September 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!
September 11, 2009
Drummer Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead is 66.
Guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw of Styx is 56.
Multi-instrumentalist Moby is 44.
On this day in 1962, one week after their first recording sessions, The Beatles cut two Lennon/McCartney tunes, "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You." Producer George Martin insisted that session drummer Andy White sit in, on the chance that new percussionist Ringo Starr didn't work out. What ever happened to old Andy?
On this day in 1967, The Beatles climbed on a bus and began filming "The Magical Mystery Tour." If they had waited another day or two to figure out a story line, the TV special might have made some sense.
On this day in 1969, the first bootleg record album turned up in stores in Los Angeles. "Great White Wonder" featured unreleased songs by Bob Dylan.
On this day in 1977, on Bing Crosby's personal invitation to appear as a special guest on his annual Christmas television special, David Bowie recorded duets of "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth" with the Binger.
On this day in 1982, John 'Cougar' Mellencamp's "American Fool" album hit #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Pat Benatar released "Love Is A Battlefield."
On over 90 stations across America this weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of the Steve Miller Band as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with Steve. Stream on!
Frampton/Skynyrd/Wild Weekend
Set your schedules! This Friday J.B. will be rolling into a 6pm Uncle Joe Meet & Greet at the KLOS Cool Patrol Booth at the L.A. County Fair before hosting the Peter Frampton/Kansas concert on the main stage. Then Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 11am he'll be rockin' the KLOS airwaves before ripping back to the Fairgrounds in Pomona for another Uncle Joe Meet & Greet at the KLOS Cool Patrol Booth and intro of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sunday show on the main stage. Hail, hail Rock & Roll!
Quotes Of The Day
It was Walt Disney who said: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
It was Bill Gates who said: "Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself."
September 11th
On this, the eighth anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, let us not forget the horror but continue to honor those cast into the role of heroes by fate. Take a moment to say a prayer for them and their families, and a prayer for your families and loved ones, as well as the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces fighting to protect our freedom around the world. God bless America.
September 14, 2009
Guitarist Steve Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been 60.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles released "Hey Jude," their first single on their own Apple Records label. Backed with "Revolution," it almost immediately hit #1.
On this day in 1968, The Who's Pete Townshend told "Rolling Stone" magazine of his plans to write a "rock opera" about a deaf, dumb and blind boy. The project became "Tommy," one of Townshend's most successful musical projects. Aside from the original recording, the piece was also re-recorded by a symphony orchestra, turned into a feature film with an accompanying soundtrack and presented as a successful Broadway production.
On this day in 1969, Genesis, which consisted of Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips and John Mahew, played their first paid gig at a cottage in Surrey, England owned by Gabriel's former Sunday school teacher. Although they didn't really go over all that well, they still decided to stick with it.
Phil's Pain In The Neck
Longtime Genesis frontman Phil Collins has suffered a number of career threatening physical setbacks over the last few years, including intense inner ear problems. Now, due to a side effect of successful surgery to repair a dislocated vertebrae in his neck, his hands aren't functioning normally. He explained, "My vertebrae has been crushing my spinal cord because of the position I drum in... [then] somehow during the last Genesis tour I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands... Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano." With his typical sense of humor, he added, "Don't worry, I can still sing."
KISS/Wal-Mart/Halloween
KISS' excellent new "Sonic Boom" album will be released on October 6th, just as Wal-Mart opens KISS Korners in their electronic departments and Halloween aisles. As you'd expect, KISS Korners will offer special t-shirts, KISS wigs, makeup, limited edition KISS M&M's and even KISS versions of Mr. Potato Head. Rock & roll!
Bruce/Kennedy
Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks, jazz legend Dave Brubeck and opera singer Grace Bumbry are this year's Kennedy Center Honors recipients. The annual event salutes artists who have made significant contributions to American music and culture with an all-star tribute concert at Washington, DC's Kennedy Center. A two-hour highlights special of December 6th's The Honors Gala will air on December 29th.
Joe Perry/Viper Room
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry's new solo album, "Have Guitar, Will Travel," will be out on October 6th — the very same day his Joe Perry Project band will be rocking Hollywood's Viper Room. Now that will be a gig!
Bowie's Spider
David Bowie has inspired the name of a newly discovered species of spider from Malaysia. Peter Jager, one of the world's foremost spider specialists and a big Bowie fan, named the huge, hairy spider Heteropoda davidbowie, hoping to draw attention to the plight of the dwindling species. It's worth noting that Bowie's character in his signature "The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars" album was neither huge nor hairy — but was definitely lethal!
It was A.A. Milne who said: "Did you ever stop to think and forget to start again?"
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction."
