August 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!
August 11, 2009
Original Guess Who bassist Jim Kale is 66.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd recorded "Apples and Oranges" at Abbey Road Studios. The song became their third single and was truly as lame as the title would lead you to believe.
On this day in 1973, Joe Walsh released the song "Rocky Mountain Way" as The Edgar Winter Group released "Free Ride."
On this day in 1984, "Cover Me" by Bruce Springsteen entered the singles chart.
Walking The Beatles Walk
Hundreds and hundreds of Beatles fans swarmed North London last Saturday morning to celebrate the anniversary of the iconic cover photograph of the group's 1969 "Abbey Road" album. Attendees, singing songs and snarling traffic to mark 40 years since John, Paul, George and Ringo strode across the leafy north London street and into the history books, were able to cross the actual Abbey Road at the exact moment the Fab Four did 40 years ago. To celebrate in his own way, KLOS Breakfast With The Beatles host Chris Carter walked across San Fernando Road at four fab locations (if you consider Chinese food and nail salons as fab locations).
Vultures Definitely Rock
Them Crooked Vultures, featuring Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme on lead vocals and guitar, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl on drums and Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones on bass, played their first show ever at the Metro in Chicago last Sunday night. The supergroup performed a 12-song, 80-minute set described as "crazy wild." Now we need a Southland show!
Large Dollars For Neil's Old Stuff
Someone has just paid over $25,000 for Rush drummer Neil Peart's original Slingerland drum kit. The set saw quite a bit of mileage between the "Fly By Night" album and tour through the classic "2112" trek. Before the auction closed on eBay, some of the prospective buyers (most likely those without a cent to their name) made bids like $2,112, $12,112.12 and $21,121.12. No word on who won the auction, or who put the kit up for sale in the first place.
Bonus Old Bowie
An expanded, double CD version of David Bowie's 1972 "Space Oddity" album — first released in 1969 under the title "Man Of Words, Man Of Music" — will be issued in October. The 40th anniversary package will feature a bonus disc of 15 tracks including demos, remixes, BBC performances and B-sides as well as comprehensive liner notes and rare photos.
A Random Thought
A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.
August 12, 2009
Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler is 60.
On this day in 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. The world's first bootleg and royalty lawsuits were just around the corner.
On this day in 1960, Pete Best became the drummer of the Silver Beetles. With Ringo Starr around the corner, Pete didn't last much longer than that band name.
On this day in 1967, Fleetwood Mac made their live debut at London's National Jazz & Blues Festival. The festival's headliners were two British artists who were neither blues nor jazz: Donovan and Pink Floyd. Oh, the Sixties!
On this day in 1969, Eric Clapton's supergroup Blind Faith made their live U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden. Too much too soon: they were doomed before they played their first note.
On this day in 1972, "Honky Cat" by Elton John entered the singles chart.
This Sunday morning at 7 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Rush as well as conversation with drummer Neil Peart and bassist/singer Geddy Lee.
All Hail Neil
Neil Young will be awarded the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year during a GRAMMY Week gala on January 29th in Los Angeles. The 20th anniversary ceremony will recognize Young's influential musical accomplishments and philanthropic work, with the proceeds going to the MusiCares charity, which helps needy individuals in the music industry.
Get Back (Those Rights)
As The Beatles were breaking up, Paul McCartney and John Lennon, the group's primary songwriters, infamously lost control of the band's catalog, missing out on huge incomes over the years from licensing deals. The rights have been most recently owned by Michael Jackson, but in nine years — when he is 76 — Sir Paulie will have another chance to own his work thanks to the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. That law gives songwriters the opportunity to recapture the publishing share of the copyrights on pre-1978 works after 56 years. Do you think Jackson's people will try to make a deal before then?
Elty In Chains
Elton John has recorded a piano performance on the title track of Alice In Chains' upcoming comeback album, "Black Gives Way To Blue." The song is a tribute to AIC's late singer, Layne Staley. Sir Elty said, "I've long been an admirer of [AIC guitarist/songwriter] Jerry Cantrell and when he asked me to play on 'Black Gives Way To Blue,' I was very flattered... [It's] a beautiful song." Cantrell called Elton's appearance "an amazing honor." The album will hit shelves on September 29th.
