November 1 - 10, 2009
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
November 1, 2009
Bassist Ric Grech of Blind Faith and Traffic would have been 63.
Dan Peek of America is 59.
Lyle Lovette is 53.
Singer Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 47.
Drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard is 46.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles topped the American charts with the "Abbey Road" album. It was so good, it stayed at #1 for 11 weeks!
On this day in 1980, John Lennon released his "(Just Like) Starting Over" single.
November 2, 2009
Keyboard whiz Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 65.
Former Jethro Tull/Fairport Convention bassist David Pegg is 62 and glad to be alive.
On this day in 1974, George Harrison opened his North American tour in Vancouver. It was the first-ever solo tour by a Beatle and the first time Harrison himself had hit the road since 1966.
On this day in 1976, in an interview with the BBC program The Old Grey Whistle Test, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and manager Peter Grant explained that they got the idea to make "The Song Remains the Same" after using large TV screens at their 1975 Earl's Court concerts. Unfortunately, they forgot about writing a simple screenplay so that the film would make some sense.
One Hall Of A Party, Pt. 2
After nearly four hours of jaw-dropping musical moments, the second night of the 25th anniversary party for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden came to a climax with an unexpected first-ever collaboration. Early Friday evening Metallica played with Ozzy Osbourne, Lou Reed and Ray Davies (if only The Kinks had ever sounded so powerful!). Later Jeff Beck jammed with Sting, Buddy Guy and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Headliners U2 brought out Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen and the Black Eyed Peas. Then, as the Irish band rolled into the intro of The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" with Will.i.am at the keyboard and Fergie recreating Merry Clayton's scary vocals, Mick Jagger sprinted onstage to perform with U2 for the first time ever. History was further made as Sir Mick hung around for a killer duet with Bono on "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of." How in the world is producer Tom Hanks going to get all those highlights from two nights into one four-hour HBO Program?
How To Get Sting In A Church
Sting has scheduled special performances at the famed Cathedral Church of St. John Divine in New York on December 8th and 9th. Nothing spiritual about the gigs, though. The Stinger's simply supporting his latest LP, "If On A Winter's Night."
Elton's Still Ill
Elton John's illness has forced him to cancel several concerts in the U.K. and Ireland, and to postpone a few U.S. dates with Billy Joel. Turns out that he's been fighting the flu and an E-coli infection. The 62-year-old checked into the King Edward VI hospital in London when his condition worsened on Friday. Get well soon Sir Elty!
Peppers Refocus
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have started working on their first new album since 2006's "Stadium Arcadium." Drummer Chad Smith figures that the new disc should be ready to go by this time next year. The band's lengthy break after "Stadium Arcadium" allowed guitarist John Frusciante to do a solo record, bassist Flea to work with various musicians, singer Anthony Kiedis to write a book, and Smith to work with Chickenfoot and his own Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats project.
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Lost time is never found again."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
November 3, 2009
On this day in 1967, The Beatles completed filming for their TV special "Magical Mystery Tour" at Ringo's country house in Weybridge, Surrey. The day's work was mainly done in the backyard, where each Beatle was filmed pretending to play a white cello.
On this day in 1977, Elton John announced another of his "100% total retirements from performing live." This time the hiatus lasted almost 15 months.
On this day in 1988, the U2 documentary "Rattle and Hum" was released.
On this day in 1998, U2's "Best of 1980-1990/The B-Sides" was released.
New/Old Seger
We're never surprised to hear that Bob Seger is recording because he spends years and years working on new albums. But Bob's studio work over the past few months must have been extremely focused — he'll be releasing it on November 30th! "Early Seger, Vol. 1" contains five remastered songs from his classic "Back In '72," "Smokin' O.P.'s" and "Seven" albums, plus at least one full re-recording of a classic from "Seven." On top of that, four more songs that were previously unfinished/unreleased will be included, and three of those herald from the "Like A Rock" era. Don't plan on a tour, but do stay tuned for more info.
Breaking Records
Did the Rose Bowl seem a little crowded to you when U2 played there on October 20th? Turns out that on that Sunday evening, the Irish lads broke the record for best-attended single concert performance at a U.S. venue by one act! And who set the record that those 97,014 in the Rose Bowl broke? According to "Billboard" magazine, U2 set the old record when they played to 86,000+ at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia back in 1987. In fact, U2 now own the Top 3 spots on the list of the five Highest Single U.S. Concert Attendances on record. No wonder they were charging $40 per t-shirt!
