May 21 - 31, 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 21, 2009
Stan Lynch, the original drummer for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, is 54.
On this day in 1966, Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & #35" peaked at #2 as "Eight Miles High" by The Byrds topped out at #14. Those were the days!
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" was the #1 album in the U.S.
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Book Of Dreams" album entered the charts.
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
Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band will be partying at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater as Styx and REO Speedwagon rock the Citizen's Bank Arena in Ontario this evening.
Idol Rocks (Briefly)
KISS, Rod Stewart and Santana fit right into the huge "American Idol" finale last night. But when eventual winner Kris Allen and fellow finalist Adam Lambert got the chance to front Queen and sing "We Are The Champions" — that rocked! Having just parted with leader singer Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor really should recruit Adam Lambert to take legendary frontman Freddie Mercury's place — Adam nailed it perfectly on every level!
Old Dylan Poem (Not Really)
A handwritten poem written by a 16-year-old Bob Dylan at a Jewish Summer camp in Wisconsin was expected to sell for between $10,000 and $15,000 at Christie's Auctions next month. But it turns out that the poem "Little Buddy" (about a dog who dies at the hands of a drunken man) is in fact a revised version of the lyrics to a 1948 Hank Snow song! Christie's still plans to auction the poem, signed with Dylan's then-legal name Bobby Zimmerman. According to the auction house, "This still remains among the earliest known handwritten lyrics of Bob Dylan and Christie's is pleased to offer them in our Pop Culture auction on June 23rd."
New Skynyrd Set
Just two weeks after the death of Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans, the band has announced that their new studio album — "God & Guns" — will be released on September 29th. Skynyrd will launch a co-headlining tour with Kid Rock on June 26th.
Chuck Speaks Out
Founding Styx bassist Chuck Panozzo, who tested positive for HIV in 1991, has signed on to be an advocate for an HIV/AIDS vaccine being developed by GeoVax Labs. Chuck said: "Through my role with Styx, I have been given the unique opportunity to help make a difference," says the rocker. I want people to know that something is being done and hope for millions is out there." GeoVax currently is testing the vaccine on humans.
It was Tom Waits who said: "Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "If you are not leaning, no one will ever let you down."
J.B. completely fails at being serious with Minnie Mouse (Russi Taylor) and Mickey Mouse (Wayne Allwine).
Wayne Allwine R.I.P.
Wayne Allwine, one of just three men to provide the voice for Disney icon Mickey Mouse, died Monday at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles due to complications related to diabetes. He was only 62. Wayne was one of the mellowest, funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Condolences to his entire family and especially his wife Russi Taylor. Rest in peace ukulele man.
May 22, 2009
Drummer Dallas Taylor, who worked with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, is 73 and glad to be alive.
Elton John's longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin is 59.
On this day in 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis announced he'd married his 13-year-old cousin Myra. It's a wonder she never appeared in "Playboy."
On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" knocked "Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter" by Herman's Hermits out of the #1 spot on the American charts.
On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" album, considered by many to be their finest, topped the American charts one week after its release.
On this day in 1976, Steely Dan's classic "The Royal Scam" album entered the charts.
On this day in 1997, a reunited Fleetwood Mac taped an "MTV Unplugged" special here in Los Angeles. The concert later became their best-selling "The Dance" album and video.
Stand By, History Buffs
It was on this day:
In 1841, the first reclining chair was patented;
In 1892, the toothpaste tube was invented;
In 1967, "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" debuted on PBS;
And in 1982, John Mellencamp's "Hurts So Good" and Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" were released. Coincidence? I don't think so!
On Stage Tonight
Styx and REO Speedwagon rock the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live tonight.
On Stage Saturday
Fleetwood Mac will be playing the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Joe's Rock 'N' Roni
Word is that Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry is about to expand his food business beyond his hot sauce by introducing a line of macaroni and cheese! "Rock 'N' Roni" will be made in four flavors from all-natural ingredients. Yummy!
CSN's Busy Summer
It's going to be a busy Summer for Crosby, Stills & Nash. "Crosby, Stills & Nash Demos," a collection of 12 previously unreleased demos recorded between 1968 and 1971, will come out on June 2nd. Then trio kicks off a U.S. tour on June 3rd. On July 18th they'll be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City. If that weren't enough, Graham Nash confirms that the boys will be road testing material for their Rick Rubin-produced collection of cover tunes, putting "the Crosby, Stills, and Nash vocal sound on songs that we love, that we'd wish we'd written, that we'd wish we recorded." Now that sounds like fun!