August 13, 2009
On this day in 1952, Blues maven Big Mama Thornton recorded the original version of "Hound Dog," which soon became a #1 R&B hit. But little did the world know, Elvis Presley was just waiting in the wings!
On this day in 1964, The Kinks entered the U.K. charts for the first time with "You Really Got Me."
On this day in 1965, the Jefferson Airplane made their live debut at San Francisco's Matrix Club. Marty Balin, the group's vocalist and guitarist, owned the club, thus making the audition process go a lot smoother.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles' best album to date, "Revolver," hit #1 on the British charts, while anti-Beatlemania raged Stateside following John Lennon's remark that the group was "more popular than Jesus."
On this day in 1973, Jethro Tull's "A Passion Play" album hit #1.
On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band began their legendary five-night, two shows per evening stand at New York's Bottom Line club, setting the stage for the breakthrough success of "Born To Run" two weeks later.
On this day in 1977, "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, Bachman Turner Overdrive announced they were splitting up, sending all of Canada into mourning.
On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones released "Start Me Up" from their "Tattoo You" album.
Aerosmith Weirdness
Kinda strange how even guitarist Joe Perry doesn't seem to know what's going on with singer Steven Tyler's health, isn't it?
KISS/Vegas
You'd think that by now KISS would have their own Las Vegas casino and traveling burlesque review. But they don't, so Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will occasionally appear in the new Las Vegas theater production they conceived, "KISS: Carnival of Souls." The "play" will be sort of like Cirque du Soleil (with more skin, we'd expect) with lots of old and new KISS material. Stay tuned for info on the undoubtedly outrageous opening dates!
Coverdale Down
After Whitesnake singer David Coverdale barely got through four songs before ending the band's Tuesday night set in Colorado, the group officially dropped off their tour with Judas Priest. Word is that doctors later found that David has a "severe vocal fold edema and a left vocal fold vascular lesion" and needs a whole lot of time off to prevent permanent damage. As a result of Whitesnake's cancellation, the Priest will perform extended sets on the remaining tour dates. You have to wonder of they've spoken with ZZ Top, who've been sidelined from their co-headlining tour with Aerosmith by Steven Tyler's latest accident.
August 14, 2009
Singer/guitarist David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Byrds fame, is 68 and still living large!
Bassist Tim Bogart of Vanilla Fudge fame is 65.
Comic god Steve Martin is 64.
On this day in 1962, Ringo Starr was nearing the end of a three-month engagement with Rory Storm & the Hurricanes when he was approached by The Beatles manager Brian Epstein about replacing drummer Pete Best. Much to Pete's chagrin, Ringo started four days later.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles released the song "Help," Bob Dylan released "Like A Rolling Stone" and The Animals released "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place." What a day!
On this date in 1965, The Beatles taped an appearance for CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show." Recording at Studio 50 in New York City, they performed "I Feel Fine," "I'm Down," "Act Naturally," "Ticket to Ride," "Yesterday" and "Help!" The program was broadcast on September 12th, for the season-opener of "The Ed Sullivan Show."
On this day in 1971, Rod Stewart's classic "Maggie May" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's "Rock 'N Me" entered the singles chart as Peter Frampton's album "Frampton Comes Alive" hit #1.
On this day in 1982, "Keep The Fire Burnin'" by REO Speedwagon peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1985, Michael Jackson snookered Paul McCartney by bidding $47.5 million for the ATV music publishing catalog and the Northern Songs Catalogue of The Beatles' copyrights, which included 251 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Aerosmith Cancel Out
Due to injuries singer Steven Tyler sustained last week when he fell from the stage during a concert in Sturgis, South Dakota, his doctors have advised him to take the time to properly recuperate from the accident that resulted in a broken shoulder and stitches to his head. Thus Aerosmith have canceled the remainder of their Summer tour with ZZ Top. As guitarist Joe Perry says, "Hope to see you sooner than later."
