October 21 - 31, 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!
October 21, 2009
Guitarist Steve Cropper and bandleader/keyboardist Manfred Mann are both 68.
Blues guitarist Elvin Bishop is 67.
Grateful Dead keyboardist Brent Mydland would have been 57.
Toto guitarist Steve Lukather is 52.
On this day in 1961, 20-year-old Bob Dylan recorded his first album. It cost $400 to produce, was finished in one day and you could understand every word on it.
On this day in 1972, America released their song "Ventura Highway."
On this day in 1983, Yes released "Owner of a Lonely Heart," which went on to become their first #1 hit.
On over 90 stations across America this weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Pink Floyd as well as more of Joe's conversation with Nick Mason, Roger Waters, David Gilmour and producer Alan Parsons. Stream on!
Beatles Sell Well
Who didn't see this coming? “The Beatles: Rock Band” has sold more copies than “Guitar Hero 5.” The most recent score is The Beatles 595,000 copies sold since September 9th versus "GH5" with 499,000 units moved since September 1st. That should help Macca make this month's rent!
Kelly's Foot
Kelly Osbourne is on the mend following a foot injury on Monday night's "Dancing With The Stars." The problem wasn't that the 24-year-old daughter of Ozzy Osbourne danced the Paso Doble to Ozzy's "Crazy Train" (but think about that for a moment). What audiences didn't see was a painful misstep in the final moment of the dance with Louis Van Amstel. Ozzy, who was at the studio for the broadcast, accompanied Kelly to Cedars Sinai Hospital immediately after the show for an X-ray and MRI. Despite the painful sprain, Kelly returned last night for the results show and made the cut to return to dance in week six of the ABC show.
The Scariest KISS Of All
You had to figure that KISS would be offering cool costumes at KissCostumes.com just in time for Halloween. Of course you can scare your neighbors dressed as as the "Demon," "Starchild," "Catman" or "Spaceman" in sizes for everyone from toddlers to really big adults. But if you're not up for going out on the 31st, you can always get the KISS themed Bingo game at KissMuseum.net. That might be the scariest thing of all!
P.J. Apply Themselves
Pearl Jam's new application for Verizon Blackberry Tour 9630 smartphone users allow downloads of three songs from each of the band's remaining concerts on its current tour. If you're a great live band like P.J., that's a cool way to reward your fans — unless they own iPhones!
Gregg Keeps Running
After just finishing the final leg of the Allman Brothers Band's 40th anniversary tour, Gregg Allman's heading back out on the road for some solo dates through mid-January. You can check out how well he's holding up on next Tuesday's "The Jay Leno Show" when Gregg will be performing with country star Tim McGraw.
It was Robert Frost who said: "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on."
It was violinist Ruggiero Ricci who said: "A specialist is someone who does everything else worse."
October 22, 2009
Guitarist Leslie West of Mountain is 64.
Keyboardist Greg Hawkes of The Cars is 57.
On this day in 1976, Keith Moon played his last show with The Who before a paying audience at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.
On this day in 1977, "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner peaked at #6 as Queen's "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1982, "The Eagles Greatest Hits Volume II" was released.
On this day in 1983, "Burning Down The House" by the Talking Heads peaked at #9 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1994, producer Jimmy Miller died in Boulder, Colorado. After surviving The Rolling Stones' lifestyle from the late Sixties through the mid-Seventies, Jimmy finally succumbed to lung cancer.
Just Closed/Opening Soon
Two short weeks after Bruce Springsteen played the last five concerts at the original Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, word is that Bon Jovi will play the first concert at the new Meadowlands stadium. Construction on the $1.6 billion stadium, a partnership of the NFL's New York Giants and Jets, is months ahead of schedule. That means that the place will be ready for Jon and the boys next Spring.
