July 11 - 20, 2009
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
July 11, 2009
Guitarist Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi is 50.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones released "Honky Tonk Women."
On this day in 1969, David Bowie's single, "Space Oddity," was released to coincide with the first lunar landing. Producer Tony Visconti (who also worked with T. Rex and later The Moody Blues) disliked the song so much, he refused to produce it for his friend David. Instead Elton John's producer, Gus Dudgeon, stepped in and turned it into a classic.
On this day in 1970, The Who released their version of "Summertime Blues."
On this day in 1975, Gary Wright released his "The Dream Weaver" album as Fleetwood Mac released their first album with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, simply called "Fleetwood Mac." One of those albums went on to sell millions and millions and millions of copies.
On this day in 1979, Neil Young's concert film "Rust Never Sleeps" debuted at the Bruin Theatre in Westwood as the album of the same name was released nationwide.
On this day in 1987, "Alone" by Heart peaked at #1 on the charts.
July 12, 2009
Comedic god/actor Bill Cosby is 72.
Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 66.
John Wetton, bassist for Uriah Heep and Asia, is 60.
Eric Carr, KISS' second drummer, would have been 59.
On this day in 1962, The Rollin' Stones played their first gig — the Marquee Jazz Club in London was the site. That first line-up included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, piano player Ian Stewart, bassist Dick Taylor and drummer Mick Avery (who later gained fame as a member of The Kinks). Drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman were recruited into the band by the end of the year.
On this day in 1969, as his song "Lay Lady Lay" entered the Top 40, Bob Dylan learned that you can't go home again when he attended his high school reunion in Hibbing, Minnesota. He and his wife Sara were forced to leave after a drunken fool tried to pick a fight with the singer.
On this day in 1969, Blind Faith made their U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City, well before they were ready to be seen by anyone. Singer/keyboardist Steve Winwood of Traffic, guitar-god Eric Clapton & drummer Ginger Baker of Cream, and bassist/violinist Ric Grech of Family barely survived as a group until the end of their first tour when they disbanded. Ultimately, they left us with a few beautiful songs from their only album.
On this day in 1983, sax player Chris Wood of Traffic died of pneumonia at age 39.
July 13, 2009
Roger McGuinn, guitarist and singer for The Byrds, is 67.
Drummer Stephen Bladd of the J. Geils Band is also 67.
Comedian Cheech Marin of Cheech & Chong is 63.
Director/writer Cameron Crowe is 52.
On this day in 1968, Steppenwolf released "Born to Be Wild," the song responsible for the term "heavy metal."
On this day in 1973, Queen released their self-titled debut album.
On this day in 1985, over a billion-and-a-half people around the world witnessed the Live Aid concerts, held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia. The benefit raised money for the starving people of Africa. Bob Geldof, the former lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, organized the event. Live Aid performers included U2, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and a reunited Led Zeppelin, among others. The show ran 16 hours and raised over $100 million for the cause.
Honors To Plant
Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant was presented with his Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire medal by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace last Friday. In being acknowledged for his musical contributions, the man best known as the bare chested rock god who embodied the phrase sex, drugs and Rock & Roll said he felt humbled to receive the honor alongside people recognized for military and community service. Plant joked that he and Zep mastermind Jimmy Page would not be fighting over rank, even though Robert's new CBE is a higher honor than Page's Order Of The British Empire. "If we can remember each other's phone number at this time in life it's a miracle," he joked. "We're still good friends, we both enjoy a rather dark sense of humor that comes, I think, from being from rather the wrong side of the tracks for all those wild years." In addition, Plant deflected a question about a Zeppelin reunion by replying, "Sometimes I go a bit deaf in either ear, especially when people are talking nonsense."
Macca/Letterman
It's a first for CBS' Late Show With David Letterman. This Wednesday, Paul McCartney will sit down to chat with Letterman, then hit the stage for a performance. Macca's first-ever visit to the show will set-up the launch of his U.S. Summer concerts, which begin this Friday with a three-date run at New York's brand new Citi Field.
