May 11 - 20, 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 11, 2009
Eric Burden of The Animals and War is 68.
Drummer Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band is 62.
On this day 1970, The Who unleashed their "Live At Leeds" album and The Beatles released their "The Long And Winding Road" single.
On this day 1981, reggae legend Bob Marley died of a brain tumor at the age of 36.
On this day in 2003, Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding died in Ireland at the age of 57.
Parrothead Stadium
Miami's Dolphins Stadium has officially become Land Shark Stadium. The stadium's fifth name change since opening in 1987 is the result of a partnership between Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville enterprise and the Miami football team. In making the announcement, the chief Parrothead said: "I am honored and look forward to working (not that hard) with the Dolphin organization... All I can add is, let the Fin begin!" And with that, Buffett introduced his newest song, "Fins," expressly for the team and fellow Dolphins fans. Makes you wonder how long it will be before Al Davis contacts Ozzy Osbourne about hooking up with the Oakland Raiders!
(Really) Belated Honors For Freddie
Here's the latest "What The Hell Took Them So Long" nugget from Merry Olde England. The London-area town of Feltham, where late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury lived after his family escaped war-torn Tanzania, will install a plaque honoring Mr. Mercury sometime this Summer. A wonderful gesture indeed, and perhaps Freddie would feel honored, if he hadn't died 17 years ago!
The Newest KISS Figurines
Did your dog or your little brother chew off the heads of your KISS action figures?!? Great news — a new Starchild, Catman, Spaceman and Demon can be yours! The band will release a new set of 3.5-inch figures in August! True, they're not quite life size, but they are highly detailed!
Spinal Tapping Again
In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the classic mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap," the brand new "Back From The Dead" CD/DVD from legendary faux rockers Spinal Tap will be out on June 16th. While the band may not be real, guest musicians on the LP like Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen and Emerson, Lake & Palmer keyboardist Keith Emerson are! No word on how many drummers exploded during the making of the album, but so far no one's complained.
It was Mae West who said: "It's not the men in my life that counts — it's the life in my men."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "When you blame others, you give up your power to change."
Does Size Really Matter?
Ever wonder why that outfit doesn't look the same on you? While the average American model is five feet eleven inches tall and weighs 117 pounds, the average American woman is five feet four inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.
Although most people think that Napoleon was short, he was actually five feet, six inches tall, an average height for a Frenchman in those days.
A ten-gallon hat actually holds 3/4 gallon or three quarts. So why did they call it a ten-gallon hat? Because everything's bigger in Texas — especially the lies!
May 12, 2009
Comic genius George Carlin would have been 72.
Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan is 64.
Multi-instrumentalist/singer extraordinaire Stevie Winwood is 61.
Guitarist Billy Squier is 59.
KISS/Alice Cooper drummer Eric Singer is 51.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "Satisfaction" in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. Two days earlier, they had unsuccessfully attempted to record the song at Chess Studios in Chicago.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd played one of their first experimental concerts in quadraphonic sound at the "Games for May" event at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall.
On this day in 1969, Santana recorded "Evil Ways," which went on to become their first Top 10 hit.
On this day in 1971, Mick Jagger married his first wife, Bianca, at the St. Tropez Town Hall. The large Roman Catholic service was attended by the other Rolling Stones, as well as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and Steven Stills. Think any of that group caught a buzz?
On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released their classic "Exile on Main Street" album.
On this day in 1973, Steely Dan's "Reeling In The Years" peaked at #11 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1979, singer Mickey Thomas made his debut with the Jefferson Starship at a free concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
Coop Opens For The Prez
Tomorrow's commencement ceremony for Arizona State University's 9,000 graduating students will be doubly exciting. First, Alice Cooper will perform "School's Out" backed by Runaway Phoenix, his son/current ASU student Dash Cooper's band. After that performance, President Barack Obama will deliver the school's commencement address. Alice's take on the event: "Of all the people I've ever shared a stage with, Obama is the biggest rock star... and I'd like to thank him, in advance, for changing the national anthem to 'School's Out.'" Right so!
Maiden's Dyno Opening
Turns out that a lot of people paid to see Iron Maiden's documentary "Iron Maiden: Flight 666" upon its release last month. The feature-length film is credited with the biggest-ever worldwide simultaneous release of a documentary movie. In fact, over 100,000 people saw the flick on April 21st alone. If you were waiting for a more opportune screening, you'll be able to catch the film on Vh1 and Vh1 Classic on June 6th.
