June 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!
June 1, 2009
Guitarist Ronnie Wood (most notably of The Rolling Stones, Faces and Jeff Beck Group) is 62.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones arrived at JFK Airport in New York for their first American tour. Their first U.S. gig was a high school dance near Boston. [Trivia note: The Stones' arrived on British Airways flight 505, which later inspired their 1966 song "505".]
On this day in 1967, The Beatles released one of the most ground-breaking and influential albums in the history of Rock & Roll — "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The next day it was unleashed in America.
On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young began a six-night stand at the Fillmore East in New York, yielding performances that later appeared on the live "Four Way Street" album.
On this day in 1972, The Eagles self-titled debut album was released.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones did their first gig with Ronnie Wood as an official member.
Bad Sabbath
Last December, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi filed a suit against Live Nation, claiming the giant concert promoter sold merchandise worth nearly $80 million bearing the band’s logo, despite the 2006 expiration of a merchandising deal. Fast forward to last week and lo and behold, one Mr. Ozzy Osbourne filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office against his longtime Sabbath bandmate Iommi, seeking a 50% stake in the “Black Sabbath” trademark. Furthermore, the Ozz-man claims he's entitled to a portion of the profits Iommi has generated through use of the band name, among other things. Second verse, same as the first.
The Dan's Bodacious Tour
On August 21st, Steely Dan's highly anticipated "Rent Party '09" tour will roll into our Gibson Amphitheatre with the Dan performing their classic "Aja" album in its entirety. The next evening they'll feature their 1980 classic "Gaucho" in its entirety. Then on Monday August 24th, they'll play the entire "The Royal Scam" album — and those three shows will also feature some additional hits. On Tuesday the 25th, Walter Becker and Donald Fagan will guide their band through songs requested by fans via the Steely Dan web site. Sounds like yer Unc will be taking a few days off in August!
Trick Releasing (And Releasing... And Releasing...)
Cheap Trick's new album, "The Latest," will be available on their web site and Amazon.com on June 23rd. But wait — there's more! The Trick have also also recorded a new version of the "Transformers" theme for the "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" soundtrack, and are planning to release "something" later this year documenting their 2007 performance of The Beatles’ "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" at the Hollywood Bowl. Rock on!
Fresh Jam For Conan
Tonight when Conan O'Brien takes over the hosting duties of NBC's "The Tonight Show," his first musical guest will be Pearl Jam. What remains to be seen is how many songs they'll play from their upcoming album. The band hasn't quite finished recording the follow-up to their self-titled 2006 release in Atlanta, but they'll be back at it later this week.
New Knopfler/Delayed Tour
While former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler will release his new "Get Lucky" album around the middle of September, he won't be touring until next Spring.
It was Mae West who said: "I used to be Snow White... but I drifted."
It was Art Buchwald who said: "I always wanted to get into politics, but I was never light enough to make the team."
June 2, 2009
Drummer Charlie Watts, the heart & backbeat of The Rolling Stones, is 68.
On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney & Wings' "My Love" hit #1 as "Daniel" by Elton John peaked at #2.
On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "I'll Wait" peaked at #13.
On this day in 1993, U2 briefly became the richest group in rock when they inked a 10-year, six-album, $60 million deal with Island/PLG. The deal included a 25% royalty rate, which would certainly buy a lot of Guinness Stout or Bushmill's whiskey.
On this day in 2008, Bo Diddley, the musical pioneer whose songs melded Rhythm & Blues with Rock & Roll through a distinctive thumping beat, died of heart failure in his Florida home at the age of 79.
Real Beatles Play Beatles Rock Band
Surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr made a surprise appearance at the E3 electronics-industry expo yesterday here in Los Angeles to mark the unveiling of "The Beatles: Rock Band." The video game (due September 9th) will feature 45 Fab Four songs and virtual recreations of many of the venues they performed in — including the famed (and long gone) Cavern Club. A downloadable version of the entire "Abbey Road" album will also be available for purchase.