Ozzy Nixes Zakk
Some people think there's more to the story than Ozzy Osbourne's saying. Claiming there is no bad blood between the two, the Ozz-man is replacing his longtime guitarist/collaborator, Zakk Wylde. Osbourne says he felt his latest music was sounding too much like Wylde’s other project, Black Label Society. Chief among the folks Ozzy's auditioned is David Lee Roth/K.D. Lange/Paul Stanley/Marilyn Manson/Rob Zombie alumni, guitar god John 5. This might get interesting!
It was Jacques Seguela who said: "Don't tell my mother I work in an advertising agency — she thinks I play piano in a whorehouse."
It was Dorothy Parker who said: "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."
July 14, 2009
Folk legend Woody Guthrie would have been 96.
On this day in 1967, The Who began their first full-scale U.S. tour. As the opening act for Herman's Hermits, they really didn't go over all that well... but they did meet a lot of girls!
On this day in 1979, "Dance The Night Away" by Van Halen peaked at #15 on the charts.
On this day in 1982, Pink Floyd's film version of "The Wall," directed by Alan Parker, premiered in London. Maybe he understood it... maybe he didn't.
Big Box O' Beatles
We've all been saving up our money for the September 9th release of The Beatles' remastered catalog and "The Beatles: Rock Band" game. Well, set a few more coins aside because the deluxe companion set, "Box Of Vision," is an absolute must have item. Besides giving you a place to store the CDs, the package will include a 200-page LP-sized book containing all of the artwork — covers, back covers, gatefolds and inserts from all U.S. and U.K. releases — of every album from "Please Please Me" to "The Beatles Love" compilation. But wait — there's more! The Beatles' "Catalography" will feature all of the track lists and other information from every release. If KLOS' Chris Carter hasn't crashed the web site by now, you should check out http://BoxOfVision.com.
Bumping Aerosmith
Aerosmith continue to postpone (until October) their Summer tour shows as singer Steven Tyler recovers from a leg injury. The latest to be canceled was last night's gig in Florida. No word on what their tour mates ZZ Top are doing during the off time, but guitarist Joe Perry and his wife joined 85 other volunteer divers in picking up trash off the Florida Keys over the weekend. Word is that Joe yanked everything from "a big chunk of fiberglass to 20 feet of rope on an anchor" out of the water.
Unreleased Roddy
A four-CD box set of previously unreleased Rod Stewart recordings will be out on September 29th. Included in the 65-track "Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998" are a variety of alternate takes, demos and other rarities including a 1992 remake of the 1969 Stewart song "In a Broken Dream" that features contributions from Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour. Yes, that's stunning from every angle imaginable.
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching."
It was Plato who said: "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."
July 15, 2009
Linda Ronstadt is 63.
Drummer Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 61.
Singer David Pack of Ambrosia and
Guitarist Jeff Carlisi of 38 Special are both 57.
Drummer Marky Ramone of The Ramones and
Guitarist Joe Satriani are both 54.
On this day in 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia, was killed in a car accident in Liverpool, England. She was only 34, and he just 17.
On this day in 1967, Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1968, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their self-titled debut album.
On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their fifth album, "Cosmo's Factory." Most fans still consider it to be their best.
On this day in 1989, Don Henley's "The End Of The Innocence" album entered the charts.
On this day in 1989, Pink Floyd performed on a floating stage in Venice, Italy. Unfortunately, the partying audience of 200,000 damaged many of the city's bridges and caused marble to crumble from centuries-old buildings.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's conversation with Chuck Panazo, Tommy Shaw and James 'J.Y.' Young.
Rotation In Aerosmith Sick Bay
They're dropping like flies! Bassist Tom Hamilton has become the third member of Aerosmith to be sidelined by health problems since the group's troubled Summer tour with ZZ Top kicked off a month ago. The 57-year-old cancer survivor is recovering from "non-invasive surgery" and will be replaced by David Hull for "some dates." To date, the Hall Of Famers have played seven concerts and postponed seven more. Frontman Steven Tyler, who recently parted ways with the band's long-time management, may actually be performing with his leg in a cast at tonight's show in Atlanta. Tonight's show will also mark guitarist Brad Whitford's first appearance on the tour after undergoing emergency brain surgery just before the tour began. Stay tuned!
