February 1 - 10, 2011
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 1, 2011
Guitarist Mike Campbell of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers is 61.
On this day in 1963, Neil Young, at age 17, performed his first professional date at a country club in Winnipeg, Canada.
On this day in 1964, the British Invasion of America officially began as The Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" hit #1.
On this day in 1964, Bob Dylan released his classic "The Times They Are A Changin'" album.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones released their legendary "The Rolling Stones Now" album.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles recorded the rhythm tracks for the title cut of their classic "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album by playing live in Abbey Road Studio #2.
On this day in 1970, Van Morrison released his "Moondance" album.
On this day in 1986, John Mellencamp's "R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A." entered the Top 40.
On this day in 1988, The Cars officially broke up.
Macca/Alison/U.S. Post Office
Here's a good one! Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Alison Krauss and Carole King and James Taylor are among the artists featured on a new album being put out by the United States Postal Service and the Concord Music Group. The compilation of love songs, "USPS: Love Notes," celebrates Valentine's Day, and is available at post office branches from coast to coast until the end of February.
Dancing With His Mom
Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg played the annual Ranney School benefit with the Bobby Bandeira Band at Asbury Park's Stone Pony on Saturday. One of the highlights was Bruce pulling his mom out to dance with him during "Dancing In The Dark" — a true classic!
The Dead Orchestra
Grateful Dead singer/guitarist Bob Weir will take part in a once-in-a-lifetime performance of the band's music with the Marin Symphony Orchestra in San Rafael on May 7th. The "First Fusion" event will feature over 50 musicians interpreting Grateful Dead songs. Unlike the real Grateful Dead, these musicians are expected to all begin and end each song together.
Steven's Selling Aerosmith
Of course Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has been loving all the face time he's been getting on camera thanks to his gig as a judge on "American Idol." So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the extra attention is also selling more Aerosmith product. The band's 1998 classic "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" is hanging at #19 on the iTunes Songs Chart and their 1994 greatest hits collection, "Big Ones," is lodged at #25 on the iTunes Album Chart. Sell on!
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "A riot is the language of the unheard."
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."
Voice Mail Messages You Can Use
Just another of yer Uncle Joe's timely services!
1. Hi there. Now, you say something.
2. Hello. I'm David's voice mail. What are you?
3. Hi! John's voice mail is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.
4. This is not an answering machine. This is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your reason for calling and a number where I can reach you, and I'll think about returning your call.
5. Hi. I am probably home. I'm avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you.
6. Hello. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back.
February 2, 2011
Singer extraordinaire Graham Nash is 69.
Bassist Ross Valory of Journey is 62.
On this day in 1978, after four years of playing virtually every club and backyard in Southern California, Van Halen signed their first recording contract. It was at that time that publicists subtracted a couple years from each member's age to make them seem even more astounding.
On this day in 1979, 21-year-old Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious died in New York of a heroin overdose. He was not a hero.
On this day in 1980, the Eagles' song "The Long Run" peaked at #8 on the charts.
First Seger Dates
Bob Seger has announced the first two dates of his Spring tour with The Silver Bullet Band: Saginaw, Michigan on March 29th and Toledo, Ohio on March 31st. Both shows are in relatively tiny arenas, so they'll both sell out extremely fast — setting the stage for his 20 to 30 concert swing to be among the hottest of the year. His current plans include continuing work on his new album over the Summer before returning to the road in the Fall.
Roddy & Beck (Maybe)
Rod Stewart is saying that the guy who gave him his first big break, guitar god Jeff Beck, will be recording tracks this month in San Francisco for Rod's first album of new material since 1998. You may recall that Roddy staged a Jeff Beck Group reunion with Jeff and Ron Wood at a Royal Albert Hall rehearsal in 2004. "Woody was playing bass," he said. "I was singing, and it sounded f**king brilliant. We did 'Rock My Plimsoul' and 'I Ain't Superstitious' and everybody was glued to it. But Jeff phoned me two days later and said he didn't want to do it." Since then, Beck has said he was open to a reunion album with Stewart. "For me, I'd have to turn the clock back 20 or 30 years, stylistically, to match what Rod does. Not that that is meant to be a derogatory statement. He loves the Sixties. He loves Blues. He loves old stuff. Nothing cutting-edge and new." Let's keep our fingers crossed!