Early Purple
Today's the first day you can purchase "History, Hits & Highlights '68-'76," a double-DVD set focusing on Deep Purple's early years. The collection offers a wide variety of rarely seen footage of the Hard Rock band's first four incarnations, as well as a photo gallery, a documentary and TV interviews and appearances.
Who Killed Jimi?
Confirming what many have thought since the day it happened, Jimi Hendrix's former road manager James "Tappy" Wright claims that the guitar god was murdered in 1970 by his manager, Michael Jeffery, who stood to receive a multi-million-dollar life insurance payout. In his upcoming memoir, "Rock Roadie," Wright alleges that Jeffery drunkenly told him in 1971 that he gave Hendrix a lethal mixture of wine and pills because the musician was planning to hire new management. Jeffery himself died in a 1973 plane crash. The book will be out on June 25th.
George's Dirty Dozen
George Thorogood & The Destroyers long awaited new album "The Dirty Dozen" will be out on July 28th. The 12 songs include six new recordings and six fan favorites — three of which currently are unavailable. George has declared, "This album is... a real rocker, full of songs we've always loved playing." Good thing the disc will be out by the time the group starts its North American tour!
Macca's (Maybe) Big Gig
In 1965, Paul McCartney (and his Beatle bandmates) played the very first concert at New York’s Shea Stadium. And last year he also appeared at the last concert ever at Shea, performing some guest vocals at a Billy Joel show. Now there are reports that Macca will headline the first concerts to be held at the New York Mets' new home, Citi Field. Word is that the gigs will take place July 17th and 18th, while a possible third date may be scheduled for July 21st. No official word from McCartney’s people — yet.
More Wakeman Chat
Occasional Yes keyboardist/British TV chat show host Rick Wakeman has been pretty busy lately. Last week he posted an entertaining, full scale interview with Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell guitarist Tony Iommi online. This week he's posted a chat with Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest. They discuss everything from metal music, their friendship and the Priest’s career, including the band’s humble beginnings. You can check out the entire 52-minute interview at RockOnDigital.com.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."
It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said: "It takes less time to do a thing right than explain why you did it wrong."
Computer Bugs
In 1945, when an early computer at Harvard malfunctioned, early software engineer Grace Hopper found a moth in one of the circuits and removed it, thereby restoring the machine to working order. Ever since, when something goes wrong with a computer, it is said to have a bug in it. Note: At the time of her death in 1992, Ms. Hopper held the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. (http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/hopper.html)
June 3, 2009
Singer Ian Hunter of Mott The Hoople is 63.
Byrds drummer Michael Clarke would have been 62.
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell would have been 57.
On this day in 1964, when Ringo Starr collapsed with tonsillitis on the eve of a world tour, Beatles' manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin picked session man Jimmy Nicol to become The Fab Four's temporary drummer. Ten days later, Jimmy returned to obscurity.
On this day in 1967, The Doors released the song "Light My Fire."
On this day in 1970, Ray Davies of The Kinks flew back to London from New York to rerecord two words in the song "Lola." He changed "Coca-Cola" to "cherry cola" to qualify for airplay on the noncommercial BBC radio.
On this day in 1972, "Old Man" by Neil Young peaked at #31 on the charts.
On this day in 1979, The Knack released their debut album, "Get The Knack," one year to the day after playing their first gig. It was certified a million-seller 13 days later.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Jimi Hendrix as well as Joe's brand new conversation with producer Eddie Kramer.
Edward Speaks
You had to figure that with former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony rolling into town with their new group Chickenfoot, someone from the current Van Halen camp would have something to say. And with David Lee Roth surprisingly quiet, Edward Van Halen himself has done the honors. He told "Rolling Stone" magazine that he's totally focused on his upcoming wedding on June 27th, after which he and the boys plan to record a new Van Halen album and go on tour. As for Chickenfoot, before rewriting the history of V.H., he said "I'm too busy doing my own thing. I wish them well." But as for the current Halen band, Eddie says, "I've got so much music. It's just trying to figure out what Dave's into because we haven't written together in a long time." He added that now that both are sober, things are different and better. Amen and right so!