Roddy Works It
After hitting Jay Leno's show on NBC this week, Rod Stewart will perform on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" next Monday, October 26th — the night before his latest album, "Soulbook," is released. The 64-year-old GRAMMY Award winner's latest studio effort features several duets with real soul singers on a collection of classic Sixties and Seventies soul favorites.
Motley Best
Motley Crue are releasing their new "Greatest Hits" on November 17th. Pick it up at Best Buy and score yourself an exclusive CD/DVD package that includes a 20-minute documentary filmed at Crue Fest 2. Wonder how much inked skin will be exposed in that 20 minutes?
Yardbird Dreaming
Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty wants to re-team with his old bandmates for a 50th Anniversary gig in 2012. The 66-year-old Brit, who co-founded the seminal band in 1962, says "It would be great to have a special event, and get all the living former members involved — especially those three guitarists [Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page]." Indeed!
It was author Ambrose Bierce who said: "The gambling known as business looks with austere disfavor upon the business known as gambling."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut."
Steve Miller/USC Benefit Concerts
Tonight and Tomorrow night, The Steve Miller Band will perform benefit concerts for USC Thornton School of Music's 125th anniversary. Uncle Joe will be hosting the celebration of the oldest Cultural Institution in Los Angeles in the beautiful historic Bovard Auditorium on the University of Southern California campus. If you move quickly, you can still get good seats in the 1,100 seat venue!
October 23, 2009
Johnny Carson would have been 86.
Dwight Yokam is 53.
On this day in 1965, "Turn!, Turn!, Turn!" by The Byrds entered the charts on it's way to becoming their third big hit. The song's lyrics were drawn from the Biblical 'Book of Ecclesiastes.'
On this day in 1975, Elton John played a sold-out show at Dodger Stadium on the final night of his "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" tour.
On this day in 1976, ELO released the song "Livin' Thing."
On this day in 1982, "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #12 and "Hold On" by Santana topped out at #15 on the charts.
U2/Rose Bowl/Streaming
If you aren't among the 96,000 in the Rose Bowl on Sunday for U2's 360º Tour (featuring the largest stadium set ever built), you can still see the show. With the band filming the concert for an upcoming DVD release, streaming the concert on YouTube only seemed natural.
Bridge Benefit
Neil Young's annual two-night Bridge School Benefit Concert kicks off tomorrow at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Jimmy Buffett and Adam Sandler will be among the performers.
Vultures LP (Finally)
Them Crooked Vultures, featuring Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme, will release their debut album on November 17th. In a radical departure from the industry norm, TCV have played (to rave reviews) several unannounced shows during the last few months, performing brand new music that the audiences were hearing for the very first time. The ever humorous Homme says, "We couldn't decide what [we wanted] to do. Do you make a triple album? An EP? How many songs is too much? I tend to think that even if you've got a bunch of good songs, maybe you should err on the side of brevity, and keep it tight. But we really enjoy lots of songs, so we couldn't decide."
Macca Again
On the road again! Paul McCartney will be rolling into his first European tour in five years on December 2nd in Hamburg, Germany. He'll finish the jaunt with a Christmas show at London's 02 Arena on the December 22nd. This mini-tour is a follow-up to the November 17th release of the "Good Evening New York City" CD/DVD, which Sir Paulie recorded live on his recent U.S. tour.
Cool Dishwalla Encounter
Former Dishwalla frontman J.R. Richards will be playing a special acoustic show at the Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes tonight. He'll be featuring songs from his new "A Beautiful End" album which he recorded with legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff and lead guitarist Rusty Anderson from Paul McCartney's band. Tell him yer Uncle Joe sent you!
Two Thoughts For The Weekend
Isn't it interesting how proudly some enjoy their freedom of speech, but object to it for people who disagree with them.
Seat belts are much less confining than wheelchairs.
Steve Miller/USC Benefit Concerts
Tonight! Tonight!, The Steve Miller Band will perform a benefit concert for USC Thornton School of Music's 125th anniversary. Uncle Joe will be hosting the celebration of the oldest Cultural Institution in Los Angeles in the beautiful historic Bovard Auditorium on the University of Southern California campus. See you there!
