May 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!
May 1, 2009
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles played their last live show for a paying audience. London's Wembley Arena was the venue, and others on the bill included The Rolling Stones and The Who.
On this day in 1967, 32-year-old Elvis Presley married 21-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu seven years after they first met. You can do the math.
On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones released the "Brown Sugar" single — the group's first release on its own Rolling Stones Records label. No word if the band ever got paid.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones announced their upcoming tour by playing live on a flatbed truck driving down Fifth Avenue in New York City.
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.
Queen/No Paul
Queen + Paul Rodgers' new single-DVD/double-CD "Live In Ukraine" will be out on July 14th. The discs feature the band's September 12, 2008 AntiAids Foundation concert which was attended by more than 350,000 people. However, the next time Rodgers tours, it won't be with Queen. It seems he's amicably parted ways with the legendary group. Paul said, "It's out there for us to do things in the future if there's something, a huge charity say like Nelson Mandela, I'm always open to that, but I think we are pretty much done." Paul and the rest of his old band Bad Company will kick off their reunion tour on June 20th in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Fairly Odd Indeed
Fans of the animated Nickelodeon series "The Fairly OddParents" are in for a goofy little treat. "Super-awesome and muscular" cartoon versions of KISS' Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley — along with their actual voices — will be featured as part of a three-show "OddParents" installment called "Wishology" this weekend. Sounds like another great merchandising opportunity to me!
Happy B-Day Pete!
Bruce Springsteen is topping the list of 50 other artists performing at this Sunday's birthday gala for folk legend Pete Seeger. Other's taking the stage will include John Mellencamp, Roger McGuinn, The Allman Brothers' Warren Haynes, Arlo Guthrie, Dave Matthews and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. The concert will also serve as a fundraiser for Seeger's Hudson River Sloop Clearwater environmental organization. "The Clearwater Concert: Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders" (now that's a name!) will take place at New York's Madison Square Garden on Sunday, which is Seeger's 90th birthday.
Just Closed/Now For Sale
Sure Elton John just closed his "The Red Piano" in Las Vegas, but the DVD and Blu-ray disc featuring the show will be in stores next Tuesday. Actually, the "Red Piano Live in Las Vegas" discs, containing 14 songs from Sir Elty's extravaganza, were first made available last October exclusively via Best Buy. Now the rest of us can enjoy the gig in all its glory!
It was NFL Hall Of Fame Quarterback Joe Theisman who said: "The word 'genius' isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "What I see depends on where I'm at."
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!
May 2, 2009
Bob Henrit, who played drums for The Kinks and Argent, is 65.
Vocalist Lou Gramm of Foreigner is 59.
Styx drummer Todd Sucherman is 40.
On this day in 1965, although he swore he would never allow the band to appear on his show again, Ed Sullivan featured The Rolling Stones for a second time. They performed "The Last Time," "Little Red Rooster," "Everybody Needs Somebody," and "2120 South Michigan Avenue." So many little girls wet their pants in excitement during The Stones' performance that the Ed Sullivan Theater had to be fumigated the next day.
On this day in 1969, after several failed attempts, The Beatles finally recorded George Harrison's "Something" to their satisfaction.
On this day in 1977, Eric Clapton recorded his song "Wonderful Tonight."
On this day in 1979, the movie version of The Who's "Quadrophenia" opened, and drummer Kenny Jones (of The Faces) played his first official gig as Keith Moon's replacement.
On this day in 1992, Tom Petty released the song "Peace In L.A.", written and recorded the day before, in the wake of the April 29th Rodney King verdict and subsequent rioting.
On this day in 2005, Cream — featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker — launched a four-night stand at London's Royal Albert Hall. The show marked the first time the three legends had performed together since Cream's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and the first time Cream had played in public since the band staged its farewell concerts at the venue in November 1968.
May 3, 2009
The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, would have been 76.
Bassist Bruce Hall of REO Speedwagon is 56.
Guitarist Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols is 53.
On this day in 1969, "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.
On this day in 1971, at a gig in Denmark, Led Zeppelin played "Four Sticks" live for the first and only time in their career.