More Bruce
No new Southland Bruce Springsteen dates yet, but he has expanded his upcoming U.S. tour in support of his "Working on a Dream" album. The next leg of the tour kicks off on August 19th in Connecticut, and is currently scheduled through a November 15th Milwaukee gig. I'm thinking we'll have him before Christmas.
Honking On U2's Carbon Footprint
U2's massive world tour is a huge operation — the band is traveling around the world with a crew of 200 as well as three versions of their massive stage set. No matter the commerce and entertainment involved, you just knew someone was going to complain. Even though the band is buying carbon offsets (rumored to include the planting of over 20,000 trees) to make up for any potential environmental damage, a very vocal group of environmental activists is screaming that the tour's carbon footprint is catastrophic — the same as if the group traveled the 34 million miles from Earth to Mars in a passenger plane. No telling how much environmental damage all that hot air will cause, but it certainly isn't as entertaining as U2 on stage.
Round & Round It Goes
Rhino Records is paying homage to the old seven-inch single with a new digital 45 series, including classic singles complete with their original B-sides in the digital format. Alice Cooper's "School's Out" backed with "Gutter Cat Vs. The Jets" and The Doors' "Light My Fire" with the B-side "Crystal Ship" are among the selections. Others include The Doobie Brothers, Rod Stewart, Yes, Eagles, Van Halen, Iron Butterfly, Foreigner and Genesis as well as Crosby, Stills & Nash. Check out http://www.rhino.com/Digital45 for more groovy details!
It was George Carlin who asked: "If a pig loses it's voice, is it disgruntled?"
It was Bill Cosby who said: "The very first law in advertising is to avoid the concrete promise and cultivate the delightfully vague."
July 16, 2009
Percussionist Stewart Copeland of The Police is 57.
On this day in 1966, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton formed the first bona fide supergroup. They chose the name Cream because they were considered to be Britain's best rock musicians (the "Cream" of the crop). It wasn't until later that someone suggested the moniker "Grouchy Egomaniacs."
On this day in 1969, The Who released the song "I'm Free."
On this day in 1976, Loggins & Messina broke up when Kenny Loggins sensed a successful solo career was right around the corner.
On this day in 1981, songwriter/storyteller Harry Chapin was killed in an auto accident on New York's Long Island Expressway.
On this day in 1996, Styx drummer John Panozzo died of bleeding ulcers and cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 47.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's conversation with Chuck Panazo, Tommy Shaw and James 'J.Y.' Young.
Paulie's Rooftop Date
Surprising thousands of New Yorkers yesterday afternoon, Paul McCartney climbed out on the roof of the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee to rock out with his band before taping his appearance inside the venue for CBS' "Late Night With David Letterman." The mini-concert instantly recalled The Beatles’ famed rooftop gig atop the former Apple studios building in London. After performing "Get Back" and a song from his most recent studio effort, "The Fireman," for the TV broadcast, Macca rocked through five more songs including "Band On The Run," "Helter Skelter," "Let Me Roll It" and "Back In The USSR." Sir Paulie will play the first concerts at the New York Mets' brand new Citi Field this weekend. His three-night stand runs Friday, Saturday and next Tuesday.
Neil's New/Old LPs/Gigs
While Neil Young was deep into his massive "Archives" project, he actually took the extra time to re-master his first four solo albums. So at long last his 1969 albums, the self-titled debut and "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere," as well as 1970's "After The Gold Rush" and 1972's "Harvest" are finally available to anyone with a bit of cash! Meanwhile, Neil will perform at fellow Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan's September 12th benefit in West Vancouver, Canada. The Summer Sessions at Ambleside concert will support the Sarah McLachlan Foundation, which provides free music education to underprivileged Canadian youths. Rock on you Canucks!