Ringo Wants In
So if Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan actually do get together soon to work on some new songs, Ringo Starr has let it be known that he wants in as well. While he's not the only drummer who'd like the gig, don't you think that being a former Beatle would help his odds? Stay tuned!
More Bruce
Whoa! Bruce Springsteen's three shows to close out Giants Stadium — before the venue is torn down — sold out so fast that he's added two more dates! His run at the New Jersey stadium will now finish on October 8th and 9th, with the show on the 9th being the last concert ever at the venue (unless The Boss books another one). Let's just hope Ticketmaster finally gets it right this time.
Neil Update
That new Neil Young documentary "Don't Be Denied" will premiere as part of PBS' American Masters series on June 10th. The program includes an exclusive interview with the singer/songwriter/guitar god as well as appearances by David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and others. Meanwhile, Young, whose long-long-long-delayed "Archives Vol. 1" was finally issued yesterday, is working on "Archives Vol. 2." Someone involved in the project said it should be out in two or three years — just like they said about "Archives Vol. 1" in 1992.
P.J.'s Title
Pearl Jam — who only got to perform one song instead of two on Monday night's Conan O'Brien Tonight Show debut — will be calling their new album "Backspacer." P.J. trivia freaks will recognize that as the name of the turtle that the band sponsored in the "Great Turtle Race" this past April. Unconfirmed reports set September 22nd as the release date.
Heavy Metal Shoes
That new line of AC/DC-themed Chuck Taylor All Star Converse sneakers will be out this month. The festive footwear will feature art from the band's "Highway To Hell," "Back In Black" and "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)" albums. In addition, the Metallica-themed Converse series will arrive next month.
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Moving fast is not the same as going somewhere."
It was Jay Leno who said: "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime. Teach a man to create an artificial shortage of fish and he will eat steak."
June 4, 2009
On this day in 1969, The Beatles released the song "The Ballad of John and Yoko."
On this day in 1977, Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" was released as "Mainstreet" by Bob Seger peaked at #24 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released "Stand Back" while "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and David Bowie's "China Girl" entered the charts.
On this day in 1986, the first date of the "Conspiracy of Hope" concert tour took place at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The ground breaking tour, which played the Forum here in the Southland, included Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Sting and U2 on the bill.
Aerosmith Airs It Out
Sounds like we should all check out the Aerosmith episode of A&E's "Biography" series that premieres tonight. The program includes conversations with guitarists Brad Whitford and Joe Perry as well as Tim Collins, the group's former manager who hasn't done an Aerosmith-related interview since a nasty split with the band in 1996. Collins' only comment on the show, "I wanted to set the record straight," and the fact that frontman Steven Tyler declined to participate in the project.
Mikey Sets It Straight
Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony didn't miss a beat in responding to Eddie Van Halen's recent assertion that Michael quit the group. "It never happened... I never quit the band. I never said, 'Dude, I quit.' I was forced to make a decision at one point to either sit on my hands and do nothing for X amount of years because they weren't doing anything or go out and have some fun and play with Sammy Hagar on a few shows. Now, what would you have done?" Michael doesn't like responding to rumors since he moved on from his Van Halen years, but said, "I want the fans to know that no, I never quit Van Halen. And he [Eddie] said that when the reunion thing came up with Dave [Lee Roth] that I was knocking on his door saying I want back in — I never even talked to him. I never spoke to him once and I found out about that reunion like the rest of the fans did. Through the press." Volley for serve.