On this day in 1971, multi-platinum album selling Grand Funk Railroad, who were notorious for refusing to talk to the press, chose New York to finally hold their first ever press conference. The press demonstrated their respect for the well-spoken, swell-playin' trio when just six journalists showed up. And truthfully, five of them came solely for the free food.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney began his first coast-to-coast tour of America with his new band, Wings, in Fort Worth, Texas.
May 4, 2009
Surf guitar god Dick Dale is 72.
Drag racing icon John Force is 60.
Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars is 58.
Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt is 37.
On this day in 1970, four students protesting the Vietnam war were killed and 11 more were wounded by National Guard troops at Kent State University. In reaction, massive anti-war protests swept the country and Neil Young wrote and immediately recorded "Ohio" with Crosby, Stills & Nash.
On this day in 1974, Grand Funk Railroad's cover of "The Loco-Motion" hit #1 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1985, Don Henley's "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" peaked at #9 as Foreigner's "That Was Yesterday" topped out at #12 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1987, blues guitarist Paul Butterfield died of a drug overdose at his Los Angeles home. He was only 44.
On this day in 2005, Bruce Springsteen's "Devils and Dust" debuted at #1 on the "Billboard Top 200 Albums" chart.
Buying A Lesson From Brian
A Queen fan has paid over $15,000 for a private guitar lesson with Brian May at a charity auction in London. The anonymous buyer won a one-on-one tutorial to be held in May's home. The auction was held in support of the Action for Brazil's Children Trust, which was originally founded by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. In announcing the winning bid, May said: "I have been a patron of the ABC Trust for a number of years now and provide support whenever I can. The work they do with children and young people who are forced to live or work on the streets of Brazil makes a real difference." Right so!
Roddy Reissues Two More
Rod Stewart will reissue "Atlantic Crossing" and "A Night on the Town," his classic 1975 albums, as two-disc collector's editions on June 30th. Both packages will include previously unreleased material, studio outtakes and alternate versions of all the tunes.
Sammy Cancels The Wabos
Sammy Hagar is officially putting his longtime solo band the Wabos on hiatus. He says his full focus is on the Chickenfoot supergroup, "An era is coming to an end." He figures that he and the Wabos will "still do parties and play the Cabo [Wabo clubs]," but that's about it.
Sorum Speaks
Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum has a good point about singer Axl Rose taking his new band out on tour. Matt said last week that Axl touring as GN’R is “a shame,” noting Paul McCartney doesn’t tour as The Beatles and Sting doesn’t perform solo as The Police. Stay tuned for a hissy fit to be lobbed in Sorum's general direction!
Idol Fundraiser
Billy Idol and former Traffic guitarist Dave Mason will be performing (separately) at the For the Arts benefit concert May 30th in Santa Monica. The event is part of the Education Foundation of Santa Monica & Malibu's campaign to raise $15 million for a "permanent endowment fund" benefiting music and art programs at the area's public schools.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?"
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself."
May 5, 2009
Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward is 61.
KLOS' own Brian Phelps is physically one year older today.
On this day in 1968, Buffalo Springfield performed their last gig together in Long Beach.
Buffett's Stadium Deal
Word is that Jimmy Buffett is close to a deal with the NFL's Miami Dolphins to rename their Dolphin Stadium to Land Shark Lager Stadium after the beer he developed with Anheuser Busch. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has also reportedly offered Buffett a minority ownership to further entice the big Parrothead. We won't have to wait long to find out if Jimmy is going for it, as the team has scheduled a press conference on Friday to reveal the stadium's new name.
Jovi To Jersey Hall
After drawing the second biggest crowd in the history of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with his band on Saturday, Jon Bon Jovi was inducted into the New Jersey Hall Of Fame in Newark on Sunday. New Jersey Governor John Corzine did the honors for Jon at the induction ceremony, and later in the evening Mr. B.J. joined fellow Jersey-ite Southside Johnny onstage for a rendition of Sam Cooke's "Having A Party."
Heaven & Hell On The Road
Heaven & Hell have announced the initial dates for their North American tour in support of their new album, "The Devil You Know." The boys will be starting off in Vancouver on August 7th, and should hit the Greek Theatre on August 11th.
