December 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!
December 11, 2009
Drummer Chester Thompson of Genesis is 61.
Bassist Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue is 51.
On this day in 1957, 22-year-old rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis married the daughter of his bass player. The bride, 13-year-old Myra Gale Brown, was also Jerry Lee's second cousin. And, to be perfectly honest, Jerry was still married to his second wife at the time. Oh, those were the days!
On this day in 1965, The Yardbirds' groundbreaking cover of Bo Diddley's "I'm A Man" peaked at #17 on the charts.
On this day in 1972, Genesis made their American concert debut at Boston's Brandeis University.
On this day in 1973, a film crew shot footage of Jimmy Page climbing a mountain for the Led Zeppelin film "The Song Remains the Same" behind his home on Loch Ness, Scotland. Page explained, "I wanted to get a full moon in the shot and it came up in December." Truly art for art's sake.
On this day in 1977, Bob Seger's song "Night Moves" entered the charts.
On this day in 1982, the Pretenders released the song "Back On The Chain Gang" as Pat Benatar's "Shadows Of The Night" peaked at #13 on the charts.
The Beatles OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson — featuring conversation with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Giles Martin — airs on 90+ stations this weekend — stream on!
G&R: Maybe Yes/Maybe No
So did you bet in the office pool that Guns n' Roses wouldn't complete their upcoming tour dates (just like they've done so many times)? Well their Friday night tour debut at Taipei County Stadium in Taipei, Taiwan is already in doubt. Seems that Axl Rose got into a scuffle with a paparazzi photographer at LAX Wednesday night that "ended up with a few bloodied participants." In theory, the band is booked to perform four shows in Taiwan, Korea and Japan through December 19th, then roll through a Canadian tour from January 13th through February 4th. To date, the band hasn't played any shows in support of their "Chinese Democracy" album, which was released in November 2008.
Jovi Helps
Dozens of needy Newark, New Jersey families are getting a new home thanks to Jon Bon Jovi. Not only do the brand new HELP Genesis JBJ Soul Homes in the city's North Ward feature housing for low-income families, 15 of the 51 new units are dedicated to HIV/AIDS patients. Jon and HELP USA Chairwoman Maria Cuomo Cole — with support from Newark Mayor Cory Booker — funded the $10.4 million project. Right so!
KISS Do Good
Not sure if they were in full make-up, but KISS spent Wednesday at an Oklahoma middle school filming a segment for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The episode centers on a music teacher's home being rebuilt. To sweeten the deal, KISS presents the teacher and his students with 40 brand new musical instruments in a gift from the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (of which KISS co-founder Paul Stanley is a passionate supporter). No word yet on when the episode will air.
Woodie On The Loose (Again)
In the year since Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood left his wife of 23 years to be with 20-year-old Russian barmaid Ekaterina Ivanova, the Brit tabloids have had a field day reporting on every thrust and grind, drink, toke and bodacious public episode the guitarist has been involved in. But now word is that for some as yet unknown reason — be it Woodie's arrest last week for dragging the semi-clothed Ekaterina down a street in a choke hold... or perhaps the threat on his life by her outraged grandma — Ronnie has dumped the young lady. Considering that the bar she was working in when she met the Wood-man was recently closed by charges that it was a $2 million-a-year underground brothel where clients had sex in cubicles and drugs including cocaine were available, we can only assume she'll sue him for as much as she can get. And the beat goes on.
It was Steven Wright who said: "I played a blank cassette at full volume and drove the mime next door totally crazy."
It was W. Edwards Deming who said: "If you can't describe what you are doing as a process, you don't know what you're doing."
Eight Lessons Of Maturity
1. Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
2. No matter how much you care, some people are just jackasses.
3. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
4. It is not what you wear, it is how you take it off.
5. Do not sweat the petty things, and do not pet the sweaty things.
6. We are responsible for what we do, unless we are celebrities.
7. There is a fine line between genius and insanity.
8. The people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away. The real pains-in-the-ass are permanent.
December 12, 2009
Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts is 66.
KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick is 57.