October 24, 2009
Bassist Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones is 73.
Producer Ted Templeman, who worked with Van Morrison, the Doobie Brothers and Van Halen, is 65.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd arrived in the U.S. to begin their first North American tour. Their first stop was Bill Graham's famed Fillmore West in San Francisco and, by all accounts, group mastermind Syd Barrett was physically present — no more, no less.
On this day in 1970, The Kinks' "Lola" peaked at #9 on the charts.
On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney received a rhodium disc from the Guinness Book of World Records celebrating his status as the world's best-selling songwriter.
On this day in 1981, "Leather & Lace," the Stevie Nicks/Don Henley duet, entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released her album, "The Wild Heart."
On this day in 1987, George Harrison's cover of "Got My Mind Set On You" entered the singles chart.
October 25, 2009
Vocalist Jon Anderson of Yes is 65.
Guitarist Matthias Jabs of the Scorpions is 53.
Guitarist Robbie McIntosh, who worked with Paul McCartney and The Pretenders, is 52.
On this day in 1960, a 17-year-old Mick Jagger coincidentally met his old school chum Keith Richards on a train. While the two bonded over a mutual love of R&B records, fame and the "Glimmer Twins" were still a long way off.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones appeared for the first time on the "Ed Sullivan Show." Afterward, letters from concerned parents — chastising the program's producers for the booking — flooded the show's offices. Despite CBS's promise that The Stones would never grace their studio again, they were back on the show a few months later. Oh, the scandal! Oh, the ratings!
On this day in 1991, concert promoter Bill Graham (who ran the Fillmore East & West) was killed in a helicopter crash north of San Francisco.
October 26, 2009
On this day in 1965, The Beatles were awarded M.B.E. (Members of the British Empire) medals by Queen Elizabeth II. The Fab Four were the first non-military recipients of the award, which was given in recognition of the amount of attention, financial and otherwise, that the group had generated for Britain. Although none of the other Beatles ever confirmed it, John Lennon said the boys smoked "a bit of marijuana" in one of the palace bathrooms to calm their nerves. Talk about a high point in their career!
On this day in 1978, The Police played their first American show at Boston's Rat Club.
On this day in 1981, David Bowie and Queen recorded "Under Pressure" in Montreux, Switzerland.
Hey Hey Ray!
First group leader Ray Davies made a surprise appearance at last week's London convention for The Kinks fan club. While there he performed — for the first time in many, many years — several songs with former Kinks drummer Mick Avory and bassists Jim Rodford and John Dalton. Then Ray announced he'll do a few dates next month in support of his "The Kinks Choral Collection," which is due out Stateside November 10th. Rather than use his old bandmates, Davies will incorporate various choral groups into his classic Kinks sound for the tour, which kicks off on November 12th in San Francisco, then hits the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on the 14th and wraps on the 23rd in New Jersey. But wait — there's more! Davies will join Metallica at Madison Square Garden as part of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 25th Anniversary shows later this week. Sure hope he remembers to take his vitamins!
John Joins The Party
Add John Fogerty to the list of rock icons performing at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 25th Anniversary event later this week at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The two-night event will start off Thursday with performances from the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman as well as Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel, and Crosby Stills & Nash. Friday's show will include appearances from U2, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck and Metallica.
Halford Delays His Holidays
We've all been waiting for Judas Priest singer Rob Halford's new recordings of some yuletide classics, which was expected to come out tomorrow. But somebody's been naughty (or nice) and "Halford III – Winter Songs" will now be out on November 3rd. Ho ho ho, indeed!
