July 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!
July 1, 2009
Blues legend Willie Dixon would have been 95.
Blondie singer Deborah Harry is 64.
Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd is 57.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles recorded "She Loves You" and "I'll Get You" at Abbey Road Studios.
On this day in 1969, The Doors released their album "The Soft Parade," which featured the scandalous single "Touch Me."
On this date in 1981, Steppenwolf bass player John Morey died in a car crash in Los Angeles at the age of 32. He is best known as the author of "Magic Carpet Ride."
On this day in 1987, The Grateful Dead released their most successful album, "In the Dark," featuring the song "Touch of Grey."
On this day in 1995, legendary D.J. Wolfman Jack suffered a heart attack and died in his home in Belvidere, North Carolina. He was only 57.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Doors as well as more of Joe's conversations with engineer Bruce Botnick, drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek.
Joey's Book
Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer's new memoir, "Hit Hard," has just been released. More than a tell-all, the book really tells a story. The book, which includes a forward by Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx, chronicles the drummer's substance abuse problems, his psychologically scarring relationship with his father and a similarly tumultuous, "co-dependent" battle with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. As Joey said, "Just by spilling it out and being able to read it back... It's helped me to improve relationships in my life all around." You can expect a book signing closer to the band's late August Southland concert dates.
More AC/DC Shows — But Not For Us
So far, AC/DC's next swing through North America only includes two Southland dates: September 4th at the Staples Center and September 8th at the Honda Center. But the Aussies have just doubled the size of this leg of the "Black Ice" world tour — mostly north of the border.
Fresh Old Bootleg
The latest Jimi Hendrix Experience concert CD, "Live at Woburn," will be out on July 28th. Previously available only as a "bootleg" recording, the remastered album features seven extended performances from the trio's July 6, 1968 set at the Woburn Music Festival in Bedfordshire, England, including a cover of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
A Real Seger Book
I've seen a working copy of the new Bob Seger biography co-written by Tom Weschler, Bob's former tour manager, photographer and art designer — and it's absolutely great! "Travelin' Man: On The Road And Behind The Scenes With Bob Seger," set for a mid-October release, focuses mainly on the Hall Of Famer's rise from the late Sixties through his Seventies success. Seger's buddy Kid Rock wrote the afterword, and John Mellencamp (to my surprise) wrote the foreword. And the photos are so cool!
It was Thomas Jefferson who said: "The most valuable of talents is that of never using two words when one will do."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity."
Cows Gone Wild
A British policeman has received over $16,000 in compensation after a herd of cows trampled him. "Farmers Weekly Interactive" reports that Inspector Chris Poole was walking his dog in England's Sussex Downs back in 2007 when a stampede of cows stomped all over him, puncturing his lung, breaking four ribs and severing an artery. The officer, who was unable to work for five months, filed suit against the landowner claiming not enough was done to protect the public footpath from the cows. Officer Poole said he wants to get the message out that "cows can't be trusted." Maybe they should have posted a "Moo-ve Over" sign!
July 2, 2009
NASCAR racing icon Richard "The King" Petty is 72.
Bruce Springsteen's longtime keyboardist, Roy Bittan of The E Street Band, is 60.
Bassist/vocalist Joey Puerta of Ambrosia is 58.
On this day in 1566, Michel de Nostradamus, the French astrologer and "seer of the future," died at the age of 62. His last documented words: "I knew this was going to happen."
On this day in 1947, an object crashed near Roswell, New Mexico. The U.S. Air Force insisted it was a weather balloon, but eyewitness accounts gave rise to speculation it was an alien spacecraft or, at worst, another KISS Farewell Tour.
On this day in 1969, bass player Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell quit the Jimi Hendrix Experience because of frustration with Jimi's escalating personal and professional problems.
On this day in 1971, Queen was finally set when bassist John Deacon made his live debut with the band at a college gig in Surrey, England.
On this day in 1981, Foreigner released their album "4," considered by many to be their best.
On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen played the 21,000 seat Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey — the first of six Springsteen concerts that launched the arena's opening.
On this day in 1983, the final album by The Police, "Synchronicity," entered the American charts on its way to 17 weeks at #1.
On this day in 1987, Sting chose not to attend his mother's funeral in order to stay in Monserrat where he was working on his "Nothing Like The Sun" album.