September 15, 2009
Legendary Blues shouter Big Joe Turner, the inspiration to Elvis Presley and Little Richard who topped the charts with "Shake, Rattle and Roll" in 1954, would have been 98.
Keyboardist Rick Wakeman of Yes is 60.
On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded their classic "Louie Louie" using just one microphone in a small room. That's Rock & Roll!
On this day in 1963, The Beatles began their third U.K. tour supporting Roy Orbison. By the end of the 21-date tour, the Fab Four was headlining.
On this day in 1968, The Doors' album "Waiting For The Sun" hit #1.
On this day in 1973, "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" by Elton John peaked at #12 on the charts.
On this day in 1975, Pink Floyd released their classic "Wish You Were Here" album.
On this day in 1980, David Bowie made his Broadway debut playing the lead role in "The Elephant Man."
On this day in 2004, Johnny Ramone, guitarist and co-founder of the seminal punk band The Ramones, died in Los Angeles at age 55. He had been fighting a five-year battle with prostate cancer.
On this day in 2008, Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright, died at his home in Britain at the age of 65. He had fought an intense, short battle with cancer.
The Party Grows
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 25th anniversary party at Madison Square Garden just got a little bigger. Sting, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeff Beck, Van Morrison and Jackson Browne will be joining U2, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Metallica, Simon & Garfunkel, Eric Clapton and more at the October 29th and 30th shows. Good luck finding a ticket!
Suing Real Late
If The Rolling Stones haven't been paying their former guitarist Mick Taylor royalties since 1982, why has it taken him so long to take legal action? Taylor says that the group stopped paying him 27 years ago when "they'd signed to a different record company and had new contracts and were advised they didn't need to pay me anymore." Of course a lack of songwriting credits was one of the reasons he left the band in the first place back in 1974, but filing a suit this far down the road is an interesting move to make.
Wot Happened To Neil?
It seemed kind of weird when Neil Young didn't show up for an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Festival organizers said Neil would attend a screening of his new concert movie, "The Neil Young Trunk Show," on Monday and then perform a live set. When asked on Tuesday why he didn't make the scene, he said "This is the first time I ever heard I was supposed to be there." Ah, communication!
G&R Rumor #6,427
From the "Believe it when you see it" file, Guns N' Roses have booked a couple of December shows in Japan. The first two announced gigs are in Osaka on December 16th and in Tokyo on December 19th. Wonder what the over/under is on the shows actually happening?
Leps Choose The Trick
Def Leppard is taking Cheap Trick back out on the third leg of the Lep's successful 2009 tour. So far only three of the 20 dates have been announced: October 22nd in Reno, October 24th in Boise and October 25th in Spokane. But there will be more!
Plant Surfaces (Briefly)
Occasional Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant performed a few African-style renditions of some of his band's classic "Black Dog" and "Whole Lotta Love" at a charity concert in London last Friday. You should check out the performances on YouTube by searching for "Rockwell O2 2009." Proceeds from the event went towards a music therapy charity.
It was Maya Angelou who said: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
It was Bernard Baruch who said: "We did not all come over on the same ship, but we are all in the same boat."
September 16, 2009
Blues legend B.B. King is 84.
Drummer Kenney Jones, of The Who and Small Faces, is 61.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers original (and current) bassist Ron Blair is 61.
On this day in 1955, Play-Doh was introduced.
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album began its 19th week on the charts at #1.
On this day in 1977, Marc Bolan, the man who was T. Rex, died in a car crash at the age of 28.
On this day in 1978, Styx released "Blue Collar Man" as "Just What I Needed" by The Cars peaked at #27 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, The Grateful Dead became the first Western rock band to headline a concert at the foot of the famous Pyramids near Cairo, Egypt. Far out!
On over 90 stations across America this weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Who as well as more of Joe's conversations with Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle. Stream on!
Beatles/Vera
As expected, The Beatles made British music history, breaking the record for having the most albums by a single artist in the Top 60 chart at one time. The Fab Four put 16 albums in the Top 60, breaking Elvis Presley's record of 14 in 1977. Of course, England being England, The Beatles were beaten for the #1 chart position by 92-year-old singer Dame Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" compilation of sad World War II songs.
Bob's Danish (Show)
Here's another reason (besides the people and the food) to visit Denmark next Fall. A major exhibition of Bob Dylan's paintings will open at the country's National Gallery. The rare Dylan show will feature nearly 100 works, including the world premiere of 30 acrylic paintings from Bob's "Brazil Series."
Fogerty's Jaunt
Promoting his new "The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again" album, John Fogerty will kick off a short leg of his U.S. tour on November 12th at the Kodak Theatre. At this point, the tour is scheduled to end two weeks later in Boston.