Own Kirk's Old Car
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett's 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera is up for bids on eBay. Word is that Kirk lost the car in a bet with tour manager Tony Smith whether the band's "Black" album would sell more than 10 million copies. When the LP went 10 times platinum a few years after its release, Kirk gave Tony his Porsche. Now, for a bit of coin, the 200+ horsepower sports car could be yours!
Copeland's Been Busy
Stewart Copeland, the ever busy Police drummer, has just finished composing the score for the upcoming "Ben Hur Live" stage production. The traveling extravaganza will launch in London a few weeks after Stewart's newest instrumental piece debuts at the La Jolla Music Society's 2009 SummerFest on August 21st. But wait — there's more! Copeland's autobiography, tentatively titled "Strange Things Happen," will be published on October 6th.
It was Goodman Ace who said: "Familiarity breeds attempt."
It was Art Buchwald who said: "Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got."
May 13, 2009
Rock & Roll pioneer Ritchie Valens would have been 68 today.
Magic Dick, trumpet and harmonica player with the J. Geils Band, is 64.
Stevie Wonder is 58.
Danny Kirwan, guitarist and vocalist in the first successful incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, is 59.
On this day in 1966, The Kinks recorded "Sunny Afternoon."
On this day in 1970, The Beatles' pseudo-documentary "Let It Be" premiered in New York.
On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's classic "Full Moon Fever" album entered the charts.
Swedes Hail Peter
Peter Gabriel will be one of the recipients of the 2009 Polar Music Prize, Sweden's most prestigious music award. The former Genesis singer is being recognized as an innovative artist that: "has not only had a significant influence on the development of popular music, he has redefined the very concept... Gabriel's artistry presents us with world music in its most meaningful sense." Peter will be presented the honor by Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf at an August 31st gala in Stockholm. Previous Polar Music Prize winners include Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, Elton John and Pink Floyd.
Lennon NYC Exhibit
"John Lennon: The New York City Years" opened yesterday at New York's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Annex NYC. Yoko Ono says it was "very important" that she "make this New York City show complete" because John Lennon "was in love with this city, head over heels. I know it's a kind of a sad and very poignant kind of paradox I think that he loved this place so much and this is where he was killed." As for inclusion of memorabilia surrounding his death — including a sealed paper bag holding his bloody clothes from the night he was murdered — the late Beatle's widow admitted "It was hard to include." But she eventually decided the bloody clothes should be included as an example of gun violence.
Bob Takes The Bus
You shouldn't be surprised that there's a $25 bus tour of Liverpool that eventually takes tourists to John Lennon's childhood home. But imagine getting on that bus with Bob Dylan! The Brit press is reporting that Mr. D. — whose new album is in its second week at #1 on the U.K. charts — just took the trip. The National Trust, which maintains the home, is quoted as saying he "spent ages going through photo albums and was thrilled at all the memorabilia" at John's Aunt Mimi's restored home. That would have been one cool bus ride to take!
Eric & Steve
High-definition footage of Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood's "Live From Madison Square Garden" CD/DVD will be screened at select U.S. theaters next Monday, one day before the multi-disc set's public release. The show was recorded during the one-time Blind Faith bandmates' February 2008 performances at the famed New York venue. In an amazing coincidence, Clapton and Winwood will embark on a 14-city U.S. tour on June 10th, wrapping up at the Hollywood Bowl on June 30th.
Vintage Bowie Video
No official reason for why it took so long, but David Bowie's August 1999 "VH1 Storytellers" appearance will finally be issued on CD and DVD on July 14th. The discs will feature all eight songs from the originally aired program, as well as four additional performances not included in the show. Audio of all 12 tunes also will be sold as digital downloads.
It was Dave Barry who said: "You should not confuse your career with your life."
It was Jay Leno who asked: "How come you never see a headline like 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?"
Hollywood
TONIGHT! 8pm - 9:30pm: J.B. will make a late appearance as a guest MC for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Benefit at the legendary Improv. This is your chance to help a great cause and see the best comics America has to offer, including Gabriel Iglesias, Craig Shoemaker, Orny Adams, Anjelah Johnson, Christopher Titus & others. See you there!
May 14, 2009
Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce is 66.
The head Talking Head, David Byrne, is 57.
