February 11 - 20, 2010
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!
February 11, 2010
Rock & Roll pioneer Gene Vincent would have been 74.
Sheryl Crow is 47.
On this day in 1963, The Beatles recorded 11 songs for their first album, "Please Please Me," in one amazing 10-hour session at Abbey Road studios. Suffering from a cold and totally thrashed from the marathon session, John Lennon nailed "Twist and Shout" in one take at the end of the session. The next day, it was decided to make that song the final one on the album.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles performed their first American concert at Washington, D.C.'s Washington Coliseum. With all of the fans screaming, the Fab Four couldn't even hear themselves perform.
On this day in 1984, "That's All" by Genesis hit #6, "Pink Houses" by John Mellencamp peaked at #8 and "Middle Of The Road" by the Pretenders topped out at #19 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, "Angel Of Harlem" by U2 peaked at #14 on the charts.
Crossroads Again
It's finally official. Eric Clapton's third Crossroads Guitar Festival will take place on June 26th in Chicago, featuring performances from the Allman Brothers Band, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood and ZZ Top, among many others. Like his 2004 and 2007 Crossroads concerts and the DVDs of those events, this year's one-day festival will benefit the Crossroads Centre, the addiction-treatment facility founded by Clapton on Antigua in the early Nineties. "I do it because I want to hear these players," Clapton admitted delightedly. "I can go to one place and hear all of my favorite musicians in one day." And so can we!
Ginger's Getting Hitched (Again)
Sorry girls, former Cream/Blind Faith drummer Ginger Baker is going to marry his nurse. The infamously cranky 70-year-old — one of rock's earliest percussion gods and a longtime junky — is a mere 42 years older than Kudzai Machokoto, the nurse from Zimbabwe whom he's dated since 2008. The loving couple currently live in Tulbagh, South Africa with her 12-year-old daughter and his many polo ponies. As Baker finally admitted, "She is good for me and it is time for me to get married again." No word on where they're registered.
KISS For Valentine's Day
Those KISS guys may be hopeless romantics. The band will gladly send you a free Valentine's Day e-card to forward to your favorite squeeze. The online greeting features the band in full costume and face paint in a heart surrounded by flames. Over the image of the band are the words, "I was made for lovin' you, Baby!" Recipients can open the virtual card to get the second part of the message, "You were made for lovin' me!" If that wonderment doesn't knock 'em out, you better have a good plan B! Check it out at mail.live-store.com/images/KISS/index.html.
It was John Wayne who said: "Life is hard, but it's harder if you're stupid."
It was Joseph Wood Krutch who said: "Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function."
NHRA Winternationals
This Weekend! Big time thrills and excitement on Saturday as yer Uncle Joe drag races against KLOS listener Raul Walker in front of 50,000 race fans at the 50th Anniversary NHRA Kragen/O'Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals Drag Races at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona! The winner of that duel will then race 10-time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Bob Glidden! Unc's Saturday Meet & Greet will include a 10am walk down memory lane at the "Golden 50 Corral" featuring 50 of the coolest cars in Winternationals history, followed by an autograph session with legendary Champions like "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney and Joe Amato! The next day, before he races his Uncle Joe's Super Gas Corvette, Randy Balough will be joining J.B. for the Sunday morning Meet & Greet! See you there!
February 12, 2010
Ray Manzarek of The Doors is 71.
Steve Hackett, Genesis' second lead guitarist, is 60.
Gil Moore of Triumph is 59.
On this day in 1964, Beatlemania hit New York as the Fab Four played two shows at Carnegie Hall. In Washington, D.C., President Lyndon Johnson met with British Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home and told him, "I like your advance guard. But don't you think they need haircuts?"
On this day in 1967, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards' mansion was raided by 15 policemen, who discovered "various substances of a suspicious nature." Richards, Mick Jagger and his girlfriend Marianne Faithfull were arrested, then later acquitted on drug charges.
On this day in 1968, Jimi Hendrix returned to his hometown of Seattle to receive the key to the city and an honorary high school diploma (he had dropped out at the age of 14). Jimi also did a show for the students of his old high school, and spent some time boinking Seattle maidens — a true homecoming.
On this day in 1972, Yes' "Roundabout" entered the charts, "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin peaked at #15 and "Feeling Alright" by Joe Cocker topped out at #33.
On this day in 1977, Paul McCartney released the live version of his song "Maybe I'm Amazed."