Ya-Ya's 40th
The 40th anniversary of The Rolling Stones epic November 1969 two-night stand at New York's Madison Square Garden will not go unnoticed. First up will be remastered deluxe and super-deluxe versions of the classic "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" album recorded over those two nights, plus a special super deluxe three-disc set that contains five unreleased songs, the rarely seen "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" film directed by the infamous Maysles Brothers as well as a 56-page booklet of photos and essays. But wait — there's more! One disc in the super deluxe set contains the sets from the MSG shows' two opening acts: B.B. King and Ike & Tina Turner. The deluxe box will hit stores on November 3rd; the super deluxe set on November 17th.
A Rockin' Priestly Xmas
Hellbent for leather Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford is about to release that Christmas album he's been working on for the last 2 years. "Halford III: Winter Songs" will come out on the singer's own Metal Gods label. Most tempting are his rewritten versions of classics like "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Oh Holy Night." Turn it up to 11!
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."
It was Dave Matthews who said: "It's always easier to leave than to be left."
September 17, 2009
Hank Williams would have been 86.
Lol Creme of 10cc is 62.
Singer Fee Waybill of The Tubes is 59.
On this day in 1967, The Doors performed "Light My Fire" and "People are Strange" on the Ed Sullivan Show. Even though Sullivan told Jim Morrison to change or omit the line "Girl, we couldn't get much higher" in "Light My Fire," Jimbo sang it anyway (that scalawag!).
On this day in 1967, The Who performed on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." Not realizing that the crew had already set a charge under his riser, Keith Moon set a flash explosion in his drum kit. When the explosion went off at the end of "My Generation," it was so loud that it damaged guitarist Pete Townshend's ears.
On this day in 1997, a reunited Fleetwood Mac launched its first tour in more than a decade.
On over 90 stations across America this weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Who as well as more of Joe's conversations with Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle. Stream on!
Beatles: The Biggest Selling Act of The Decade
The Beatles are dominating the "Billboard" charts, selling a combined 646,000 albums in the U.S. in one week. That's a grand total of 1,261,000 albums in 2009! "Abbey Road" was the biggest seller of the remastered reissues, coming in at #3 on the Top Comprehensive Albums chart. Like Michael Jackson's albums, The Beatles' individual reissues weren't eligible for the Top 200. In total, five Beatles albums charted in the Comprehensive's Top 10, and nine charted in the Top 20. On top of that, the complete Beatles in Stereo box set sold 25,000 copies to land #15 on the Top 200 where it was eligible as a new release, while the Beatles in Mono moved 11,000 boxes to finish at #40. Rock & Roll!
Satch/Coldplay
Guitar god Joe Satriani's legal action against Coldplay was dismissed Monday in California Central District Court "upon stipulation." That most likely means that Joe and the British group have reached an out-of-court settlement. Satriani filed the suit last December, claiming Coldplay's 2008 hit "Viva La Vida" borrowed too liberally from his 2004 track "If I Could Fly."
Daltrey's Overview
Since The Who won't be hitting the road again until next year, singer Roger Daltrey says, "That's a long time for me, so I put a little band together. I'm going back to where it all began." For his first solo shows since 1985, Daltrey and his band (which includes Simon Townshend, Pete's brother, on guitar) will be playing theaters in October and November. The set list is still in the works, but Daltrey is promising "different versions of Who songs"... like an acoustic reworking of "Who Are You." ("Strip away the synthesizers and it's a blues song," he says.) "The show has to be a journey," he says. When The Who do resume work next year, Daltrey says he and Townshend are considering playing "Tommy" or "Quadrophenia" in full. "I'd like to do a stripped-down show... no staging, no big production, just play the bloody music... The music is timeless." Especially of the "Quadrophenia" songs, he says, "These are the last years of my life that I can sing that material."
Paich Does Emmies
The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards airing on CBS this Sunday will have live music for the first time in five years — and it will be Toto founding member David Paich conducting the orchestra! Among his performers will be occasional Rolling Stones bassist Daryl Jones and veteran sax player Tom Scott.
All Hail John
This year's Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award will go to John Fogerty for his incorporation of roots music throughout his lengthy career. Previous honorees include John Prine, John Hiatt and Willie Nelson. The Americana Music Association's 8th Annual Honors And Awards ceremony will take place tonight at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
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."
Live From Abbey Road
September 9, 2009: Check out these photos of Uncle Joe's broadcast from The Beatles' main recording studio, Abbey Road Studio 2 in London on 09-09-09.
September 18, 2009
Guitarist Kerry Livgren of Kansas is 60.
Drummer Michael Hossack of The Doobie Brothers is 60.