Roddy Still Wants In (Sort Of)
One of Britain's favorite party bands, The Faces, reunited last night for a one-off gig at London's Royal Albert Hall — but they did it without frontman Rod Stewart. Instead, guitarist Ronnie Wood, keyboard player Ian McLagen and drummer Kenney Jones took the stage with former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman and Free/Bad Company/Queen singer Paul Rodgers. The boys put the show together to raise money for the Performing Right Society's Music Members' Benevolent Fund. Roddy's only comment: "...hopefully when they've done that one show I'll get me old job back. It's in the cards... I'll do it eventually." Sounds like money to me!
It was Soupy Sales who said: "Be true to your teeth and they won't be false to you."
It was Robert Orben who said: "For a real quick energy boost, nothing beats having the boss walk in."
Three Quickies
There are only four words in the English language which end in '-dous': tremendous, horrendous, stupendous and hazardous.
The average person will spend two weeks over their lifetime waiting for the traffic light to change.
If we had the same mortality rate now as in 1900, more than half the people in the world today would not be alive.
October 27, 2009
Bassist Garry Tallent of The E Street Band is 61.
On this day in 1962, the fledgling Rolling Stones made their first recordings at London's Curly Clayton Studios. Vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarists Keith Richards and Brian Jones, pianist Ian Stewart and drummer Tony Chapman covered blues songs by Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Bo Diddley, but no record deal resulted.
On this day in 1973, Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" peaked at #12 as Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen was hailed as the most important artist of the day on the covers of both "Time" and "Newsweek" magazines, even though he'd never had a hit single or sold very many albums.
On this day in 1979, Foreigner's "Dirty White Boy" peaked at #12 as Journey's "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" topped out at #16 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, Pat Benatar's "We Belong" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, The Police's compilation album "Every Breath You Take: The Singles" was released.
On this day in 2002, Tom Dowd, one of the most legendary record producers in the history of Rock & Roll, died of natural causes at the age of 77 in Florida.
Mas U2 For You
Before the parking lots had cleared following their incredible Sunday night 360° Tour stop at the Rose Bowl, U2 confirmed their return next Summer. Beginning with a June 6th show at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, the boys will roll their humungous show through several U.S. cities that they missed on this year's run. No word as to when the DVD of the show will be released, but to see how well their set list and the giant innovative stage (dubbed "the Spaceship") really worked, check out the YouTube rebroadcast of the full show.
Bruce/Eric/Hall Of Fame Shows
Thursday night's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 25th Anniversary at Madison Square Garden may lose its headliner. Last night Bruce Springsteen cancelled his Kansas City show following the sudden death of his cousin, assistant tour manager Lenny Sullivan. Just last week the Hall Of Fame celebration lost Eric Clapton, who bowed out following a minor medical procedure for gallstones.
Plant May (Or May Not)
Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant has been approached by organizers of the U.K.'s legendary Glastonbury Festival. As for booking a slot into next year's show he says, "There's a place for me there, but I have no idea who with." When asked by the Brit press if he'd do it alone, he cracked, "Oh yeah... I'm good at card tricks."
Sir Elty's Ill
Sir Elton John — who rarely misses shows — is really under the weather with the flu. The situation is serious enough that he's been forced to cancel his third consecutive show, tonight's huge Wembley Arena gig. Get well quickly, Sir Elty!
Joe's Touring
With Aerosmith about to officially slip into a hiatus and guitarist Joe Perry's having released his "Have Guitar, Will Travel" solo album, you can look for The Joe Perry Project to kick off a two-week tour on November 10th in New York. Joe and his band will hit the House Of Blues in Anaheim on November 23rd and the H.O.B. on Sunset on the 24th. You need to check out at least one of these shows to see a master at work.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
It was Isabel Moore who said: "Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. And once you know and accept that, life becomes much simpler."
October 28, 2009
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," "Hound Dog" and "Reddy Teddy."
On this day in 1961, a customer asked Liverpool record store clerk Brian Epstein for "My Bonnie," a single by The Beatles. Epstein didn't have it, but after a second customer requested the record, he ordered it and tracked the group down to the Cavern Club. Epstein later became the band's manager.
