
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!
Richard Berry, who originally wrote and recorded "Louie Louie," would have been 82.
Guitarist Robert Fripp of King Crimson is 62.
On this day in 1956, James Brown debuted on the R&B charts with "Please, Please, Please."
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan played his first professional gig. Gerde's Folk City in New York's Greenwich Village was the place, and "Blowin' in the Wind" was the highlight tune.
On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney came up with the idea for The Beatles' film "Magical Mystery Tour" after visiting The Beach Boys during sessions for the album "Smile." Unfortunately, with Beatles' manager Brian Epstein having died from an overdose recently, there was no one around to tell Paul that the film wasn't a good idea.
On this day in 1970, as The Beatles disintegrated, their single "Let It Be" hit #1.
On this day in 1970, guitarist Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac announced his departure from the original line-up in order to follow his religious beliefs.
On this day in 1981, "Don't Stand So Close To Me" by The Police peaked at #10.
On this day in 1992, "I Can't Dance" by Genesis peaked at #7 on the charts.
Steppenwolf's head guy, John Kay is 65.
David Letterman turns a cranky 62.
Guitarist Pat Travers is 55.
On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released "Exile on Main Street" — considered by many to be their finest album.
On this day in 1982, John Mellencamp released his "American Fool" album under the name John Cougar. The album was a huge success, enabling John to drop the "Cougar" name as soon as his contract ran out.
Bassist Jack Casady of the Jefferson Airplane is 65.
Lowell George, the crazy musical genius behind Little Feat, would have been 64.
"Mighty Max" Weinberg, The E Street Band's drummer, is 58.
On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded "Louie Louie" — the ultimate Rock & Roll song. They used one microphone hanging from the ceiling and, beside not being sure of the correct lyrics, the singer had a real bad sore throat. The result was a true classic!
On this day in 1964, The Beatles announced that their first film would be called "A Hard Day's Night."
On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded "Paperback Writer."
On this day in 1974, Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" hit #1 on the singles chart just as he released the single "Daniel."
On this day in 2005, pioneering rock pianist Johnnie Johnson died in his sleep at the age of 80 in his St. Louis home. Not only did the legendary musician help Chuck Berry get his start in the early 1950s, he was the main inspiration for the song "Johnny B. Good."
Another reason to love Stevie Nicks: she says Lindsay Lohan will portray her on the big screen, "over my dead body." The young tabloid star/actress has said she wants to purchase the rights to Nicks' biography and develop it into a film with her in the lead role. But the Fleetwood Mac frontwoman told "The New York Times" that to win her approval, Lohan "needs to stop doing drugs and get a grip." While Nicks had substance abuse issues in the past, Lohan is currently on probation in conjunction with her second DUI. You go Stevie!
Sure surviving Grateful Dead members just launched their first tour in several years yesterday, and it's true that they didn't play or hang together for many, many years. Still, percussionist Mickey Hart says new studio music from The Dead may be in the future, but it's not going to happen overnight because they really have to embrace the spirit of their old band again. "You gotta learn the musical rope-a-dope and be able to have conversations on an intuitive level with the other musicians, things that just take time." As singer/guitarist Bob Weir says, "We speak a language that no one else speaks."
Finally — a real good reason to catch Conan O'Brien's replacement. John Paul Jones will make an appearance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday. The Led Zeppelin bassist will perform with singer/fiddler Sara Watkins.
The world is in a severe economic crisis at the moment, but music festivals don't seem to be feeling the pinch. "Billboard" magazine reports that ticket sales for most of the big Fests are on par to prior years. Bonnaroo, the biggest of the American field parties, reports sales are looking good, as are ticket sales for the Coachella festival, which takes place this weekend in Indio. Similarly, international festival ticket sales are steady for the likes of Glastonbury and the Reading and Leeds festivals in England. Nothing like an empty field and loud bands to keep the punters happy!
Most of the 14 tracks off Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" album will be released as downloadable content for the Rock Band video games tomorrow for the Xbox 360 and Wii systems, and Thursday for PlayStation 3 consoles. "Shackler's Revenge" isn't being issued with the other "Democracy" songs because it was released already as an exclusive part of Rock Band 2's in-game soundtrack. Considering that nobody cared then, it's unlikely anybody cares now.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
It was Sally Berger who said: "The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
A Wyoming teenager recently sent and received close to 20,000 text messages in a single month — that's about 700 texts sent and received per day! And it turns out that texting wasn't included in her family's phone plan! The 13-year-old's parents' monthly phone bill wound up being nearly $5,000! Pop didn't take the news so well, taking a hammer to his daughter's phone and grounding the text queen for the rest of the Spring semester. Fortunately for the girl's parents, who had specified that the text message feature be disabled, the cellphone company brought the bill to a reasonable level. Let's just hope the little missy is paying the bill!