New U2 LP Info
While no official announcement has been made, May 27th has emerged as the release date for the new U2 album. The band's latest web site message said, in part, "We are trying very hard to use this time in New Zealand and Australia to finish an album that will be released in the Spring... It's not so much recording as editing and polishing up lyrics and trying to getting it done by the date it needs to be delivered to the record company for release in May." Seeing as the Irish lads have recorded three or four albums worth of songs, the title and content of the May release is still to-be-determined.
Macca To Rio
Never one to take much time off, Paul McCartney has booked himself and his mighty little band to headline one of the final nights at Brazil's massive Rock In Rio. The party runs from September 23rd to October 2nd, with Sir Elton John headlining opening night, the Red Hot Chili Peppers headlining the second evening and with Metallica headlining the third.
More Secret Foos
It's been a few weeks since the Foo Fighters finished their new album, which still doesn't have a release date. So, true to form, Dave Grohl and his band performed the album in its entirety at a surprise gig in Santa Barbara last Friday night. Where do you think they'll strike next?
It was Red Skelton who said: "All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner."
It was Stephen Covey who said: "If we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to keep getting what we're getting."
It was Plato who said: "The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves."
Groundhog Heaven
Today is Groundhog Day, and over 15,000 spectators are expected to gather at "Gobbler's Knob" this morning to see the large rodent named Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his/her lair to see its shadow. Legend has it that if P-Phil can see its own shadow on February 2nd, winter will last another six weeks. Expect an early Spring if P-Phil does not see its shadow! Since 1886, P-Phil has seen its shadow 97 times, hasn't seen it 16 times and there are no records for the other years, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The whole event, as well as Punxsutawney (a rural community 90 miles northwest of Pittsburgh), were made even more famous worldwide in the movie "Groundhog Day," which starred Bill Murray. Strangely enough, no one has seen Murray's shadow since 1999... but that's another story for another time.
February 3, 2011
Dave Davies, the fist swinging, guitar playing younger brother in The Kinks, is 64.
On this day in 1959, Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens were killed when their small plane crashed in bad weather shortly after take-off from the Mason City, Iowa airfield. They had decided to pay for plane tickets rather than travel by bus to Fargo, North Dakota. At the last minute, Holly's bass player, Waylon Jennings, gave up his seat so that the Big Bopper could make the flight.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles recorded "Lady Madonna" in three takes at Abbey Road Studios in London.
On this day in 2004, saxophonist Cornelius Bumpus, who played with the The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan among many others, died from a heart attack on a commercial flight from New York to California. He was 58.
Stones Deny It
While we all know that The Rolling Stones will be touring sooner rather than later, the band felt it necessary to declare that they have "no firm plans to tour" yesterday in an attempt to distance themselves from a legal battle between concert promoter Live Nation and its former chairman Michael Cohl. In the suit, Cohl claims that the firm attempted to sabotage his ability to promote a Rolling Stones tour that is planned for later this year. The Stones, by some measures the world's most successful live act, last toured in 2007, and next year marks their 50th anniversary. So no matter who is promoting the tour, you will have a chance to celebrate that 50th anniversary with Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie. No, it won't be cheap, but you will be able to dance about wildly as they play for you!
Playing Ringo
Word is that Ringo Starr is prepping a new video game. He evidently has filed a trademark request to use the name "Ringo" for "computer game software, discs, downloadable programs and downloadable electronic media and publications." Some people think that the beloved Beatles drummer will unveil his mystery gaming project at next month's South By Southwest Interactive conference in Austin. Or is he just gaming us?
No Layla This Time
Eric Clapton will be sitting in with famed jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis April 8th and 9th at the Rose Theater in New York's Lincoln Center. The all star band will be performing some of the most important early blues and jazz songs by masters like Howling Wolf, Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong. Guess that means "I Shot The Sheriff" won't make the cut either.
Velvet Revolver Singer Search Update
Word is that three singers have emerged from Velvet Revolver's recent auditions to replace Scott Weiland, who left the band in 2008. Of the three — Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor, Scars On Broadway's Frankie Perez and Spacehog's Royston Langdon — Taylor seems to be the frontrunner. When asked about the situation, Corey cryptically replied, "To be continued." Hmm...
It was Rita Rudner who said: "When I eventually met Mr. Right, I had no idea that his first name was Always."