Crooked Vultures Are Coming
It sure took them long enough to book something in the Southland. Them Crooked Vultures will sneak in four West Coast theater dates before their European and Australian tour begins in December. The band, which includes Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, will blast the Wiltern Theater off its foundation on November 17th — the very day they'll release their self-titled debut album. Rock on!
R.I.P. Norton
Norton Buffalo, the harmonica virtuoso who spent the last 33 years playing in the Steve Miller Band, died Friday night at the age of 58. After feeling ill following a concert on September 1st, the musician was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to his brain. Norton appeared on over 180 albums in the course of his career. As Steve Miller said, "He had way more music in him than I could use... I just had more work for him than everybody else." His life will be celebrated on January 23rd at the Fox Theater in Oakland in a benefit concert starring the Steve Miller Band and the Doobie Brothers along with Huey Lewis, George Thorogood, Charlie Musselwhite and Bonnie Raitt. Rest in peace, Norton.
It was William Feather who said: "Setting a good example for children takes all the fun out of middle age."
It was Mahatma Gandhi who said: "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes."
Steve Miller, John Fogerty, USC Thornton School Of Music Associate Dean Chris Sampson and Uncle Joe following the first of two special Steve Miller Band benefit concerts for the school's 125th anniversary. Here are a few more photos of the event.
November 4, 2009
American humorist Will Rogers would have been 130. (See News Of Note below.)
Guitarist James Honeyman-Scott of The Pretenders would have been 52.
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan played at New York's Carnegie Chapter Hall to an audience of 43 people. Ten times that many bootlegs of the show have since appeared.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles performed for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon at the Royal Variety Performance in London. That was the gig where John Lennon quipped "Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands. All the rest of you, rattle your jewelry."
On this day in 1972, The Moody Blues' "Nights In White Satin" peaked at #2 on the charts as The Doobie Brothers' "Listen To The Music" topped out at #11.
On this day in 1978, The Who's song "Who Are You" peaked at #14 on the charts.
On this day in 1980, R.E.O. Speedwagon released the song "Keep On Loving You."
On this day in 1983, The Rolling Stones released their "Undercover" album.
On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" entered the singles chart.
Jovi Takes Heat
The first five shows of Bon Jovi's June residency at London's O2 Arena sold out at the rate of 18 tickets per second this past weekend. But the band is catching hell from the Brits for their ultra-high ticket prices. Message boards have been filled with raves calling the $74 to $2,200 (!!!) ticket prices "ludicrous" and "a mockery." One of the top rants threatened, "Writing an album about the world problems with recession, then doing what they've done could lose a lot of respect." Still, word is the Jovi boys may do as many as 20 shows at the O2. And their 11th studio album, "The Circle," is expected to sell millions when it's released next week. I think we'd all enjoy a bit of that style of "mockery"!
Rush To Brainstorm
According to Rush drumming god Neil Peart, the trio will gather in the Southland soon to discuss "another kind of 'reinvention.'" With the lousy shape the music industry is in, the group will brainstorm on what exactly they should do next. Among the possibilities are releasing just a couple of songs, doing a rhythmic concept record, recording with an orchestra or even working on film-and-music projects. You best keep an eye on NeilPeart.net to see how things develop.
Ya-Ya's Kick Butt
The Rolling Stones have released an expanded version of their 1970 album, "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! – The Rolling Stones in Concert" — long considered to be one of the best live albums ever. The 40th anniversary box set includes three CDs and a DVD as well as assorted goodies. The first CD is the original disc; the second is a five-song EP from the same shows, including unplugged performances of "Prodigal Son" and "Gotta Move." The third disc contains 20-minute sets from B.B. King and Ike & Tina Turner. That's Rock & Roll!
The Wisdom Of Will Rogers
Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier 'n puttin' it back in.
If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around.
There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.
It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.
Don't squat with your spurs on.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
November 5, 2009
Singing sensation Art Garfunkle is 69.
Country rock legend Gram Parsons of The Byrds would have been 63.
Rocker/photographer Bryan Adams is 50.
On this day in 1965, The Who released "My Generation," and the music world was changed forever.
On this day in 1977, Ozzy Osbourne quit Black Sabbath for the first of many times.