One-time guitar god Ritchie Blackmore, of Deep Purple and Rainbow fame, is 64.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles first met The Rolling Stones after The Stones' first set of the night at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, England. Keith Richard's first impression? He was blown away by The Beatles' long black leather coats. George Harrison's first impression? He was impressed by the unsigned band's rowdy performance.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles announced that they had changed the title of their second film from "Eight Arms To Hold You" to "Help!"
On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney and John Lennon recorded The Beatles song "The Ballad of John and Yoko" at Abbey Road Studios.
On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released the single "Tumblin' Dice" from the "Exile on Main Street" album.
On this day in 1979, Van Halen's "Van Halen II" blasted onto the album charts.
On this day in 1983, bassist Pete Farndon of The Pretenders, who had just been fired from the band because of his drug problem, died of an overdose at the age of 29.
On this day in 1987, Fleetwood Mac released their "Tango In The Night" album.
On this day in 1989, Tom Petty released his first solo project, "Full Moon Fever."
George Harrison will be honored today on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records building at 1750 Vine Street in Hollywood. The ceremony to unveil a star for the late Beatle will start at 11:30am. George's widow Olivia and son Dhani are slated to speak at the event. With Paul McCartney in town to prepare for his Coachella Music & Arts Festival appearance on Friday, you have to wonder if he'll make the scene as well. By the way, Harrison is already on the Walk of Fame as a member of The Beatles, but is just the second member of the group to get his own. The late John Lennon is the only other Beatle to have an individual star.
Chickenfoot — the supergroup featuring former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani — have announced their first-ever tour dates. The brief U.S. swing leading up to the June 7th release of their self-titled debut album will start May 14th in Seattle, hit the Roxy in Hollywood on May 19th and wrap on May 29th in Philadelphia. Following an early Summer European festival jaunt, they're expected to launch a more substantial Stateside tour. Stay tuned!
Pearl Jam is pretty busy working with two old friends behind the scenes these days. They're reportedly halfway finished with their next album, which they're recording with producer Brendan O'Brien, and they're working with film director Cameron Crowe on a project that includes much of the existing film footage shot over their 20-year career. While a major tour is expected next year, they're only doing a handful of shows this Summer, including headlining San Francisco's Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival with Radiohead. They're also expected to be part of the still-to-be-announced Austin City Limits Festival line-up.
Blue Öyster Cult singer Eric Bloom and guitarist/keyboardist Richie Castellano have collaborated on a theme song for the "Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning" game. The two "Warhammer" enthusiasts' titled their contribution "Kiss My Axe (While I Drink My Beer)" in honor of the Dwarf Slayer character's recent addition to the game. I think you have to agree that a rockin' Dwarf Slayer song is just what our world needs today!
It was Mae West who said: "Give a man a free hand and he'll run it all over you."
It was Victor Borge who said: "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."
It's a given that the winter holiday season is the most stressful time for Americans. But a new Harris Poll says that U.S. adults consider preparing their taxes just about as stressful.
* 42% of respondents say that preparing their taxes is one of the most stressful things they'll do this year.
* When respondents were asked what they would most feel like doing after filing their taxes, 37% chose eating out at a restaurant, compared with 25% who chose taking a vacation, 17% who opted for sleeping and 10% who just wanted a real stiff drink.
Guitarist Dave Edmunds is 65.
Mike Chapman, who co-wrote glam anthems like Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz" with Nicky Chinn, and produced Blondie, The Knack and Pat Benatar, is 62.
On this day in 1966, Buffalo Springfield performed for the first time in public when they opened for the Byrds in San Bernardino. Little did anyone know that two years down the road Buffalo Springfield's Stephen Stills and Neil Young would join up with the Byrds' David Crosby in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
On this day in 1971, The Beatles won the Best Film Music (Original Song Score) Oscar for their film "Let It Be."