It was Mahatma Gandhi who said: "There is more to life than increasing its speed."
It was Calvin Coolidge who said: "No man ever listened himself out of a job."
Happy New Year!
Happy Lunar New Year! Thursday marks the start of year 4708 in the Chinese calendar, The Year of the Rabbit. "Gung hay ch'un chieh" or, as momma used to say, "Gung hay fat choy!"
National Joe Day
Love it! Not only does March 27th mark the return of NASCAR to Southern California in 2011, but also "National Joe Day." In honor of this very special day, Auto Club Speedway is offering race fans a special ticket package for 'National Joe Day' — a Cup o' Joe with Home Depot driver Joey Logano and yer own Uncle Joe Benson! Check out National Joe Day at Auto Club Speedway for a great time!
February 4, 2011
Alice Cooper is a semi-shocking 63.
On this day in 1970, John Lennon and Yoko Ono traded a bag of their cut hair in return for a pair of genuine Muhammad Ali boxing shorts. And you thought the Seventies were boring!
On this day in 1978, Queen's "We Are The Champions" peaked at #4, E.L.O.'s "Turn To Stone" hit #13 and Heart's "Crazy On You" topped out at #62.
On this day in 2001, Jimmy Buffett was kicked out of his court side seats at a Miami Heat/New York Knicks game due to his use of profanity. Unfortunately for Jimmy, that burst of rebellious Rock & Roll-ish behavior didn't help his record sales in the least.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with John Fogerty, Doug "Cosmo" Clifford and Stu Cook. Here's the promo! Stream on!
Mick On GRAMMYS
Unless you remember how raucous and rebellious The Rolling Stones were for so many years, it may seem strange that Mick Jagger has never performed live at the GRAMMY Awards. Granted, he and the boys appeared on the 1986 telecast when The Stones were presented with the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award via satellite from London, but he didn't perform. That will change on February 13th when Jagger takes part in the 53rd Annual GRAMMY AWARDS' "In Memoriam" segment. Sir Mick will pay tribute to the late gospel soul great Solomon Burke, who died last October.
Correcting An Old Mix
In a highly unusual move, Rush is going to re-mix one of its older albums. Alex Lifeson says the band was never satisfied with the 2002 "Vapor Trails" album. He said, "We were never happy with the production. Perhaps we should have taken more time over the record. But now we've got the chance to improve things. There will be no re-recording, just a remix." That should be interesting! Meanwhile, the boys are working on new material for their forthcoming "Clockwork Angels" album and the March 30th launch of the "Time Machine Tour 2011." Busy, busy!
Foo Doc Debut
The new Foo Fighters documentary is set to debut at the annual South By Southwest music festival in Austin next month. After that premiere, the movie will move into general release. Frontman Dave Grohl and director James Moll have collaborated to tell the story of how one demo cassette led to a 16-year career filled with seven studio albums. As Dave promises, "From the first rehearsal to the completion of our new album, it's all there." Rock on!
A Fast Return
Working quicker than anyone expected, Black Country Communion — the supergroup of singer/bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer Jason Bonham, guitar god Joe Bonamassa and keyboardist Derek Sherinian — will release their follow-up to last year's self-titled debut in June. That timing will allow their long-awaited first American tour to coincide with the album's release. Amazing how that works!
It was Ogden Nash who said:
"To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong admit it;
Whenever you're right shut up."
February 5, 2011
Legendary session drummer Hal Blaine is 82. As the top Los Angeles studio drummer in the Sixties and early Seventies, he played on more than 8,000 different tracks for hundreds and hundreds of different musicians including the Beach Boys, The Byrds and Simon & Garfunkle. It's almost impossible to listen to an oldies radio station for more than 10 minutes without hearing a song with Hal Blaine's drumming.
Cory Wells of Three Dog Night is 69.
Al Kooper, keyboardist for Dylan and Blood, Sweat & Tears, is 67.
Elton John's longtime drummer, Nigel Olsson, is 62.
Original Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagen is 47.
On this day in 1972, Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold" entered the charts.
February 6, 2011
Reggae god Bob Marley would have been 66.
Uber-drummer Simon Phillips, who's worked with The Who and Toto, is 54.
Axl Rose of Guns & Roses is a crazy 49.
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 1965, "All Day And All Of The Night" by The Kinks peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" album hit number #1.