On this day in 2005, Live 8, the largest live concert ever held, involved over a million people listening to rock and pop musicians at 10 venues across four continents, demanding that the G8 nations move to help Africa. The "battle-of-the-bands" type showcase of most of the world's top acts was unprecedented, but it was the co-ordination of so many acts and staging in so many cities around the globe that was nothing short of amazing. The man in charge of the whole event was Live Aid organizer, Sir Bob Geldof.
Thin Lizzy Implodes
It's been a rough week for Thin Lizzy. First the group was forced to cancel several European gigs when drummer Tommy Aldridge broke his collarbone, then yesterday they "parted company" with longtime singer/co-lead guitarist John Sykes. Their forthcoming performances "will be canceled or postponed until further notice," but guitarist Scott Gorham promises, "We will be back up to full speed soon." Yep, that's what he said.
Guitar Hero Music Awards
Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" won the Best Guitar Riff award, Queen's "Killer Queen" won the Best Vocals award and KISS' "Rock & Roll All Nite" somehow scored the Best Drum Fill trophy in the "Guitar Hero Smash Hits 2009 Music Awards" yesterday. Over 700,000 people took part in the online vote.
Yoko Wins
A U.S. District Court judge has upheld a May 2008 court ruling declaring Yoko Ono as the rightful copyright holder of some rare, intimate footage of John Lennon and his family shot in London in 1970. After Yoko blocked a Massachusetts-based entertainment company from including the film in a documentary called "3 Days In The Life," they sued her for copyright infringement and wrongfully interfering with their personal property. Ono plans to keep the 10 hours of footage private. In it, John is seen hunched over a piano, smoking marijuana, discussing heroin addiction and joking about putting LSD in President Richard Nixon’s tea. Can't imagine why Yoko wouldn't want that floating around cyber-space!
Chickenfoot Chad Rips (His Bicep)
Chickenfoot drummer Chad Smith tore a bicep muscle during the group's Paris performance on Monday, forcing the boys to cancel their Wednesday Madrid concert. No word on how many more gigs will be affected by Chad's injury, but their European tour is scheduled to run through a July 12th festival in the Netherlands. Stay tuned!
It was jazz great Thelonius Monk who said: "Sometimes it's to your advantage for people to think you're crazy."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "All would live long, but none would be old."
Jackson Buttered Up
Hot on the TMZ revelation that Michael Jackson is still dead comes a report that this Summer's Iowa State Fair will showcase its famed butter cow alongside a butter sculpture of Michael Jackson doing his famous moonwalk dance move. The artist plans to give Jackson and big smile and curly locks, hoping to make the sculpture resemble the way the pop star looked before he underwent extensive plastic surgery. Of course with the Iowa State Festival running from August 13th through the 23rd, the odds of the buttery M.J. melting are...
July 3, 2009
Guitarist Paul Barrere of Little Feat is 61.
On this day in 1965, The Yardbirds' song "For Your Love" peaked at #6 on the charts. Eric Clapton left the band once they started recording the song, and can be heard only on the second bridge. Jeff Beck played the rest of the guitar on the final recording.
On this day in 1969, Rolling Stones founding member Brian Jones died in his swimming pool at the age of 27. High levels of alcohol and barbiturates were found in his blood, and, despite rumors of suicide and murder, authorities declared his death an accident.
On this day in 1971, vocalist Jim Morrison of The Doors died in his bathtub in Paris at the age of 27. No autopsy was ever done, but most figured that, like Brian Jones two years earlier, Jim had just reached the end.
On this day in 1971, unaware that their lead singer had died in Paris, The Doors released "Riders on the Storm."
On this day in 1973, David Bowie announced at a London concert that he was retiring from public performance. He was back on stage in 11 months, a turnaround record later challenged by Elton John and KISS.
A Fogerty Fourth
John Fogerty is performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the Hollywood Bowl's "July 4th Fireworks Spectacular." The three-night event, which began Thursday, includes fireworks displays along with performances from the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman and the classical orchestra. Rock on John!
Cheap Guitars Bring Big Bucks
While it's rare for any guitar owned by John Lennon to come up for sale, John's 1958 Hofner Senator (a mid-level instrument at best) sold for over $340,000 at a London memorabilia auction on Wednesday. Included with the instrument — which John bought new from a Liverpool music store — was a copy of a 1982 note from George Harrison confirming its authenticity as one of Lennon's first instruments. A wide variety of other Beatles-related collectibles also were sold at the event. In addition, an inexpensive American made Harmony Stratotone guitar that belonged to late Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones sold for over $130,000.