Acoustic Video Games
The "Rock Band Unplugged" video game arriving on June 9th will feature songs by The Who, Boston, Jethro Tull, Kansas, Rush, The Police, Bon Jovi and (believe it or not) Judas Priest.
Drummers Drummers Everywhere
You have to figure that a gig called Drum Fest in Birmingham, England is going to be big. But how about booking Led Zeppelin's Jason Bonham, famed heavy drummer Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge and former Who drummer and master technician Simon Phillips as well as Gregg Bissonette, who worked with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai? The event, the largest of its kind, brings together drum equipment, drum enthusiasts and of course, drummers. The destruction of British motel rooms begins on July 12th.
Queen Pix
A collection of Queen photographs taken by Peter Hince, their longtime road crew boss, will be displayed for the first time ever on July 30th at London's Proud Central gallery. The "Queen: The Unseen Archive" exhibition will run until September 13th, after which it's expected to come Stateside for a tour or two.
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway."
It was French President Charles de Gaulle who said: "The graveyards are full of indispensable men."
UNCLE JOE'S
HAPPY HOUR TOUR!
This Friday, 4pm - 8pm: A live broadcast from ROCK'N FISH at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles (next to the Nokia Theatre). It's going to be a big ol' Styx/REO Speedwagon concert pre-show party!
May 23, 2009
Robert Moog, the guy who made synthesizers manageable, would have been 75.
J. Geils Band bassist Danny Klein is 63.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles' song "The Long And Winding Road" entered the charts on its way to #1 as their farewell album "Let It Be" set a record with 3.7 million advance orders.
On this day in 1979, Tom Petty filed for bankruptcy after MCA bought his old record label and tried to change his personal contract. The result was a new contract and his breakthrough "Damn The Torpedoes" album.
On this day in 1979, The Who's excellent documentary "The Kids Are Alright" debuted in theaters.
On this day in 1981, John Lennon's song "Watching The Wheels" peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, 12 of the 16 former members of The Doobie Brothers gathered for a reunion concert at the Hollywood Bowl to raise money for Vietnam veterans. It marked the first and last time that so many Doobie alumni ever gathered on the same stage.
May 24, 2009
Bob Dylan turns 68 today. Bob has released over 43 albums since his self-titled 1962 debut, and it was he alone that introduced lyrics that meant something to pop music.
Guitarist Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes is 40.
On this day in 1963, legendary blues slide guitarist Elmore James died in Chicago of a heart attack at the age of 45.
On this day in 1965, John Lennon published his second volume of prose, "A Spaniard in the Works."
On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Get Back" hit #1 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1969, The Who released their landmark "Tommy" album in the States.
On this day in 1970, founding member/guitar wizard Peter Green quit Fleetwood Mac to become obscure.
On this day in 1974, American jazz great Duke Ellington died in New York from cancer at the age of 75.
On this day in 1979, fans buying tickets to a Genesis benefit show at the Roxy were shocked to find the band members manning the box office.
On this day in 1991, vocalist Gene Clark of The Byrds died in Sherman Oaks at the age of 46.
May 25, 2009
Jazz icon Miles Davis would have been 83.
Scorpions singer Klaus Meine is 61.
On this day in 1968, the second Monterey Pop Festival was canceled because of pressure from the local government and citizenry. In the wake of the cancellation, $52,000 was discovered missing from the previous festival's profits and the festival's bookkeeper, Mrs. Sandra Beebe, couldn't be located. The shock! The horror!
On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin and The Who appeared together in concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Not one person in the crowd could hear anything whatsoever when the show finally finished.
On this day in 1978, The Who performed a second "secret" concert in London for their documentary movie on the band's history, "The Kids Are Alright." That marked Keith Moon's last public performance with the band before his death.