On this day in 2001, former Eagles guitarist Don Felder sued founding members Don Henley and Glenn Frey, claiming he was wrongly fired. The associated lawyers still haven't split the cash or future royalties, but you can be sure they're working feverishly on it.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of U2 as well as conversation with Bono, The Edge, Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois on over 90 stations. Stream on!
Robert's Busy
Has it been a while since you heard a good Led Zeppelin rumor? Well here you go then! Robert Plant is working on a new solo album tentatively called "It's Rude to Say No." Producer Buddy Miller is working on the project in Nashville, and country singer/songwriter Darrell Scott has confirmed playing mandolin and glockenspiel on the album. No word yet if Alison Krauss, Plant's collaborator on the GRAMMY-winning "Raising Sand," will appear on this project. Stay tuned!
A Sound Investment
Yelp, the San Francisco-based consumer ratings firm has just gotten an infusion of capital from U2. Word is that Bono's Elevation Partners invested $25 million in the online consumer ratings firm that features user-generated business reviews. The deal comes just one month after Google made a half-billion dollar offer to buy the company.
U2/Dylan/Green Day/Haiti
U2, Bob Dylan and Green Day all appear on the new "Rhythms Del Mundo: Haiti" album to benefit the Haitian relief efforts. Assembled in just two weeks, the album features classic songs by big name artists rearranged with an Afro-Cuban twist by the Rhythms Del Mundo group. U2 takes on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," Dylan does a rendition of his classic "A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall" and Green Day covers "I Fought the Law." Find out more at ApeUK.org/Haiti.
It was Jean Giraudoux who said: "Only the mediocre are always at their best."
It was Tom Sharp who said: "I don't consider myself bald. I'm simply taller than my hair."
February 13, 2010
Monkee bassist Peter Tork is 68.
Producer Bill Szymczyk, who discovered Joe Walsh & the James Gang and produced several of the Eagles' greatest albums, is 67.
Former Genesis frontman, the patron saint of world music, and "Sledgehammer" singer Peter Gabriel is 60.
Original Foreigner bassist Ed Gagliardi is 60.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones made their first U.S. TV show appearance, performing on "The Ed Sullivan Show."
On this day in 1972, Led Zeppelin was forced to cancel a show in Singapore when officials wouldn't let the band and crew disembark the airplane because their hair was too long.
On this day in 1974, Bob Dylan finished his famous tour with The Band at the Forum here in Los Angeles. It was at that show that Bob recorded most of the songs for his live album, "Before The Flood."
On this day in 1982, the 300 pound headstone on the grave of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant was stolen from a Florida cemetery. Police found it two weeks later, abandoned in a dry river bed.
February 14, 2010
Roger Fisher, Heart's original lead guitarist, is 60.
On this day in 1843, a small English circus staged a performance for the benefit of a Mr. Kite. Just 124 years later, the circus poster inspired John Lennon to write "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" for The Beatles' classic "Sgt. Pepper's" album.
On this day in 1967, Aretha Franklin recorded her definitive version of Otis Redding's "Respect."
On this day in 1970, The Who recorded their concert at Leeds University in Northern England. The performance was immortalized as "Live At Leeds," one of the greatest live albums ever, and was released as a pseudo bootleg just three months later. The CD has now been reissued with all of the additional tracks (including the rock opera "Tommy") that were left off the original album. You must own it!
On this day in 1973, David Bowie collapsed at the end of his Valentine's Day Show at New York's Radio City Music Hall. A spokesperson said, "It was total exhaustion." Whew — we were afraid the reason for his collapse was his legendary lifestyle: staying up for days on end and partying his brains out.
On this day in 1976, E.L.O.'s "Evil Woman" peaked at #10 as The Who's "Squeeze Box" topped out at #16.
On this day in 1978, Dire Straits began recording sessions in London for the group's first album.
On this day in 1981, Steely Dan's "Hey 19" peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, Bon Jovi's "Livin' On A Prayer" hit #1 as "We're Ready" by Boston peaked at #9 and Genesis' "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 2000, KISS announced that the group was going on a farewell tour — a tour that still hasn't ended.
On this day in 2002, Mick Tucker, drummer for the Sweet, lost his 5-year battle with Leukemia at the age of 54.
It was Dave Barry who said: "On Valentine's Day, millions of men give millions of women flowers, cards and candy as a heartfelt expression of the emotion that also motivates men to observe anniversaries and birthdays: fear."