On this day in 1982, Van Halen's cover of Roy Orbison's classic "(Oh) Pretty Woman" entered the charts as The Rolling Stones' "Waiting on a Friend" peaked at #13 and the J. Geils Band hit #1 with the song "Centerfold."
On this day in 1988, Bruce Springsteen's "Tunnel Of Love" peaked at #9 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1998, Beach Boy Carl Wilson died of cancer in Los Angeles at the age of 51.
February 7, 2011
KISS fan Garth Brooks is 49 and very rich.
Original Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan is also 49 (and not nearly as rich as Garth).
On this day in 1894, Antoine Sax, inventor of the saxophone, died in Paris at the age of 79.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles landed at New York's Kennedy Airport to make their first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." "I Want To Hold Your Hand" was already #1 on the charts, and thousands of screaming fans greeted them at the airport as the first wave of Beatlemania swept across America. Life as we knew it would never be the same.
On this day in 1970, Badfinger's song "Come and Get It" entered the U.S. charts as Joe Cocker's cover of "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" peaked at #30.
On this day in 1980, Pink Floyd played the first live performance ever of their "Wall" album at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The extremely ambitious multi-media production actually featured a wall built between the band and audience during the first half. The debut performance was stopped briefly near the halfway point when fireworks set fire to the stage curtains. The entire presentation proved so expensive to stage, it was only performed 29 times in L.A., New York and Europe.
On this day in 1981, The Police's "Don't Stand So Close To Me" entered the U.S. Top 40.
On this day in 2000, Foghat singer/guitarist "Lonesome" Dave Peverett succumbed to cancer at the age of 57.
Zep Reunion DVD
Word is that Led Zeppelin guitarist/mastermind Jimmy Page and frontman Robert Plant finally spoke last week about scheduling a DVD release of the Zep's 2007 reunion concert. That one-off benefit show at London's O2 Arena was captured by 17 cameras and may well serve as the band's final performance ever.
Tyler's A Naughty Boy
In their continuing quest for even more publicity, Fox has issued an apology for Steven Tyler's expletive reference during a recent episode of "American Idol." The official statement said, "Mr. Tyler has been warned and assures us it will never happen again." Of course, what are the odds that another contestant will surface with a name like Jack Muck?
If Axl Apologizes...
Previous to making his Super Bowl halftime appearance with the Black Eyed Peas, guitar legend Slash laid down the ground rules to a Guns N' Roses reunion. Slash and Duff McKagan quit the group back in the Nineties after falling out with frontman Axl Rose (who owns the GN'R name). Bassist McKagan recently made amends with the singer and joined him onstage in London in October, but Slash insists a reunion featuring the original line-up will never happen unless Axl approached him first to apologize for all the nasty things he's called Slash. Of course Slash does admit, "That would be a call I would be surprised to get... But, if it did happen, I would do whatever it takes to at least have a conversation about it."
Big Time Touring Awards
The 22nd Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards at the Club Nokia Saturday night gave Roger Waters some major recognition. The former Pink Floyd member's "The Wall Tour 2010" took home two major Pollstar Touring Awards: the Major Tour of the Year and Most Creative Stage Production. James Taylor and Carole King were honored with the Most Creative Tour Package award, and Festival of the Year honors went to the Coachella Valley Music Festival and Britain's Glastonbury Festival. The venue awards went to our own Club Nokia and Hollywood Bowl, Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and New York's Madison Square Garden. Now wouldn't you think there should be a Roadie Of The Year award?
Gary Moore R.I.P.
Best known to KLOS listeners for his song "Still Got The Blues," Irish guitarist Gary Moore died of a heart attack at the age of 58 yesterday while on a holiday in Spain. Following three stints in Thin Lizzy, Moore reinvented himself as an excellent blues musician. He released several critically-acclaimed albums and performed with legends BB King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and George Harrison. He even recorded the lead guitar solo on "She's My Baby" for the super star "Traveling Wilbury's Vol. 3" album. Rest in peace music man.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "I can resist everything except temptation."
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "A man can't ride your back unless it's bent."
It was Henry David Thoreau who said: "It's not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?"
Win A Monster Trucks
Dodger Stadium Suite!
Enter here for your chance to win a suite with Uncle Joe at the USHRA Monster Trucks first visit to Dodger Stadium on Saturday February 19th! And with all of that horsepower and mud flying through the air, you know the Advance Auto Parts MONSTER JAM will be rocking!