On this day in 1964, filming of the T.A.M.I. Show began at the Santa Monica Civic. The highly influential concert movie was actually shot over three days, and featured Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones and a smoking performance by James Brown.
On this day in 1967, The Who's "I Can See For Miles" entered the charts as "People Are Strange" by The Doors peaked at #12.
On this day in 1977, the Sex Pistols released their album "Never Mind the Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols" in the United States. The album, which still stands as a testament to what punk rock was all about, eventually sold a million copies — though it took 10 years to do so.
On this day in 1977, Steve Perry joined Journey for their first public concert together, in San Francisco.
On this day in 1978, Bob Seger released the song "We've Got Tonight."
On this day in 1983, almost five years to the day after their first U.S. gig at a small club in Boston, The Police played Miami's Orange Bowl in front of an audience of over 48,000 people. During 1983's "Synchronicity" tour (the band's last), they set box office records with sold-out shows at stadiums across the States.
On this day in 1985, two highly successful albums were released: Robert Palmer's "Riptide" and ZZ Top's "Afterburner."
On this day in 1986, Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" album began an eight-week stay at #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Aerosmith's "Love In An Elevator" peaked at #5 on the charts.
On this day in 1991, Genesis released their "We Can't Dance" album.
On over 90 stations across America this weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Kansas as well as Joe's brand new conversation with original members Phil Ehart and Richard Williams. Stream on!
The Boss Will Play
Even though Bruce Springsteen is mourning the passing of his cousin/assistant road manager on Monday, he will take the stage to headline The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 25th Anniversary concert on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. As Gregg Allman (who has suffered the loss of his brother and other bandmates) told me years ago, that's what musicians do — they play in times of great joy and times of great sadness. Rock on Bruce.
On To Berlin!
As a prelude to the Fall Of The Wall celebrations in Berlin, next Thursday U2 will perform at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate as part of the 16th MTV Europe Music Awards. And in case you missed it, the boys set a record when over 2.5 million watched Sunday night's Rose Bowl concert streaming on youTube. Rock & Roll!
Steven Steps Out
In an unexpected and most interesting development, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has booked into a solo gig in Concord, New Hampshire on January 23rd. "Dream On, An Intimate Evening With Steven Tyler" will feature Steven singing a couple of songs, playing piano, showing concert footage, telling life stories and holding a 30-minute Q&A session. Proceeds will benefit programs for substance abuse treatment and child abuse prevention. Good stuff!
She's Everywhere (She Doesn't Belong)
Some people just seem to show up all the time, don't they? Back in March, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich got a restraining order against Karen Jane McNeil to keep her at least 150 yards away from any member of Metallica, their families and the people who run the band’s fan club. Turns out that she's the same woman who was just accused of stalking Justin Timberlake after going to Justin’s home and refusing to leave. But wait — there's more! Word is that way back in '95 Axl Rose also had an issue with McNeil when she violated a court order to stay away from the Guns N' Roses singer.
It was Thomas L. Friedman who said: "The first rule of holes is that when you're in one, stop digging."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see."
Why Pumpkins Are Better Than Men
1. Every year you get a brand new crop to choose from.
2. No matter what your mood, pumpkins are always ready to greet you with a smile.
3. They are always on the doorstep waiting for you.
4. If he starts smelling up your place, you can just throw him out.
5. A pumpkin is turned on (lit-up) only when you want him to be.
October 29, 2009
Guitarist/vocalist Denny Laine of the Moody Blues and Wings is 65.
Guitarist Peter Green of the original Fleetwood Mac line-up is 63.
On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their "Willy & The Poor Boys" album.
On this day in 1971, guitarist Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24.
On this day in 1973, John Lennon released the song "Mind Games."
On this day in 1976, the "Best Of The Doobies" was released to buy time as The Doobie Brothers worked up new music in the studio.
