April 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!
April 1, 2009
John Barbata, drummer with the Jefferson Airplane and Starship, is 64.
The legendary Ronnie Lane, bassist with the Small Faces and owner of one of the first major mobile recording studios, would have been 63.
Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro would have been 55.
On this day in 1985, David Lee Roth officially left Van Halen to pursue a solo career. He was, of course, replaced by Sammy Hagar, who was then replaced some years later by Gary Cherone, who was then replaced by Sammy Hagar, who was then replaced by David Lee Roth, who was then replaced again by Sammy Hagar, who was then replaced again by David Lee Roth. Sounds like someone has a problem holding onto lead singers, doesn't it?
On this day in 1985, the "We Are The World" album was released after three million copies of the single with the same name had been sold. The album was bolstered by the inclusion of previously unreleased material donated by eight rock stars, including Bruce Springsteen.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pat Benatar as well as more of Joe's conversation with Pat and her guitarist/husband Neil Giraldo.
Bad Company's Mini-Tour
As previously announced, the three surviving members of Bad Company will reunite for a mini-tour this Summer to promote their "Hard Rock Live" DVD. The DVD — set for an August 8th release — came about last August when singer Paul Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke and guitarist Mick Ralphs came together after years apart for a one-off gig to settle legal issues surrounding the band's name. At that time, all three expressed joy at working with each other again, but Rodgers' schedule was too jam packed to play. Now there are rumors that Paul will resume touring later this year with Queen, but why do you think this Bad Company reunion tour isn't venturing west of the Mississippi? Stay tuned!
Dead Play Three In One
The Dead had grand plans to play a free concert in a large NYC outdoor venue to unofficially kick off their Spring reunion tour, but nasty weather and volumes of city paperwork nixed the deal. So throughout Monday, the Dead played three free, back-to-back shows in the city with 4,100 free tickets distributed to fans by an Internet lottery. The day began with singer/guitarist Bob Weir, bassist Phil Lesh and touring guitarist Warren Haynes playing "Friend of the Devil" on ABC's "The View." At 5pm the same three did a rare acoustic-trio set at the intimate Angel Orensanz, a former synagogue on the Lower East Side. At 8pm, Lesh, Weir and Haynes were joined by drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann as well as keyboardist Jeff Chimenti at the Gramercy Theatre for an hour of nonstop electric music. At 11pm, the day of the living Dead wound up at the 3,000-capacity Roseland where the band cranked out nearly two more hours of music, ending with a celebratory, guitar-jammy "Sugar Magnolia." The Dead has worked up nearly 100 songs for the month-long tour that starts on April 12th in North Carolina. Rock on!
Jimi's Pad Finally Demolished
Authorities have finally dismantled Jimi Hendrix's dilapidated childhood home after its current owner was unable to find a new location for the worn out old structure. The owner who moved the shack from Seattle to Renton, Washington in 2006, claims to be salvaging items from the house, including cabinets and a claw-foot bathtub, that he may eventually sell for charitable purposes. Just like he was going to fix the old place up to use as a museum. Just like that indeed.
Ric's Art At Last
Along with news that a deluxe, 25th anniversary edition of The Cars' "Heartbeat City" album will be released later this year, comes word that the band's frontman has emerged from the shadows of semi-retirement. Ric Ocasek's first-ever exhibit of his personal artwork actually debuted earlier this month at a Columbus, Ohio gallery. The 170-piece display, titled "Noise Colored Party," features drawings, collages and paintings that the singer/guitarist says deal with themes of "relaxing and tension." And of course they're all for sale!
Mucho Metallica Pixs
"Metallica: The Club Dayz" — a new book filled with early photos of Metallica — is officially in stores today. The featured collection of photographs taken by Bill Hale in the San Francisco Bay area during the group's formative years include rare and exclusive shots from six of Metallica's earliest performances, including some with their original line-up featuring Dave Mustaine on guitar.
It was Marty Indik who said: "Half of analysis is anal."
It was Frederico Fellini who said: "Life is a combination of magic and pasta."
