Brian May and former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord, as well as members of the Zombies, Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple."
It was Mae West who said: "When women go wrong, men go right after them."
The Happiest Day Of His Life
A British man just had the best day of his life... and then he got married. Ever since he was a boy, Stuart Robinson wanted to meet Darth Vader. So to fulfill his dream, his fiance Jessica hired a Darth, two Stormtroopers and an Imperial Commander for their wedding ceremony. After the joyous ceremony, Stuart said: "It was a dream come true — marrying Jessica and finally getting to meet Darth Vader!" Jessica's only comment: "Darth Vader kept treading on my dress and I had to keep telling him off." Just practice for your future work on the hubby, Jessica!
March 31, 2009
Guitarist Mick Ralphs of Bad Company is 61.
Guitarist Angus Young of AC/DC turns a bouncy 54.
On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix torched his guitar on stage for the first time, at a concert at Finsbury Park, England.
On this day in 1972, America's self-titled debut album hit #1.
On this day in 1976, Led Zeppelin's "Presence" album was released.
On this day in 1998, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant released their "Walking Into Clarksdale" album.
U2 Tix Are Hot
How fast will tickets for the October 25th U2 concert at the Rose Bowl sell out next Monday at 10am? The first four North American shows of U2's 360° Tour — Chicago, Toronto, Boston and New York — sold out in record time yesterday, and an extra concert was added in each of those locations! Stay tuned...
The Return Of The Ozzy
Ozzy Osbourne and his family will launch their new variety show "Osbournes: Reloaded" tonight after "American Idol." In tonight's episode, the Osbournes challenge one man to kiss a stranger, and then Kelly and her dad try their skills at working in a fast food restaurant. Sounds like hijinks and hilarity abound!
Los Naughty (Old) Boys
According to a new U.K. poll of the Most Controversial Stars Of The Music World, Ozzy Osbourne and Keith Richards have maintained their wild rock star images. Even though both 60+ year olds no longer make headlines for substance abuse, debauchery or outrageous stage antics, the Black Sabbath frontman and Rolling Stones guitarist ranked at #2 and #3 behind the only dead guy on the list, Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious. Of course Sid's unfair advantage in the voting was his legacy of dying 30 years ago of a heroin overdose while on trial for murdering his girlfriend. Other stars in the Top 5 (but not dead at the moment) include Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson, while Marilyn Manson, Britney Spears, Courtney Love and Madonna also made the list.
Party At Bob's Place
Why not party down at Bob Dylan’s Scottish mansion? Word is that the singer’s 10-bedroom Aultmore House in the Highlands can be rented for parties and wedding receptions for just $3,000. Bob has owned the 25-acre estate for three years but rarely visits due to his busy schedule.
Stones Book Signing Tonight
Not many people who have worked with The Rolling Stones for years have survived to talk about it. You have a chance to meet one of them when Bill German signs copies of his "Under Their Thumb: How a Nice Boy from Brooklyn Got Mixed Up with The Rolling Stones (and Lived To Tell About It)" at 7:30 tonight at Book Soup (http://www.BookSoup.com). An excellent writer (he authored the "Beggar's Banquet" Stones newsletter for years), he really documents the band's third career phase with greater clarity than I've ever seen before. Be sure to tell him yer Uncle Joe sent you!
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Ability is a poor man's wealth."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "The reformer is always right about what is wrong. He is generally wrong about what is right."
April Fool's Day
As you know, tomorrow is April Fool's Day. Personally, I live by Mark Twain's observation, "Without fools, the rest of us could not succeed." Just the same, here's a primer on this weird little 'Holiday.'
In sixteenth-century France, the start of the New Year was observed on April 1st much the same way as it is today with parties and dancing into the late hours of the night. But in 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and his New Year began on January 1st. Communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people didn't receive the word on the new calendar for several years. As for the more obstinate French folks, they continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st. Eventually, the general populace labeled these people as "fools." They were subject to ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes. Over time, this kind of harassment evolved into a tradition of prank playing on the first day of April. By the eighteenth century, the tradition had spread to England and Scotland, and was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international funfest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families.
Around the world these days, April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but one on which we must remain forever vigilant. Now come on mate, pull my finger.