February 8, 2011
James Dean would have been 80.
Vince Neil of Motley Crue is 50.
On this day in 1958, the Quarrymen, featuring John Lennon and Paul McCartney, performed at Wilson Hall in Garston, England. It was there that Paul introduced John to a young guitarist named George Harrison.
On this day in 1975, Queen released the single "Killer Queen."
On this day in 1986, Robert Palmer released his song "Addicted To Love."
On this day in 2005, drummer Keith Knudsen of the Doobie Brothers died of pneumonia at the age of 56.
Aerosmith's OK
It's doubtful that anyone was worried, but Aerosmith bass player Tom Hamilton has confirmed that the band's work on new material last week was very productive. Tom also said in a written post at http://aeroforceone.com that the boys are prepared to work around frontman Steven Tyler's "American Idol" schedule. In a separate post, guitarist Joe Perry said that even though he missed the recent sessions, he's up for doing it too.
Physical Graffiti Tea For Thee
The building which graced the cover of Led Zeppelin's classic "Physical Graffiti" album is being remodeled. However, judging by their PR release, the biggest change to 96 St. Mark's Place in Manhattan's East Village will be the Physical Graffi-tea tea emporium which will open next month. The album cover art — a collaboration between designer Peter Corriston and photographer Mike Doud — was nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 1976. To no one's surprise, the Ohio Players' soft-porn "Honey" album cover won.
More Jovi Dates
Did you remember to act surprised? After the band's continual pronouncements that Bon Jovi would be going on hiatus when their current tour ends, they've added a "few more" dates. The next leg to the Jovi's Live 2011 Tour will kick off at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 30th. After that the boys will hit Canada, and then return to the southeast for a "few more" shows.
Queen & Sir Elty Stamps
Who would have thought that Queen and Elton John would ever appear on postage stamps? Well, darned if the February 24th round of U.K. commemorative stamps will honor eight very successful musicals, including Queen's "We Will Rock You" and Elton John's "Billy Elliott!" And who would ever associate Queen with a talking panda? Yep, Queen's "We Will Rock You" has been reworked as "We Will Wok You" for the May release of the animated "Kung Fu Panda Two." What a kick!
It was Carl Zwanzig who said: "Duct tape is like the Force. It has a dark side, it has a light side, and it holds the Universe together."
It was Mae West who said: "She's the kind of girl who climbed the ladder of success wrong by wrong."
It was Voltaire who said: "Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do."
NHRA Winternationals
Quick! Enter here to race yer Uncle Joe — and maybe six-time NHRA World Champion Kenny Bernstein at the 51st Kragen/O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals drag races at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona?? Check out these pix from last year. And for a chance to put the pedal to the metal, immediately enter right here!
February 9, 2011
On this day in 1961, The Beatles played the first of 292 gigs at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England to an audience of a couple dozen. When 17-year-old George Harrison arrived in jeans — a violation of the club’s audience dress code — he had to convince the bouncer that he was “in the band.” The group already had a following in the dank nightclubs of Hamburg, Germany, but The Cavern was their biggest hometown venue to date. Soon, hundreds would be lining up to see them play.
On this day in 1964, in a defining TV moment, The Beatles appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show." A record audience of 73 million people tuned in to watch the Fab Four's debut American performance. The band performed "All My Loving," "Till There Was You," "She Loves You," "I Saw Her Standing There," and their current #1 single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand." George Harrison played despite suffering from a bad case of the flu. Also on that night's show were singer Georgia Brown and the cast of "Oliver!," which included future-Monkee Davy Jones.
On this day in 1974, Paul McCartney's "Jet" broke into the Top 40 singles chart.
Cars Finally Official
After months of teasing comes word that The Cars reunion is finally official — and their first new album since 1987 will be released in May! "Move Like This" was recorded by the group's original line-up of singer/guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson (original bassist/singer Benjamin Orr passed away in 2000). But wait — there's more! The first single, "Sad Song," will be officially released next month as the reunion tour dates are officially announced. And for sure, The Cars will be playing this year's Coachella Music Festival. Officially.