On this day in 1972, "Roundabout" by Yes peaked at #13 and Led Zeppelin's "Rock And Roll" topped out at #47 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, Kansas' "Dust In The Wind" peaked at #6 on the singles charts.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of U2 as well as conversation with Bono, The Edge and producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
George Harrison's family and some of his closest friends gathered in Hollywood yesterday to dedicate the late Beatle's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records building. As expected, his widow Olivia and son Dhani spoke at the event, as did the ever eloquent Tom Hanks. George's oldest collaborator, Sir Paul McCartney, was on hand, as were Harrison's Traveling Wilburys bandmates Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. "We all have deep feelings for George, because he was such a deep-feeling person," Olivia Harrison said. "He was a beautiful, mystical man, living in a material world," she said. "He was funny as the day is long and just as perplexing." Afterward it was announced that "Let It Roll: Songs By George Harrison," the first compilation focusing specifically on George's post-Beatles recordings, will be released on June 16th.
Oh, that wacky John Paul Jones! In a new interview discussing his involvement with choreographer Merce Cunningham's 90th birthday celebration, the rascally Led Zeppelin bassist/keyboardist 'let it slip' that, "I'm working on some other music, which is more rock based, with a couple of other people. We hope to be everywhere this summer." As his publicist began to freak out, J.P. added, "It's a secret, actually. I shouldn't have even said that, you know? There are some exciting projects coming up, let's put it that way." Yes... well, it would take the ever reticent Robert Plant to make Jonesy, guitarist Jimmy Page and drummer Jason Bonham a Zeppy four-some, so... maybe the trio will do something without a singer!
Southern California's all-female Bon Jovi tribute band Blonde Jovi recently found themselves the target of the real Bon Jovi's crack legal team. After the paperwork was served, Blonde Jovi quickly changed their name to Blonde Jersey — which really doesn't have the same cache', does it? You don't see the guys from Led Zeppelin sending their legal attack dogs after Lez Zeppelin, nor have Cheap Trick ever sued Cheap Chick. U2 even had the four girls of Exit play on stage with them at the Staples Center for Larry Mullen's birthday in 2005! So what the hell is Jon Bon Jovi thinking?
It's always difficult to tell when Bob Dylan is kidding, but he has offered some free advice to The Rolling Stones: bring back bassist Bill Wyman. In an interview with MTV, Dylan said, "They'll be the real Rolling Stones when they get Bill back," although he later noted that The Stones are "far from finished" and are "truly the greatest rock and roll band in the world and always will be. The last too." Hmm...
Guitarist Rocky Hill, the older brother of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, passed away Friday in his home near Houston. The 62-year-old died of "undisclosed complications of a medical condition." During the late Sixties, the Hill brothers and future ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard were members of the popular Dallas psychedelic group called American Blues. Rocky also had three solo blues albums to his credit.
It was Henry Brooks Adams who said: "A friend in power is a friend lost."
It was Steven Wright who said: "Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
It's THAT time of the year again. Don't forget to pay your taxes... 12 million illegal aliens are depending on you!
On February 25, 1913 the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, providing for an income tax. Here's the short form on taxing factoids.
#1. Americans pay over $30,000 in federal, state and local taxes every second of every day.
#2. In a lifetime, the average American files 42 income tax returns and spends 464 hours preparing those forms. The average American earns $1,235,720 in his lifetime, and of this sum pays $178,364 in taxes.
#3. The number of unclaimed tax refunds that are being held by the I.R.S.: 96,000. The amount of money that is waiting to be refunded: $62 million.
#4. The official manual of the Internal Revenue Service has been hailed as "the world's most confusing publication" — it is 38,000 pages long.
#5. In 1695, English law levied a tax on bachelors. At the time, it seemed like a good idea to inspire eligible Englishmen to choose a bride.
#6. In 1820, the state of Missouri levied a one-dollar tax on bachelors from ages 21 to 50 because they didn't have a wife.
#7. In 1702, Russia enacted a tax on men who sported beards.
#8. The sovereign countries with the lowest income tax in the world are Bahrain and Qatar. No matter what one's income is, it's not taxable. (It's nice to have all that oil in the ground, isn't it?)
Foghat singer/guitarist "Lonesome Dave" Peverett would have been 66.
Gerry Rafferty of Stealer's Wheel and "Baker Street" fame is 62.
On this day in 1947, the first zoom lens was demonstrated to the public. (Would Rock & Roll be the same without it?)
On this day in 1972, the Electric Light Orchestra played their first live show. As Jeff Lynne told me, it was just barely so-so.