Singer Cy Curnin of The Fixx is 52.
On this day in 1964, "She's Not There" by the Zombies peaked at #2.
On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first major concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The show, like most of their early concerts, was for charity. In this particular instance the charity was a famine relief organization.
On this day in 1970, Steven Stills released the song "Love The One You're With" just as Eric Clapton's cover of "After Midnight" peaked at #18 on the charts.
On this day in 1974, The Rolling Stones began sessions in Munich for what eventually became their 1976 "Black And Blue" album. On this same day, the band announced the departure of guitarist Mick Taylor, who had replaced founding member Brian Jones five years earlier. When asked of Taylor's replacement, Mick Jagger quipped, "No doubt we can find a brilliant six-foot-three blonde guitarist who can do his own make-up." The "Black And Blue" album was eventually recorded with several guitarists, including Wayne Perkins, Harvey Mandel and one Ron Wood (late of the Faces). Woody, who was neither blonde nor even close to six-foot-three, eventually replaced Taylor.
On this day in 1985, keyboardist Ian Stewart died of a heart attack in his doctor's London office at the age of 47. Stewart was a founding member of The Rolling Stones, but their manager Andrew Loog Oldham fired him because he didn't have "the right look." Stewart instead became the band's road manager, their indispensable sideman, best friend and, as Keith Richards has since described him, "the very soul of The Rolling Stones."
On this day in 1987, Aerosmith's "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" peaked at #14 on the charts.
December 13, 2009
Guitarist/bow hunter/yahoo Ted Nugent is 61.
Guitarist/defense expert Jeff "Skunk" Baxter of Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan fame is 61.
Guitarist Berton Averre of The Knack is 55.
On this day in 1961, The Beatles signed their first management contract with Brian Epstein. Neither he nor they knew what they were doing, but together they changed the world.
On this day in 1966, Jimi Hendrix recorded "Foxey Lady." And the world was never the same again.
On this day in 1974, former Beatle George Harrison met President Gerald Ford at the White House after the president's son Jack invited George to Washington. Soon after, Peter Frampton stopped by for lunch with George, Jack and the President. No one seemed to know who invited Peter, but all had a good time telling road stories.
On this day in 1987, Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer" entered the charts.
December 14, 2009
Nostradamus (physician, astrologer, clairvoyant) would have been 506 and still full of it.
Cliff Williams, AC/DC's longtime bassist, is 60.
On this day in 1974, the song "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #17 on the charts.
On this day in 1975, the classic "Lady" by Styx entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1999, Paul McCartney, along with guitarist David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple, performed at the Cavern Club for the first time since his days with The Beatles. The concert was broadcast live over the Internet and beat all previous audience records.
On this day in 2006, Ahmet Ertegun, who helped define American music as the founder of Atlantic Records while nurturing talent like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, died at the age of 83. Ertegun suffered a head injury when he fell at the October 29th Rolling Stones Beacon Theater concert in New York. He spent weeks comatose in a hospital before finally succumbing.
Big Year For Touring
While many acts suffered weak box office action this year due to the extremely sluggish economy, huge numbers of concertgoers worldwide attended concerts by U2 and Bruce Springsteen. Even more astounding is the report that industry-wide, gross dollar sales for concert tickets jumped by 40% in '09. U2's "360 Tour" was both the Top Grossing Tour Of 2009 as well as the Top Grossing Tour Of The Decade, besting The Police's reunion trek and the "Hannah Montana" tour, both in '07. Springsteen came in second this year, followed by Phish. The Dave Matthews Band was sixth, Sir Elton John seventh, and Metallica rounded out the Top 10.
Green Day/Rock Band
Green Day will be getting their own "Rock Band" video game next year. While some of their music has previously been released for Rock Band, this is the first time the band is getting its very own game like The Beatles did earlier this Fall. The material on "Green Day: Rock Band" reportedly reflects on the most important moments of the band's career, so you know it's going to rock!