Why Is It Valentine's and Not Pagan's Day?
For 800 years, prior to the establishment of Valentine's Day in the 5th century, the Romans practiced a pagan celebration every mid-February. It featured a lottery in which young men drew the names of teenage girls, each of whom would be his sexual companion for the next year. In an effort to do away with that darn pagan festival, Pope Gelasius established Valentine's Day as a tribute to St. Valentine, who had been stoned and beheaded by Roman Emperor Claudius II, also known as Claudius the Cruel. Before he was taken to his death, St. Valentine signed a farewell love note to the blind daughter of his jailer, "From your Valentine." According to legend, Valentine was beheaded on February 14th in approximately 270 A.D. Although the party-pooping Pope banned the lottery for young hotties, Roman men continued to use the mid-February holiday to seek the affection of women. It became a tradition for men to give the ones they admired handwritten messages of affection, containing Valentine's name. I'd venture a guess that if they were successful in their quest, the young men would then (figuratively) lose their head.
February 15, 2010
Glyn Johns, who produced albums for The Who, The Rolling Stones, Van Halen and the Eagles, is 68 and just a bit cranky.
Mick Avory, long-time drummer for The Kinks is 66.
John Helliwell, master of horns with Supertramp, is 65.
Keyboardist Andrew Farris of INXS is 51.
On this day in 1964, "Meet the Beatles" became the #1 album in America for the first of 11 weeks.
On this day in 1969, The Doors' "Touch Me" peaked at #3 as Bob Seger's "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" topped out at #17 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1981, famed blues guitarist Michael Bloomfield died of a drug overdose in San Francisco at the age of 37.
On this day in 1985, Phil Collins released his classic "No Jacket Required" album.
On this day in 1998, The Rolling Stones performed the final show of their "Bridges to Babylon" North American tour at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel. Always the master of understatement, Mick Jagger called the crowd, which included Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Sting, "the best-dressed audience I've ever seen in my life."
We Are The...
Sure it was done for an incredible cause, but isn't the 25th anniversary remake of "We Are The World" one of the most underwhelming recordings you've ever heard? Really.
No Gabriel For Hall
When Genesis is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 15th, you'll see all of the various band members except singer Peter Gabriel, who'll just be too darn busy to attend. The question remains if the other musicians — including Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford — will perform.
Doug Fieger Passes On
Doug Fieger, a great friend and inspiration to many as well as the leader of The Knack, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 57. An extremely knowledgeable music fan as well as a guiding voice behind the scenes to musicians both big and small, Doug lived to help others. As he said many times during his long fight with cancer, "I've had 10 great lives... I don't feel cheated in any way, shape, or form." The family requests that, in lieu of flowers or donations, "you continue to fill your homes and hearts with music." Rest in peace, guitar man.
It was Steven Wright who said: "The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."
It was John Lubbock who said: "What we see depends mainly on what we look for."
President's Day
America is the kind of place where you need a license to drive, hunt, fish, cut hair or own a dog, but anyone over 35 can run for President. President's Day originated on February 22, 1796 in commemoration of George Washington's birthday during the last full year of his presidency. The first formal observance of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday took place on February 12, 1865 — the year after his assassination — when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial in his honor. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday, as Washington's had, it eventually become a legal holiday in several states. In 1968, legislation was passed that affected several federal holidays including Washington's Birthday, the observation of which was shifted to the third Monday in February each year whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends in the process. While the holiday is still officially known as Washington's Birthday, it has become popularly known as President's Day, a time for honoring Washington and Lincoln, as well as the other men who have served as President.
Presidential Factoids
While Barack Obama is our 44th president, there have actually been only 42 presidents: Grover Cleveland was elected for two nonconsecutive terms and is counted twice, as our 22nd and 24th president.
Eight presidents were actually born British Subjects: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and William Henry Harrison.
Nine presidents never attended college: George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland and Harry Truman.
Episcopalian is the most common religious affiliation among presidents, followed by Presbyterian.
The oldest president inaugurated was Ronald Reagan (age 69); the youngest was John F. Kennedy (age 43). Theodore Roosevelt, however, was the youngest man to become president — he was 42 when he succeeded William McKinley, who had been assassinated.
The tallest president was Abraham Lincoln at 6'4". At 5'4", James Madison was the shortest.
The term "First Lady" was first used in 1877 in reference to Lucy Ware Webb Hayes. Most First Ladies, including Jackie Kennedy, are said to have hated the label.