Dylan/Dead/Bugs
Bob Dylan and The Dead are headliners at this weekend's Rothbury Festival just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Dead are making their only Summer appearance as Saturday's headliner, while Dylan will join Willie Nelson & Family as Sunday's co-headliner. The second annual festival also features The Black Crowes and Gov't Mule. Let's just hope the Michigan mosquitoes don't eat the headliners this year.
It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves."
It was Will Rogers who said: "Liberty doesn't work as well in practice as it does in speeches."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "I have formed a very clear conception of patriotism. I have generally found it thrust into the foreground by some fellow who has something to hide in the background. I have seen a great deal of patriotism; and I have generally found it the last refuge of the scoundrel."
Factoids For The Fourth
The Declaration of Independence, unanimously declared by the 13 United States of America, was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. But the fact is that not one single signature was signed on that day. While most of the 56 names were in place by early August, one signer, Thomas McKean, did not actually sign the Declaration until 1781. Nevertheless, July 4th was the day singled out to mark the event of the United States establishing itself as a nation.
Of the signers, 24 were lawyers and jurists; 11 were merchants; 9 were farmers and large plantation owners; all were men of means and well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War, with five captured by the British and tortured before they died. Most of the 56 lost family members, 12 had their homes ransacked and burned, and many died bankrupt. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution.
The first celebrations occurred shortly after the declaration in various locales along the Eastern Seaboard. Much of the tradition inherent in the way we celebrate today was evident almost from the beginning. Sound, spectacle, and sentiment played an important role in that tradition. One of the most elaborate celebrations in 1777 and the first organized celebration of its kind occurred in Philadelphia. This event had all of the elements of typical future celebrations — the discharge of cannon, firing one round for each state in the union; the ringing of bells; the use of music; the drinking of toasts (it would subsequently be traditional to have one toast for each state in the union); "loud huzzas;" a parade; fireworks; and the use of the nation's colors.
Whatever you do to celebrate, have fun, but please keep the fireworks away from the kids. And give pause to say a prayer for our troops still at war so far away from home. God bless America!
July 4, 2009
Guitarist Jeremy Spencer (of the 2nd Fleetwood Mac line-up) is 61.
Singer John Waite of The Babys is 57.
Kirk Pengilly of INXS is 51.
On this day in 1969, Grand Funk Railroad played the Atlanta Pop Festival, impressing Capitol Records so much that they signed the band within days.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney & Wings released the song "Let 'Em In."
On this day in 1981, "Urgent" by Foreigner entered the charts.
On this day in 1982, in a year that saw him bite the head off a bat and watch his guitarist Randy Rhoads die in a plane crash, Ozzy Osbourne married his manager, Sharon Arden.
July 5, 2009
Guitarist/singer Robbie Robertson of The Band is 66.
R&R poster boy Huey Lewis is 59.
On this day in 1954, Elvis Presley, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black started messing around on a song called "That's All Right" at Memphis' Sun Studios. Scotty Moore remembered saying, "Good God! They'll run us out of town when they hear this." But studio owner Sam Phillips said, "I knew we had a hit."
On this day in 1964, the young Irish band Them, featuring singer Van Morrison, recorded "Gloria." Henceforth, raw lust as a component of lyrical content was considered fair game.
On this day in 1966, former Animals bassist Chas Chandler happened to see Jimi Hendrix play at Cafe Wha? in New York's Greenwich Village. Blown away, he immediately convinced Hendrix to move to London in order to launch his career.
On this day in 1968, promoter Bill Graham opened the premier West Coast concert hall of the late Sixties/early Seventies: The Fillmore West in San Francisco.
On this day in 1968, The Doors played the Hollywood Bowl, backed by Steppenwolf and the Chambers Brothers. The concert was later released as "The Doors at the Hollywood Bowl."
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones gave a free concert for 250,000 fans in London's Hyde Park to introduce their new guitarist Mick Taylor. But since their original guitarist Brian Jones had just died, the concert became a strained tribute instead.
On this day in 1975, Steve Miller showed off his new band (featuring C.C.R.'s Doug "Cosmo" Clifford on drums) and a brand new song ("Rock 'N Me") as he opened for Pink Floyd at England's Knebworth Festival. No slackers themselves, the Floyd premiered their "Wish You Were Here" album with a performance that included fireworks, real Spitfire fighter planes flying overhead, and a very large model plane crashing into the stage. EEEE-yowee!!
July 6, 2009
Rock pioneer Bill Haley would have been 84.