Les Paul R.I.P.
Les Paul, one of the most revered guitarists in history and the father of the electric guitar, passed away Wednesday (August 12th) night at the age of 94. Les was suffering from severe pneumonia and died of respiratory failure at a hospital in White Plains, New York. An inductee of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame and Inventors Hall Of Fame, Paul was a primary pioneer of multi-tracking recording techniques and the inventor of the solid-body electric guitar. A guitar virtuoso, he also had a celebrated recording career. As for his impact on Rock & Roll, Pete Townshend of The Who, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Slash and Yes’ Steve Howe all made the Gibson Les Paul their signature guitar. ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons summed it up best, saying, “He was an innovator, a groundbreaker, a risk taker, a mentor and a friend. Try to imagine what we’d be doing if he hadn’t come along and changed the world as he, most indisputably, did.” I had the pleasure to converse at length with Les twice over the last 25 years, and I can confirm that — as Steve Miller and Joe Satriani have both said — Les was not only a real guitar hero, he was the the kindest of souls. Rest in peace Wizard Of Waukesha.
Mud & Drugs & Rock & Roll
Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair — better known as Woodstock. The three-day concert — which extended into a fourth day due to terrible management — took place on Max Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel, New York (population 2,700). While an overwhelming success on a historic and cultural level, the event was a financial and logistical nightmare. Ultimately neither the festival nor the surrounding communities were equipped to handle the half-million people who showed up. There wasn't enough food, medical or sanitation facilities to accommodate the massive crowd. Drug use was rampant, and not always by choice. There were just 600 portable toilets to serve the crowd of 500,000, and when the usual August storms rolled through, the ground became a sewage/mud pit. Granted, Woodstock's music was indeed epic. Over 30 bands performed, including The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Santana. While yer Uncle Joe skipped the event (having worked at several rock/folk festivals, I had an inkling of what might happen), my advice on the best way to celebrate the legendary cultural landmark is to avoid the mud and drugs while enjoying the Rock & Roll on KLOS!
See This Movie
You need to see the rockumentary "It Might Get Loud," which opens Friday in Los Angeles and New York. The interaction of the three guitar virtuosos — U2's The Edge, White Stripes' Jack White and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page — is both highly entertaining and very informative. And Pagey even debuts two new tunes, saying: "It was quite important, I felt, to actually have something that shows I'm still working on the guitar relative to just doing 'Whole Lotta Love' or something like that." Rock on!
A Thought For The Weekend
There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.
August 15, 2009
Doobie Brothers guitarist/singer Tom Johnston is 61.
Drummer Tommy Aldridge, who worked with Black Oak Arkansas, Whitesnake and Ozzy Osbourne, is 59.
On this day in 1964, "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles peaked at #53.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles performed in front of 56,000 people at Shea Stadium in New York. It set a record for concert attendance at that time, however most of those there heard nothing but screaming as fans drowned out the pathetic P.A. system.
On this day in 1969, three days of "Peace, Love and Music" known as the legendary Woodstock Music & Arts Fair began on Max Yasgur's farm in upstate New York. For the next three days, almost half a million people braved rainstorms and traffic jams to see Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Joe Cocker, among others.
On this day in 1970, Sugarloaf released the song "Green Eyed Lady" as Free's "All Right Now" entered the singles chart and The Who's version of "Summertime Blues" peaked at #27.
On this day in 1978, Boston's "Don't Look Back" album was released a year before group leader Tom Scholz wanted it to be. Soon, there would be hell to pay.
On this day in 1981, "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins peaked at #19 on the charts.
August 16, 2009
INXS guitarist Tim Farris is 52.
Singer/dancer/saucy girl-next-door Madonna is 50.
On this day in 1938, Blues legend Robert Johnson (from whose music most Rock & Roll evolved) died at the age of 27 after being poisoned by a jealous husband (or so the story goes).