James Buchanan was the only "single" president never to get married while in office. Five presidents remarried after the death of their first wives, two of which — John Tyler and Thomas Woodrow Wilson — remarried while serving in the White House. Ronald Reagan was the only divorced president. Six presidents had no children, while John Tyler — father of 15 — had the most. A busy man, that President John Tyler!
February 16, 2010
Former Def Leppard guitarist Pete Willis is 50.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show" for a second time, live from the Deauville Hotel in Miami. It was the first time a musical act ever appeared twice on the variety show, and we hope the last time anyone ever performed at the crummy old Deauville Hotel.
On this day in 1968, John and Cynthia Lennon and George and Patti Harrison all flew to India to spend two months studying with transcendental meditation advocate Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Ringo and Maureen Starr, Paul McCartney, Jane Asher, Mia Farrow and Donovan soon joined them. Shortly after arriving, Ringo left because he didn't like the food. Then McCartney split and Lennon became disillusioned when the Maharishi started coming on to Farrow. Listen to The Beatles song "Sexy Sadie" for more sordid details.
On this day in 1974, Elton John released the single "Bennie and the Jets."
On this day in 1980, Led Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain" peaked at #21 on the singles chart.
The Return Of The Tyler?
It sounds like Steven Tyler may be checking out of the Home Depot (or wherever he is) sooner rather than later. Aerosmith — complete with their longtime frontman — has reportedly signed for the U.K.'s Download 2010 festival in June. Sure, rumors that the 61-year-old would leave the band have run rampant, and guitarist Joe Perry even announced that the band was looking for a new singer to help the group continue to record and tour while Tyler was on hiatus. But word is that the full Aerosmith band will join heavyweights AC/DC and Rage Against The Machine, among others at Download 2010, taking place June 11th through the 13th at England's Donington Park. Rock on!
Bring On The New U2
If Bono said it, it must be true... and the singer's saying that U2's new album, "Songs Of Ascent," will be ready by June. As he and The Edge had both previously hinted, "Songs Of Ascent" is meant to be a sister to U2's "No Line On The Horizon," similar to the way "Zooropa" and "Achtung Baby" shared conceptual and thematic links. Several songs that didn't make "No Line On The Horizon" are rumored to be on "Songs Of Ascent," including "Winter" and "Kingdom Of Your Love," which was heard as part of the intro music during U2's recent tour. Stay tuned!
The Pope's Top 10
Ever wonder what the Pope's been rocking out to? The Vatican has revealed the Holy See's Top 10 favorite pop and rock albums, a "semi-serious" list meant to be a "modest guide" that "can point you on the road to good music." Well praise the Lord, you sure can't argue with The Beatles' "Revolver," Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon," Paul Simon's "Graceland," Santana's "Supernatural," Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly," Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" or U2's "Achtung Baby!" Same for Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" from Oasis. The only true surprise on the Top 10 Papal Pop LPs is David Crosby's "If I Could Only Remember My Name"... must have been some divine intervention on that one.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."
It was Ted Turner who said: "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise."
Stand By Your Man
An old English tradition dictates that the bride stands to the groom's left at their wedding so that his sword hand is free. Apparently Anglo-Saxon brides were often kidnapped before a wedding and brawls were common at the ceremonies. That's also why the best man stands with the groom; the tribe's best warrior was there to help the groom defend the bride. When he's not hitting on the bridesmaids.
February 17, 2010
On this day in 1973, Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side" entered the charts.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with John Fogerty on over 90 stations. Stream on!
Selling History
The last few years have seen more than a few huge companies overcome by bad (if not downright stupid) financial planning. Now comes word that the iconic Abbey Road Studios complex has been put up for sale by its owners. The sale of the Northwest London property could raise up to $31 million for the famed EMI record company, who has a $188 million payment due soon as part of a $5.17 billion 2007 leveraged buy-out. The Abbey Road facility is the most well-known recording studio in the world, the hallowed hall where The Beatles recorded the majority of their work, Pink Floyd recorded "The Dark Side Of The Moon" and many, many other artists created their finest work. No word if EMI would also sell the Abbey Road brand name along with the property, but experts say, "The brand is worth more than the building... anybody who wants the studios will want the brand." EMI bought the house at number 3 Abbey Road in St. John's Wood for $160,000 in 1929. They then turned it into the world's first custom-built recording studio complex.