On this day in 1955, "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & the Comets entered the Top 40 on its way to becoming the first #1 record of the rock era.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' cryptic "Paint It Black" entered the American singles charts.
On this day in 1966, The Yardbirds' "Shapes Of Things," driven by Jeff Beck's mind blowing guitar work, peaked at #11 on the charts.
On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released the song "Ohio," only 10 days after the fatal Kent State University shootings.
On this day in 1976, former Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf electrocuted himself while tuning his electric guitar in the bathtub.
On this day in 1988, Atlantic Records' 40th anniversary celebration at New York's Madison Square Garden saw the surviving members of Led Zeppelin reunite with John Bonham's son Jason on drums.
On this day in 1998, Frank Sinatra died at the age of 82.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Rolling Stones as well as conversation with Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger.
Ozzy & The 9-Year-Old Guitarist
Ozzy Osbourne made a surprise appearance Monday on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to meet a 9-year-old Japanese guitar prodigy who had just performed Ozzy's "Crazy Train." Meanwhile, longtime Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde claims he's bringing "violence and f**kin' darkness" to the singer's upcoming album. "You've got to hear the f**kin' riffs I'm laying down," he says. Hmmm... wonder how the 9-year-old's parents feel about that.
Bono's Long Delayed Elvis Poem
A 14-minute recording of U2's Bono reciting "American David," a rough poem he wrote to Elvis Presley back in '95, finally aired Wednesday on a British radio station. Prior to airing the reading (which was actually recorded in 2007), the station broadcast a message warning about its potential objectionable content. Perhaps a "rock singer writing poetry" warning would have been more appropriate.
Ament Mugged In Atlanta
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament was beaten and robbed outside Atlanta's Southern Tracks Recording Studios where the group has been recording their next album with producer Brendan O'Brien. Just as Jeff and a roadie pulled up to the rear of the studio on April 27th, three assailants emerged from a wooded area brandishing knives. Ament suffered a head laceration when he was knocked to the ground and the bad guys got away with over $7,000 in cash and electronic gear as well as his passport.
New Live Mellencamp
John Mellencamp's new concert album "Life Death Live Freedom" will be out on June 23rd. The disc will feature live performances of eight tunes from his recent "Life, Death, Love & Freedom" studio album. Mellencamp's forthcoming box set, featuring at least 72 songs, has been given the tentative title "On The Rural Route 7609" (with the "7609" being a reference to 1976 - 2009). No word on a release date yet.
Blondie/Pat
Blondie has announced the 4-week "Call Me Invincible" co-headlining tour with Pat Benatar. The duo, who have never toured together before, will hit the Pacific Amphitheatre on July 26th. Blondie's Debby Harry called her soon-to-be-tour mate "not only a friend, but a fearless female rocker." Right so!
It was Tom Waits who said: "I'd rather have a free bottle in front of me than a prefrontal lobotomy."
It was David Letterman who said: "The worst tempered people I have ever met were those who knew that they were wrong."
May 15, 2009
Former Roxy Music keyboardist Brian Eno (Uber-producer for David Bowie, Talking Heads and U2) is 61.
On this day in 1965, The Byrds made their first entry into the charts with their cover version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man." Three months later, the song peaked at #1, and was a strong factor in Dylan's decision to switch from acoustic to electric music.
On this day in 1965, "For Your Love" by The Yardbirds entered the charts. The song featured Eric Clapton on all the guitar parts except the solo, which was recorded by his replacement, Jeff Beck.
On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney met Linda Eastman for the first time at the Bag O' Nails nightclub in London. They clicked big time and married on March 12th, 1969.
On this day in 1970, Pink Floyd played a concert in front of a large lake at the Crystal Palace Bowl in South London. Not only were a great number of fish in the lake killed by the loud music, a full one-third of the audience blew their minds!
On this day in 1970, Black Sabbath released its self-titled album.
On this day in 1971, The Doors' "Love Her Madly" peaked at #11 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1971, two truly classic albums, The Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" and Jethro Tull's masterpiece "Aqualung," both entered the charts on their way to #1.
On this day in 1975, the most famous Fleetwood Mac line-up (Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and John & Christine McVie) made their live debut in El Paso, Texas.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller released his "Fly Like An Eagle" album.