On this day in 1957, 15-year-old Paul McCartney first saw The Quarrymen perform at a church social in Liverpool. He immediately struck up a friendship with 16-year-old John Lennon and was soon in the band.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' first film, "A Hard Days Night," premiered in London. The Fab Four didn't actually see the flick until four days later. In Britain alone, the film's soundtrack had already sold a million and a half copies in only nine days.
On this day in 1965, Marty Balin and Paul Kantner formed the group that a month later they would decide to call Jefferson Airplane.
On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones hit #3 in the U.S. with "Jumping Jack Flash."
On this day in 1973, Queen released their debut single in the U.K., "Keep Yourself Alive."
On this day in 1991, Van Halen's "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" album debuted at #1.
On this day in 1993, U2 released their "Zooropa" album.
Unc's On Vacation
Unc's off for a little R&R, so today's report is a bit thin — he'll probably make up for it tomorrow!
Aerosmith Down Again
While guitarist Brad Whitford is still recovering from a head injury at home, the rest of Aerosmith appear to be dropping like flies . Another of the unspecified band members has suffered unspecified injuries, forcing the postponement of three more concerts. Last Wednesday's Cincinnati gig, Friday's Hershey, Pennsylvania show and Sunday in Virginia Beach all have unspecified makeup dates pending. Kinda makes you wonder if co-headliner ZZ Top has reason to be worried, doesn't it?
It was Robert Anthony who said: "The opposite of bravery is not cowardice but conformity."
It was Paul L. Newman who said: "I have taken roads that I wished I had not traveled on. And I'm traveling on some pretty exciting ones, too. Just hope when you get to that great racetrack in the sky, that the balance will tip slightly into those things that you'd be proud of."
July 7, 2009
The one and only Ringo Starr is 69.
Bassist Jim Rodford of Argent and The Kinks is 64.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' first film, "A Hard Days Night," premiered in London. The Fab Four didn't actually see the flick until four days later. In Britain alone, the film's soundtrack had already sold a million and a half copies in only nine days.
On this day in 1968, The Yardbirds finally called it quits, leaving guitarist Jimmy Page to form the New Yardbirds in order to fulfill some tour commitments. The group, featuring singer Robert Plant, drummer John Bonham, and bassist John Paul Jones, was soon renamed Led Zeppelin.
On this day in 1977 (7/7/77), Styx released their seventh album, "The Grand Illusion." It proved to be their big breakthrough, selling four million copies.
On this day in 1980, 12 years after they first formed as the New Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin played their final concert together in West Berlin. Drummer John Bonham would die in late September.
Purple Russian Roulette
And you think California's legislature is messed up... a Russian court has charged Deep Purple with illegally performing their own tunes in public. Word is that the Purple failed to apply for a license from the Russian Authors' Society, which covers the rights of international artists visiting the country. That put their October 19th, 2008 concert in Rostov-on-Don in violation of Russian law. And who will receive the $1,000 per tune fine? The owners of the songs: Deep Purple. Sounds like there might be a new song somewhere in that story.
Cool News From KISS
Occasionally prone to hyperbole, KISS' Gene Simmons says the band's upcoming studio album is "maybe the best record we've done in 30 years." But longtime KISS watchers have been truly impressed that Gene's giving props to frontman Paul Stanley's production work and guitarist Tommy Thayer's songwriting contributions. Can't wait to hear it, Gene!
Chickenfoot Still Down
Chickenfoot has canceled two more of their sold-out European shows due to drummer Chad Smith’s injured bicep. Turns out that last week's muscle tear in Paris was a re-aggravation of an old injury. Get well soon, Mr. Chili Pepper/Chickenfooter!
Honors To Queen
Queen were presented with Hard Rock International's Ambassadors of Rock honor at the 2009 O2 Silver Clef Awards lunch Friday in London. Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor accepted the award, which acknowledged their charitable work. Right so!
Klein Is Gone
Allen Klein, the 77-year-old former manager of The Beatles and Rolling Stones passed away on July 4th after a battle with Alzheimer’s. Few music industry figures have been as reviled as Klein, who over his 50+ year career worked with many Fifties and Sixties stars including The Kinks, the Dave Clark Five, The Animals, Sam Cooke and Chubby Checker. He was an effective, ruthless, cutthroat businessman who usually ended up owning his client's copyrights. As for his biggest clients, within a year of his take over of The Beatles, they broke-up. Soon after that, The Stones surrendered the rights to their most valuable classic hits, including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," just to break free of Klein.