On this day in 1982, Phil Collins released his "Hello, I Must Be Going" album.
On this day in 1983, Yes' "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" entered the singles charts as "One Thing Leads To Another" by The Fixx peaked at #4.
On this day in 1994, R.E.M.'s song "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" — inspired by CBS newsman Dan Rather's bizarre N.Y.C. experience — peaked at #21 on the charts.
On this day in 1999, Van Halen parted ways with their third lead singer, Gary Cherone, after one mediocre album.
On Stage Tonight
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is doing a solo show at The Grove Of Anaheim tonight.
Stones Tour
Some in the national press are "hinting" that The Rolling Stones "may be" planning a tour for next year. Oh stop the B.S. — they'll be here after U2 comes around again. Guitarist Ronnie Wood wasn't kidding when he said that he recently saw Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts and "everything is great." The group has been off the road since wrapping up their Bigger Bang tour in 2007, and they figure the world economy should be recovered enough to support one of their legendary treks by mid-2010.
Digital Beatles No/Yes
Of course The Beatles record company, EMI, filed a lawsuit against Bluebeat.com for unlawfully selling MP3s of The Beatles' catalog! Single-song MP3 downloads for only $0.25 and full albums for $4.25 — what kind of a joke was that? Meanwhile, EMI will release a limited-edition USB drive containing the entire "Beatles In Stereo" remastered set — all 14 albums and 13 mini-documentaries ready to play on your computer. And the snazzy 16GB drive will be shaped like the iconic Apple Corp. logo with "The Beatles" written on it. They say there'll only 30,000 made, but you know how this circus runs.
Hey Robert — Give Brian A Call
As you know, occasional Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant will likely perform at England's Glastonbury festival next year. Queen's Brian May — a guitar god himself — has announced that, "I'd play with Robert any time... when we have played together, he's wonderful. Robert is a rock god and an inspiration to us all, always will be." Not sure if that means he'd play for free, but it's an offer that Robert shouldn't ignore!
Bruce Rolls Out The River
As they've been doing over the past month, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band will perform some of their albums in their entirety when they play at Madison Square Garden this weekend. On Saturday, the guys will take on 1973's "The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle" for the first time, then on Sunday, they'll tackle 1980's massive "The River" double album — also for the first time. No word on which full album will be performed on the last night of the tour, the November 22nd gig in Buffalo. Before this weekend's special gigs, The Boss has been playing either "Born To Run," "Born In The U.S.A." or "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" at his shows.
London Calling Again
"London Calling," The Clash's 1979 classic double album, will be re-released in celebration of its 30th anniversary. You may recall that the 25th anniversary edition of "London Calling" included a bonus disc called the "Vanilla Tapes," which featured a previously lost early version of the album and extra tracks that were not included on the final release. It also came with a DVD that featured several music videos and a documentary on the making of the album. No word on what will be included on the 30th anniversary edition of the album when it's released on December 14th — but that's probably exactly as the band would have wanted it!
It was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who said: "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius."
It was Aldous Huxley who said: "Experience teaches only the teachable."
November 6, 2009
Singer/songwriter Glenn Frey of the Eagles is 61.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' song "Get Off Of My Cloud" hit #1, Bob Dylan's "Positively Fourth Street" peaked at #7 and The Animals released the song "It's My Life." Not a bad day at all!
On this day in 1965, legendary concert promoter Bill Graham presented his first show when he rented out the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco for $60. The show, a benefit concert for the city's mime troupe, featured the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane, who were anything but mimes.
On this day in 1971, The Who released their song "Behind Blue Eyes" as Cat Stevens' "Peace Train" peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's "Rock 'N Me" hit #1, Heart's "Magic Man" peaked at #9, and Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" topped out at #12 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Phil Collins released his "But Seriously" album.
On this day in 1993, R.E.M.'s classic "Everybody Hurts" peaked at #29 on the charts.
On over 90 stations across America this weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of John Mellencamp and conversation with John and drummer Kenny Aronoff. Stream on!
On Stage Tonight
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is doing a solo show at The Wiltern tonight.
The Return Of The Wall (Sort Of)
How ironic! Turns out that last night's U2 gig at the Brandenburg Gate to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall was surrounded by... a new wall! With 100,000 people expected to descend upon the site in the middle of Berlin, organizers of the MTV Europe Music Awards erected a 6-to-12 foot tall wall around the Brandenburg Gate to keep out people without tickets for the show. Oh, those wacky Germans!
