April 21 - 30, 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 21, 2009
Iggy Pop, the rock icon emeritus who was born James Jewel Osterburg, is 62.
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley scored his first #1 single with "Heartbreak Hotel."
On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Runnin'" — their first Top 10 hit — entered the charts.
Beatles Rock Band Sneak Peak
Not only were Coachella Festival-goers treated to Sir Paul McCartney's "Metal McCartney" headlining set Friday night, they also — unknowingly — witnessed the debut of footage from the upcoming "The Beatles: Rock Band" game. Sure the videos screening behind Macca lacked the scrolling notes and top-of-screen lyrics that normally accompany "Rock Band," but you can see snippets of the "Yellow Submarine"-type footage at this very moment on YouTube (or at least until the lawyers begin the "Cease & Desist" portion of their agenda).
Floyd's Suing Over (Lots Of) Cash
Second only to The Beatles, Pink Floyd have been EMI Records biggest earner over the past 25 years. But now the Floyd have sued EMI, claiming the company miscalculated royalty payments on the 210 million albums they sold worldwide. Several of the label's biggest artists, including Sir Paul McCartney and Radiohead, have left EMI since it was acquired by the private equity company Terra Firma in 2007.
Early Release For Clapton/Winwood
Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood's double-disc CD/DVD documenting their three Madison Square Garden shows in February 2008 will be out on May 19th. But the live performances from those shows of "Forever Man" and a searing cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" are available for download on Amazon.com right now for just 99 cents each. The two will kick off their Summer tour on June 10th in New Jersey, and will close the 14-date run on June 30th at the Hollywood Bowl.
Maiden's Documentary Screening
Iron Maiden's "Iron Maiden: Flight 666" documentary will receive a special cinematic presentation tonight, with showings in more than 450 locations in 42 countries. The film follows the band on the February and March 2008 leg of their "Somewhere Back In Time World Tour," playing 23 sold-out arena shows in 13 countries in 45 days in front of almost half-a-million fans. In addition, Iron Maiden, their crew, and 12 tons of equipment travelled the globe in a customized Boeing 757 with singer/pilot Bruce Dickinson at the controls. Details on tonight's screenings are available at ironmaiden.com.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it."
It was Martin Luther King who said: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
What Are The Odds?
Cause of death/lifetime odds
Shark attack — 1 in 3,700,000
Amusement park ride — 1 in 920,000
West Nile virus — 1 in 520,000
Bear attack — 1 in 410,000
Plague — 1 in 240,000
Fireworks — 1 in 230,000
Hurricane — 1 in 220,000
Airplane accident — 1 in 40,000
Lightning — 1 in 39,000
Drowning in a bathtub — 1 in 11,000
Pregnancy and childbirth — 1 in 9,900
Being killed by an intimate partner — 1 in 1,800
Flu — 1 in 1,700
Homicide — 1 in 240
Automobile accident — 1 in 88
Pneumonia — 1 in 57
Diabetes — 1 in 53
All cancers — 1 in 7
Heart disease — 1 in 4
April 22, 2009
Jack Nicholson is 72.
Guitarist/vocalist/babe magnet Peter Frampton is 59.
On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney and John Lennon recorded The Beatles song "The Ballad of John and Yoko" all by themselves (the other two Fabs just weren't around).
On this day in 1969, The Who performed their rock opera "Tommy" live for the first time at a private concert in England. The invited audience was stunned (and that had nothing to do with the fact that it was 1969).
On this day in 1971, Pink Floyd premiered their song "Return of the Son of Nothing" in concert. By the time they finally recorded and released it a few months later, it was called "Echoes."
On this day in 1978, Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" entered the U.S. singles charts.
On this day in 1990, Sammy Hagar opened his first Cabo Wabo Cantina restaurant and nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Heart and more of Joe's conversation with Ann and Nancy Wilson.
On Stage Tonight
Jeff Beck will wrap up his two-night stand at the El Rey tonight.
All Hail Ann & Nancy!
Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson will receive the Founders Award at tonight's 26th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards ceremony at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. The Founders Award is ASCAP's highest honor, saluting a songwriter's influence and lasting body of work. Previous winners include Neil Young, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. While trailblazing the way for women in rock, the Wilson sisters have logged 21 Top 40 hits and sold over 30 million albums. It's about time someone honored them!