On this day in 1962, The Beatles replaced drummer Pete Best with Ringo Starr. Twenty years later, in 1982, Best released an album of early Decca Record auditions on which he was featured with the legendary group, and his backbeat was still all over the place.
On this day in 1977, Rock & Roll legend Elvis Presley died at the age of 42. Heart attack or heavy drug abuse, it doesn't really matter — he's not living in Kalamazoo, he's dead.
August 17, 2009
Former Boston drummer Sib Hashian is 60.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles played their first gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool with their new drummer, Ringo Starr. Some of original drummer Pete Best's fans began a fight as the Fab Four entered the club, and George Harrison finished the night with a black eye.
On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin began their seventh North American tour in just three years. The band was at the height of their creative success, having just completed the "Led Zeppelin IV" album. The music and partying were legendary.
Necessity-Is-A-Mother Tour
The plan was for ZZ Top to spend the Summer touring with Aerosmith, then hit the studio with producer Rick Rubin before doing a serious little U.S. tour in September and rolling through Europe in October. So when the barely-started Aerosmith tour was canceled due to Steven Tyler's injuries, Billy F. Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard threw together their own 20-date "Necessity-Is-A-Mother Tour." To get it going, they'll be ripping through killer shows at the House of Blues in Anaheim this Thursday and the House of Blues on Sunset on Friday. Stay tuned for details!
KISS! KISS! KISS!
KISS' new "Sonic Boom" album will be released exclusively through Walmart, Walmart.com and Sam's Club on October 6th. Produced by guitarist/singer Paul Stanley, the "Sonic Boom" three-disc set will include a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's recent "KISS ALIVE 35" South American tour. But wait — there's more! In celebration of the release, the boys will be doing a special "KISS ALIVE 35" show at Detroit's legendary Cobo Arena on September 25th. That historic structure, which is slated for closure/demolition, is where the 1975 "KISS ALIVE!" album was recorded. KISSTORY for sure!
Dylan's Little Caper
To police in the New Jersey seaside town of Long Branch, Bob Dylan was just an eccentric geezer wandering the streets in the pouring rain. According to the man himself, he was just "out for a walk." But the legendary singer/songwriter may really have been in search of Bruce Springsteen's old house, where he wrote the classic "Born to Run." Probing influential musicians' backgrounds is a hobby for Bob. Last November he turned up unannounced at a Winnipeg house where Neil Young grew up. In May, Dylan mingled anonymously with tourists at the childhood home of John Lennon in Liverpool. Then on July 23rd, the New Jersey homeowners phoned the cops when they noticed a scruffy figure ambling in the rain down a residential street and entering the yard of an up-for-sale house. The responding 24-year-old peace officer was skeptical: "I've seen pictures of Bob Dylan from a long time ago and he didn't look like Bob Dylan to me at all." So she and her partner gave Mr. D a lift back to his tour bus where he produced his passport and "was really cool about the whole incident." Sounds like the basis for a song, doesn't it?
Still Not Enough Bruce
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have extended the next leg of their U.S. tour with a few more non-Southland shows... so you know we're next on the to-do list. No, really.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Bill Cosby who said: "A word to the wise ain't necessary — it's the stupid ones who need advice."
It was Miriam M. Wynn who said: "If you're afraid to ask the question, it's probably because you already know the answer."
Dog Days Indeed
The term "Dog Days" means the hottest days of Summer. The Ancient Romans believed that there was a period during the Summer when "the brightest star in the heavens, the dog star 'Sirius,' added its heat to the sun's, making those days a veritable inferno."
August 18, 2009
Former Foreigner drummer Dennis Elliott is 59.
On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers released "China Grove."
On this day in 1973, "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" by Chicago peaked at #10 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1977, The Police played their first gig as a three-piece after the departure of guitarist Henri Padovani.
On this day in 1978, The Who released the "Who Are You" album.
On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones released their "Tattoo You" album.
On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "Panama" peaked at #13 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, Bon Jovi released their third album, "Slippery When Wet." It eventually sold over six million copies.