No Surprise No Mas GN'R
Disappointing, but no surprise, that Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose denies that any line-up of the band will be touring North America. As the singer concisely stated, "Contrary to anyone's claims, there are no concrete plans nor were there ever for a tour, a relaunch or sponsors (n' certainly not to replace anyone in the band) beyond a collection of random ideas thrown out by various individuals [without] any real foundation or negotiations in place other than our prior involvements (which wouldn't take a rocket scientist to put together)." Nuff said, say we.
Really Unplugged
The Johannesburg stadium where U2 is scheduled to play next week is undergoing emergency electrical repairs. The brazen theft of power cables around the South African stadium has led to power supply issues for lights, sound reinforcement and refrigerators. A February 5th soccer match was canceled to expedite replacement of the cable. With more than 98,000 fans set to attend the U2 show — 4,000 more than the recent World Cup final — authorities better hope that the problems will be fixed before the February 13th show.
More Jovi Ball
We all know how much Jon Bon Jovi loves his football (after all, he owned the Arena League Football's Philadelphia Soul from 2004 to 2009), so buying into a NFL franchise isn't just a farfetched dream for the lad. Word is that Jon's in discussions with the Atlanta Falcons about buying a 15% share of the team, which league sources price at about $150 million. Do you suppose he'll have to extend Bon Jovi's current tour to raise the cash?
It was Will Rogers who said: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
It was Napoleon Bonaparte who said: "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right — for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."
February 10, 2011
Psychedelic folk singer Donovan is 65.
On this day in 1973, Steely Dan's "Do It Again" peaked at #6 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1978, Van Halen released their self-titled debut album, which eventually sold over 6 million copies.
On this day in 1979, Dire Straits released the single "Sultans of Swing."
On this day in 1987, Roger Waters dropped his lawsuit against his former Pink Floyd bandmates over the use of the band's name. In return, they agreed to pay him some heavy, heavy royalties.
On this day in 1990, Aerosmith's "Janie's Got A Gun" peaked at #4 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1997, Sweet's singer, Brian Connolly, died of kidney failure at the age of 52.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of The Kinks as well as conversation with Ray and Dave Davies. Stream on!
R.I.P. Guitar Hero
With sales way down, they're disbanding the "Guitar Hero" franchise. Sadly, Activision is eliminating its hyper-successful video game that's been delivering Metallica, Deep Purple and Aerosmith into living rooms around the world since 2005. Their main competitor, "Rock Band" produced by Harmonix, was put up for sale last November. Does this mean that the music game franchise is just going on a hiatus while it's reinvented behind the scenes, or does it mean that you're stuck with a bunch of fake plastic guitars?
Into The Museum
Bet you already knew that the Smithsonian's National Museum Of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. And that's why they have added Eddie Van Halen's "Frank 2" guitar into their Division Of Culture And The Arts. You see, in 1975 Edward Van Halen constructed a custom guitar from various parts to fit his needs. The strange looking creation was dubbed "Frankenstein," and Eddie played it until it's retirement in 2006. That's when Chip Ellis, a master guitar builder at Fender, replicated every detail of the original guitar. When "Frank 2" was presented to Eddie, he said it was indistinguishable from the original. He went on to use it throughout Van Halen's 2007-08 North American tour. And now it's going to reside in the National Museum Of American History!
Beck's Tribute To Les
Guitar god Jeff Beck's tribute concert to his friend and mentor Les Paul will be released on DVD, CD and Blu-Ray on February 22nd. The recording took place at New York City's Iridium Jazz Club on what would have been Paul's 95th birthday. The collection includes Beck's 20-song set from the show with the DVD and Blu-Ray featuring seven more live performances. Beck will be performing a further string of tribute gigs to Paul in cities including Boston, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco in March and April.
Jam To The Grid
Pearl Jam have started using SkyGrid, "a new social messaging platform that allows music, film and TV marketers, as well as brands and organizations to channel conversations that fans are having on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms to one single place and take advantage of the resulting viral marketing power." Wonder if the fact that Lady Gaga has been using SkyGrid for sharing concert updates, photos, videos, tweets and status updates with her fans played into Eddie Vedder's agreement to get on board?
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
It was James Bovard who said: "Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner."
It was Barry LePatner who said: "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment."
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2012
December 1 - 15
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October 1 - 15
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September 1 - 15
September 16 - 30
2011
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Dec. 21 - 31
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Nov. 11 - 20
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Oct. 1 - 10
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Oct. 21 - 31
Sept. 1 - 10
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