Memorial Day
Time for a few thoughts on Memorial Day. The basic problem is that people increasingly take the holidays we celebrate throughout the year for granted, as nothing more than a day you don't have to go to work or school, and a gimmick for advertisers and merchandising. But the reality is that Memorial Day was established to honor all the men and women who have served, are currently serving, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country and our freedoms. It's also a day to pay tribute to the families whose loved ones died, or were taken captive and never returned. We thank them for shouldering this burden, and for giving us our future at the cost of their own. The idea is that this Monday, before you hit the malls, light up the barbecue or hit the road, STOP for a moment and reflect. Remember the heroes, those who came home and the ones who never made it, all of whom helped build and preserve the American dream.
May 26, 2009
Drummer Levon Helm of The Band is 69.
Chanteuse Stevie Nicks is 61.
Mick Ronson, David Bowie's main guitarist/muse, would have been 60.
Lenny Kravitz is 45.
On this day in 1973, Deep Purple's classic song "Smoke on the Water" entered the U.S. singles charts and the consciousness of the Free World.
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark" entered the charts on its way to becoming his biggest hit single ever at #2. Ironically, it was the last song (of over 100) written and recorded for the "Born In The U.S.A." album.
Fogerty Finishes With Taste Of Eagles
Just before John Fogerty declared his next album, "The Return of the Blue Ridge Rangers," finished, he had Eagles Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit record some backing vocals. While he isn't sure when the finished project will be released, with tour dates coming up the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman's "just glad that it's done."
Bucks Up For (Possible) Pagey's Amp
Word is that someone just paid over $30,000 for a 1971 Orange amplifier owned and played by Jimmy Page during Led Zeppelin’s 1971 world tour. Even though an Orange amp can be seen in various stage photos of that tour, it would be interesting to know how they verified this was the one.
Macca's Home View/No Go
Oops! Don't go looking for Paul McCartney's home on the Google Street View function of Google Maps and Google Earth. Of course, it's real easy to understand why the former Beatle was uncomfortable with the public having access to a 360-degree view of his North London home. Fortunately, once Macca's security team requested a block on the address, the company complied.
Sting & Cheryl
Sting and Sheryl Crow performed at the One Night Live concert in Toronto last Thursday. The event raised more than $1.8 million for the Women & Babies Program at the city's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The gig also featured the Canadian Tenors, who sang brilliantly but did not rock the house.
Idol/Queen
After Adam Lambert’s killer performance with Queen on Wednesday night’s season finale of American Idol, rumors flew that he had already been offered a job singing with the band. Afterward Queen guitarist Brian May said, “Amongst all that furor, there wasn’t really a quiet moment to talk. But [drummer Roger Taylor] and I are definitely hoping to have a meaningful conversation with him at some point. It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy. But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there.” Right so!
Bruce'll Close It Out
Before Giants Stadium is torn down to make way for the New York Giants’ new $1.3 billion home, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will say goodbye with a three-concert series. Springsteen and the band will be the last major music artists to perform at the historic venue. Bruce's entire Fall tour should also be announced shortly.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?"
It was Jay Leno who said: "Politics is just show business for ugly people."
May 27, 2009
Bassist/keyboardist Pete Sears, most famous for his work with Rod Stewart and Jefferson Starship, is 60.
On this day in 1962, Bob Dylan released his second album, "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," which contained two all time classics: "Blowin' In The Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall."
On this day in 1972, Procol Harum's live version of "Conquistador" entered the U.S. singles charts.
On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' "Miss You," the first single from their forthcoming "Some Girls" album, entered the charts. It went on to become the Stones' third and final #1 hit in the Seventies, and "the song" of the Summer of '78.
Humongous Aussie AC/DC Sales
You would expect AC/DC to sell out their February Australian concert dates within minutes — after all, it is their home country. But knowing that 21 million folks live down under, would you expect 2.3% of Australia’s population to buy an AC/DC ticket when they went on sale on Monday? Yeow! At the peak of the ticket sales, 3,400 tickets were being sold per minute. Just imagine what the t-shirt sales will be!
Beatles Games
Beatles guitarist George Harrison's son Dhani will host the first public demonstration of "The Beatles Rock Band" video game at the E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo June 2nd through the 4th here in L.A. A self-proclaimed "gamer," Dhani says the Fab Four game will "blow people's minds!" "The Beatles Rock Band" will arrive at retail on September 9th.
Billy's P.O.ed Drummer Sues
When musicians stop speaking to each other after working together for over 30 years, you have to figure that something went seriously wrong between them. Liberty DeVitto, who drummed for Billy Joel for 30+ years before splitting in 2005, has filed a lawsuit against the singer/pianist to collect royalty payments he says were never paid. Liberty doesn't know how much he's due, as neither he nor his attorney have seen an accounting of Joel's music sales in some 10 years. Second verse, same as the first...