Crooked Vultures Spread Wings
Better get your passport ready! Them Crooked Vultures — featuring Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and Led Zeppelin bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones — has booked a second live show. Having made their live debut earlier this month, the boys will be rocking Amsterdam this Wednesday night.
Joplin To The Hall
Beginning on November 9th, Janis Joplin will be the subject of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and Museum's 2009 American Music Masters series in Cleveland. For one full week the Hall will feature classes, tribute performances and interviews with people who knew and/or worked with Joplin.
Mas Carlos/Vegas
Carlos Santana has added eight more November shows onto his ongoing Las Vegas residency. The newly added Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits dates will take place between November 11th and 22nd.
It's A Fantasy
The next installment of Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp — November 17th to 22nd in Hollywood — will feature KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, Meat Loaf, Cars guitarist Elliot Easton and Yes frontman Jon Anderson as counselors. And now you know.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability."
It was David Russell who said: "The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.
August 19, 2009
Cream drummer Ginger Baker is 70.
Ian Gillan, vocalist with the best-known incarnation of Deep Purple, is 64.
Queen bassist John Deacon is 58.
On this day in 1959, 61-year-old blues guitar legend Blind Willie McTell died in Milledgeville, Georgia from a brain hemorrhage. Just the same, The Allman Brothers Band (unlike a big English band or two) still gave him writing credits when they covered his material 10 years later.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles hit #1 with "All You Need Is Love."
On this day in 1978, Boston released the song "Don't Look Back."
On this day in 1991, Bob Seger released his album "The Fire Inside."
On this day in 1997, Fleetwood Mac released "The Dance," the soundtrack to a TV special featuring the recently reunited/most famous line-up of the classic band.
Has anyone else noticed a tear in KLOS' Time/Space Continuum?
Quotes Of The Day
It was George Carlin who asked: "If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted and musicians denoted?"
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it."
August 20, 2009
Trombonist James Pankow of Chicago is 62.
Singer/rock god Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame is 61.
Thin Lizzy bassist/singer Phil Lynott would have been 57.
On this day in 1966, the title song of The Beatles' film "Yellow Submarine" entered the charts.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles were together in the studio for the last time as they finished recording "I Want You (She's So Heavy)."
On this day in 1977, The Marshall Tucker Band released the song "Can't You See."
On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band played at the L.A. Sports Arena in one of the first high profile benefits for Vietnam veterans.
Motley Ouch!
Leave it to Mötley Crüe to take on Aerosmith's bad tour luck. After burning his left hand when playing with sparklers, drummer Tommy Lee has been forced to step back for a few shows. Morgan Rose of Sevendust is filling in for Lee, who is still "jumping around" on the Crüe Fest 2 stage and performing on piano for "Home Sweet Home."
Iommi/Van Halen/Thumbs
Once Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell guitarist Tony Iommi finishes touring this Fall, he'll undergo an operation on his left thumb similar to Eddie Van Halen's recent treatment. Wonder if guitarists like those guys qualify for workman's comp?
New Jovi
The boys from Bon Jovi say they're going "back to rock & roll" on their next album, "The Circle," due for a November 10th release. Guitarist Richie Sambora says, "I think what happened is the fact that we made the kind of Nashville-influenced record, and it created this vacuum now for a big rock record from us. There's a continued evolution... (it) doesn't sound like any other previous record. Everybody that we've been playing it for has been real turned on by it, and we're certainly happy with how it turned out." The album sees Bon Jovi re-teaming with producer John Shanks, who also worked on 2005's "Have A Nice Day" and 2007's "Lost Highway." The tour to promote the album will hit the road next Spring.
Les Paul Services
Guitar great Les Paul will be buried near his family tomorrow at a private ceremony in his hometown of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Fans can pay their respects to "the father of the modern guitar" today at Milwaukee's Discovery World science and technology museum. A private ceremony for Les took place yesterday in New York City.
Quotes Of The Day
It was Napoleon Bonaparte who said: "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."
It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said: "A man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."