Lep Ticks Off Trudy
In all of her years managing people like Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Heart and Aerosmith, Trudy Green has seen a lot (especially Aerosmith). It's what she didn't see from Def Leppard that's got her ticked off. She's seeking at least $700,000 in damages from the band for breach of oral contract, fraud and intentional interference of a contract, among others. Oh, the games people play!
Dio Update
Ronnie James Dio has gotten through his first chemo treatment for stomach cancer. The cool news is that his Heaven & Hell bandmate, bassist Geezer Butler, flew to Houston to be with him during it. Dio's prognosis must be good because Heaven & Hell have scheduled festival dates in Austria, Sweden and Finland for June and August. Go for it Ronnie!
It was Mark Twain who said: "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure."
It was Dave Barry who said: "The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers."
Curious Factoids For Curious Minds
The animal responsible for the most human deaths worldwide is the mosquito.
The four taste zones on your tongue are bitter (back), sour (back sides), salty (front sides) and sweet (front).
The name for Oz in "The Wizard of Oz" was thought up when the creator, Frank Baum, looked at his filing cabinet and saw A-N, and O-Z, hence "Oz."
December 15, 2009
Drummer Dave Clark of the Dave Clark 5 is 67 and no longer drumming.
Drummer Carmine Appice, who most notably performed with Vanilla Fudge as well as Beck, Bogert, Appice and Rod Stewart, is 63.
Paul Simonon, bassist with The Clash, is 54.
On this day in 1962, bassist Bill Wyman made his live debut with The Rolling Stones at Putney's Church Hall in London.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the trumpets and cellos for "Strawberry Fields Forever" at Abbey Road studios.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono and their Plastic Ono Band — including special guests Eric Clapton, Keith Moon and George Harrison — performed at a benefit for UNICEF at London's Lyceum Theater.
On this day in 1970, George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" album was released.
On this day in 1971, the first of The Rolling Stones' "Hot Rocks" compilations was released.
On this day in 1973, Genesis made their first appearance on the U.S. charts with the album "Selling England By The Pound." It was the band's fourth release, but their first in America. Led by Peter Gabriel, they set the standard for "art rock/progressive rock" groups of the time.
On this day in 1979, Fleetwood Mac's song "Sara" entered the charts as "Take The Long Way Home" by Supertramp peaked at #10 and John Cougar's "I Need A Lover" topped out at #28.
On this day in 1984, "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" by U2 peaked at #33 on the charts.
Big Line-Up For Neil
Jackson Browne, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, James Taylor and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have all signed on to perform at Neil Young's 2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year ceremony on January 29th. The gala event, hosted by actor Jack Black, will honor Neil for his artistic achievements and philanthropic work, with proceeds from the tribute benefiting MusiCares' emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs for members of the music community. Sounds like quite the party!
John Out/Josh In?
A number of sources are saying that guitarist John Frusciante has left the Red Hot Chili Peppers for a second time (the first was in 1992, then he returned after rehab in 1999). Although nothing official has been said, word is that Josh Klinghoffer — who played with the Chili Peppers throughout their 2007 tour — has replaced Frusciante. Stay tuned!
Actual KISS Art
Need some inspirational art to liven up your bedroom? Michael Doret, who designed the cover art for the KISS "Sonic Boom" and "Rock & Roll Over" albums, is selling large scale fine art prints of the original artwork for those projects. Only 250 prints have been made and signed by him and the entire band, so hurry and get yours now at KISS' online store. For some of Doret's fascinating insight (he is truly a real designer), check out Blog.AlphabetSoupBlog.com.
No Bruce For Christie
Even though he lent his support to Democratic politicians John Kerry and Barack Obama in the past, Bruce Springsteen has turned down an invitation by New Jersey Governor-elect Todd Christie to play at his inauguration ball. A huge fan of the Boss, Christie has reportedly attended 122 of his concerts, but he's acknowledged that Bruce "doesn't want to get involved in state politics." In a clever move, Christie has hired the Springsteen tribute band, the B Street Band, to play at the inauguration ball instead.