Allman's Big House
The Macon, Georgia home known as the Big House, where many Allman Brothers Band members lived from 1970 to 1973, will officially open as a museum honoring the group in December. The 6,000-square-foot residence — where the Allmans composed some of their best music — will house more than 300,000 memorabilia items including clothing, posters, photographs and concert recordings. No word on whether or not there'll be mushrooms growing on the grounds.
Daily Aerosmith Affirmations
The good news for Aerosmith fans is that no band member has dropped in the last 24 hours, and that singer Steven Tyler has recovered well enough from his leg injury to perform along with guitarist Brad Whitford, who just returned from brain surgery. The bad news is that bassist Tom Hamilton will be sitting out several dates as he recovers from some non-specific non-invasive surgery.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's gonna stop them."
It was Samuel Goldwyn who said: "Ninety percent of the art of living consists of getting on with people one cannot stand."
July 17, 2009
Guitarist/group leader Spencer Davis is 69.
Bassist Terry "Geezer" Butler of Black Sabbath is 60.
On this day in 1917, the British royal family changed their surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor, adopted from their largest castle (especially for the royals, bearing a German surname during World War I was considered in bad taste).
On this day in 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience opened for The Monkees in Forest Hills, New York. What were they thinking?!?
On this day in 1968, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" movie premiered in London. What were they smoking?!
On this day in 1971, Creedence Clearwater Revival's final Top 10 hit, "Sweet Hitch-Hiker," entered the charts.
On this day in 1971, The Who released "Won't Get Fooled Again" and Rod Stewart released "Reason To Believe."
On this day in 1976, Heart's "Magic Man" entered the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1996, Chas Chandler, the bass player for The Animals who later became Jimi Hendrix's manager, died in a British hospital at the age of 57. He had been undergoing tests related to an aortic aneurysm.
Sammy's B-day Bash
Better make sure your passport is up to date. Sammy Hagar's annual Cabo Wabo Birthday Bash in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico will take place October 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th, with the last date being Sammy's actual 62nd birthday. The Red Rocker will perform — as you'd expect — with his longtime backing band the Wabos, as well as whatever special guests can climb on stage.
Boss Nominations
One can never predict which way awards will go in Hollywood, but Bruce Springsteen's 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show has been nominated in four categories at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special and Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Live-Action Entertainment Program. The Emmys — home of the longest category names in all of show business — will air live from Los Angeles on September 20th. Meanwhile, Mr. Springsteen is front and center in a program focusing on the recent Hard Rock Calling festival in London. That special will premiere on August 21st on VH1, VH1 Classic and Palladia.
Farm Aid Again
Farm Aid founders Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson — as well as their longtime cohort Dave Matthews — are all on board for the 2009 edition of the October 4th benefit concert taking place near St. Louis. The event, which has been held nearly every year since its 1985 inception, has brought in more than $34 million for family farmers. Further line-up announcements will be coming soon.
Billy's Guitar
Gibson has introduced a new limited-edition signature Les Paul Standard guitar that replicates ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons' legendary "Pearly Gates" guitar, which he has played on all of his group's recordings. Only 350 of the new instruments are being made, with 100 of those being aged to resemble the original 1959 guitar down to its last blemish. In addition, half of the latter axes will be autographed and played by Gibbons himself.
Skynyrd's Next
Lynyrd Skynyrd's upcoming 13-song "God & Guns" album includes contributions from three now-deceased Skynyrd members — keyboardist Billy Powell, bassist Ean Evans and guitarist Hughie Thomasson. The disc is due out on September 29th.
It was Henry James who said: "Summer afternoon, summer afternoon... the two most beautiful words in the English language."
It was Rod Serling who said: "It is difficult to produce a television documentary that is both incisive and probing when every twelve minutes one is interrupted by twelve dancing rabbits singing about toilet paper."
I Scream, You Scream...
From "Health" magazine:
* 44% of women and 30% of men feel guilty for eating ice cream.
* Americans eat an average of one ton of ice cream in their lifetimes.
* One ton is the approximate weight of a baby elephant.
Now, enjoy!