April Fool's Day
As you know, today is April Fool's Day — another of the Cynthia Fox Holy Days of Obligation! 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.
April 2, 2009
Keyboardist Leon Russell is 68.
Drummer David Robinson of The Cars (the guy who came up with the band's name and image) is 58.
Bassist Leon Wilkeson of Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been 57.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles finished recording the "Sgt. Pepper" album.
On this day in 1967, vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Steve Winwood left the Spencer Davis Group to form Traffic with singer/drummer Jim Capaldi, multi-instrumentalist Chris Wood and singer/guitarist Dave Mason.
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album hit #1 for the first of 37 weeks! (It eventually went on to sell over 17 million copies.)
On this day in 1977, "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney & Wings peaked at #10 on the charts, "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas topped out at #11, and "Do Ya" by the Electric Light Orchestra peaked at #24 on the charts.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pat Benatar as well as more of Joe's conversation with Pat and her guitarist/husband Neil Giraldo.
Carlos Hits The Strip
Following in the footsteps of Sir Elton John and Celine Dion, Carlos Santana has signed on for a residency at the new Joint venue in Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The "Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits" show will kick off on May 27th and run through 2010. Planning on about 36 performances each year, Carlos says his band will "mix up a little practical spirituality with a rebel-from-the-street vibe, and with lots of incredible music" at the gigs. And slot machines, don't forget the slot machines!
Two Eagles For Paul
The Eagles' Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit have made guest appearances on the latest solo album from former Ace/Squeeze/Mike & The Mechanics singer/keyboardist Paul Carrack. Word is that Henley and Schmit both sing on the track "I Don't Want To Hear Any More." Carrack's "I Know That Name" album will get its U.S. release on May 5th.
It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
It was Henry Brooks Adams who said: "Practical politics consists of ignoring facts."
SHAKIN' BAKE!
Saturday April 4th, Noon - 6pm: The FIRST EVER KLOS SHAKIN' BAKE FESTIVAL at Santa Anita Park! A day at the park — Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad on stage, hot BBQ and cold refreshments, plus the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Model Search, hot dog eating competitions and thousands of dollars in cash prizes... and you know yer Unc will be bopping around!
April 3, 2009
Dee Murray, Elton John's long time bassist, would have been 63.
Grand Funk bassist Mel Schacher is 58.
KLOS' own Cynthia Fox is 29.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan appeared on the music charts for the first time with the song "Subterranean Homesick Blues."
On this day in 1971, "Oye Como Va" by Santana peaked at #13 on the charts.
On this day in 1976, David Bowie's "Golden Years" peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1982, "Juke Box Hero" by Foreigner peaked at #26 on the charts.
On this day in 1991, Paul McCartney did an acoustic performance for "MTV Unplugged," and then became the first artist to release an "Unplugged" performance as an album.
More & More Stones Again & Again
If you've been wondering how many times The Rolling Stones could re-release their same albums over and over and over, the answer is "at least one more time." Remastered versions of 14 post-1970 Stones albums will be issued digitally and on CD this year. The first batch — 1971's "Sticky Fingers," 1973's "Goats Head Soup," 1974's "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" and 1976's "Black and Blue" — is due next month. More multiple-album releases are scheduled for June and July, and the reissue of 1972's legendary "Exile on Main Street" will arrive later this year. Of course a special box to house the CDs also will be available for purchase.
Remodeling 30 Years of Maximum R&B Live
The Who's 1994 "Thirty Years of Maximum R&B Live" video, which featured various performances from 1965 to 1989, will be reissued in an expanded form on April 14th. The limited-edition double-DVD "Maximum R&B Live" will offer bonus interviews, extra concert clips and a larger booklet with new liner notes. The package's second disc includes a previously unreleased 18-song set by The Who that originally aired on a 1981 episode of the German music program "Rockpalast." All it takes is money!