Macca/Mets Big Show/Ringo
The rumors were true. Paul McCartney — who played in the first and last concerts at the New York Met's old Shea Stadium — will indeed play the first concerts at their new home, Citi Field. July 17th and 18th are tagged as the dates, with another show possible on July 21st. Meanwhile, Macca has contributed to former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr's upcoming album. Sir Paulie reports that "I played and sang on... new stuff he's putting together, because he asked me. It was fun." And really, isn't that what we all wanted to hear?
Bruce's Anniversary Merch
It's been 25 years since Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band released "Born In The U.S.A.." To celebrate the anniversary, Hard Rock International is launching limited-edition apparel and accessories featuring the album's iconic artwork. All proceeds from sales of the items will go to the World Hunger Year and the Artists Against Hunger & Poverty Program. For info, check out HardRock.com.
Waters Tells 'Em What To Do
Well this should bring immediate peace to the Mideast. During his visit to Israel this week, former Pink Floyd leader Roger Waters visited the controversial wall erected in the West Bank to deter terrorist attacks. The singer/bassist — who evidently no longer fears terrorists after all those years of inter-Floyd fighting — passionately opposes the wall, and promised to perform a concert at the site of the barrier if it's dismantled. And when questioned for the 3 millionth time about a Floyd reunion, Waters simply said, "I think it's over."
It was Johnny Carson who said: "If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."
Lack of Sleep/Gain of Stupidity
According to research, cutting back on sleep impairs your mental skills as much as completely skipping sleep for a few days. Researchers measured response times and memorization skills in subjects who had slept either 4, 6 or 8 hours per day for two weeks against those of a group who stayed awake for three days. Participants who slept for 8 hours performed normally, while those sleeping 6 hours or less scored just as poorly by the end of the week as the group who hadn't slept at all. Wonder how many radio executives are using that as an excuse?
June 5, 2009
Badfinger bassist Mike Evans would have been 62.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones released the song "Satisfaction" in the U.S. just three weeks after recording it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It went on to become the biggest song of the Sixties.
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy was shot and killed in Los Angeles. David Crosby writes "Long Time Gone" which is immediately recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. The next day, The Rolling Stones recorded "Sympathy for the Devil," including the lyric "...who killed the Kennedys...".
On this day in 1976, "Fool To Cry" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #10, "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #11, and "Crazy On You" by Heart peaked at #35 on the charts. Whew!
On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Living On The Edge" peaked at #18 on the singles chart.
On this day in 2002, Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone (born Douglas Colvin) died of an accidental drug overdose in Los Angeles at the age of 49.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Jimi Hendrix as well as Joe's brand new conversation with producer Eddie Kramer.
A Big Chickenfoot Friday
Chickenfoot — the supergroup with former Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Mikey Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani and the Red Hot Chili Peppers Chad Smith — are releasing their rockin' self-titled debut album today, doing an autograph party with KLOS' Cynthia Fox at the West L.A. Best Buy this evening afternoon, and performing on NBC's "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien" tonight. They've also begun revealing dates for their highly anticipated Summer tour, which will kick off on August 2nd. Don't be surprised if they announce a September 22nd date at the Staples Center or a September 23rd gig at the Honda Center in Anaheim soon. Stay tuned!
Aerosmith Playing Toys
It's finally official! Aerosmith will perform their entire "Toys In The Attic" album every night on their Summer tour with ZZ Top — everything that guitarist Joe Perry had been hoping/pushing for over the last few months. The classic 1975 "Toys In The Attic" album (produced by the legendary Jack Douglas) is one of the most successful records — both artistically and commercially — of Aerosmith's long career. To my knowledge, they've never performed the complete album before. Rock on!
Crowes Rolling Another One
Jump back! The Black Crowes will be kicking off their "Stuck Inside Utopia" tour in late August. Word is that they’ll perform over two hours of old music as well as tracks from their forthcoming album at each show. Smart money on Southland dates would center on the late October/early November window of opportunity.
Mellencamp/King
Work on the soundtrack of "Ghost Brothers Of Darkland County," the long-in-the-works stage production by John Mellencamp and author Stephen King, will get underway next week with famed producer by T Bone Burnett. The project will feature an as-yet-unannounced star-studded cast and include 18 Mellencamp compositions. A January release is being targeted for the soundtrack.