On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix died at the age of 27 in London. Some contend that if Hendrix had been put into an upright position in the ambulance rather than left lying on his back, he would not have suffocated on his own vomit. Some say if the nearest hospital had admitted blacks, he could have been saved. Others feel he was overdosed as part of a bad business deal.
Boss About To Break
In a performance we all hoped would happen in the Southland, Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band will play their breakthrough 1975 "Born To Run" album in its entirety at their September 20th Chicago show. And when the band wraps up their years-long tour in Buffalo on November 22nd, they're going to finally take some time off. E-Street guitarist and former "Sopranos" star Steven Van Zandt says, "We are gonna' take, I don't know how long — a year, year and a half, two years." Just enough to recharge the batteries boys, no more no less say we!
Huge KISS
KISS bassist Gene Simmons says that fans can expect "new outfits, a brand new stage, a video screen as wide as the stage and millions more put into it" when the "KISS Alive 35" tour launches on September 25th. Gene also says that a major network will broadcast a portion of the opening night set at Detroit's Cobo Arena. The new album, "Sonic Boom," includes a CD of new material, re-recorded KISS hits and a live DVD. Once it's unleashed on October 6th, "Sonic Boom" will be available exclusively at Wal-Mart, Walmart.com and Sam's Club. The band will rock the Honda Center on November 24th and the Staples Center on November 25th.
Beatles Selling Fast
Sales of The Beatles: Rock Band video game have blown past expectations, so much so that the most expensive version of the game may be sold out before Christmas. Word is that the $250 "Limited Edition Premium Bundle" version of the game (the one with Ringo-like drums) is on track to run out of inventory sometime in November. As for overall sales of the game, they say it sold out 25% of its stock during the first week of release! Now if only those Rock Band rascals could figure out how to make more...
All Hail Ozzy (Again)
The 2009 Billboard Touring Awards show on November 5th in New York will honor Ozzy Osbourne with the "Legend Of Live" award. The "Legend" award honors artists that have made "significant and lasting contributions to live music and the touring business" (ie. sold a lot of tickets). Others who've won include Elton John and the Allman Brothers Band. Considering that Ozzy's sold over 100 million albums worldwide, you'd think that they'd give him something a little bit bigger than a trophy, wouldn't you?
2009 Bridge School Line-Up
This year Neil Young's annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts will feature Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on both nights, along with Jimmy Buffett on the first night and comedian Adam Sandler on the second. Proceeds from the shows always go to the Bridge School, a special educational facility that helps children with severe speech and learning disabilities. (Neil's two sons both went to the Bridge School.) The 23rd annual Bridge School Benefit Concerts will take place at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View on October 24th and 25th.
Norton Down
During the last half dozen gigs of the Steve Miller Band's Summer tour, longtime harmonica player Norton Buffalo was performing while under the weather. But what the 57-year-old thought was the flu or pneumonia, turned out to be Stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to his brain. You're in our prayers, Norton.
It was President Barack Obama who said: "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father."
It was Ann Landers who said: "At every party, there are two kinds of people — those who want to go home and those who don't. The trouble is, usually they are married to each other."
September 19, 2009
Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles, would have been 75.
Today is also my Mom's birthday. She says she's 29, and who am I to question that?
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' song "It's All Over Now" peaked at #26 on the charts.
On this day in 1969, "Down On The Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival was released.
On this day in 1970, The Rolling Stones released their classic live album, "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out."
On this day in 1973, Gram Parsons, credited as the father of Country Rock and a member of The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers, died from a drug overdose at the age of 26. His coffin was later stolen by two associates and taken to Joshua Tree where it was set on fire. Now that was a Rock & Roll wake!
On this day in 1974, Max Weinberg made his live debut as the drummer in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band at the Main Point in Philadelphia.
On this day in 1976, "Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1979, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and several others played the first of five "No Nukes" concerts in New York City.
On this day in 1987, Aerosmith's "Permanent Vacation" entered the album chart as R.E.M.'s "The One I Love" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1987, Pink Floyd released their "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" album, their first following the departure of Roger Waters.
September 20, 2009
Bassist Chuck Panozzo of Styx is 60.
Drummer John Panozzo of Styx would have been 60.
On this day in 1971, guitarist Peter Frampton left Humble Pie for a solo career. Five years later he finally made it.
On this day in 1973, Neil Young & Crazy Horse played the opening show at L.A.'s newest rock & roll nightclub, The Roxy.
On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen released his "Born To Run" album and single. Springsteen's two previous albums had failed to make a significant commercial impression, but the "Born to Run" album went all the way to #3 and remained on the charts for 60 weeks.
On this day in 1983, the first ARMS Benefit Concert to raise money for research to fight Multiple Sclerosis, which former Faces bass player Ronnie Lane suffered from, was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Among the performers were Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Steve Winwood.