Mellencamp's Working Away
John Mellencamp has already cut demos for 20 new tunes for his next album, which has the working title "No Better Than This." John's been telling anyone who listens that these songs mark a stylistic departure for him (let's just pray that he hasn't returned to his atonal wailing again). Mellencamp plans to record the new album in various rundown historic buildings with T Bone Burnett handling the production. Provided no one gets bitten by vermin in those old buildings, we should see the new album next January or February.
Will Dave Film Macca?
You already know that the David Lynch Foundation's "Change Begins Within" benefit concert this Saturday at New York's Radio City Music Hall will include performances by former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. But late word from N.Y.C. says that they'll be filmed, although no one's talking about what will be done with the footage. Ooooo...
It was skating superstar/cancer survivor Scott Hamilton who said: "The only disability in life is a bad attitude."
It was Fran Lebowitz who said: "Life is something to do when you can't get to sleep."
April 4, 2009
Blues great Muddy Waters would have been 94.
Original Allman Brothers bassist Berry Oakley would have been 60.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles held the Top 5 slots on the American singles charts with "Can't Buy Me Love," "Twist and Shout," "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Please, Please Me." Pretty good for a boy band from Liverpool.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones released their first, self-titled album. It initially sold dozens.
On this day in 1981, Styx's "Paradise Theater" album hit #1.
On this day in 1987, Genesis' "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" peaked at #3 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1987, U2's incredible "The Joshua Tree" album entered the U.S. album chart at #7, the highest new entry on the chart since 1980.
On this day in 1996, Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia's ashes were spread over the river Ganges in India by his widow and bandmate Bob Weir. However, Jerry's ex-wife and four daughters said he actually wanted to be sprinkled over the Pacific. Don't you just hate when that happens?
April 5, 2009
Mike McCready, Pearl Jam's blazing lead guitarist, is 43.
On this day in 1969, The Who's "Pinball Wizard" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1980, R.E.M. played their first public gig at a private party in an old Athens, Georgia church.
On this day in 1986, John Mellencamp's "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." peaked at #2 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1994, Kurt Cobain, the guitarist behind the groundbreaking band Nirvana, committed suicide at the age of 27 in his Seattle home.
On this day in 1998, legendary drummer Cozy Powell died at the age of 50 in a high-speed car crash near Bristol, England. Cozy had played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Jeff Beck and Whitesnake, among others.
Joe's on Spring Break
this week!
April 6, 2009
Allman Brothers/Govt. Mule guitarist Warren Haynes is 49.
On this day in 1974, the Eagles, Deep Purple, Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Black Sabbath played at the first Cal Jam at the Ontario Motor Speedway (about where you'll find the Ontario Mills outlet mall today). If you have any friends born in January '75... well, that Cal Jam parking lot was a wild, wild place!
On this day in 1984, guitarist "Little" Steven Van Zandt announced that he was leaving The E Street Band to pursue solo projects.
On this day in 1991, R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" entered the singles charts.
Hall Of Fame Rocks!
After a 12-year stint in New York's Waldorf-Astoria ballroom, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony returned to Cleveland on Saturday. Metallica was truly the headline act of the event, performing searing versions of "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman" with two bassists: Jason Newsted, who hasn't performed with the group since he quit in 2001, and his replacement, Robert Trujillo. In a rare public appearance of two of Rock's greatest Guitar Gods, Led Zeppelin mastermind Jimmy Page inducted his longtime friend Jeff Beck for his solo career, then joined him for a searing rendition of "Beck's Bolero" and the Zep's "Immigrant Song." Beck and Pagey also joined Metallica, Aerosmith's Joe Perry, Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood and Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea for an all-star rendition of the Yardbirds classic "Train Kept A Rollin'" — that's six guitarists and three bassists! Unlike previous Rock Hall jams, this one was rehearsed the previous night and didn't sound the least bit sloppy. In previous years, the ceremony was seen in person by a handful of people at a hotel ballroom. But this time the show was open to the public, and nearly 5,000 fans partied in the Public Auditorium's balconies as 1,200 VIPs dined below at tables costing as much $50,000 each.