Ray's Teaching 'Em
Singer/songwriter Ray Davies of The Kinks will be teaching another songwriting course through the British Avon Foundation this Fall. Under his guidance (as scary as that may seem), students will write at least one song per day in what is described as a "practical course for songwriters committed to producing quality popular music." Don't you think his brother/bandmate guitarist Dave Davies should be teaching a simultaneous course on his specialty, "bashing your brother over the head with a guitar"?
It was Dave Barry who said: "There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
It was Hunter S. Thompson who said: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."
Uncle Joe's Racing This Weekend
This is one of those ultra-rare weekends when J.B. will be racing the Uncle Joe's Nissan 600ZX at the same time that Randy Balough will be racing his Uncle Joe's Super Gas '63 Corvette at the same facility — the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana! On both Saturday and Sunday yer Unc will be running the CalClub SCCA double regional event on the infield road course while Randy competes in the Southern California Pro Gas "Audrey Israel Memorial" at the Auto Club Dragway. The "Audrey" race definitely holds a special place in both guy's hearts. Audrey, who passed away after battling cancer, and her husband Jim have been fierce drag racing competitors for decades. Not only did they help a young Randy Balough get going on the track many years ago, Audrey even signed off on Benson's first NHRA racing license in 1989. In addition, her daughter Tami is married to Uncle Joe's longtime publicist, Bill McDermott. Guaranteed that Sunday's opening ceremonies at the Auto Club Dragway will be very emotional.
June 6, 2009
Guitar god Steve Vai is 49.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles entered London's Abbey Road Studios to audition for producer George Martin. He signed the group the following month, and the world was changed forever.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" hit #1 on the U.S. singles charts.
On this day 1968, The Rolling Stones reworked the song "Sympathy for the Devil" to reflect the recent assassination of Robert Kennedy.
On this day in 1969, Rod Stewart signed a contract as a solo artist with Mercury Records while he was still the lead singer for The Jeff Beck Group.
On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released "Teach Your Children" as "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at #4 on the charts.
On this day in 1972, David Bowie released his classic "The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars" album.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones released their "Made in the Shade" greatest hits compilation.
On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" album was released.
On this day in 1982, over 85,000 packed the Rose Bowl for the Peace Sunday concert that featured, among others, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne and Stevie Wonder. Do you know someone born in April 1983? It took forever to get out of the parking lot that night!
On this day in 1987, Genesis became the first group in the history of rock to spend a full year on America's Top 100 singles chart with tracks from just one album. "Invisible Touch" was the album, and the streak began when the album's title song entered the charts on this day in 1986.
On this day in 1987, "Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their classic "In Step" album.
On this day in 2002, following an eight-year battle with AIDS, Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby died at the age of 42.
On this day in 2006, keyboardist Billy Preston — who played with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and Elton John — died at the age of 59 of kidney failure in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over his career, Billy also recorded and toured extensively with The Rolling Stones, and wrote the Joe Cocker classic "You Are So Beautiful." He was indeed a musician's musician.
June 7, 2009
Tom Jones and Prince — one turns 69 and the other 51, you figure it out.
Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro is 42.
On this day in 1969, The Who's "Tommy" album entered the U.S. charts. On this day one year later, they performed "Tommy" in its entirety (for the last time until 1989) at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. No significant damage to the Opera House was reported, but there were several dazed individuals in the audience!
On this day in 1969, Blind Faith debuted with a free concert for over 120,000 fans in London's Hyde Park. The "supergroup," which featured Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, split up a few months later after one album and one tour.
On this day in 1975, Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" album debuted on the U.S. chart at #1 — the first time an album entered the chart at the top spot.
On this day in 1994, Boston released their third album, "Walk On."
June 8, 2009
Crooner Boz Scaggs is 65.