It was Albert Einstein who said: "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
It was Adlai Stevenson who said: "My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular."
Word Games
* There is no synonym for "thesaurus."
* William Shakespeare coined a number of words, including proper names. Among them are Olivia, Miranda, Cordelia and Jessica.
* Oscar Wilde and his friends came up with the word "dude." It came from the words "duds" and "attitude."
* Of all the words Dr. Seuss made up in his storybooks, only one has stuck in the English vocabulary: grinch, which refers to a killjoy.
July 8, 2009
Drummer Jai Johanson of The Allman Brothers Band is 65.
On this day in 1977, Steely Dan released their classic "Aja" album.
On this day in 1978, Gerry Rafferty's album "City to City" (containing "Baker Street") hit #1 on the charts.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of George Thorogood & The Destroyers as well as Joe's brand new conversation with George.
Bad Aero Timing Indeed
Kind of ironic that as soon as Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford, who underwent surgery after hitting his head while exiting his Ferrari, is ready to return to the band's tour, singer Steven Tyler needs time off to recover from a severely pulled muscle in his leg. So far they'll be rescheduling five shows on Tyler's account. Who's next?
Beatles Rumor #697
When the surviving Beatles reunited to work on their "Anthology" in 1995, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr worked up the 1978 John Lennon song "Now and Then." But the three didn't agree on the finished product, so it didn't make the cut for the "Anthology" set. Word is that McCartney is now pushing to release the song. If he succeeds, the track will be the first "new" Beatles tune released since 1996's "Real Love" (you all remember that one, don't you?).
Zep Rumor #6,493,439
In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, concert promoter AEG Live has been looking for someone to fill those 50 shows M.J. was supposed to perform at London's O2 Arena. Of course the British tabloids, led by "The Sun," say that Led Zeppelin has been offered "huge money" to play. Knowing the Zep's history, I'd say don't hold your breath.
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines."
It was Harold Wilson who said: "The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery."
July 9, 2009
Jimi Hendrix's drummer, Mitch Mitchell, would have been 63.
John Tesh is 58.
Bon Scott, AC/DC's first lead singer, would have been 53.
Tom Hanks — whose film "That Thing You Do" was real Rock & Roll — is 53.
Singer Jim Kerr of the Simple Minds is 50.
Heart throb Courtney Love is 45.
On this day in 1956, Dick Clark appeared on TV for the first time as the host of American Bandstand. Except for the bank account, he still hasn't changed.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones song "Mother's Little Helper" entered the charts. The song's title was the common reference to the recently introduced tranquilizer, Valium.
On this day in 1971, Doors singer Jim Morrison was quietly buried in Paris' Pere-Lachaise cemetery.
On this day in 1974 in Seattle, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young began their first reunion tour - the first mega-stadium tour in the history of Rock & Roll. It was during that ground-breaking series of concerts that both Neil Young and David Crosby began to question what the hell they were doing. Afterwards, Neil returned back to his smaller, more manageable solo career while David retreated into drug addiction.
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released their "Don't Stop" single.
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" peaked at #8 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, The Police's "Every Breath You Take" hit #1.
On this day in 1995 at Chicago's Soldier Field, The Grateful Dead played their last concert with Jerry Garcia. Jerry died a month later, and Soldier Field was later torn down.
On this day in 1996, Deep Purple played "Smoke on the Water" for the first time in the Swiss city that inspired it. The band wrote "Smoke on the Water" in 1971 after surviving a nightclub fire in Montreux.
Peart Cooks
A lifelong fitness fanatic and renowned author, Rush drummer Neil Peart has launched "Bubba's Bar 'n' Grill" on his website to showcase some of his culinary skills. Peart started developing his abilities in the kitchen in 1997 while caring for his wife who was battling cancer. "I was living in London, being a 'caregiver,' and I needed to learn to make a few simple, nutritious meals... With motivation, practice, and curiosity, I have learned a few things about preparing good simple food that might be worth sharing." You should check out "Bubba's Bar 'n' Grill" at www.neilpeart.net/bng.
Box O' Live Genesis
Now that Genesis has reissued their 14 studio albums in an amazing series of box sets, they're set to release a collection of their four live albums. "Genesis Live 1973-2007" will include 1973’s "Genesis Live," 1977’s "Seconds Out," 1982’s "Three Sides Live" and 1992’s "The Way We Walk" — which has finally been re-sequenced to reflect the actual set list of that career-ending tour. The new box set will also include "Live Over Europe 2007" and "Live At The Rainbow 1973." The compilation will be out in the U.K. on September 14th, a couple weeks before it hits the States.