Beat Those Wiggles
Of course AC/DC were Australia's highest earning entertainers in 2009. In the past 12 months the group earned $105 million Australian dollars ($95 million U.S.), totally knocking The Wiggles out of the top spot. Many credit their decision to keep ticket prices reasonable (thus selling many more) for the income jump from the $12 million they made last year. It's also interesting that they've made all that money without ever releasing a "Greatest Hits" album. Maybe that will be their retirement nest egg.
Big Book/Big Bucks
As sure as Bruce Springsteen is working on an autobiography, publishers are ready to fight for it. Seeing as The Boss has kept journals throughout his adult life, it shouldn't be too tough for him to pen the memoirs. Industry insiders are saying, "It could be the biggest rock music autobiography of all time," earning Bruce up to $10 million for the rights alone. Rolling Stone Keith Richards currently holds the record for his $8 million advance for his memoirs. Eric Clapton got $4 million for his.
Tyler Tales
Trouble continues to brew within Aerosmith. Frontman Steven Tyler says he doesn't know what he's doing next but, "It's definitely going to be something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself." Word is that Steven and his bandmates are barely talking and that the group plans to meet next month to discuss their future. Guitarist Brad Whitford said, "Nobody could replace Steven or imitate him — he's one of a kind. But if somebody was willing to do it and the chemistry was right, why not?" With that in mind, stand by for hundreds of Phillipino singers posting auditions on YouTube ala Journey!
It was Peter F. Drucker who said: "The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "If you're going through Hell, keep going."
November 9, 2009
Guitarist Tom Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival would have been 68.
Original REO Speedwagon drummer Alan Gratzer is 61.
On this day in 1963, the Oregon band The Kingsmen released the Rock & Roll classic "Louie, Louie." Many radio stations banned the song when they decided the indecipherable lyrics must be obscene. That, of course, helped sell a lot more records.
On this day in 1966, John Lennon and Yoko Ono met for the first time. She claimed not to know who he was... and he believed her.
On this day in 1966, Roger McGuinn booted David Crosby out of The Byrds, and replaced him by bringing back original band member Gene Clark.
On this day in 1967, "Rolling Stone," the first rock oriented magazine, published its first issue. The magazine featured a picture of John Lennon on the cover and included a free "roach clip."
On this day in 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America (R.I.A.A.) declared the Eagles' "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" the best-selling album of the century. The 20th century's biggest single was Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997."
Those Feuding Bachmans
Here's a weird one for your Monday. Way back when guitarist Randy Bachman formed Bachman-Turner Overdrive after leaving the Guess Who at their peak, he recruited a couple of his brothers as well as singer/guitarist Fred Turner. Without Randy, they'd still be playing bars. Now we're hearing that Randy and Fred were considering a reunion tour, but former bandmates Robin Bachman and bassist Blair Thornton filed a suit claiming the rights to the group's name and all variations of it. Robin and Blair (who have toured for years with Fred Turner as BTO) are asking for damages and they want to stop Randy and Fred from using any Bachman-Turner name. Wonder if the name Ungrateful Dead is available?
Kirk's Pad Could Be Yours
Looking for a crib with a view? Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has put his San Francisco mansion up for sale. Back in '93 Kirk paid $2.56 million dollars for the eight bedroom, eight bath 9,000 square foot crash pad with a music studio, billiard room, bar and garage. If you act quickly, it can be yours for just under $9 million.
Gene's Art
A few of Gene Simmons' limited-edition axe basses are available. His prep work included approving the electronics, the body type, the design, and Mr. Simmons even handpicked the wood. Gene autographed the final product and arranged for Meet & Greets for those who buy them! But wait — there's more! The axe comes in a case that was designed and hand painted by Gene! You can check out his handy work at GeneSimmonsAxeBass.com.
Wreckage Of My Past
Good news! Jack and Sharon Osbourne's documentary about the Prince of Darkness — born John Michael Osbourne but known to the word as Ozzy — is now in post-production. Due out early next year, "Wreckage Of My Past" features a newly sober Ozzy reflecting on unresolved issues, career success, misdiagnosed diseases and battles with drugs and alcohol. The principal members of Black Sabbath, Ozzy's family, friends and other collaborators were also interviewed. As Jack said, "I want people to see John Osbourne as the guy I grew up with, the tormented, complex musician whose personal demons manifest themselves in so many crazy, unique ways." Jack and his mother shared both the executive producer credits and financing of the project — a process that probably warrants a documentary of its own.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."