On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones released the single "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
On this day in 1969, Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones left/was kicked out of the group. He was soon replaced by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers alumni Mick Taylor.
On this day in 1974, Paul McCartney & Wings' "Band On The Run" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1974, Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the band (for the first time) to pursue a solo career.
On this day in 1985, Dire Straits' blockbuster "Brothers in Arms" album entered the charts on its way to nine weeks at #1.
Tony Tony Bonk
Last night's 63rd Annual Tony Awards was dominated by Elton John's Broadway version of "Billy Elliot: The Musical," which won 10 of the 15 trophies it was nominated for. Perhaps the other highlight of the ceremony was Poison frontman Bret Michaels first appearance with the band since his infamous fight with bandmate C.C. Deville at the 1991 MTV Music Awards. This time Brett was struck in the head by a piece of the set at the conclusion of Poison's performance at the Tony ceremony, which reportedly knocked him to the ground. Let's just hope he doesn't blame C.C. or Sir Elty!
Watch/Win Who
This might be your big show biz break! The Who are running a YouTube contest to celebrate the release of their double-DVD "Maximum R&B Live" box set. You need to upload a video presenting your best impression of Pete Townshend's famed guitar windmill maneuver. The Grand Prize is a Fender Stratocaster signed by Pete. Meanwhile, Who singer Roger Daltrey has been confirmed for the June 19th Hollywood Bowl Hall Of Fame induction. Wonder if he had to submit a video to YouTube?
Bruce/Forbes
"Forbes" magazine's latest Celebrity 100 list factoring artists' media exposure and entertainment-based earnings shows Bruce Springsteen at #6. The only other notable musicians on the list were Bon Jovi at #21 and AC/DC #47.
Gene Sells His Stone
Brace yourself for this one. KISS bassist Gene Simmons recently passed a kidney stone, then sold it on eBay for $15,000 dollars. Sure he donated all the money to charity, but buying a kidney stone on eBay?
Sammy Sells His Burgers
It's hard to believe former Van Halen/current Chickenfoot singer Sammy Hagar has any free time. Just as Chickenfoot is launching their world tour, Hagear's opened a Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. Of course the joint is decorated with memorabilia from Hagar’s personal collection, just like the Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill at the airport in Maui, Hawaii.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "It's like deja-vu, all over again."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Live as though it were your last day on earth. Some day you will be right."
June 9, 2009
Les Paul, guitar god and major inventor, is 94.
Former Deep Purple/Whitesnake keyboardist Jon Lord is 68.
Jimi Hendrix's drummer, Mitch Mitchell, would have been 62.
Bassist Trevor Bolder, of David Bowie's Spiders From Mars, is 59.
Gregg Bissonette, drummer for everyone from Santana to Joe Satriani to Don Henley and David Lee Roth, is 50.
On this day in 1973, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #42 on the charts.
On this day in 1977, George and Patti Harrison (the inspiration for the song "Layla") were granted a divorce. Soon after, she married George's best friend, Eric Clapton.
On this day in 1979, "Renegade" by Styx topped out at #16 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, "Oh Sherrie" by Steve Perry of Journey peaked at #3 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, over 20 guitar legends packed New York's Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate the 72nd birthday of guitar pioneer Les Paul. Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Rick Derringer were among the attendees who jammed on stage. Regrettably, a recording of the event was never released.
Brad's Down
After surviving the worst of their Seventies and early Eighties debauchery, the last few years have seen every member of Aerosmith — except guitarist Brad Whitford — run into a multitude of physical ailments ranging from knee replacement to cancer. Now you can add Brad to the list. Whitford underwent some unspecified surgery over the last few days and will have to miss the first part of the band's upcoming tour with ZZ Top as he recuperates from the operation. Guitarist Bobby Schneck, who has played with Green Day, Slash and Weezer, will be filling in for Brad. Considering that the tour with ZZ Top (that is supposed to feature Aerosmith playing all of their "Toys In The Attic" album in its entirety) begins tomorrow in St. Louis, you know Bobby is practicing around the clock!