On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's classic "The Boys Are Back In Town" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1984, guitarist Nils Lofgren was drafted into The E Street Band by Bruce Springsteen to replace "Little Steven" Van Zandt.
Ticketmaster vs Bruce (Again)
Well hello again Ticketmaster! A number of fans who shelled out big bucks for Bruce Springsteen's Washington, D.C. concert next week have been had. The Ticketmaster subsidiary TicketsNow — which Bruce had severe scalping issues with last February — oversold its allotment of premium tickets, so thousands of buyers won't be getting their preferred seats. Instead, they'll get refunds and free tickets to the show in the nosebleed section. For now, the issue just affects the Washington, D.C. show. Gotta wonder who's asleep at the wheel over there.
New Name/Same Park
The oft-lauded/financially ill-fated Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has reopened with a new owner and a new name. The massive Rock & Roll theme park is now called the Freestyle Music Park, and the famed Led Zeppelin rollercoaster has been rechristened The Time Machine. Party on!
No So Retired
The formerly "retired from touring" Eric Clapton is four shows into his 15-night run at London's Royal Albert Hall. Next Tuesday's performance will be his 150th at the legendary venue! Then he and his old buddy Steve Winwood will hit the States for a couple of weeks, ending up at the Hollywood Bowl on June 30th.
Jon Will Sing
Jon Bon Jovi will sing at the second annual Always Remember concert on June 8th in New York. The event benefits the Voices Of September 11 organization's 9/11 Living Memorial, an interactive website honoring the victims of the 2001 terror attacks. Right so!
Are You Scared?
Leaving no promotional product line untouched, KissCostumes.com has your Halloween costume ready to ship. All four of the original KISS band members' costumes are available in a variety of sizes for toddlers, children and adults. Everything from "The Demon," "Starchild," "Catman" and "Spaceman" have all been approved personally by the band — which is downright Halloween scary!
Henley's Best
The 14-song collection "Very Best Of Don Henley" will be released June 16th. The spiffy new compilation includes hits from each of the occasional Eagle's solo albums, and a deluxe version will be packaged with a DVD featuring promotional videos and bonus tunes. By the way, this Saturday you'll find Mr. Henley performing all of those songs and more in Quapaw, Oklahoma. Sunday he'll be playing in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
Thought For The Weekend
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
May 16, 2009
Foghat drummer Roger Earl is 63.
Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic is 44.
On this day in 1970, Randy Bachman left The Guess Who.
On this day in 1987, U2 topped the charts for the first of three weeks with their song "With Or Without You."
May 17, 2009
Drummer Bill Bruford, who rose to fame with Yes and King Crimson, is 61.
On this day in 1846, Antoine Sax patented the first Rock & Roll instrument: the saxophone.
On this day in 1969, the Chicago Transit Authority's debut album entered the charts — the first time a group ever debuted with a double album. In short order, they were sued by the real C.T.A. and were forced to shorten their name to Chicago.
On this day in 1987, Tom Petty's Encino home was torched by arsonists. That directly inspired Tom to write "I Won't Back Down."
On this day in 1999, producer Bruce Fairbairn (who had worked with Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Yes, among others) died at the age of 49.
May 18, 2009
Keyboard whiz Rick Wakeman of Yes is 60.
On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded their classic "Louie Louie" in a small room with one microphone.
On this day in 1966, The Animals recorded the old American blues classic "House Of The Rising Sun." It became their first #1 hit in the U.S. four months later.
On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive released the "Taking Care of Business" single.
On this day in 1985, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Don't Come Around Here No More" peaked at #13 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1992, Ozzy Osbourne announced another in a long series of retirements from touring.
Chickenfoot Approaches!
The rock supergroup Chickenfoot (yer Uncle Joe's guests on KLOS tomorrow night before their show at The Roxy) opened their mini-Spring tour in Seattle last Thursday night — and were promptly stopped for 20 minutes by the local fire department for dangerous overcrowding! Former Van Halen bandmates Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Pepper Chad Smith and guitar god Joe Satriani were nine songs into their set when Hagar told the audience, "The fire department's going to shut us down..." Then he promised a 45 minute encore to make up for the delay. When the band eventually returned to the stage, they played six more songs including set-ending jams on "Bad Motor Scooter" — originally done by Montrose with Hagar on vocals — and Deep Purple's classic "Highway Star." By the way, Chickenfoot have scheduled a June 5th in-store appearance at the West L.A. Best Buy on Pico.