Top TV
A new VH1 Storytellers episode starring ZZ Top will premiere on June 27th. The show celebrating the Texas trio's 40th anniversary was taped on March 31st at Chicago's Congress Theatre. The program will later debut on the VH1 Classic and Palladia channels on July 4th.
Jon/No Yes
While his Yes bandmates will soon be hitting the road again with a replacement singer, Jon Anderson has begun scheduling a few tour dates of his own. The legendary singer will warm up with a solo gig in Grover Beach, California on June 6th. Then, in addition to several Summertime European gigs, he'll also perform at New York's Carnegie Hall in August. As for the prospect of rejoining Yes, Anderson said in a recent Facebook post, "Maybe next year... keep the faith."
It was Yogi Berra who said: "You can observe a lot by just watching."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "If you let other people do it for you, they will do it to you."
May 28, 2009
Blues legend T-Bone Walker, credited as being the first to plug in his guitar and turn the blues electric, would have been 99 today.
Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty is 64.
On this day in 1966, The Beach Boys incredible "Pet Sounds" album finally entered the charts.
On this day in 1969, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and girlfriend Marianne Faithful were arrested in their London home on marijuana possession charges. Yes, she was naked, but why do you ask?
On this day in 1976, the Allman Brothers Band broke up in disgust after Gregg Allman testified against his road manager who transported his drugs.
On this day in 1977, Bruce Springsteen settled out of court with his former manager, Mike Appel. Their suits and counter-suits had prevented Springsteen from recording for almost two years.
On this day in 1983, the second US Festival opened in Devore. Headliners for each day — Van Halen, David Bowie and The Clash — were paid a cool million dollars each. Last reports were that 237 people are still wandering around the hills, looking for their cars.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Doobie Brothers as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist/singers Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, and drummer Keith Knudsen.
Brickle! Brickle!
You may recall that Ben & Jerry's introduced a week-long limited edition "Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road" ice cream last year, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Elton John Aids Foundation. Well sure enough, the combination of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks was ultra-delicious. And the response of Elton's fans was overwhelming... so "Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road" is back! Right so!
Meet Steve & Steve
Two world renowned guitarists, Steve Lukather of Toto fame and Deep Purple guitar whiz Steve Morse, are doing a mini-series of guitar clinics that'll hit the Southland this weekend. You'll be able to see, hear and question them this Sunday evening at the Hollywood Guitar Center. Just get there early (admission is free but seating is limited) and remember to tell them your Uncle Joe sent you!
Wakeman/Iommi
Before he came to fame as Yes's flashiest keyboardist, Rick Wakeman was a very successful British session musician, working extensively with David Bowie and on many one-off projects like Black Sabbath's "Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath" album. More recently, Wakeman has pursued a long, successful career as a U.K. TV "chat show" host, and his recent hour-long conversation with Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell guitarist Tony Iommi is now available on RockOnDigital.com. The two discuss — with a strong dose of dry British wit — their friendship, influences and behind the scenes stories. Check it out!
Mas Doors
Stand by for another Doors documentary! "From the Outside," featuring testimonials from the band members' friends and family (but no band members themselves) will be released on July 14th. The advertised highlights include Jim Morrison's self-professed girlfriend/wife Patricia Kennealy-Morrison speaking at length. Meanwhile, actor Johnny Depp has finished recording the narration for the upcoming Doors film "When You're Strange." That's the Doors documentary that features the actual members of the band.
New Mule
On July 28th, Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes' group Gov't Mule will release "By a Thread" — their first album in three years. ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons lends his talent to the opening track but won't be with the Mule when they hit the road this Summer to promote the album.
It was Bill Gates who said: "Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one."
It was Art Buchwald who said: "I worship the quicksand he walks in."
May 29, 2009
Showbiz legend Bob Hope would have been 106 today.
Singer/keyboardist Gary Brooker of Procol Harum is 64.
Danny Elfman, lord of Oingo Boingo and many soundtracks, is 54.
Bass player Mike Porcaro of Toto is 51.
Melissa Etheridge is 48.
On this day in 1942, Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas," which went on to become the biggest selling Christmas song of all time.