On this day in 1977, "Come Sail Away" by Styx and Fleetwood Mac's "You Make Loving Fun" both entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, Meatloaf released his classic "Bat Out Of Hell" album.
On this day in 1981, Rush released "Exit... Stage Left," named after their favorite Yogi Bear line.
On this day in 1999, the surviving members of The Who — Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle — reunited for the first time in two years for a concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to promote an Internet video company. Also performing that night were KISS, Tony Bennett and the Dixie Chicks.
One Hall Of A Party
The 25th anniversary party for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame begins tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York. This evening's roster — the first of two — includes Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel as well as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends, among others. Tomorrow night's line-up will see U2 headline along with Aretha Franklin, The Jeff Beck Band and Metallica. Most of the special guests have been kept secret, although Metallica confirmed that Lou Reed, Ozzy Osbourne and Ray Davies of The Kinks would be joining them on stage.
Macca's Movie Inspiration
When the new film "Everybody’s Fine" — starring Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale — comes out on December 4th, there'll be a special Paul McCartney moment in it. Macca was so moved when he saw a preview of the flick, he wrote a special song for it. “(I Want To) Come Home” directly reflects the connection he felt to the story of a widower who embarks on a road trip to reconnect with each of his adult children, only to learn that their lives are far from perfect.
Peter's Newest (Sort Of)
Hard to believe, but Peter Gabriel claims that the album he's been working on for eight years should finally be out early next year. His description of "Scratch My Back" sounds like the project might be a hootenanny with Mr. G. engaging several other legendary musicians in an acoustic “song swap." In fact, Peter has said they'll only use orchestral instruments, no guitars or drums. Stay tuned.
More Rich Dead Guys
There's a new chart topper on Forbes' annual list of the Top-Earning Dead Celebrities. Designer Yves Saint Laurent, who raked in $350 million posthumously this year, placed way ahead of the #2 charting Rodgers & Hammerstein, who made a mere $235 million. They say that #3 of the Top-Earning Dead Celebs was Michael Jackson, who actually earned $90 million. Elvis Presley, author J.R.R. Tolkien, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, John Lennon, Dr. Seuss, Albert Einstein, Michael Crichton, Aaron Spelling and Jimi Hendrix completed the Top 10.
Joan's Xmas Treat
Joan Jett’s personal record label, Blackheart Records, is releasing their holiday album on vinyl this year. "A Blackheart Christmas" will offer Joan's version of a pair of yuletide classics as well as nine other holiday tunes from groups like Girl In A Coma, The Vacancies and The Dollyrots. Keep your eye on Blackheart.com for details.
It was Arthur Baer who said: "If you do big things they print your face, and if you do little things they print only your thumbs."
It was Charlton Heston who said: "Political correctness is just tyranny with manners."
Pumpkin Factoids
Pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables.
Pumpkins, gourds, and other varieties of squash are all members of the family Cucurbitacae, which also includes cucumbers, gherkins, and melons. Ever try to carve a gherkin?
Pumpkins are indigenous to the Western Hemisphere and were completely unknown in Europe before the time of Columbus. Jack-o-lanterns are an Irish tradition. In Ireland, oversized rutabagas, turnips and potatoes were hollowed-out, carved into faces and illuminated with candles to be used as lanterns during Halloween celebrations.
Pumpkins generally weigh from 15-to-30 pounds, although some weigh as much as 600 pounds (too much time spent watching TV, no doubt).
October 30, 2009
Singer and rock icon Grace Slick of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship is 70 and still very feisty.
Drummer Chris Slade, who played with AC/DC, Manfred Mann and Tom Jones, is 63 and still very bald.
Eagles bassist/singer Timothy B. Schmit is 62 and still very cool.