Phil/Clapton/Bishop
Renowned producer Phil Ramone (who's worked with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Billy Joel) has put together a 15-song album that combines fresh takes on various artists' own classic tunes. Notably featuring a brand new collaboration between Eric Clapton and Stephen Bishop, "What Love Can Do" is due out on August 4th.
Gilmour/Gabriel
Pink Floyd frontman David Gilmour and Peter Gabriel are the latest celebrities to endorse an open letter to leaders of the G8 nations asking them to help poorer countries. The global anti-hunger campaign launched by the ActionAid organization is also seeking to raise $54 million for "those who need it most."
Densmore Will Help
Doors drummer John Densmore will perform with the Native American band Burning Sky at the July 25th Gathering At Red Butte. The event has been organized to protest an uranium-mining project that's threatening to encroach on the Grand Canyon site called Red Butte that's considered sacred by the Havasupai tribe. Densmore had originally collaborated with Burning Sky on the group's GRAMMY-nominated 1992 album, "Spirits in the Wind."
It was Dorothy Parker who said: "If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to."
It was Yogi Berra who said: "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."
Uncle Joe/Heart/O.C. Super Fair
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! 4pm - 7pm: The first day of the Orange County Super Fair will be perfect for another live UNCLE JOE'S HAPPY HOUR TOUR broadcast on KLOS! On the air from the home of deep fried avocados, you know yer Unc will turn the gig into a big ol' Heart concert pre-show party!
July 10, 2009
Folkie Arlo Guthrie is 62.
Singer Ronnie James Dio is 60... or 67, depending on who is telling the story.
On this day in 1965, as "Beatles VI" topped the U.S. album charts, The Rolling Stones scored their first American #1 hit single with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
On this day in 1968, as drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce argued in the background, guitarist Eric Clapton announced the break-up of Cream. One of the real "supergroups," Cream then launched one of the first successful "Farewell Tours."
On this day in 1983, The Police song "Every Breath You Take" hit #1 on the American singles chart for the first of nine weeks.
On this day in 1986, The Grateful Dead's Ventura Fairgrounds performance was canceled when guitarist Jerry Garcia was hospitalized after lapsing into a diabetic coma. His illness prompted more than 10,000 phone calls to the band's fan hotline in less than 48 hours. Garcia regained consciousness five days later, and was released from the hospital in a month.
On this day in 1993, Bob Seger married Juanita Dorricott. (Did you remember to send a card?)
On this day in 2006, singer/songwriter/guitarist Syd Barrett, the man who founded and named Pink Floyd, then fried his brain on LSD, died at the age of 60 from complications arising from diabetes.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of George Thorogood & The Destroyers as well as Joe's brand new conversation with George.
Eating The Dog
You sure don't want to be one of the Osbournes' pets! Seems that while Ozzy and Sharon were watching the Michael Jackson memorial service in their Hollywood home on Tuesday, a coyote attacked and ate their Pomeranian, Little Bit. The Ozz-man was understandably upset, as daughter Kelly Osbourne relates, "He is devastated — she was his other woman." By the way, there are still 18 dogs living in the Osbournes' digs — or should we say there are 18 mutts allowing the Osbournes to stay with them.
Minimal Macca
Doesn't seem right, but Paul McCartney is claiming that the two shows he just added to his schedule will round out his 2009 Summer tour. I really thought the August 17th Tulsa and August 19th Dallas gigs would be followed by a West Coast swing... stay tuned!
Pearl Jam Coming!
Pearl Jam will kick off their North American tour in Seattle on September 21st and 22nd, then hit our Gibson Amphitheater on September 30th, October 1st, 6th and 7th. The boys will also perform at the Austin City Limits festival on October 4th. Their highly anticipated ninth studio album, "Backspacer," will be out on September 20th exclusively through Target.
It was Dennis Roth who said: "If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought."
It was Gandhi who said: "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
Uncle Joe/Heart/O.C. Super Fair
Today! Today! 4pm - 7pm: The first day of the Orange County Super Fair will be perfect for another live UNCLE JOE'S HAPPY HOUR TOUR broadcast on KLOS! On the air from the home of deep fried avocados, you know yer Unc will turn the gig into a big ol' Heart concert pre-show party!