A Mini-Beatles Reunion
The David Lynch Foundation's Transcendental Meditation benefit Saturday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York became a Beatles reunion of sorts as Ringo Starr joined Paul McCartney on stage for the show's three-song finale. The duo began with "A Little Help From My Friends" and ended with an all star jam — featuring Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow and Moby among others — on "I Saw Her Standing There." How long do you think it will be before a DVD is released?
Tyler Ill
The most surprising news item to surface at Saturday night's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony was Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry's casual mention that recording of the band's new album is on hold while frontman Steven Tyler recovers from pneumonia! Perry also said that he's personally working on a solo album, and plans to tour with it after Aerosmith's still-to-be-announced Fall tour. Hmm...
See The Meat On TV
Famed singer/thespian/large lad Meat Loaf will guest star on tonight's episode of "House." In a role we hope is far from the truth, Meat plays a man dying of heart failure who is taken to the hospital with his wife when she falls ill. Although it may seem hard to believe, doctors soon notice that when the wife gets sicker, the Meat's character gets better. But what about his singing voice?
It was Billy Connolly who said: "Marriage is a wonderful invention, but, then again, so is a bicycle repair kit."
It was Mae West who said: "It takes two to get one in trouble."
April 7, 2009
Drummer Spencer Dryden, who most notably played with the Jefferson Airplane, would have been 71.
Original Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams is 66.
Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann is 63.
John Oates, of Hall & Oates, is 60.
Bruce Gary, the original drummer for The Knack and an ace session man, would have been 58.
On this day in 1962, at London's Ealing Blues Club, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first met Brian Jones. Within the year, they formed The Rolling Stones.
On this day in 1973, David Bowie's "Space Oddity" peaked at #15 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1979, "Sultans Of Swing" by Dire Straits peaked at #4 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, after preacher Oral Roberts told his TV congregation that God would kill him if he didn't raise $1 million in donations, Ozzy Osbourne sent him a dollar to be put toward psychiatric treatment.
On this day in 1998, pop star George Michael was arrested for lewd conduct in a public restroom in a Beverly Hills park.
Aero Top
There's a follow-up to yesterday's story in which Aerosmith's Joe Perry said that the band's upcoming album has been delayed, partly because of singer Steven Tyler's case of pneumonia. Turns out that the band's yet-to-be-announced tour is actually with ZZ Top, and should roll out in June. Now that sounds like fun!
More More AC/DC!
Since its launch last October, AC/DC's "Black Ice" world tour has been seen by over 500,000 fans and grossed $49.1 million. But you know that's just not enough. So after the band finishes touring Europe in late June, they'll return Stateside. The first nine U.S. Summer dates (with more expected to be announced shortly) start back East in late July. You can expect the Aussie's high-decibel show to hit the Staples Center on September 4th and the Honda Center in Anaheim on September 8th. Stay tuned for on-sale info!
Vote KISS' Tour Route
You really have to wonder why no one has done this before. KISS will launch a North American tour in September — and all the stops will be entirely chosen by fans. Whether it's a stadium, someone's bedroom or a cornfield, if the fans demand it, KISS will play there. Better jump to vote early and vote often at Eventful.com/Kiss!
Fresh/Best Heaven & Hell
Heaven & Hell’s new album, "The Devil You Know," will be out everywhere on April 28th. But a Best Buy exclusive version of the disc will come with a DVD featuring 22 minutes of studio performances, interviews about making the album and other behind the scenes content. That would be an additional 22 minutes of watching Ronnie James Dio at work, all for your viewing pleasure.
It was Will Rogers who said: "Everything is funny as long as it is happening to someone else."
It was Henry Brooks Adams who said: "No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean."
April 8, 2009
Yes guitarist Steve Howe is 62.
John Lennon's eldest son Julian is 46.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Deep Purple as well as more of Joe's conversation with singer Ian Gillan.