A Quadrophenia Musical
Do you remember how heavily Pete Townshend was involved in the extremely successful stage adaptation of The Who's "Tommy" album? Now the guitar playing/songwriting mastermind is working on the upcoming touring stage adaptation of the band's 1973 concept album, "Quadrophenia." By Pete's own description, he's "involved in the production of the show, the casting, the way the band works and will do some work during rehearsals." While no Stateside schedule has been announced, the show will premiere May 9th in Plymouth, England. Stay tuned!
Fast/Slow/Fast Metallica TV
Next Wednesday’s episode of the Discovery Channel’s "Time Warp" is a must see! The series uses high-speed photography to explain things like a water balloon exploding or champagne shooting out of a bottle. But next Wednesday, the program's scientists will point their high-speed cameras at Metallica to examine how the band performs on stage. "Master Of Puppets" is going to be awesome!
New Timothy B.
In between touring with the Eagles and performing at this weekend's Poco reunion at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, bassist/singer Timothy B. Schmit is finishing his first solo album in eight years. "Expando," a collection of original songs, includes contributions from Dwight Yoakam and Kid Rock plus Graham Nash, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and The Band's Garth Hudson. A Fall release (in between Eagles tours) is being planned.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "After they make styrofoam, what do they ship it in?"
It was Henry Brooks Adams who said: "Politics, as a practice, whatever its professions, has always been the systematic organizations of hatreds."
April 23, 2009
Singing legend Roy Orbison would have been 73.
Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark would have been 49.
On this day in 1960, 19-year-old John Lennon and 17-year-old Paul McCartney performed together as the Nerk Twins in Caversham, England.
On this day in 1974, Bad Company became the first to sign with Led Zeppelin's "Swan Song" record label.
On this day in 1975, singer Pete Ham of Badfinger took his own life at the age of 27.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Heart and more of Joe's conversation with Ann and Nancy Wilson.
Roddy (Finally) Joins Jeff
Just weeks after reuniting with Jeff Beck Group bassist Ronnie Wood at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, guitar god Jeff Beck made a bit of history onstage with another Jeff Beck Group alumni. Tuesday night at Beck's gig at the El Rey in Los Angeles, Jeff performed with Rod Stewart for the first time in 25 years. After Jeff finished his incendiary instrumental set, Stewart appeared onstage to sing on the duo's 1985 hit cover of Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" followed by their legendary version of Willie Dixon's "I Ain't Superstitious," which they first recorded together in 1967 for the Jeff Beck Group's "Truth" album. Considering the pair haven't even really talked in the last quarter century, the El Rey show was all the more amazing!
Billy's A Giving Guy
Billy Joel has donated an autographed $60,000 Steinway baby grand piano to benefit music students at the Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary School of Manhattan. The school's music program is supported by the nonprofit Ten O'Clock Classics organization that provides free lessons and instruments to Catholic school students and counts Joel among its board members. You can bid on the instrument via an online auction until May 6th.
Styx/REO Rock Band
A new collection of downloadable tunes by Styx and REO Speedwagon has just been released for the "Rock Band" video game. The "REO Speedwagon/Styx Tour '09 Pack" features three well-known songs by each group, as well as their new collaborative single, "Can't Stop Rockin'." "Rock Band" is also co-sponsoring the boys' tour, giving concertgoers a chance to play the game at consoles set up at the shows.
It was Dave Barry who said: "The word aerobics comes from two Greek words: aero, meaning "ability to," and bics, meaning "withstand tremendous boredom."
It was Yogi Berra who said: "Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours."
A Compelling Pair Of Mid-Week Factoids
The letters "YKK" on zippers stand for Yoshida Kogyo Kabushibibaisha, the largest zipper manufacturer in the world.
In English pubs, drinks are served in pints and quarts. In old England, bartenders would advise unruly customers to mind their own pints and quarts. It's the origin of the phrase "mind your P's and Q's."
April 24, 2009
Drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 64.
Original Jethro Tull bassist Glen Cornick is 62.
The multi-talented Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees is 55.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" hit #1 on the U.K. chart, and the world was shocked to find out that Paul McCartney was playing the lead guitar.