More V.H. Revisionism
Sad to say, this should come as no surprise. The new "Guitar Hero: Van Halen" will not feature founding bassist Michael Anthony or frontman Sammy Hagar. Only David Lee Roth and Wolfgang Van Halen will appear alongside Eddie and Alex Van Halen playing tracks from the band’s original line-up.
Fogerty's Guests
John Fogerty's upcoming "The Blue Ridge Rangers Ride Again" album, which is set for release in late Summer or early Fall, will include 11 cover tunes and one Fogerty composition. John recruited Bruce Springsteen to join him on a rendition of the Everly Brothers hit "When Will I Be Loved." Eagles Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit also joined John on a version of Rick Nelson's "Garden Party." Can't wait!
Mick/Granada/Church
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has joined a campaign attempting to save a now-derelict London movie theater — formerly known as the Granada — where his band once performed. The initiative seeks to keep the building's current owners, a Brazil-based church, from converting it into a house of worship. Others who played at the Granada included The Beatles, The Kinks and The Who.
Ola Hudson Passes On
Ola Hudson, the mother of former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, died Friday in Los Angeles following a bout with lung cancer. Ola was a famed costume designer who created outfits for John Lennon, Ringo Starr, David Bowie and Diana Ross among others. May she rest in peace.
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "You may delay, but time will not."
June 10, 2009
Blues legend Howlin' Wolf would have been 100.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones met two of their idols during a recording session when bluesmen Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters stopped by Chicago's Chess Studios.
On this day in 1969, Brian Jones (a psychedelicized victim of the Sixties) was fired from The Rolling Stones, the band he helped form seven years earlier. Of course, on this day in 1969 Brian Jones didn't really know what day it was, and a couple of weeks later he was dead.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded "Give Peace A Chance" during their bed-in for peace in the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal (it was room #1742).
On this day in 1978, Eddie Money's "Baby Hold On" peaked at #11 on the charts as "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan topped out at #19.
On this day in 2004, legendary singer Ray Charles died at his Beverly Hills home from complications due to liver disease. The Albany, Georgia native lost his sight by age 7, but went on to become an accomplished musician, winning 13 GRAMMY awards over the course of his long career. Charles influenced countless artists and was one of the first inductees to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was only 73.
This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Supertramp and conversation with singers Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies, as well as producer Ken Scott.
Woodstock Redux
Sure, we’re two whole months away from the 40th anniversary of the original Woodstock Festival, but a newly re-mastered edition of Michael Wadleigh’s documentary "Woodstock: 3 Days Of Peace & Music" has just been released. The DVD box set, which they promise will be limited to a run of 140,000 copies, features over three hours of bonus footage and never-before-seen live performances from the Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Who, among others. It also includes Wadleigh’s four-hour Director’s Cut of the film, a 60-page commemorative "Life Magazine" reprint as well as reproductions of festival memorabilia and the three-day ticket. That's pretty much everything that made Woodstock Woodstock — except the mud, stink-weed pot and bad acid!
Here Come The Pretenders
Chrissie Hynde will be leading her band The Pretenders through a 22-date North American Summer tour in support of their 2008 album, "Break Up the Concrete." The road trip will begin with a Canadian gig on August 4th, roll through our Greek Theatre on September 3rd and end the next evening in Rancho Mirage.
Gilmour Surfaces (Briefly)
Pink Floyd singer/guitarist David Gilmour has contributed guitar work and backing vocals to "Mayday," a new song by former Dream Academy frontman Nick Laird-Clowes. The tune is featured in the new "A Time Comes: The Story of the Kingsnorth Six" documentary. That 20-minute film focuses on a 2007 protest staged by Greenpeace volunteers at a coal plant in Kent, England.
It was W. C. Fields who said: "I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally."
It was Mark Twain who said: "Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18."