NBC Jovi
Bon Jovi continued their run as NBC's "Artist In Residence" over the weekend with a performance on Saturday Night Live. The Jovi boys have appeared exclusively on NBC and its affiliated networks since their new album, "The Circle," hit stores. With the deal, NBC also featured the group on the Nightly News with Brian Williams and Inside The Actor's Studio. You have to admit that it will be interesting to see how this marketing move works out.
Woods/Woodie
While America's fascination with Tiger Woods stumbles into its third week, the Brits continue to enjoy the ongoing Ronnie Wood saga. Last week came word that the youngest Rolling Stone and his 21-year-old barmaid girlfriend, Ekaterina Ivanova, had broken-up after a public fracas. This week, Ekaterina is calling the guitarist an "evil goblin" and says she dumped him because she couldn't take his drinking any more. She claims that the 62-year-old threw tantrums when he was drunk, saying "I just thought, what's the point of being with an older man if he acts about 12? What a pathetic person." Understatement about all involved, say we!
It was Adlai Stevenson who said: "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
It was Arthur Baer who said: "Alimony is like buying oats for a dead horse."
This Saturday, Noon - 2pm: Join Unc for some raucous fun building custom RC cars at RideMakerz in Downtown Disney. Check out all the choices of sweet rides and accessories in this fully customizable remote control car shop ($20 - $60 each). It's like nothing you've ever seen before! The KLOS Cool Patrol will be stationed in front, so don't be late!
December 16, 2009
Guitarist Tony Hicks of The Hollies is 64.
ABBA's Benny Andersson is 63.
Singer/guitarist Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top is 60.
On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience released their first single, "Hey Joe," in England.
On this day in 1972, the song "And You And I (Part II)" by Yes peaked at #42 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill was accidentally shot in the stomach when a gun he carried in his boot went off as his girlfriend helped him remove his foot wear. He recovered after surgery.
On this day in 1989, Bon Jovi's "Living In Sin" peaked at #9 on the singles chart.
Hall Of Fame!
Genesis, ABBA, The Hollies, The Stooges and Jimmy Cliff will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame on March 15th at New York's Waldorf Astoria. It's expected that the 25th annual induction ceremony will include Graham Nash performing with The Hollies for the first time since 1983, Iggy Pop rallying his Stooges on stage, and some sort of reunion of the Peter Gabriel line-up of Genesis (another first since 1982). An ABBA reunion is less likely. The group refused all offers to reform since they acrimoniously split up in 1983. As Benny Andersson says, "The people who are really fond of ABBA for what we did, I think we are doing them a favor by not going out." Both KISS and the Red Hot Chili Peppers made this year’s final nomination ballot, but will have to wait until next year for another shot at induction.
Setzer Down/Back Up Again
Rockabilly guitar legend Brian Setzer is alive and well, despite collapsing two songs into his set with the Brian Setzer Orchestra Monday night in Albuquerque. Brian was checked into the Heart Hospital of New Mexico suffering from "a combination of dehydration, high altitude, and vertigo" before being released. The former Stray Cats frontman returned to the stage in Phoenix last night, and will be rocking our Gibson Amphitheater Friday and Saturday night.
Good Globes
The occasionally wacky Golden Globes came up with two strong nominations in the Best Original Song – Motion Picture category. U2 for “Winter,” the band’s contribution to the "Brothers" soundtrack, and Paul McCartney for “I Want to Come Home” from "Everybody’s Fine." The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be handed out on January 17th, six days before nomination voting closes for the Oscars.
Maybe No Muddy Mac
Next year's famed Glastonbury Festival will take place on June 23rd through the 27th in a muddy field near Pilton, Somerset, U.K. U2 will headline one of the days and the Brit press has been hyping Fleetwood Mac to headline the closing night. But organizers of the Festival have just (sort of) denied rumors, saying that a big Mac headlining performance is "unlikely." Unlikely?? Sounds like too many lawyers and not enough money, doesn't it?