It was Mark Twain who said: "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
November 10, 2009
Singer/bassist/guitarist Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 61.
On this day in 1961, Brian Epstein, the manager of several record shops in Liverpool, paid a noontime visit to the Cavern Club to see The Beatles, whom he heard about from a teenage customer. Impressed by the performance, he introduced himself to George Harrison and Paul McCartney. By the end of the month, Brian had persuaded the group that he should be their manager. On January 24, 1962, a contract was signed and history would never be the same.
On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen released their classic single "Louie Louie." The songs inaudible lyrics caused a true national scandal, inspiring thousands of young Rock & Rollers to pick up a guitar.
On this day in 1973, British actor David Essex released "Rock On," his self-penned, one and only U.S. hit single.
On this day in 1975, 29 crewmen died when the ore carrier "Edmund Fitzgerald" plunged to the floor of Lake Superior during a nasty storm. Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot was so moved, he wrote the 14-verse "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," which went on to become the most unlikely #2 charting hit record in history.
On this day in 1979, the Eagles' song "Heartache Tonight" hit #1.
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released his "Born In The U.S.A." single as Don Henley released his "Boys of Summer" single.
On this day in 1997, The Rolling Stones played the first of two nights at Dodger Stadium. Many consider that 2.5 hour show to be one of the highlights of their "Bridges To Babylon" tour.
Aerosmith Limbo
Face it: Aerosmith really needs to take a break. After a disastrous Summer tour marred by injuries, intra-group tensions and poor ticket sales, guitarist Joe Perry reports that singer Steven Tyler hasn't bothered to return calls from his fellow bandmates since their November 1st performance in Abu Dhabi. In referring to the only information Tyler's posted since then, Perry says "Steven quit as far as I can tell... I don't know for how long, indefinitely or whatever." He went on to say, "[We] haven't written a song together alone in the same room in over 10 years, so there's been some changes in paradigm of what Aerosmith is." Until Tyler [who recently hired his own manager] resurfaces, the band is talking about seeking a new lead singer... but you really have to wonder why.
Fogerty Comes To Town
John Fogerty will perform on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" tonight. Then the 64-year-old Hall Of Famer will perform at Hollywood's Kodak Theater on Thursday in support of his latest LP, "The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again."
Jovi Everywhere
Bon Jovi will be promoting today's release of "The Circle," their 11th studio album, with a live performance tomorrow on NBC's "Today" show and next Friday on "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien." But the band's hardest to explain promotional appearance involves the venerable Bravo program "Inside The Actors Studio." In the past, host James Lipton has spoken at length with legendary actors like Paul Newman, Sean Penn and Meryl Streep. On next Monday's episode, he will interview Bon Jovi. Not just Jon Bon Jovi (who has occasionally appeared in films), but also Richie Sambora, David Bryan and Tico Torres. Somebody's promo agency has been working overtime!
Big Old Stones
You may recall that The Rolling Stones were the subject of the first ever feature-length IMAX concert film back in 1991. "Live At The Max" went on to become the most successful IMAX concert film ever. If you'd like to see it in your own home (albeit at less than it's massive 30 foot IMAX glory), it has just been released on DVD and Blu-ray. The 90 minutes of footage shot during the "Steel Wheels" tour boasts 16 hits and somewhat disturbing IMAX-sized close-ups of Keith Richards' face. Rock & Roll!
It was Jules Rostand who said: "Everybody wants to live longer but nobody wants to grow old."
It was James Thurber who said: "Why do you have to be a nonconformist like everybody else?"
NHRA Finals Drag Races
This Friday through Sunday: Time for the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona — the last big drag meet of the year and the final round of the Full Throttle Series Countdown to the Championship! There'll be Saturday and Sunday Uncle Joe's Meet & Greets with the KLOS Cool Patrol, J.B. will give away a bitchin' Harley Davidson on Sunday and Randy Balough will be racing his Uncle Joe's Super Gas Corvette for another NHRA Division 7 Championship! Here are a few photos from last year.