On this day in 1973, Queen played their first U.S. concert at Regis College in Denver. No one knew what to make of them!
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released "Dreams," which soon became their first #1 hit.
Not only did The Dead kick off their first tour in years this week, but they also met with the President in the Oval Office! President Barack Obama discussed both music and history with the band. Bassist Phil Lesh was the first to notice a vase of Scarlet Begonias in the Oval Office — "Scarlet Begonias" is one of late Grateful Dead singer Jerry Garcia's most famous songs. Contrary to widespread reports, the boys were not attired in tie-dyed t-shirts. The Dead in the White House — far out!
A couple weeks ago he was inducted into the "Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame," this week Jeff Beck's first-ever DVD, "Jeff Beck: Performing This Week... Live At Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club," has hit #1 on the DVD Soundscan charts. The DVD captures the guitar god and his super hot band in concert during a series of shows in London in 2007. Eric Clapton, Joss Stone and Imogen Heap are guest performers, but Beck is totally the star!
Iron Maiden's "Flight 666," the award winning documentary about their "Somewhere Back In Time World Tour," will premiere next Tuesday. Then, on May 26th, the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of the film will hit shelves. Those releases will be followed by a double-CD companion album of live music as well as a limited-edition two-LP picture disc. The only thing missing at this point is a follow-up tour!
Did you ever notice how we always hear what Ray and Dave Davies have to say about each other and The Kinks, but we never hear from any of the other guys in that extremely important English Invasion band? Well someone finally corralled founding Kinks bassist Pete Quaife, and he immediately cleared the air. "I have had enough of the transparent, overblown nonsense of what they call 'show business,'" he said. "I am more content and happy, painting the Danish countryside and seashore, talking with peers and relaxing as a pensionist should!" Right so Peter Quaife!
Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell bassist Geezer Butler minces no words in clarifying that singer Ronnie James Dio is much easier to collaborate with than founding Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne. "If we'd written [H&H's "The Devil You Know"] album with Ozzy, we'd still be working on the first track!" You need to check out "Decibel" magazine for the full story!
Drummer John Mayhew — who joined Genesis in 1969, played on their 1970 "Trespass" album and was replaced by Phil Collins in 1971 — died March 26th in Scotland of heart related problems. In a statement, Genesis keyboardist/founding member Tony Banks said: "His time with the group was short, but... his contribution was very important."
It was Coach Vince Lombardi who said: "If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm."
It was P. J. O'Rourke who said: "Good manners are a combination of intelligence, education, taste and style mixed together so that you don't need any of those things."

This Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Uncle Joe Benson has been part of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach every April since 1986. This year, he'll kick things off with a Friday broadcast from Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company. Then Saturday and Sunday mornings you'll find him doing Meet & Greets at the KLOS Cool Patrol booth. Take a look at last year's photos!
On this day in 1960, Rock & Roll pioneer Eddie Cochran was killed and Gene Vincent was seriously injured in a London car crash.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones released their debut album, and the Ford Motor Company unveiled the first Mustang. Fortunately, both are still with us.
On this day in 1972, Keith Richards became a father to a little girl when Anita Pallenberg gave birth to their daughter, Dandelion.
On this day in 1982, Stevie Nicks' "Edge Of Seventeen" peaked at #11 as Van Halen's cover of "(Oh) Pretty Woman" topped out at #12 on the charts and Toto released "Rosanna."
On this day in 1998, Linda McCartney died of breast cancer at the age of 56.
On this day in 2008, keyboardist Danny Federici of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band lost his three-year battle with melanoma at the age of 58.
Paul McCartney makes his U.S. festival debut as tonight's headliner of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. The former Beatle says, "The spirit at a festival event is very free and so fits with my way of thinking." He adds that he and his band will, "do a few things we haven't done before and change some of the songs from our normal set" to get the Fest rolling in the right direction.
Who hasn't dreamed of playing in a band like The Beatles? The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle (set for a September 9th release) will include the video game, a Hofner bass controller that is a replica of Sir Paul McCartney's instrument, a set of Ringo-inspired Ludwig-branded drums with the classic pearl finish and a vintage replica Beatles kick drum head, as well as a microphone with stand and additional special content. You'll have to supply your own screaming fans/girls.