Miller/Chesney
Steve Miller — who is doing a benefit gig for Cal State Fullerton this Saturday at the Honda Center) will be taping an episode of CMT Crossroads with country superstar Kenny Chesney next month. Kenny and Steve are longtime friends who shared the stage in 2008 at San Francisco's AT&T Park during Kenny's first stadium concert in the Bay Area. The episode will air later this year on CMT.
Doors Flick Coming
The Johnny Depp-narrated "When You're Strange: A Film About The Doors" documentary will finally hit theaters on April 9th. The movie is comprised entirely of archival footage (and a special little Jim Ladd voiceover) telling the legendary band's story. The soundtrack will be released on March 30th.
Hawkins Passes
Rockabilly legend Dale Hawkins lost his three-year battle with colon cancer over the weekend at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. The 73-year-old singer/guitarist/songwriter was best known for writing Creedence Clearwater Revival's 1968 hit, "Susie Q." The famous track was also performed by The Rolling Stones, the Everly Brothers and the Velvet Underground. Dale's original version of "Susie Q" is also recognized as the first single by a white artist ever distributed by Chess Records, the famed Chicago blues label. Rest in peace.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "True friends stab you in the front."
It was Karolvig Viggo Mortensen who said: "There's no excuse to be bored. Sad, yes. Angry, yes. Depressed, yes. Crazy, yes. But there's no excuse for boredom, ever."
February 18, 2010
Yoko Ono is 77.
Singer/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, formerly of Styx, is 63.
Robbie Bachman, drummer with Bachman Turner Overdrive, is 57.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles recorded "Tell Me What You See" and "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" for their "Help!" album. The latter was a Dylan-influenced John Lennon composition which featured tenor and alto flute work by Johnnie Scott — the first session musician brought in by the Fab Four to augment their recordings.
On this day in 1968, guitarist Dave Gilmour officially replaced founder Syd Barrett in Pink Floyd. The highly psychedelicized Syd was soon checked into a psychiatric hospital, and later slipped into seclusion.
On this day in 1978, "Love Is Like Oxygen" by Sweet entered the charts.
On this day in 1980, bassist Bill Wyman announced he was leaving The Rolling Stones in 1983. Never one to waffle on a decision, Bill finally left the band in 1992.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with John Fogerty on over 90 stations. Stream on!
Drafting Mellencamp
Crazy times indeed! A Facebook group is actively trying to draft John Mellencamp to replace departing Democratic Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana! The singer would join a growing number of Democrats considering a run, following Bayh's surprise announcement he will not seek reelection. The "Jack and Diane" singer has dabbled in politics, issuing an open letter entitled "Take Back our Country." That letter railed against "political agendas, corporate greed and overall manipulation." Mellencamp also issued an order for Republican Senator John McCain to quit using his songs during the 2008 presidential race. But, as for being a Beltway insider, Mellencamp has only been to the White House to perform.
Aerosmith Whole Again (And Again)
The hiatus may be over! Yesterday we found out that Aerosmith — with Steven Tyler fronting the group — will be headlining England’s Download Festival in mid-June. Now word is that before that huge gig, the boys will be headlining the Sweden Rock Festival on June 10th. Stay tuned for more dates coming soon!
Allmans Streaming
One of the first groups to stream their concerts on line (as well as sell recordings of their shows), the Allman Brothers Band will be streaming each of the 13 shows from their annual New York City residency on drummer Butch Trucks’ Moogis.com. The concerts get underway on March 11th so head to Moogis.com now to learn more.
The Quiet One Speaks
U2's Larry Mullen Jr. — the quietest member of the band — has recorded a couple of guest voices for FOX's "Family Guy" spin-off, "The Cleveland Show." In roles that may bot be that much of a stretch for the drummer, Larry will be a mobster in one episode and an Elvis impersonator in another. Stay tuned for air dates.
Jimi's Personal Rock Band
So you think you can play guitar like Jimi Hendrix? Then stand by for an official "Jimi Hendrix Rock Band" video game! Odds are that the release will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the guitar icon's death on September 18, 1970. But so far, nothing official has been announced.
It was David Frost who said: "Television enables you to be entertained in your home by people you wouldn't have in your home."
It was Josh Billings who said: "One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness."
