December 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!
December 21, 2009
Frank Zappa would have been 69.
English blues guitarist Albert Lee (Eric Clapton's buddy) is 65.
Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys would have been 63.
KLOS' own Denise Westwood is finally turning 32.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded the clarinets used on "When I'm Sixty-Four."
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones released their psychedelic stinker "Their Satanic Majesties Request" in the U.S., where it reached #2 on the album charts right behind The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour."
On this day in 1968, The Bob Seger System released the song "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man."
On this day in 1974, Bad Company was joined for a jam onstage by Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin at London's Rainbow Theatre.
On this day in 1974, ELO released the song "Can't Get It Out Of My Head."
On this day in 1978, Rod Stewart settled out of court with drummer Mickey Waller, who claimed he was not paid royalties for his work on 1974's "Smiler" album. Anybody know where Mickey is today?
On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" was released.
On this day in 1992, legendary blues guitarist Albert King died from a heart attack in Memphis at the age of 69.
Stealing From Adam
U2 bassist Adam Clayton has gotten an Irish court to freeze the assets of his former personal assistant for allegedly stealing over $2.5 million. After Adam fired Carol Hawkins last month for "misappropriating" his money, a further investigation revealed that she used the funds to buy an apartment in New York City, along with many other things. The former assistant has admitted to using Clayton's credit and debit cards, but disputes the amounts.
A Record G&R Set
Must have been something in the water. Saturday night in Tokyo, Guns N' Roses rocked out for three hours and 37 minutes — their longest concert ever. The 37-song set included a jammed out cover of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," solo versions of the "James Bond Theme," David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust," Queen's "We Will Rock You" and "The Pink Panther Theme" blended into "Don't Cry." Hope they left something in the tank for when they return!
A Leppard Cartoon
After canceling their Fall tour, Def Leppard are at work on a cartoon TV show. The project is still in the early stages, and hasn't been pitched to the networks, but it will depict the five members of the group in a fictional, adventurous setting. No matter if it turns out like "Scooby Doo," it's still kind of goofy, don't you think?
KISS/Walmart
Oh Lord this is funny! You have to see the new TV commercial featuring KISS working at Wal-Mart! Paul Stanley helping a shopper with her make-up, Gene Simmons giving customers music recommendations... go right now to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV-TyJbk3kI !
Billy's Down
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Billy Burnette is recovering after undergoing a quintuple bypass surgery last Wednesday. The former member of Fleetwood Mac had just returned from touring as part of John Fogerty's band when he felt short of breath and went to the hospital. Doctors performed open heart surgery. In addition to his own solo work, Billy wrote songs for Fleetwood Mac, Faith Hill, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cher and Greg Allman, among others.
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals."
Unc's annual Holiday music festival is going to rock at Midnight and 3am Christmas morning on KLOS! Three hours of your favorite Classic Rock & Roll Christmas songs, conversations, stories and rare Nuggets — featuring songs from John Lennon, Boston, Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, U2, Camp Freddy, The Black Crowes and Stevie Nicks, among many others. Check out the playlist and other affiliates who'll be streaming throughout the Holiday.
December 22, 2009
Guitarist Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick is 63.
On this day in 1965, The Byrds recorded the song "Eight Miles High" (initially inspired by flying at 50,000 feet elevation).
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd played the "Christmas on Earth Revisited" event at London's Olympia Theater. Throughout the concert, singer Syd Barrett simply stared at the audience in a hallucinogenic daze. Quite the showman, that Syd.
On this day in 1973, "Hello It's Me" by Todd Rundgren peaked at #5 Gregg Allman's "Midnight Rider" entered the charts.
On this day in 1978, The Who announced that the Faces' Kenny Jones was the replacement for their late drummer Keith Moon.
On this day in 1979, Paul McCartney held the first of three Concerts for Kampuchea at London's Hammersmith Odeon to benefit relief efforts in the war-torn country. Besides Macca, The Clash, Elvis Costello and The Who appeared on the bill.