A Timely Boston Update
Stryper singer Michael Sweet, who was recruited to sing with Boston on their most recent tour, confirms that "no time frame" has been set for the release of Boston's upcoming album. "[Guitarist/songwriter] Tom [Scholz] is really working away on it... The goal is to get it done sooner than later." Michael also said that "There is some material that might be re-recorded and there is some material with [late frontman] Brad [Delp] on it." Go Tom, go!
Coverdale's Covering
Whitesnake mastermind/singer David Coverdale has reprised his role as the "greeter" for the forthcoming "Original Cast" album of the hit Broadway musical "Rock Of Ages." The affable Coverdale's also just finished overseeing the CD/DVD Deluxe Edition re-releases of his band's "Slide It In" and "Slip Of The Tongue" albums. We'll all be able to buy those goodies in July, just as the mighty Whitesnake will hit the road with Judas Priest.
Byrne's Live Sampler
Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne has released a live "Everything That Happens Will Happen On This Tour" digital EP. The four songs were recorded during David's 2008 "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today" tour with famed producer Brian Eno. Proceeds from the download will benefit Amnesty International.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else."
It was Bill Walton who said: "A lot of people understand what not saying anything means, so, in effect, not saying anything is really saying a lot.
An Uplifting Note From Jolly Old England
Word is that British lingerie companies developed a new brassiere technology that reacts when a woman is turned on. More specifically, designer Suzana Gorisek has a magic bra that detects changes in female's body temperature brought on by sexual arousal, and squeezes those boobies together to create a larger cleavage. When things "cool off," the bra's built in memory relaxing fabric allows the wearer's bust to return to normal. The bra recently debuted in Paris' largest annual lingerie event and will hit stores in Britain this Summer. Feel free to pad this story in any manner you so desire.
May 19, 2009
Guitarist Pete Townshend of The Who is 64.
ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill is 60.
Singer Joey Ramone would have been 58.
Longtime AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is 55.
On this day in 1969, The Who released the classic "Tommy" album.
On this day in 1979, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr reunited for an impromptu jam at a wedding reception for Eric Clapton and his new wife, Patti (George's ex). The couple got married in March while Clapton was touring, so the reception doubled as an end-of-tour party as well.
On this day in 1984, "Legs" by ZZ Top entered the charts on its way to becoming their first Top 10 hit.
On this day in 1986, Peter Gabriel released his landmark "So" album.
On this day in 2000, The Allman Brothers Band fired founding guitarist Dickey Betts over "creative differences."
On Stage Tonight
Chickenfoot will be blasting out the walls of The Roxy tonight as the Doobie Brothers and Allman Brothers Band take the stage at the beautiful Greek Theatre.
Chickenfoot!
The rock supergroup Chickenfoot will be joining yer Uncle Joe on KLOS sometime tonight before show at The Roxy. In addition to their debut album, what will former Van Halen bandmates Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony, Red Hot Chili Pepper Chad Smith and guitar god Joe Satriani be playing in tonight's showcase? So far, their set-ending jams have included "Bad Motor Scooter" — originally done by Montrose with Hagar on vocals — and Deep Purple's classic "Highway Star." By the way, Chickenfoot have scheduled a June 5th in-store appearance at the West L.A. Best Buy on Pico.
Iggy's Interesting Insurance Pop
Iggy Pop recently appeared (half-naked as usual) in an extremely entertaining TV commercial for Swiftcover insurance, eloquently describing how much he loves his great Swiftcover insurance. Cool, say we! Except the British company has never provided coverage for any entertainers, especially ones known to have "previously" consumed vast quantities of drugs and cut himself just to bleed on stage. So after the misleading spot was yanked from the airwaves last week, the Igg-ster confessed "This is so f***ing embarrassing!" And wouldn't you know, as the publicity machines revved up, Swiftcover suddenly decided they will insure musicians — no one else in the entertainment business, mind you, just musicians — so the Igg-campaign can continue! In the midst of all this wonderment, do you think the Igg-man's check got any bigger?
All Hail Randy
Guess Who/Bachman-Turner Overdrive guitarist/songwriter Randy Bachman was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in a special ceremony in Ottawa last Friday. The award is the highest official praise given to a Canadian civilian, and it recognizes Bachman's outstanding lifetime achievements in music. As he explained, "Starting out just as a kid in Winnipeg wanting to write and play music, you never think ahead of anything except the next phone call, which hopefully has your next gig. To have this happen is a very big honor and very humbling to be with all these other really great Canadians who've spent a lifetime working at their passion, be it humanities or education or medicine and art and movies."