NASCAR/Auto Club Speedway
This weekend: Starting with a live broadcast of his Friday afternoon KLOS show from a pit side suite, Uncle Joe will be working the Auto Club Speedway's NASCAR Sprint Cup Auto Club 500 just like he's done every race since the track opened in 1997! In addition to hosting the Fan Zone's big stage (featuring Styx Sunday morning!), he'll do driver interviews (including sessions with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya) and call the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Sprint Cup races from the announcers' booth!
February 19, 2010
Guitarist Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath is 62.
Bassist Mark Andes, who worked with Spirit and Heart, is 62.
On this day in 1972, America's "A Horse With No Name" entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released their classic "Rumours" album, which stayed at #1 on the charts for 31 weeks, and sold over 18 million copies!
On this day in 1977, Manfred Mann's Earth Band's remake of Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded By The Light" hit #1 on the singles charts. Ironically, Springsteen himself hadn't even scored a Top 20 single yet.
On this day in 1980, Bon Scott, the hard living lead singer of AC/DC, died of drunken "misadventure" in London at the age of 33.
On this day in 1995, Baywatch eye candy Pamela Anderson married Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee on a Cancun beach. The bride wore a white bikini (for a brief period of time) and their "honeymoon" video became very, very popular.
Townshend's Ears (Again)
After rocking 150 million viewers during Super Bowl XLIV's halftime show, The Who seemed ready to springboard into a busy 2010 with appearances at the Coachella and New Orleans Jazz Festivals. But now we find out that the band's future is uncertain because of Pete Townshend's returning tinnitus. "If my hearing is going to be a problem, we're not delaying shows. We're finished. I can't really see any way around the issue." Neil Young put Townshend in touch with an audiologist who recommended an in-ear monitor that may prevent any further damage. Townshend will try it out when The Who perform their "Quadrophenia" album in its entirety during their March 30th charity show in London. As the ever optimistic Roger Daltrey says, "We won't know until we try."
It's Knebworth All Over Again
Good news if you can't remember the huge 1990 concert at England's Knebworth House which benefitted the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and the Brit School of Performing Arts. The line-up included a few people you might be familiar with, like Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Elton John and Genesis. among many others. Now you can celebrate that amazing gig on its 20th anniversary with the remastered re-release of the double-CD "Live at Knebworth" package. Sadly you'll have to wait until March 23rd to get your hands on it.
New/Old Dead
Been a while since you heard some legendary jamming? Then you need to hear the Grateful Dead's July 7, 1989 show at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. The gig is being released as "Crimson White & Indigo," a three-CD/one-DVD set featuring 19 songs and a booklet with rare photos, all on sale at Best Buy on March 30th.
Selling Those Eagles
Have you been wondering who scored the most gold and platinum certifications for albums, videos, digital singles and ringtones over the past ten years? Turns out that of all the groups old and new, the Eagles scored 48 — way more than any other group. Michael Jackson led male solo artists with 44 and Beyonce topped everyone with 64. Guess those darn Eagles aren't playing the historic Hollywood Bowl on April 16th, 17th, and 20th because they need the cash!
Looking For Love (And A New Sugar Daddy)
Paul McCartney's ex-wife, Heather Mills, is telling anyone who'll listen that she's already spent most of her $38.1 million divorce settlement money. Mills and Macca married in 2002 and split in 2006. They have a six-year-old daughter, Beatrice.
It was Woody Allen who said: "Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem."
It was Gypsy Rose Lee who said: "She's descended from a long line her mother listened to."
February 20, 2010
Guitarist J. (Jerome) Geils is 64.
Mr. Walter Becker, the guitar playing half of Steely Dan, is 60.
Guitarist Randy California of Spirit would have been 59.
Guitarist Kurt Cobain of Nirvana would have been 43.
On this day 1958, George Harrison joined John Lennon and Paul McCartney onstage as a member of the pre-Beatles group The Quarry Men (sometimes listed as The Quarrymen).
On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Eight Days A Week" broke into the American Top 40.
On this day in 1971, Santana released "Oye Como Va," and Alice Cooper released "Eighteen."
On this day in 1974, Yes played the first of two sold out concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden. The most remarkable thing about those concerts: more than 40,000 tickets were sold by word-of-mouth alone — not one cent was spent on advertising!
On this day in 1982, Stevie Nicks released "Edge Of 17" and the J. Geils Band released the song "Freeze Frame."
On this day in 1982, Pat Benatar married her guitarist and producer, Neil Geraldo on Maui, just four days before she won her second GRAMMY Award.