On this day in 2002, Joe Strummer, lead singer/guitarist/songwriter for the seminal British punk band The Clash, died of a heart attack in his home at the age of 50.
Halen Guitar Hero
If anyone is deserving of a Guitar Hero franchise, it's Van Halen. So jump back gamers — "Guitar Hero: Van Halen" is in stores today! Following G. Hero games that specifically featured Metallica and Aerosmith, this version includes 25 of Van Halen's signature tracks... but none with former frontman Sammy Hagar. Instead, the Halen boys included Foreigner's "Double Vision," Billy Idol's "White Wedding," and "Space Truckin'" by Deep Purple. And the beat goes on.
Bad News For Ronnie
Oh-oh! True or not, the British press are reporting that as The Rolling Stones prepare to tour next year, they're seriously considering replacing guitarist Ronnie Wood. One reported reason is that Woodie (who has once again been drinking heavily) isn't healthy enough to get insurance for the tour. Another stated reason is that the band’s communication with Ron has always taken place through his now ex-wife, Jo Howard. She handled all of Ronnie’s day to day activities, including keeping the Wood-man in shape to work. But Ron left Jo last year for a 20-year-old barmaid — who has since split after he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting her. Stay tuned!
Pagey's First Return Date
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page wasn't kidding when he said he was going to get busy next year. Mr. Page just became the first announced performer for the globally televised Show Of Peace Concert at the Olympic Stadium in Beijing, China. More acts for the April 17th event will be confirmed at next month's official press conference. The concert will mark the 30th anniversary of the cultural exchange agreement between the United States and China.
Foreigner's Road Trip
Foreigner were just getting warmed up over the last few months. They'll be taking to the road again on January 14th to do 25 shows in 13 states and Canada in support of their recently released 3-disc set, "Can't Slow Down." No Southland dates yet, but you know they will be back.
It was William Saroyan who said: "Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure."
It was P.G. Wodehouse who said: "The trouble with cats is that they've got no tact."
Xmas Factoids
Over 16% of the people who decorate their yards and houses spend more than six hours each year putting up the decorations.
The first documentation of decorating a Christmas tree was in 1604 in Strasburg, Germany. Decorating Christmas trees became a tradition in the U.S in the mid-1800's and has evolved over the subsequent 150 year period into the industry we know today.
In 1851, Mark Carr hauled two sleds loaded with trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York City and opened the first retail tree lot in the U.S. Until fairly recently, all Christmas trees came from forests, not farms.
It takes up to 12 years to grow a Christmas tree of average retail height, which is between 6 and 7 feet.
The tallest living Christmas tree on the North American continent is believed to be the 161-foot, 120-year-old Grand fir on Lake Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho.
Happy Holidays to all!!
December 23, 2009
Original Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen is 69.
Mott the Hoople guitarist Ariel Bender and Spooky Tooth guitarist Luther Grosvenor are both 60, and never, ever seen together. Hmmm...
Guitar whiz Adrian Belew, who worked with Frank Zappa, David Bowie and King Crimson, is 60.
Vocalist Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 45.
On this day in 1957, Bobby Helms' "Jingle Bell Rock" entered the chart for the first time. Don't worry — I will NOT play his version of that song on Uncle Joe's Rockin' Christmas Show!
On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix released his "Foxey Lady" single.
On this day in 1969, Elton John and Bernie Taupin began writing songs together. One year later, their composition "Your Song" was an international hit. Since day one, John has always provided melodies to Taupin's lyrics.
On this day in 1978, Rod Stewart released the song "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy." That was the exact point where his old band The Faces thanked the heavens that Roddy had left them behind.
On this day in 1999, police arrested a stalker at George Harrison's Hawaiian home. The unemployed woman appeared to be living in the empty mansion, using the phone, washing machine and ordering pizza. There was no truth to the rumor that she also had an audition tape for him.
This weekend, The Best of OFF THE RECORD (pt. 1) with Joe Benson will feature music and interviews with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, Foreigner's Mick Jones and Kelly Hanson and Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as well as George Thorogood — stream on!