On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You" peaked at #6 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1976, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles chart.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Heart and more of Joe's conversation with Ann and Nancy Wilson.
Looking Good
The Beatles, David Bowie and Blondie singer Debbie Harry all made the newest U.K. list of Top Style Icons. Clothes Show London compiled the lists, polling the public to find the celebrities who best define the look of each decade from the 1940s through the 1990s. In the Sixties category, the Fab Four took second place behind Bridget Bardot, and Bowie came in second to Debbie Harry in the Seventies grouping. Somehow neither Lemmy from Motorhead nor KLOS' Jim Ladd made any of the lists.
Elton Closes It Out
Elton John played his last "Red Piano" show at the Caesars Palace Colosseum in Las Vegas Wednesday evening. After five years and 241 concerts at the venue, the singer closed out his extended run with "Your Song." Congrats to everyone who ever caught the show, and thanks to Sir Elty for putting so much into it over the years!
Patti's Down/Donations Are Up
Oops! You won't see Patti Scialfa onstage at her husband's concerts for the next few shows. While enjoying a run with friends last weekend, Mrs. Bruce Springsteen fell off her horse and now needs some time to recover. Meanwhile, 14 people who make donations of $25 or more to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey will get a rare, autographed Bruce Springsteen photo. The Boss himself contributed iconic prints, like the album covers for "Born To Run" and "The Rising." Once 14,000 donations have been made, 14 fans will be chosen at random to each receive a photo. You can enter the contest at Backstreets.com/Hunger.
Whitesnake Redux
You had to figure that Whitesnake would release a special 20th anniversary edition of their "Slip of the Tongue" album and a 25th anniversary version of "Slide It In." Both will include the original album plus remixes and live tracks as well as promo clips and live footage. Sad to say you'll have to wait until the second week of June to own them.
New/Old Lennon
A newly remastered DVD of John Lennon's only recorded performance with the Plastic Ono Band will be released on June 23rd. The concert, which featured Eric Clapton, future Yes drummer Alan White and longtime Beatles buddy Klaus Voormann, was filmed in Toronto in September 1969. The disc will also feature a 1988 interview with Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono.
Van's Video
To no one's surprise, footage from Van Morrison's November 2008 Hollywood Bowl concerts will be released on DVD on May 19th. The shows marked the first time Van ever performed his classic 1968 album "Astral Weeks" in full. The DVD will also contain a recent interview with Morrison, some behind-the-scenes clips and a bonus live track of his classic "Gloria."
It was George Burns who said: "If you live to be one hundred, you've got it made. Very few people die past that age."
It was John Barrymore who said: "You never realize how short a month is until you pay alimony."
April 25, 2009
Blues legend Albert King would have been 86.
Bassist Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 64.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles had 14 singles on the American charts!
On this day in 1974, Pamela Morrison, the common law wife of the late Jim Morrison, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27.
On this day in 1974, Gregg Allman performed the last date of a solo concert, and to reassure fans that the Allman Brothers Band wasn't breaking up, he brought the whole group onstage for an encore. They finished playing the encore 90 minutes later!
April 26, 2009
Keyboardist/singer Gary Wright is 66.
On this day in 1975, Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic," one of the top hard rock albums of all time, blasted onto the charts.
On this day in 1980, Journey's "Any Way You Want It" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1982, Joe Strummer had a change of heart on his way to rehearse with the Clash in their West London studio. Instead, he went to France and disappeared, forcing the Clash to cancel their tour. When he resurfaced on May 18th, Joe claimed he was suffering from exhaustion and had suddenly doubted his "punk purpose."
On this day in 1984, bandleader Count Basie died in Hollywood, Florida at age 79.
On this day in 1986, Van Halen's "5150" album, their first with new vocalist Sammy Hagar, hit #1.
On this day in 1986, Dire Straits' "So Far Away" peaked at #19 on the singles chart.
April 27, 2009
Badfinger's tragic songwriter Peter Ham would have been 62.
Occasional KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is 58.
On this day in 1964, John Lennon's book "In His Own Write" was published in America. In its review, "Newsweek" magazine declared that the acerbic Beatle was "an unlikely heir to the English tradition of literary nonsense."
On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Let It Ride" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.