On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" hit #1 Stateside, while their "Sticky Fingers" stayed at the top of the albums chart.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's classic "Fly Like An Eagle" album entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley wandered off the stage in the middle of a Baltimore concert, and didn't come back. That marked the first time "The King" used Van Morrison's personal technique for terminating shows.
Dave & Billy Help The Kids
Dave Mason, Billy Idol and the legendary L.A. band Venice will be performing at tomorrow night's benefit concert for arts education. The Keeping the Arts Alive! concert at Santa Monica High School will raise money for the Artists For The Arts Foundation and For The Arts, which support art programs in public schools in the Santa Monica and Malibu school districts. Great cause and a great show — have fun!
More Rod Than God Intended
Wow! If you ever wanted more Rod Stewart product than ever before, you're in luck! Several releases are planned in the wake of the expanded reissues of the singer's "Atlantic Crossing" and "Never a Dull Moment" albums that arrive on June 30th. A sizable retrospective box set is due later this year (probably just in time for Christmas). A four-disc compilation of live performances will be out next year, along with deluxe editions of 1977's "Foot Loose" and "Fancy Free" and 1978's "Blondes Have More Fun." In addition, various other Stewart CDs will be made available in limited quantities exclusively online over the next year or two.
You Tell 'Em Eric!
Love Eric Clapton's most recent quote concerning another reunion of his super group, Cream: "I think I was clear that I don't think we need to go there again." 'Nuff said Slowhand!
Instantaneous Release
Now this is some sharp timing! The ChildLine Rocks charity show featuring performances from former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord and singer Glenn Hughes will take place in England on Monday — the same day a CD of the event comes out! Concerts Live will make the show available on a limited-edition "Instant Live" three-disc set featuring two audio CDs and a photo disc with exclusive photos from the night's performances. Proceeds will benefit ChildLine, a 24-hour help line for kids in distress or danger. ConcertLive.co.uk has more instantaneous info.
More Bruce Ticket Scams
So what's the deal with the continuing ticket scams for Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band shows? New Jersey Attorney General Anne Millgram has filed lawsuits against three ticket brokers who were allegedly selling tickets to Springsteen's three Giants Stadium close-out concerts in East Rutherford way before the tickets were available. The vendors/scalpers were also advertising seats in nonexistent rows and sections! The real tickets for the gigs go on sale Monday. Do you think maybe New Jersey is the problem?
It was William Shakespeare who said [in "As You Like It"]:
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts..."
Goodnight Jay
It's the end of a classic era in TV history. Jay Leno will host NBC's "The Tonight Show" for the final time tonight. He'll wrap up his 17-year tenure with his replacement, Conan O'Brien, as his only guest, and with James Taylor as his final musical guest. On Monday, O'Brien will take over the "Tonight Show" hosting gig. Leno became the fourth host of "The Tonight Show" in 1992, succeeding Johnny Carson who hosted the show for almost 30 years. Before Carson, Jack Paar hosted from 1957 to 1962, while Steve Allen, the show's first host, headlined from 1954 to 1957. We're sure going to miss Jay after the 11 o'clock news, but we're already looking forward to his return this Fall with an hour-long primetime spot weeknights at 10!
May 30, 2009
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "Love Me Do" hit #1 in the States.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles began recording their "White" album by doing 18 takes of "Revolution 1" (John Lennon was hard to please that day).
On this day 1970, the most powerful live album in the history of Rock & Roll, The Who's "Live At Leeds," and The Beatles last album, "Let It Be," both entered the charts.
On this day 1975, in one of their most productive sessions ever, The Who recorded both "Squeeze Box" and "Slip Kid" for "The Who By Numbers" album.
On this day in 1980, bassist Carl Radle, who played in Clapton's Derek & the Dominos, died from a kidney ailment at the age of 37.
May 31, 2009
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham would have been 61.
On this day in 1969, The Guess Who's "These Eyes" peaked at #6 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones recorded "Honky Tonk Women."
On this day in 1975, the Eagles released the "One Of These Nights" single.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney was featured on the cover of "Time" magazine.
On this day in 1976, The Who's gig at Britain's Charlton Athletic Grounds put them in the "Guinness Book Of World Records" as the loudest band ever with 120 decibels of sterilizing sound.