Tyler Comes Clean
After months of drama, and less than a week after switching to Motley Crue's management company, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has entered a rehab facility to treat an addiction to prescription painkillers. Steven's statement said, "With the help of my family and a team of medical professionals I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford." He also said, "I wish to set the record straight and say that I have read reports of a rumored two-year hiatus and want to be clear that this is completely false and I will enthusiastically be writing, recording and performing with Aerosmith as soon as things are handled." The 61-year-old last entered rehab in May 2008 to deal with pain from foot surgery. Here's wishes for a speedy recovery Steven!
Eagles/Mac
Reliable sources are reporting that Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles will do a series of shows in football and baseball stadiums next Summer. Considering that, at different times, Stevie Nicks dated Eagles Don Henley and Joe Walsh, as well as the Mac's Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood, I'm sure she'll keep everyone on good behavior backstage!
Secret Bruce
Why do you think that Bruce Springsteen and the core members of The E Street Band were running through the 1978 "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" album at Asbury Park's Convention Hall last weekend? The band spent most of last Sunday playing (and you would assume recording) several versions of each song. Is it possible that some of those performances will be bonus material in a giant "Darkness" boxset due out next Spring? Stay tuned!
Macca Beats a Snowstorm
Even though a heavy snowstorm hit London last night, Sir Paul McCartney put on a massive show at London's 02 Arena. The sold-out "Good Evening, London" concert was the 67-year-old's last live show in 2009, and was seen by some as a test for a possible multi-week residency for Macca at the venue next year. And seriously, if Prince, Britney Spears and Bon Jovi can do multiple dates, why not a former Beatle?
Strummer's Cards
A really cool Christmas picture that rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer of The Clash painted just before his December 2002 death is now featured on a series of holiday cards. The package of six cards have been selling like hot cakes, with the proceeds benefiting Strummerville – The Joe Strummer Foundation for New Music. For more information, visit www.strummerville.com.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character."
It was Marcus Tullius Cicero who said in 55 BC: "The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance." Same as it ever was.
December 24, 2009
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin left Britain to start their first American tour. Robert Plant later said, "It was Christmas, and Christmas away from home for the English is the end of the world."
On this day in 1992, Doobie Brothers percussionist Bobby LaKind died after a long battle with cancer. He was only 47.
Moving John's Star
"Oh no," the bloggers cried, "John Lennon's star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame has vanished!" Then they lamented as they twittered away, "The star's home on Vine Street is covered with a plastic bag taped to the sidewalk!" Yikes! Well yes, our research-challenged social networking fiends. John's star has been relocated next to George Harrison's in front of the Capitol Records Tower, right next to where Ringo Starr will join his fellow Beatles on February 8th. Now, on to the next drama!
Pagey's Number Two
Although a release date hasn't been announced, Gibson Custom is preparing a limited 325 unit production run of the famed Jimmy Page Number Two Les Paul Limited Edition guitar. The collector's dream instrument is modeled after the Led Zeppelin guitar god's second Gibson Les Paul which he purchased in 1973 — several years after having received his first Les Paul from Joe Walsh. The Jimmy Page Number Two Les Paul was recreated with intense examination of Page's original instrument. Each prototype was checked and critiqued in detail by Pagey himself. Bargain basement items? We think not.
Releasing Rare U2
Right after the first of the year, U2 will release "Artificial Horizon," a collection of remixes and previously unreleased material. Like their "Zoo2Live" and "Medium, Rare and Remastered" compilations, this album will be available only to members of the band's official fan club.
Gurley Passes On
James Gurley, the Big Brother & The Holding Company guitarist who helped Janis Joplin on her rise to fame in the Sixties, died of a heart attack earlier this week. He was only two days shy of his 70th birthday. Rest in peace, guitar man.
It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing. Only one thing endures and that is character."
It was Lily Tomlin who said: "Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain."