Rich Brits Still Rich
The annual "The Sunday Times of London" list of wealthiest U.K. music celebrities confirms everyone's fortune has noticeably shrunk because of the tanking economy. Take poor Sir Paul McCartney, whose worth has fallen from $730 million to $642.4 million. That bumped Macca down to third on the list, followed by Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Elton John at sixth and eighth, respectively. The non-knighted, but ever popular Sting and Keith Richards also made the Rich Brits Top 10. Oh, for some tea and sympathy!
Bob, John & Willie
John Mellencamp's been talking about hooking up with his fellow Farm Aid co-founders — Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson — for a quick little tour for so long, you just knew it had to happen! So here's what the trio has lined up: from July 2nd until August 15th, the Bob Dylan Show tour will stop at various minor-league ballparks across the U.S.A. Every ticket on the tour will be general admission, with kids 14 and younger getting in for free. This will also mark the first time the three legends will share a stage since the first Farm Aid in 1984.
Steely's Dandy Shows
Steely Dan is truly one of the last artists you'd ever expect to perform an album in its entirety. Their albums featured extremely complex music that Donald Fagan and Walter Becker (the only two members of Steely Dan) only occasionally acknowledged. Well, stand by for the Dan's Rent Party '09 Tour of multi-night stands with special setlist shows in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Chicago! All of those shows will offer a Classic Album (Plus) Night (one of three classic Steely Dan albums in its entirety plus selected additional favorites) or a "Takin' It To The Seats" Internet Request Night with setlists determined by the internet votes of ticket-holders for that show! Dates and details will be revealed shortly!
It was Mae West who said: "A man in the house is worth two in the street."
It was Malcolm S. Forbes who said: "Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."
Frogs With Bigger/Longer Chucks
Every species of frog has its own special mating call. The call has two parts: a "whine" which the whole species uses, and a "chuck" which is the individual frog's calling card. Females listen to the chuck carefully — the larger, more desirable frogs make longer, deeper chucks. Yeah, baby!
April 28, 2009
On this day in 1963, crafty publicist Andrew Oldham saw a young band called The Rollin' Stones for the first time at London's Crawdaddy Club. By the next day, he was their manager.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" hit #1 on the albums chart. It then set a record by remaining on the chart for more than 300 weeks.
On this day in 1980, 30-year-old guitarist/songwriter Tommy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band died of head injuries sustained in a car crash. Many feel the band never recovered.
Heaven & Hell Today
While Heaven & Hell has been streaming their new album "The Devil You Know" in its entirety online for days, today you can actually buy the disc in several different configurations. The Best Buy version includes an exclusive DVD with unreleased video. The Wal-Mart edition offers two different covers including an alternate featuring the traditional Black Sabbath devil logo. The iTunes version of "The Devil You Know" includes previously unreleased live recordings. Select independent retail stores also have exclusive Heaven & Hell T-shirts and/or signed copies of the album. But wait — there's more! Southland fans who purchase the disc at participating Best Buy stores today will receive a wristband allowing them to get the disc signed at the group's autograph session at a Best Buy in San Bernardino this Saturday. Rock on!
New Tour/Classic Performance
Road trip! The Moody Blues will launch a North American tour on July 17th, play the Pacific Amphitheatre on July 22nd, and continue on the road through September 6th. Meanwhile, the Moody's "Live At The Isle Of Wight 1970" DVD will be released on May 26th. The previously unreleased film captured the entire 11 song set from the famed U.K. festival, performed when the band was at its biggest commercial peak. The DVD also includes a 20-minute documentary including behind-the-scenes action at the legendary gig.
Ozzy Promises A Bigger One
Ozzy Osbourne is telling anyone who'll listen that OzzFest will return in a "major" way next year. He's also confirmed that he's contributed to former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash's forthcoming solo album.
It was Mae West who said: "A man in the house is worth two in the street."
It was Malcolm S. Forbes who said: "Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."
Maybe It's Not What You Eat
1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats, and still suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
CONCLUSION
Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
April 29, 2009
Duke Ellington, generally considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century, would have been 110 today.
Tommy James, who recorded the classic "Hanky Panky" before forming the Shondells, is 62. Unfortunately, "Hanky Panky" pretty much ruined Tommy's chances to be considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century.