July 18, 2009
Bluesman "Screaming" Jay Hawkins would have been 80 (the exact number of children he's believed to have fathered).
Keyboardist Ian Stewart, a founding member of The Rolling Stones, would have been 71.
On this day in 1953, Elvis Presley made his first recording, "My Happiness," as a gift for his mother.
On this day in 1960, Elvis Presley's "It's Now Or Never" was released. That evening marked Jim Ladd's first karaoke performance of said song in front of real people. Fortunately, Jim later made bail.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles album "A Hard Days Night" was released. It yielded two #1 hits, the title track and "Can't Buy Me Love."
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones first hit single, a rockin' cover of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away," peaked at #48 in the States.
On this day in 1981, Journey released "Who's Crying Now" as Santana's song "Winning" peaked at #17 on the charts.
July 19, 2009
Guitarists Bernie Leadon of the Eagles and Brian May of Queen are 62.
Grateful Dead keyboardist Keith Godchaux would have been 61.
Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been 57.
On this day in 1954, Sun Records released the first Elvis Presley single, "That's Alright (Mama)."
On this day in 1966, The Monkees recorded their TV theme song.
On this day in 1980, Billy Joel hit #1 for the first time with "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me."
On this day in 1980, the stage adaptation of "The Elephant Man," starring David Bowie, opened in Denver. The non-musical part gave Bowie his first dramatic stage role, and when the show eventually moved to Broadway, fans could see The Thin White Duke on The Great White Way!
July 20, 2009
Bassist John Lodge of The Moody Blues is 64.
Guitar god Carlos Santana is 62.
Singer Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave is 45.
On this day in 1968, actress Jane Asher told a BBC TV reporter that her engagement to Paul McCartney was off. Paul was watching the television with some friends at the time, so he found out about the breakup at the same time as millions of other Britons.
On this day in 1969, contrary to anything Timothy Leary later said, Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon.
On this day in 1974, Joey Ramone moved out from behind the drums to become the vocalist and frontman for The Ramones. Gabba, gabba, hey!
Macca Opens Another One
Paul McCartney played his first of three shows at Citi Field in Queens, New York Friday night. This was the second time Macca's given the inaugural concert on the Mets' home field, the first being when The Beatles opened Shea Stadium back in 1965. While Sir Paulie played a lot of Beatles songs on Friday — including an encore collaboration with Billy Joel on "I Saw Her Standing There" — he covered all aspects of his career. McCartney also performed at the ballpark Saturday night and will wrap up his three-night stand at Citi Field tomorrow.
Bonzo's Gong Gone
You may recall that a huge gong played on stage by Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham failed to sell at auction a few weeks back — perhaps because the auctioneers were looking for $120,000. Now comes word that someone just bought the historic instrument for a mere $64,000. Even though the buyer has asked to remain anonymous, you know his wife will find out sooner rather than later!
A Woodstock Wedding (Sort Of)
A wedding party of 300,000? Mountain frontman Leslie West plans on getting married onstage after the group's August 15th performance at the Bethel Woods Music Festival in Bethel, New York. Although the festival will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the famous Woodstock festival on the very the same site, don't expect the bride and groom to be rolling in the mud. The groom-to-be says, "You can get married in Paris, but I think getting married onstage at Woodstock would be really special." You have to hope the bride agrees!
Xmas REO
REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin says that the band is having fun recording a Christmas album set for a late November release. Besides a featured spot in this year's Uncle Joe's Rockin' Christmas Show, don't be surprised if NBC airs a special in conjunction with the release. Meanwhile, REO and Styx are extending their "Can't Stop Rockin'" tour (this time with Night Ranger opening) into November.
Frampton Sings/Plays
Yes, "Fingerprints" — Peter Frampton's 2007 GRAMMY-winning album — was an all-instrumental project. Currently, the guitar whiz has only recorded two songs without vocals for his new collection, which will be out in January. Wonder if he'll play any of the new material when he hits the Southland on September 9th and 20th?
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common."
It was John F. Kennedy who said: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."