Unc's annual Holiday music festival is going to rock at Midnight and 3am Christmas morning on KLOS! Three hours of your favorite Classic Rock & Roll Christmas songs, conversations, stories and rare Nuggets — featuring songs from John Lennon, Boston, Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, U2, Camp Freddy, The Black Crowes and Stevie Nicks, among many others. Check out the playlist and other affiliates who'll be streaming throughout the Holiday.
More Xmas Factoids
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer. But male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually between late November and mid-December, while female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, every single one of those magic caribou — from Rudolph to Blitzen — had to be female. While this is a bit on the nontraditional side, it does make sense. Only women, while pregnant, would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost! You go girls!
Rudolph is definitely the most famous reindeer of all, so much so that he's even had movies based on his exploits. The other 8 tiny caribou [Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donder (or Donner), Prancer, and Vixen] were first named in 1822 by American poet Clement Clark Moore in his poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas." Rudolph was first written about in 1939 by Robert May, who included him in a story for the Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogue. Commerce, baby, pure commerce!
Santa Claus, as we know him, was introduced in a 1931 Coca-Cola advertisement. Famed commercial artist Haddon Sundblom (who was also responsible for Aunt Jemima) drew Santa as a very plump human with a jovial face and big beard, rather than the traditional middle-European elf. Today, it is the image of Sundblom's Santa that slips down chimneys and warms hearts around the world. Santa and Rudolph — commerce, baby, warm and fuzzy marketing genius!
The common abbreviation for Christmas, Xmas, was derived from the Greek alphabet. X is the letter Chi, the first letter of Christ's name in Greek. Not invented in America, not even for commerce.
Mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship in ancient Scandinavia. Even in the time of the Druids, mistletoe was believed to have magical properties. People who met under a tree bearing mistletoe were forbidden to fight, even if they were enemies, and anyone who entered a home decorated with mistletoe was entitled to shelter and protection. The kissy face stuff came later. Commerce? You be the judge.
Charles Dickens' initial words for Scrooge's outburst in the book, "A Christmas Carol," were "Bah, Christmas!" He eventually changed it to the now immortal, "Bah, Humbug!", but never really got the big cash payoff.
Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," from the soundtrack of the holiday movie classic "Holiday Inn," is the biggest selling Christmas single of all time. More than 30 million copies have been sold. (In fact, only Elton John's "Candle in the Wind '97" has sold more copies, at 33 million.) Good ol' American commerce!
Happy Holidays to all!!
December 25, 2009
Bassist Noel Redding of the Jimi Hendrix Experience would have been 64.
Parrot Head Jimmy Buffett hits 63.
Singer Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics is 55.
On this day in 1959, young Richard Starkey received his first drum set for Christmas. The 18-year-old apprentice engineer seemed to have a knack for pounding the skins, and later become world famous as Ringo Starr, drummer for The Beatles.
On this day in 1964, jealous fans attending one of The Beatles' London Christmas shows attacked George Harrison's girlfriend Patti Boyd.
On this day in 1965, George Harrison proposed to Patti Boyd as they drove to a Christmas dinner in London. No fans got close enough to attack this time.
On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney, ever the romantic, became engaged to actress Jane Asher. Alas, they never did marry.
On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin released "Black Dog" as a single in the U.S.
On this day in 1976, the song "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas was released.
On this day in 2006, James Brown — "The Godfather of Soul," "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," "Soul Brother Number One" and "Mr. Dynamite" (and often introduced as all of the above) — died in Atlanta of congestive heart failure at the age of 73.
December 26, 2009
Uber Producer Phil Spector is 69.
Drummer Lars Ulrich of Metallica is 46.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles "I Feel Fine" topped the charts, while their song "She's a Woman" hit #4. In 12 months, they had scored a staggering 30 charting hit singles. Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones — who had still not achieved any significant action on the charts — took out a full-page ad in the U.K. music press wishing starving hairdressers a Happy Christmas.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles premiered their psychedelic movie "Magical Mystery Tour" on British TV, and absolutely no one could figure it out.