Another Change For Tyler
One of many ongoing issues within the Aerosmith camp included frontman Steven Tyler personally dropping the management company that the band has used since 1999. Tyler ticked the other guys off when he went with Union Entertainment, who immediately isolated him from everyone else. Now a few months down the road, Tyler — whose bandmates may or may not be looking to replace him — has signed with Motley Crue's manager, Allen Kovac. Let's see which way Steven's publicity begins to spin now!
It was Steven Wright who said: "Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
It was Benjamin Disraeli who said: "Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth."
December 17, 2009
Vocalist Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company is 60.
R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills (born in Orange, CA!) is 51.
On this day in 1973, Fleetwood Mac's manager, Clifford Davis, took advantage of the group's first break from touring and recording by stealing their name and sending the fake Fleetwood Mac out on tour. When Mick Fleetwood found out what was happening, he sued Davis and assumed management of the band himself.
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "You Make Loving Fun" peaked at #9 on the charts.
On this day in 1982, The Who performed one of their first farewell concerts at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens. Worried about never seeing one of the greatest rock band's in history again, many of us gullible fans purchased the concert on pay-per-view. Of course, 26 years later The Who still tour on a regular basis.
On this day in 1983, The Pretenders released the song "Middle of the Road." It eventually topped out at #19 on the charts.
On this day in 1986, The Doobie Brothers reunited for the first time. They got along so well during the benefit concert in Palo Alto, they've been rockin' down the highway ever since.
Biggest Of The Decade
All it took was 264 concerts grossing $869.5 million over the past 10 years to make The Rolling Stones the most successful live band of the decade. U2 came in second with $844 million and Madonna, who was both the top-grossing female and solo artist, scored $801.3 million — more than most countries' yearly gross national product. Bruce Springsteen pulled a hearty $688 million from 403 shows. The Dave Matthews Band performed in front of the most fans, selling over 11 million tickets for 547 shows, good for $505 million and seventh on the list. While The Stones grabbed the most money in the last 10 years, U2 were the most in-demand: all 288 shows U2 performed this decade were sold out, something no other artist can claim. And with the Irish band launching the second leg of their "360 Tour" in a few months, they'll soon surpass $1 billion for the past 11 years.
Biggest Of The Year
U2 topped the Billboard 2009 Top Tours list with $311.6 million in gross revenue and over three-million in attendance this year. Behind U2 this year were Madonna at $222 million, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band with $156.3 million and AC/DC with $135.3 million.
Metallica Land For Marin
Metallica frontman James Hetfield has donated a 330 acre agricultural easement near his home north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. As a condition of his gift, no development will be allowed on the property, which sits adjacent to another 438 acres that Hetfield previously gifted to the county as an open space easement. Right so James!
Eclectic To The Max
If you're looking for an eclectic talent line-up, how about Pearl Jam, Jeff Beck, the Allman Brothers Band, Black Crowes, Van Morrison and Aretha Franklin for starters? Only the New Orleans Jazz Festival could pull that off! The 41st annual Jazz Fest will run April 23rd – 25th and April 29th – May 2nd.
Nick Does Bruce (Sort Of)
Here's one you didn't see coming. Teen star Nick Jonas claims that his entire forthcoming solo project was inspired by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. The eldest Jonas Brother will release "Nick Jonas & The Administration" early next year. The Nickster says, "[Springsteen] pours so much passion and emotion into all of his songs every night. And I hope I can capture that too." So do we, Nick, so do we.
It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said: "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
It was Mark Twain who said: "The most interesting information comes from children, for they tell all they know and then stop."
December 18, 2009
Chas Chandler, bassist for the Animals and Jimi Hendrix's original manager would have been 71.
Bassist Sam Andrew of Big Brother & the Holding Company is 68.
Defying the odds, the one and only Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is 66.
Bobby Keys, longtime sax player with The Rolling Stones, has survived hanging with Keef to also become 66.
Guitarist Elliot Easton of The Cars is 56.
On this day in 1971, 36-year-old rock icon/hell raiser Jerry Lee Lewis divorced his 27-year-old second cousin, Myra Gale Brown after 14 years of marriage. At least they were still family.
On this day in 1975, Rod Stewart announced that he was leaving the Faces for a solo career.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's song "Fly Like An Eagle" entered the charts.