Comedian/icon Jerry Seinfeld is 55 (not that there's anything wrong with that).
On this day in 1976, Elvis fan Bruce Springsteen tried to scale the fence around Graceland in an attempt to meet his idol. Instead, he was escorted off by Presley's security.
On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd, his inspiration for "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight," filed for divorce.
On this day in 1993, Mick Ronson, genius guitarist and arranger for David Bowie during his "Ziggy Stardust" phase, died of cancer in England at the age of 47.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Queen as well as conversation with guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and singer Freddie Mercury.
Lars Channels Simon & Garfunkel
During Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich's appearance on The Rachel Maddow Show earlier this week, the discussion covered music, politics, gay marriage and the swine flu. But when the topic came up of the U.S. Army using Metallica music at detention centers to torture prisoners, Ulrich responded that if that's true, it's "dumb" since he "can name 30 Norwegian death metal bands that could make Metallica look like Simon & Garfunkel." And as usual, he's absolutely right!
Tyler/Clemons' Books
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and The E Street Band's Clarence Clemons memoirs — titled "Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?" and "Big Man," respectively — will be published in October. To promote their work, both musicians will discuss their upcoming biographies as part of the BookExpo America conference's keynote event on May 28th in New York.
Wear Halford's Clothes
As if touring all Summer with David Coverdale and Whitesnake wasn't time consuming enough, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has launched a new clothing company called Metal God Apparel and according to a press release, it boasts "dozens of new, edgy designs for youth, teens, men and women." The first shipments go out on June 15th, but MetalGodApparel.com is accepting pre-orders. Rock on!
Fresh Kansas
Kansas' February 2009 Topeka concert celebrating the 35th anniversary of the band's self-titled debut album was a huge success. The group was joined by a 50-piece orchestra, as well as former members Kerry Livgren and Steve Morse. You ask how well did those guys fit in? Guitarist Rich Williams — who's never written a lyric or line of poetry in his life — described playing with his old bandmates as "very comfortable... like loose fitting underwear." The fully produced "There's Know Place Like Home" video of the event will be available on DVD and Blu-ray disc on August 4th.
It was U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson who said: "I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it."
It was Natalie Wood who said: "The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby."
April 30, 2009
Neil Young's buddy, the multi-talented Willie Nelson, is 76 today.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan began his British tour immortalized in the movie "Don't Look Back." At the same time, The Kinks began their first British tour, supported by The Yardbirds. Wow! Did anybody realize what was happening?!?
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" entered the charts on its way to #8.
On this day in 1983, blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at home in Westmont, Illinois at the age of 68.
Zep/Stones Blast Bugs
Since the dawn of time, Tuscarora, Nevada has been completely overrun by the invasion of Mormon crickets marching in columns up to two miles long and one mile wide from May through August. The huge flightless insects hatch in April and invade all aspects of life before they finally lay eggs and die. They destroy crops, invade people's homes and clog roadways — even requiring snowplows to clear out their piled-up carcasses. Three years ago, after every poison known to mankind failed to curb the pests, Tuscarora's citizens discovered that they could drive the bugs away by blasting Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones songs from early morning until night. You've got to wonder if they ever tried Norwegian death metal?
Slash/Idol
This should be real interesting! Next week Slash will take some time out of his recording sessions to give friendly advice to the remaining contestants on "American Idol." You have to figure that after dealing with singers Axl Rose and Scott Weiland, the former Guns N' Roses guitarist should have no problem with the contestants. "Rock Week" rolls next Tuesday on the Fox show.
AC/DC Book Updated
An updated version of the 2006 "Let There Be Rock — The Story of AC/DC" book will be released tomorrow. The revamped edition includes a recent interview with guitarist Angus Young and a CD containing a late-1977 conversation with the group, which then included frontman Bon Scott.
It was Dave Barry who said: "People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."
Kentucky Derby Party!
This Saturday, Noon - 2pm: Uncle Joe will be hosting a Kentucky Derby Party at the all-new, indoor, outdoor Fairplex Satellite Wagering Sports Bar and Grill! Mint juleps, big hats and BBQ with all the racing action on miles of flat screens around the bar. Of course, there will be an Outrageous Hat Contest, but just don't rely on J.B. for any horse racing tips!