Seeger Special To PBS
Not only was Sunday's star-studded concert celebrating folk music legend Pete Seeger's 90th birthday in Madison Square Garden quite the sing-a-long party, it was taped for an episode of PBS' "Great Performances." No doubt a DVD featuring Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and 49 others will be forthcoming just in time for the PBS fund drives. Proceeds from the show benefit the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an organization Seeger started to preserve and protect the Hudson River.
Coldplay's Stealin'
Earlier this year guitarist Joe Satriani sued Coldplay for stealing one of his riffs for their song "Viva La Vida." Now Cat Stevens, who currently uses his Muslim name Yusuf Islam, has told the British press that Coldplay also stole from him for that same song! The legendary singer/songwriter says that "Viva La Vida" sounds like his Seventies song "Foreigner Suite." Those darn scoundrels!
It was Dave Barry who said: "Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."
It was Bruce Barton who said: "If you can give your child only one gift, let it be enthusiasm."
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is an actual holiday (not an invented commercial holiday) that commemorates Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 15, 1810, it took 11 years to get word to the Spanish soldiers, forcing them to leave Mexico. Then the French moved in and took over. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the day that 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French army of 8,000. That defeat prevented Napoleon III from supplying the American Confederate rebels for another year, thus allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. That huge U.S. army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War. For whatever reason, Americans of every ethnicity celebrate Cinco de Mayo just like we do our version of St. Patrick's Day. To that end, I personally propose a toast to freedom and liberty! With a strawberry margarita, of course!
May 6, 2009
Detroit rocker Bob Seger is 64.
Davey Johnstone, Elton John's longtime guitarist, is 58.
On this day in 1957, Chuck Berry recorded "Rock and Roll Music."
On this day in 1965, Rolling Stone Keith Richards woke up in a Clearwater, Florida hotel room and discovered that he had composed the "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" riff on his tape recorder while he slept.
On this day in 1971, while on their way home from a small gig in Sunderland, England, The Who stopped for a roadside leak at a construction site outside Sheffield. A photo of that episode became the "Who's Next" album cover art — one of the famous LP covers in all of Rock & Roll
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Moody Blues as well as more of Joe's conversation with Justin Hayward and John Lodge.
Aerosmith On TV
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Joey Kramer will discuss their upcoming tour with ZZ Top on today's edition of Entertainment Tonight. An even longer segment with the trio will air on the show's weekend edition.
Woodstock Flashback
Several musicians who performed at the 1969 Woodstock festival will return to the event's Bethel, New York site for a 40th anniversary concert on August 15th. The Jefferson Starship, Mountain, The Band's Levon Helm, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Country Joe McDonald, Canned Heat and Ten Years After are the first to be confirmed. Some of those artists are also part of the Heroes of Woodstock tour running from May 23rd through October. You can count on the Starship and Ten Years After to be part of that tour that visits our Greek Theatre on August 13th.
All Hail Ozzy on The Strip
A special tribute to Ozzy Osbourne will launch the second annual Sunset Strip Music Festival, which will be held September 10th through the 12th in West Hollywood. Featuring performances at six signature Sunset Strip venues — The Roxy Theatre, Whisky A Go-Go, House Of Blues, Key Club, Cat Club and Viper Room — the festival will honor the OzzMan for his influence on the Strip's music scene over the years. Mr. Osbourne's Strip history actually goes back to 1970 when Black Sabbath's first U.S. tour included a five-night stand at the Whisky A Go-Go. That said, you have to wonder if anyone in the band remembers those gigs.
Rockin' Tony Awards
"Billy Elliot The Musical," which features a score co-written by Elton John, has received 15 Tony Award nominations, the most of any production for 2009. Sir Elty himself received a Best Original Score nomination (along with Billy Elliot lyricist Lee Hall). "Rock of Ages," the Broadway musical featuring songs from Styx, Whitesnake, Journey, Pat Benatar and Foreigner among many others, has been nominated for five Tonys. CBS will air the Tony Awards ceremony live from New York's Radio City Music Hall on June 7th.
All Star U.N. LP
Mick Jagger, Bono, Joss Stone and Bob Marley's sons Damian and Stephen are all working on songs for a charity album for the United Nations. The as-yet-untitled album is due out on September 21st, the International Day of Peace.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."