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin began their first U.S. tour in Denver (all except bassist John Paul Jones had picked up nasty colds during their three-day-stay in Los Angeles — too much bare-ass running around!).
On this day in 1970, George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" peaked at #1 on the charts. It is still considered by many to be his best solo work.
December 27, 2009
Scotty Moore, guitarist for Elvis Presley on the early recordings that helped define Rock & Roll, is 78 and still rockin'.
Keyboardist Michael Pinder of the Moody Blues is 68.
Pete Quaife, the original bass player for The Kinks, is 66 and well retired.
Foreigner's head guy, Mick Jones, is 65.
Guitarist David Knopfler, fired from Dire Straits by his brother Mark in 1983, is 57 and still bitter. But is he working?
On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Abbey Road" was #1 on the American album charts, "Led Zeppelin II" was #2, and The Rolling Stones' classic "Let It Bleed" was #3. Now that was some significant music!
On this day in 1976, Queen released the follow-up to their highly acclaimed "A Night At The Opera" album, "A Day At The Races." Both album titles were taken from Marx Brothers movies.
On this day in 1976, acclaimed blues guitarist Freddie King died in Dallas, Texas of a heart attack aggravated by a blood clot and internal bleeding ulcers. He was only 42.
On this day in 1980, John Lennon's "(Just Like) Starting Over," and the album it came from, "Double Fantasy," both hit #1 as Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart" peaked at #5 on the singles charts.
December 28, 2009
Multi-instrumentalist Edgar Winter is 63.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles' "White Album" hit #1 as The Doors released the song "Touch Me."
On this day in 1979, The Who and the Pretenders headlined the third of Paul McCartney's Concerts for Kampuchea.
On this day in 1983, Beach Boy Dennis Wilson drowned at the age of 39 after he dove into the ocean at Marina Del Rey.
On this day in 1985, "Small Town" by John "Cougar" Mellencamp peaked at #6 on the singles charts.
Reflections
As we approach the New Year, I thought I'd pass along seven choice quotes people have sent in.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucius
"Live simply so that others can simply live." - Gandhi
"We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." - Lee Iacocca
"Failure is the path of least persistence." - Anonymous
"Never argue with a fool. Someone watching may not be able to tell the difference." - Anonymous
"I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian." - Anonymous
"Some day you'll thank me for all this scary love." - Homer Simpson
December 29, 2009
Bassist Ray Thomas of the Moody Blues is 68.
Drummer Cozy Powell, who worked with Black Sabbath, Richie Blackmore and Jeff Beck, would have been 62.
Guitarist Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar's better half, is 54.
On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made their first-ever TV appearance on the BBC's "Top of the Pops," performing their new single "Hey Joe."
On this day in 1967, singer/guitarist Dave Mason left the recently formed Traffic, citing musical differences with group leader Steve Winwood. Within the year, Dave rejoined the band and then soon left once again. Hard to believe that upon Traffic's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 36 years later, Mason complained about not being included in their performance.
On this day in 1973, John Lennon's "Mind Games" peaked at #18 as Led Zeppelin's "D'yer Mak'er" topped out at #20 on the charts.
On this day in 1975, Grace Slick divorced her Jefferson Airplane cohort Paul Kantner.
Boss' Kennedy Honors Tonight
After an amazing decade's worth of work, Bruce Springsteen is ending 2009 with a high-profile network appearance: CBS will broadcast "The 32nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors" tonight. The all-star tribute was taped earlier this month with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in attendance. Bruce received his honor with jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, opera singer Grace Bumbry, actor/director/producer Robert DeNiro and funnyman Mel Brooks. Other music icons who've earned the honor over the years include Sir Elton John, Paul Simon and the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson.
Sir Paulie's A' Gaming
Paul McCartney became a handsome video game avatar in September with the release of "The Beatles: Rock Band" video game, but he'll be going solo on January 5th. Three tracks from McCartney’s live "Good Evening, New York City" will be released as downloadable content for Rock Band and LEGO Rock Band. That will make Macca the first of the Fab Four to have solo material featured on the Rock Band series. Can Yoko Ono be far behind?