On this day in 1976, the Eagles' soon-to-be #1 hit "New Kid in Town" entered the charts as their classic "Hotel California" album was released.
On this day in 1978, Led Zeppelin finished recording their last studio album, "In Through the Out Door."
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature a special Holiday show with rockin' Christmas music and interviews with John Lennon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Rush, Brian Setzer and the Trans Siberian Orchestra — stream on!
Stand Up To Cancer
Over 60 musical acts — including Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Sting and the Dave Matthews Band — have signed on for the three-month "Stand Up To Cancer On Demand" program. Put together by Laura Ziskin, who produced the "Stand Up To Cancer" telethon in Fall 2008, the new three month program will feature free on demand music videos for subscribers. Celebrity participants will solicit monetary donations from viewers with 100% of the proceeds benefiting cancer research. Officially launched last Tuesday, "Stand Up" will continue through March 14th.
John's Gone
Guitarist John Frusciante has confirmed his rumored departure from The Red Hot Chili Peppers. He says, "There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding. They are supportive of my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways." The Peppers haven't officially named a replacement for John yet, but they've been jamming extensively with touring guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.
Runaways Trailer
A 45-second trailer for the film "The Runaways" is now online. The movie stars "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" star Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett (absolutely stunning in the trailer!), Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie, Scout Taylor-Compton as Lita Ford and Stella Maeve plays drummer Sandy West. The movie will debut at next year's Sundance Film Festival.
It was Jay Leno who said: "Race-car driving is a little like sex. All men think they're good at it... and when you are out there by yourself, you actually are good at it — until somebody else comes on the track."
It was W. Edwards Deming who said: "It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best."
This Saturday, Noon - 2pm: Join Unc for some raucous fun building custom RC cars at RideMakerz in Downtown Disney. Check out all the choices of sweet rides and accessories in this fully customizable remote control car shop ($20 - $60 each). It's like nothing you've ever seen before! The KLOS Cool Patrol will be stationed in front, so don't be late!
December 19, 2009
Alvin Lee, speed guitarist and vocalist for Ten Years After, is 65.
On this day in 1955, Carl Perkins recorded his signature hit "Blue Suede Shoes" at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.
On this day in 1964, the Fab Four's "Beatles for Sale" album spent its first week at #1 on the U.K. charts. To accomplish that, it knocked The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" off the top spot, where that album had spent the prior 21 weeks.
On this day in 1970, the much-praised "All Things Must Pass" from George Harrison entered the charts. The triple album is still considered by many to be his best solo work.
On this day in 1974, during his only solo world tour, former Beatle George Harrison performed the first of two nights at Madison Square Garden.
On this day in 1975, guitarist Ron Wood officially joined The Rolling Stones.
On this day in 1981, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" peaked at #9 on the charts.
On this day in 1993, Michael Clarke, The Byrds' original drummer, died of liver failure at the age of 49.
December 20, 2009
Former KISS drummer Peter Criss is 64.
Singer Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes is 43.
On this day in 1957, Elvis Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army.
On this day in 1967, singer Ian Anderson and bassist Glen Cornick left the John Evan Band to join up with guitarist Mick Abraham and drummer Clive Bunker. At first the band changed their name at every gig because they played so poorly they weren't being asked back. Later, Anderson was at the home of their manager, Terry Ellis, when he spotted a book by the 18th century agriculturist/author Jethro Tull. The band has been using that name ever since.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones' classic album "Let It Bleed" knocked The Beatles' "Abbey Road" off the top of the British album charts. "Abbey Road" returned to the #1 position the following week.
On this day in 1973, singer/songwriter Bobby Darin died of heart failure while having his second open-heart surgery in two years. He was only 37.
On this day in 1975, guitarist Joe Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon in the Eagles. Walsh's songwriting, musicality and guitar technique were a boost to the band's sound, and his weird-ass sense of humor added a welcome new wrinkle to the Eagles' hip Southern California countenance.
On this day in 1980, Pat Benatar's song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" peaked at #9 on the charts.