It was U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle who said: "I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
A Few Somewhat Disturbing Mid-Week Factoids
On average, a disposable diaper can hold up to seven pounds (approximately one gallon) of liquid.
On average, an American home has three-to-ten gallons of hazardous materials.
The height of the 984-foot-tall Eiffel Tower varies, depending on the temperature, by as much as 6 inches. And yes ma'am, that's a real 6 inches, not some French guy's estimate.
May 7, 2009
Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann is 63.
Tubes drummer (and founding member of Journey) Prairie Prince is 59.
Drummer Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads is 58.
On this day in 1968, piano player/singer Reginald Dwight changed his name to Elton John.
On this day in 1977, the Eagles' "Hotel California" album and song were #1.
On this day in 1998, singer Steve Perry, who was suffering from degenerative hip problems, left Journey when the band decided to tour without him.
Charting The Charts
Although it's unlikely he's too worked up over it, Bob Dylan's new album "Together Through Life" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart this week. That marks Mr. D's second consecutive #1 studio album and his fifth since his career began in 1963. The second-highest debut this week came from the Black Sabbath side project Heaven & Hell, whose "The Devil You Know" charted at #9.
Aerosmith Playing Games
If you wanted to open for Aerosmith on their upcoming tour with ZZ Top, you've got a chance! Just make a video of yourself rocking out on "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith," then post it to the Aerosmith YouTube channel. On each stop on the Aerosmith/ZZ Top tour, a YouTube winner will "perform" on stage, score tickets to the show, win a "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith" game pack and even get in-person congratulations from Steven Tyler and Joe Perry before the concert. Go to AeroForceOne.com for more details.
Emerson's Hand
Legendary keyboard whiz Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer has had to cancel his upcoming scheduled U.S. and European tour. Lingering effects of old injuries to his right hand have also forced him to pull out of an ELP reunion tour targeted for later this year. Keith says he'll "continue with my physical/chiropractic/acupuncture therapy... in the hope that this will eventually get me back on form." Get well soon Mr. E.!
Lots O' Guitars
How do you say "Mothers hide your daughters!" in Polish? Last Friday, 6,346 guitar players gathered to play Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe" simultaneously at the "Thanks Jimi Festival" in Wroclaw, Poland. That more than tripled the "Largest Guitar Ensemble" Guinness World Record set just last year in Concord, California. At least one player was in tune for the event: Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse joined the Polish city's Mayor for the jam. No word if Steve will be on hand when a new attempt at the record takes place on Sunday in Mainz, Germany.
It was Goodman Ace who said: "The best cure for hypochondria is to forget about your body and get interested in someone else's."
It was Norman Vincent Peale who said: "Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that."
May 8, 2009
Blues great Robert Johnson would have been 98 if he hadn't made a pact with the devil at the crossroads and then been killed by a jealous husband at age 27.
Convicted child pornographer/rock star Gary Glitter is now 69.
Yardbirds bassist Paul Samwell-Smith is 66.
Drummer Alex Van Halen is 56.
On this day in 1956, Alfred E. Newman first appeared in "Mad" magazine asking the classic question "What, me worry?"
On this day in 1965, the so-called British Invasion reached its zenith when nine of the songs in the Billboard Top 10 were by British artists.
On this day in 1976, "Show Me The Way" by Peter Frampton peaked at #6 and Steve Miller's "Take The Money And Run" entered the charts on its way to #11.
On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Get a Grip" entered the Billboard Top 200 album chart at #1, making it the group's highest-debuting and highest-charting album.
Big $$ Day For Beatles Fans
September 9th is going to be an expensive day for Beatles fans. In addition to all of the Fab Four's newly remastered albums finally being released on 09/09/09, "The Beatles: Rock Band" video game will also hit the street. The deluxe Limited Edition Premium Bundle ($249.99) will come with replicas of Paul McCartney's Hoffner bass and Ringo Starr's Ludwig drums. Plastic models of John Lennon's Rickenbacker 325 and George Harrison's Gretsch Duo Jet guitars will also be sold separately. However, if you don't care that your kids won't think you're cool, you can skip the replica instruments and score the basic game for $59.99 retail.