Conan Books P.J.
Conan O’Brien has just booked Pearl Jam to perform on his first-ever show as host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" on June 1st. Word is that Eddie Vedder and the boys will play two or three songs from their upcoming studio album. This will likely be the first of several TV appearances to promote the as-yet-untitled LP. Stay tuned!
It was Fats Waller who said: "If you don't know what it is, don't mess with it."
It was James Thurber who said: "There are two kinds of light: the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures."
Cheesus Loves Us All
A very blessed Texas couple found a Jesus-shaped Cheeto in a bag of Cheetos last week. Word is that they had simply stopped by a gas station for some fuel and snacks when they discovered the uniquely shaped holy chip. "Cheesus," as the couple now calls it, is about two-inches tall and they say they can see a robe, hair and even a miniature Jesus face. Oh, they contemplated selling "Cheesus" on eBay, but they believe it serves as a reminder of their blessings from God. So, for the time being, "Cheesus" is residing in a holy plastic box. Amen.
May 20, 2009
Croaker Joe Cocker is 65.
Diva Suprema Cher is 63.
On this day in 1960, Johnny & The Moondogs changed their name to The Silver Beetles for their first tour of Scotland, backing pop singer Johnny Gentle. The Silver Beetles were made up of John Lennon, Paul Ramon, Carl Harrison, and Stuart de Stael. The last three were actually pseudonyms for Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Stuart Sutcliffe.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" hit #1. It was the first Beatles single to feature Paul McCartney on lead guitar.
On this day in 1968, Janis Joplin recorded "Piece Of My Heart" with Big Brother & The Holding Company.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles released the movie "Let It Be" in London and Liverpool. None of them attended the premieres.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Nils Lofgren as well as Joe's brand new conversation with Nils.
On Stage Tonight
The Doobie Brothers and Allman Brothers Band will wrap up their two-night stand at the beautiful Greek Theatre this evening.
Carlos Idol
Carlos Santana's understandably psyched to be among the guest performers scheduled to appear on the season finale of Fox's "American Idol" tonight. Sure he'll be exposed to a humongous audience, but he'll also get to jam with the talent show's contestants on a medley of his best known tunes. The two-hour event will be broadcast from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
New/Old CCR
While John Fogerty is working on a brand new album, two newly revamped CDs from Creedence Clearwater Revival will be out next Tuesday. "Creedence Covers The Classics" is a new compilation, while "The Concert" is a fully remastered version of CCR’s incredible 1970 live album. Rock on!
New Live Priest
Everyone knows that Judas Priest will celebrate their 30th anniversary this Summer by performing their classic "British Steel" album in its entirety while touring with Whitesnake. In an amazing bit of product coordination, the Priest will also release a new live album as that anniversary rolls across the U.S.A. in July. "A Touch Of Evil — Live" will feature 11 songs, all previously unreleased in a live version, recorded throughout the group’s 2005 and 2008 world tours. You may now return to your previously scheduled rocking out!
A Transforming Trick
Who else but Cheap Trick would name their new studio album "The Latest"? While no release date has been set yet, it will be available for pre-order soon. In other news, Cheap Trick have recorded the theme song to the upcoming movie sequel, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." The flick hits theaters on June 24th.
Montrose Wants That Guitar Back
After seeing a photo in the U.K. "Guitar Buyer" magazine, guitar master Ronnie Montrose is convinced that former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore has his vintage 1958 Les Paul Sunburst... so he's suing to force its return. As a member of the most legendary line-up of the Edgar Winter Group, he used that singular guitar on the album "They Only Come Out At Night." After the Les Paul was stolen during an October 1972 concert in Massachusetts, Montrose has been searching for it ever since, and he's sure it's spotlighted in the "Guitar Buyer" article showcasing Moore's instrument collection. Ronnie isn't accusing Moore of stealing the guitar or knowingly buying the stolen instrument, but he filed the lawsuit because his efforts to reach Moore to address the issue with him directly have gone unanswered. Imagine that.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "The future ain't what it used to be."
It was Goodman Ace who said: "I keep reading between the lies."