Keep KISS Alive Forever (Sort Of)
If you missed out on one of KISS' "Alive 35" North American tour dates this Fall, the double CD "Best Of KISS Alive 35" has just been released. The compilation includes 27 live tracks recorded at 21 locations on the tour, although location specific recordings, such as "ALIVE 35: Live in Los Angeles" are also available as downloads.
Van's A Daddy
Turns out Rod Stewart isn't the only fertile rock singer in his mid-sixties: 64-year-old Van Morrison has confirmed the arrival of George Ivan Morrison III, named for the Irish-born performer and his father before him. The baby's mother Gigi Lee executive-produced Van II's recent "Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl: The Concert Film." Van III is the music star's second child: 39-year-old singer/songwriter Shana Morrison was raised up in Marin County and often appears on stage with her famous father.
December 30, 2009
Rock & Roll icon Bo Diddley is 81.
The Monkees' Michael Nesmith is 66.
The Monkees' Davy Jones is 64.
Poet/rocker Patti Smith is 63.
Jeff Lynne, head E.L.O. guy and occasional Traveling Wilbury, is 62.
Occasional Eurythmic Dave Stewart is 59.
Tiger Woods is 34.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles hit #1 with the song "Hello Goodbye."
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin performed at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. The resulting "Gonzaga '68" bootleg was the first ever made of the band, who later set a record for the most bootlegged performances ever.
On this day in 1999, George Harrison and his wife were stabbed several times at their home in Henley-upon-Thames, England, by a crazed fan. Although one knife wound came perilously close to his heart, Harrison survived the attack.
This weekend, The Best of OFF THE RECORD (pt. 2) with Joe Benson will feature music and interviews with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, Foreigner's Mick Jones and Kelly Hanson and Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as well as George Thorogood — stream on!
December 31, 2009
Police guitarist Andy Summers is 67.
John Denver would have been 65.
Guess Who vocalist/keyboardist Burton Cummings is 62.
Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton is 58.
On this day in 1961, The Pendletons performed their first gig under their new name, The Beach Boys, at the "Ritchie Valens Memorial Concert" in Long Beach.
On this day in 1967, "Gimme Some Lovin'" by the Spencer Davis Group entered the U.S. singles charts.
On this day in 1969, Jimi Hendrix unveiled his new group Band of Gypsys at New York's Fillmore East. The concert, featuring the rhythm section of Billy Cox and Buddy Miles, was later released as the album "Band of Gypsys."
On this day in 1970, Paul McCartney filed a suit against John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison as The Beatles Co., effectively ending the band.
On this day in 1973, AC/DC — consisting of guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, Rob Bailey, Peter Clark and singer Dave Evans — made their debut at Sydney's Chequers Club. The gig went so well, the band recruited their roadie, Bon Scott, as their new singer.
On this day in 1974, a document signed by all The Beatles confirmed the dissolution of their partnership.
On this day in 1974, drummer Mick Fleetwood invited Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to join Fleetwood Mac. Mick met the pair in Van Nuys where they were recording their second album as a duo. The Fleetwood Mac lineup had been changing continually since 1967 (as it still does today), but the inclusion of the two American singer/songwriters formed the most successful version of the group.
On this day in 1984, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen was critically injured in a car accident in England. His arm was amputated, but later learned to drum with foot pedals and is still playing with the band today.
On this day in 1996, Paul McCartney was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II.
New Year's Factoids
Who Started This?
The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. That was one fun loving group!
Resolutions
Making a New Year's resolution is a tradition that dates back to the early Babylonians. While modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking, the early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. Maybe they weren't such a fun loving group.
New Year Baby
The tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year began in Greece around 600 BC. It seems that the Grecians celebrated their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth, but the Greeks had better publicists.
The Song
The song "Auld Lang Syne" is sung at the stroke of midnight to bring in the New Year in almost every English-speaking country in the world. Based on an old Scottish tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days." The version we know was at least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, and was first published in 1796 after Burns' death.