One Hall Of A Party
The opening night of the 25th anniversary party for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame saw Madison Square Garden rockin! Sting joined Stevie Wonder on "Higher Ground," which then morphed into "Roxanne" and back again. Then Jeff Beck provided a signature otherworldly solo during "Superstition." Tom Morello joined Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band to rip through a bone-crunching solo in The Clash's "London Calling." Tonight's line-up will see U2 headline along with Aretha Franklin, The Jeff Beck Band and Metallica. Most of the special guests have been kept secret, although Metallica confirmed that Lou Reed, Ozzy Osbourne and Ray Davies of The Kinks would be joining them on stage.
10 Million Streams
The free live stream from U2's 360 Tour date at Pasadena's Rose Bowl last Sunday totaled nearly 10 million, three million more than originally reported. Not only was the event a mega-success for YouTube, it also dominated Twitter as its top global-trending topic. Of course the on-line audience dwarfed the in-person crowd. The Rose Bowl's general manager said that 100,000 people — including event staff — were in the historic venue for the performance. Check out the rebroadcast of the event at www.youtube.com/u2 while you can!
Who/Rock Band
So much for formal announcements. Earlier this week singer Roger Daltrey casually mentioned in conversation that The Who is about to get their own Rock Band video game. His exact quote: "The game, yeah, yeah, they're going to be doing a Who one next year. [The idea] is fabulous. Anything that gets non-musical people interested in music is wonderful." While Guitar Hero has games attached to folks like Metallica and Van Halen, only The Beatles have their own Rock Band game. Bet you can't wait to tackle "Tommy" and "Quadrophenia!"
KISS Army/Real Army
Yes, KISS absolutely rocked Atlanta on Monday. But what the crowd didn't see was the band's Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer visiting the Augusta V.A. Medical Center to meet with and express gratitude to soldiers who were injured overseas. As Paul said, "We want everyone home safely and to urge everyone to give these people the respect they deserve." Right so!
Those Wrasslin' Osbournes
Next week's WWE Raw will feature two professionals with years of experience of putting on a show. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne will be the special guest hosts for the weekly professional wrestling program on the USA network. No word yet if either will wrestle or become embroiled in any of the Pro Wrestling's infamous power struggles, but if they do... it won't be the first time!
Scary Halloween Factoids
"Hallow" is an old word meaning holy, whilst "e'en" is Scottish for evening.
Halloween is believed by some to be the time when the dead and other demonic creatures rise to walk the earth once more.
Black cats are a symbol of Halloween because it was once believed that souls could travel back into the world of the living in the body of an animal — usually a black cat.
The ancient Celtic fire festival called "Samhain" (pronounced "sow-in") is the origin of modern Halloween. It was the "feast of the dead" that marked the close of the harvest and the initiation of the winter season, which continued from Pagan into Christian times.
Halloween marks modern witches' New Year's eve. It is a time spent celebrating death, fertility and renewal.
The tradition of witches riding their brooms didn't come about just because they were the handiest flight objects available. The broomstick was symbolic of the magical powers of females because it was used in the cleansing of ritual places.
It is estimated that between the 15th and 18th centuries two million people were executed for witchcraft, and 80% of that number were women.
October 31, 2009
Singer/guitarist Russ Ballard of Argent fame is 62.
Drummer Bob Seibenberg of Supertramp is 60.
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. of U2 is 48.
On this day in 1956, Paul McCartney's mother died from breast cancer. Mary McCartney had ignored pains in her chest, dismissing them as symptoms of menopause. By the time she consulted a doctor and underwent surgery, it was too late - the cancer had spread. 14-year-old Paul was devastated and buried his grief in an obsession with music.
On this day in 1973, Cheap Trick played their first gig. And yes, they were very, very loud.
On this day in 1975, Queen released their signature song, "Bohemian Rhapsody," in Britain. It went on to spend a record eight consecutive weeks at #1 there, then enjoyed a second life on the charts in the Nineties when it was featured in the film "Wayne's World." Scarra-Moosh!!
On this day in 1981, "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #2 on the charts.
On this day in 1981, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" entered the singles chart as Ozzy Osbourne released his "Diary of a Madman" album.