The Kids Be Singing
Just in time for Father’s Day 2009, "A Song for My Father" will be available exclusively June 2nd on iTunes. The 14 song compilation features the children of Carlos Santana, Gregg Allman, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Brian Wilson and others performing their own renditions of their dads’ tunes.
Tedly Hits 6,000
Not sure who was in charge of counting all those gigs, but they say that Ted Nugent actually played his 6,000th concert last July 4th. Lucky for us that the historic show in Detroit is the focus of "Motor City Mayhem," a video and a companion album due out on June 30th. Rock on!
A V.H. Surprise (Sort Of)
To no one's surprise, Activision has confirmed that a Van Halen-themed "Guitar Hero" will be released sometime before Christmas this year. Of course the game will focus on the David Lee Roth-fronted version of the band — but who'll be playing bass?
Skynyrd Bassist R.I.P.
Sad to report that Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans died Wednesday at his home in Columbia, Mississippi after a year-long battle with cancer. He was only 48. Ean joined the group in August 2001 after founding Skynyrd member Leon Wilkeson passed away. In January, longtime Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell died. That leaves guitarist Gary Rossington as the sole surviving original member of one of the most important Southern Rock bands.
Thought For The Weekend
It was Agatha Christie who said: "A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."
Mom's Day
Mother's Day celebrations date back at least as far as ancient Greece, where worshipers observed a Spring day in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the gods. In 17th century England, Christians celebrated "Mothering Sunday," the fourth Sunday in Lent, to honor the Virgin Mary and other faithful moms. In the United States, Julia Ward Howe, (who wrote the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic"), suggested the idea of Mother's Day in 1872. But it wasn't until 1908 that a state (West Virginia) declared an official Mother's Day celebration. The idea took off from there, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May to be the official Mother's Day. But enough of the history! Get out and get your mom something as nice as she deserves!
Best/Worst Celeb Moms
Leave it to ParentDish.com to run a Mother's Day Poll! Jennifer Garner topped the list as the Best Celebrity Mom with 37% of the vote. First Lady Michelle Obama just edged out actress Reese Witherspoon to take second place. Jada Pinkett-Smith was picked by 69% of the respondents as the winner among Best Celebrity Stepmoms, far surpassing the second place Katie Holmes who pulled 17% of the vote. Courtney Love and Dina Lohan tied for the Worst Celebrity Mom with 32% of the votes, followed by Britney Spears with 27%. Somehow that should be kind of reassuring, shouldn't it?
May 9, 2009
Guitarist Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco fame is 65.
Piano Man Billy Joel is 60.
Bassist Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick is 59.
On this day in 1785, Joseph Bramah patented the beer-pump handle, thus assuring the eventual existence of bar bands.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles signed their first recording contract with EMI Records, beginning one of the most famous and successful careers in recording history.
On this day in 1970, The Guess Who's "American Woman/No Sugar Tonight" hit #1 as "Woodstock" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young peaked at #11 on the charts.
On this day in 1974, Bruce Springsteen opened for Bonnie Raitt in Boston, and Bonnie allowed Bruce to perform his traditional two-hour set in its entirety. In the audience was critic and future Bruce manager Jon Landau, who wrote the next day, "I saw rock & roll's future and its name is Bruce Springsteen." Though true, it took Springsteen years to live that quote down.
May 10, 2009
Solo artists Dave Mason and Donovan, and songwriter Graham Gouldman of 10cc are all 63 today. Now that could be one interesting party.
Bassist and world-class deadbeat Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols would have been 52.
Bono, the voice of U2 (and some say his generation), is 49.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones did their first professional recording session in London for Decca Records (who casually rejected the results).
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their first attempt on Keith Richards' song "Satisfaction" at Chess Studios in Chicago. Two days later, they got it right in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood.
On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones appeared in separate courts facing separate drug charges.
On this day in 1974, Eric Clapton recorded his cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff."
On this day in 1974, Led Zeppelin threw a party celebrating the launch of their Swan Song record label at the Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The bash ended with the guests tossing food, china and other guests at one another. Don't believe me? Ask your mom!
On this day in 1978, with Brian Jones long dead and Keith Richards cleaned up for the first time in years, The Rolling Stones released the biggest hit of the Summer of '78, "Miss You."