Digital Beatles At Last
After a 22-year wait, digitally remastered versions of all of The Beatles studio albums will be released on September 9th (9/9/09). Each album will feature the track listings and artwork as it was originally released in the U.K. and come with expanded booklets including original and newly written liner notes and rare photos. For a limited time, each of the Fab Four's 12 proper albums will be "embedded" with a brief documentary about its making. The re-releases will include the Beatles' 12 studio albums and "Magical Mystery Tour" as well as "Past Masters Vol. I" and "II," which will be packaged as one collection. All 14 discs will be available with DVDs of the documentaries in a stereo box set, and a set titled "The Beatles in Mono" featuring 10 discs will also be released. Still no word on an iTunes connection, but you have to figure that the powers that be will want to milk every nickel they can out of selling everything in every format before expanding their offerings.
Harrison's Star
The unveiling of the late George Harrison's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been set for April 14th. The Beatles guitarist's widow, Olivia, and son, Dhani, will attend the ceremony in front of the iconic Capitol Records building. Chris Carter will have more details on this week's Breakfast With The Beatles on KLOS.
Mega Dose Of Allman Joy
They sure don't do anything small! Pre-orders are being taken for a massive Allman Brothers Band box set featuring all 15 concerts the group played last month at New York's Beacon Theatre. The collection includes special photos and a bonus disc featuring the Allmans performing at guitarist Warren Haynes' "Christmas Jam" last December. Orders will ship sometime in May so you can finish listening to them all by December.
Live Crowes (Sort Of)
After the Black Crowes released "Warpaint" last year, they did a lengthy tour to promote it. Turns out they were particularly happy with one of their L.A. shows, and now that entire concert will be released on the double-CD "Warpaint Live" on April 28th. A companion DVD is expected to arrive later in the year.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Never mistake activity for achievement."
It was Robert F. Kennedy who said: "About one-fifth of the people are against everything all the time."
April 9, 2009
Hall of Famer Carl "Blue Suede Shoes" Perkins would have been 77.
On this day in 1977, less than an hour into a Led Zeppelin concert in the Chicago Stadium, guitar god Jimmy Page collapsed onstage with stomach cramps. I was there and saw him drink that entire bottle of J&B scotch whiskey. It was the last time the Zep ever played the Windy City (and they really weren't very good for that 40 minutes!).
Woody's Working
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has joined the roster of performers for the fifth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit May 8th at the Club Nokia in Los Angeles. The event will honor Red Hot Chili Peppers' co-founder/lead singer Anthony Kiedis with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award for his dedication and support of the MusiCares MAP Fund and for his commitment to helping other addicts with their addiction and recovery process. The benefit will be hosted by KLOS Five O'Clock Funnies favorite, Greg Behrendt. By the way, word is that Woody has pretty much finished his new solo album, "More Good News," under the direction of famed producer Bob Rock (who worked with Metallica and Aerosmith).
Who Divorcing
Who knew they were still married? Divorce proceedings to officially end Who guitarist Pete Townshend's 40-year marriage to Karen Astley began on Monday in London. The couple, who wed in 1968, have been separated since 1994. They have three children, ranging from 19 to 40 years of age. Townshend has been in a long-term relationship with Rachel Fuller, a musician with whom he frequently collaborates, for several years.
Montreux Jazz Fest
Were you looking for an excuse to go to Switzerland this Summer? Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Jeff Beck will be playing the Montreux Jazz Festival, along will Steely Dan, the Dave Matthews Band and a slew of others. The famed Fest will run from July 3rd through the 18th.
Tedly Gets Real (Sort Of)
Ted Nugent's new reality show, "Running Wild... From Ted Nugent," is set to premiere on CMT in August. The country music network has ordered a whopping eight episodes of Tedly's tale of teaching participants survival tips before tracking them down in the wilderness with help from his teenage son. Wonder if he'll field dress the contestants once he catches them?
Tribute To Ean
Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans, who was diagnosed with cancer several months ago, will be honored with a tribute concert on April 19th in Columbus, Mississippi. The Mississippi Kid Festival will include performances by Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke, members of 38 Special, the Marshall Trucker Band and Molly Hatchet. Evans joined Skynyrd in August 2001 after the death of founding bass player Leon Wilkeson.