When Yes tours the U.S. this Summer, Yes guitarist Steve Howe will also be playing with his band Asia, who'll open all 24 shows. The 2009 Yes line-up will include Benoit David, who recently has been filling in for ailing frontman Jon Anderson. You should expect a July 7th gig at the Gibson Amphitheatre to be announced shortly.
Who knew Bob Dylan ever needed any help with words? Turns out that Robert Hunter, longtime lyricist for the Grateful Dead, helped Mr. D with 9 of the 10 songs on Bob's forthcoming new album, "Together Through Life." While Hunter and Dylan had collaborated a couple of times in the past, "Together Through Life" will be Bob's first album since 1976's "Desire" to feature a majority of co-written songs. But would you have noticed if I didn't tell you?
Sir Elton John says that he'll start working on his new album in January with super-producer T Bone Burnett (currently recording Robert Plant & Allison Kraus again) and legendary singer/songwriter/pianist Leon Russell on his next album, which he is expected to begin recording. Meanwhile, Elton will receive the Distinguished Achievement In Musical Theatre Award for his highly lauded "Billy Elliot: The Musical at the 75th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony on May 15th. That musical's director, Stephen Daldry, will present the award. Angela Lansbury will also be honored at that event, so let's hope both she and Sir Elty are on good behavior that night!
With this year's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach taking place this weekend, I thought we should clear this up once and for all. The words "naked" and "nude" are not the same. Naked implies unprotected. Nude means unclothed. Any questions? Try Googling it.
Keyboardist Craig Frost, who worked with Grand Funk Railroad and Bob Seger, is 61.
On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the vocals for Paul McCartney's song "Eleanor Rigby" — none of the Fab Four played any instruments on the tune.
On this day in 1968, Deep Purple played their first concert ever. Denmark was the place, "Deaf in Denmark" was the result.
On this day in 1991, Small Faces/Humble Pie singer/guitarist Steve Marriott died in a fire at his home in London. He was just 44.
In case you missed the many rave reviews of Paul McCartney's Friday night Coachella Music Festival headlining gig, he performed two hours and 45 minutes worth of solo hits, new songs released by his alter-ego the Fireman and 20 Beatles classics. Macca took a moment to mention he was performing on the 11th anniversary of the death of his first wife, Linda McCartney, and he also paid tribute to his late bandmates George Harrison and John Lennon. For Harrison, who was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame last week, McCartney sang a moving rendition of "Something" for the Coachella crowd. He honored Lennon with a medley of "A Day In The Life" and "Give Peace A Chance." And yes, the tens of thousands of young fans absolutely loved Sir Paulie.
God bless Don Henley for filing suit in Los Angeles federal court against Irvine State Assemblyman Chuck Devore. Henley claims Devore is using his songs "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" and "The Boys Of Summer" on his campaign website without authorization. Devore, who is running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, admits he used music from "All She Wants To Do is Dance," with re-written lyrics attacking Democrat Senator Barbara Boxer. Devore defends his use of the Henley song by calling it a lawful parody. He also describes Henley as part of the "liberal elite." Sounds like some serious lawyer jousting is about to begin!
Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos has scheduled a mini-tour over the next few days for his "super group," Tinted Windows, to support their self-titled debut album that will be out tomorrow. Bun E.'s buddies include Taylor Hanson of the multi-million-selling Hanson trio of brothers, guitar whiz James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins and A Perfect Circle, and Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne. With their self-titled debut album due out tomorrow, the boys will play a club show tonight in New York, tomorrow night they'll hit CBS' Late Show With David Letterman and Thursday they'll play on NBC's Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. And don't be surprised if they play the Troubadour on April 28th!
Have you been wondering what song you'd be most likely to hear at a Brit's funeral these days? After pulling data on 30,000 English funerals, the Co-operative Funeralcare company says that Frank Sinatra's "My Way" is the most popular song played during services for the departed. AC/DC's "Highway To Hell" and Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust," along with Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" and Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," were also on the list. And nary a dance song among them!
The Eagles' Timothy B. Schmit is going to participate in his old band Poco's two reunion sets this Sunday at the Stagecoach festival in Indio. Both performances will also include original Poco singer/guitarist (and Buffalo Springfield co-founder) Richie Furay. Typical of Timothy's giving nature, he'll donate his festival earnings to former Poco drummer George Grantham, who suffered a stroke in 2005. Rock on!
It was Mae West who said: "When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before."
It was Thomas A. Edison who said: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
1. A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
2. A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
3. Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
4. In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
5. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (Bet you work with someone like that too!)