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "It is terrible to contemplate how few politicians are hanged."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
April 10, 2009
Guitarist/singer Brian Setzer of Stray Cats fame is 50.
On this day in 1956, Leo Fender patented the Stratocaster guitar — THE Rock & Roll guitar!
On this day in 1962, Stu Sutcliffe — The Beatles' original bass player — died of a brain hemorrhage at the age of 22. He had actually left the group several months earlier, suffering from chronic headaches. He also originated the "Beatles haircut," pioneering the look of shaggy, brushed forward hair.
On this day in 1968, Mickey Hart joined the Grateful Dead at the invitation of drummer Bill Kreutzmann.
On this day in 1970, newspapers around the world carried Paul McCartney's statement that he was quitting The Beatles and that the group would never work together again. He cited personal differences with John Lennon and disapproval of John's wife, Yoko, and the Beatles' financial advisor, Allen Klein, as his reason for the split. The next week, he released his debut solo album. But 30 years later, this week in 2000, the story came out that McCartney was most reluctant to have the group dissolve. It was actually John Lennon who had walked away a couple of months earlier.
On this day in 1971, The Doors' "Love Her Madly" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1974, Eric Clapton began the recording sessions for what became his "461 Ocean Boulevard" album. Although the album was named for the home that he was staying in, the music was actually recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami.
On this day in 1976, Aerosmith's "Dream On" peaked at #6 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1976, Peter Frampton's "Comes Alive" album began 10 weeks at #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1982, The J. Geils Band's song "Freeze-Frame" topped out at #4 on the singles chart.
Rocking Norway Down
You've probably never heard of Norway's Quart festival, but this Summer the Quart will be rocking with Slash, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and Led Zeppelin drummer Jason Bonham playing together. But wait — there's more! It's not known if Ozzy Osbourne has a decent Norwegian accent, but the Quart people say he'll also be joining Slash and his friends on the festival's opening day, June 30th. For a multi-lingual kick, check out http://www.Quart.no.
Here Comes The Aero Top
Aerosmith have confirmed they'll be doing at least 40 shows with ZZ Top this Summer. Although everyone knows the tour will begin in June, the first three announced dates include an August 23rd gig at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry's comment sure rings true: "To follow [ZZ] is gonna... kick us into overdrive. We got our work cut out for us, and the audience gets the benefit." Stay tuned for on-sale info!
Macca's Still Writing
Paul McCartney is telling anyone who'll listen that he finished around 20 new songs. The former Beatle says, "There's a spot in my house. It's like my den. There's my piano and my acoustic guitar... The piano is the old one that I wrote 'Let It Be' and 'Hey Jude' on." Meanwhile, McCartney reportedly has contributed bass to a tune co-penned by Ringo Starr and veteran songwriter Gary Nicholson.
Vedder's Skipping Us
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder will be doing his second solo mini-tour this Summer. The 14-date tour begins June 8th in Albany, New York and completely skips the Southland — so far.
Jardine/Wilson/Miller/Crosby/Stills/Young
Talk about a wild line-up! Former Beach Boys singer Al Jardine has recorded a new album with Brian Wilson, Steve Miller, David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young. His first solo studio album, "A Postcard From California," includes mostly original songs, as well as covers of the Beach Boys' "Help Me Rhonda" and The Mamas & The Papas' "California Dreamin'." It should be out in early Summer.
It was P. J. O'Rourke who said: "Some people are better imagined in one's bed than found there in the morning."
It was Victor Borge who said: "The difference between a violin and a viola is that a viola burns longer."
Easter Bunny/Candy Factoids
The idea of the Easter Bunny with baskets of eggs started in Europe as the Easter Hare. The hare was originally a symbol of Easter for the Germans who came to America in the 18th century.
By the 19th century in America, the Easter Hare had become the Easter Bunny delighting children with baskets of eggs, chocolates, candy chicks, jelly beans and other gifts on Easter morning.
By the 21st century, five million marshmallow chicks and bunnies were produced daily just for Easter.