August 21 - 31, 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!
August 21, 2011
Bassist/singer Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple fame is 60.
Guitarist/singer Joe Strummer of The Clash would have been 60.
Former Journey drummer Steve Smith is 57.
On this day in 1954, Bill Haley & the Comets broke into the Top 40 with "Shake, Rattle & Roll." Music would never be the same.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "Out Of Our Heads" album hit #1.
On this day in 1968, Cream's "Wheels Of Fire" album hit #1.
On this day in 2005, Robert A. Moog, one of the most influential innovators in the history of Rock & Roll and the guy whose self-named synthesizers turned electric currents into sound, passed away at the age of 71 at his home in Asheville, North Carolina.
August 22, 2011
Blues legend John Lee Hooker would have been 94.
Dale Hawkins, the guy who wrote "Susie-Q," would have been 73.
Former Grateful Dead singer Donna Godchaux is 64.
Singing sprite Tori Amos is 48.
Alice In Chains singer Layne Staley would have been 44.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles played the Hollywood Bowl. A mediocre live recording of the concert was finally released in 1977.
On this day in 1966, New York police managed to talk two teenagers down from a 22nd-floor ledge where they had threatened to commit suicide unless they met The Beatles. Instead, the girls were sent to Roosevelt Hospital to get their heads examined, then were charged with disturbing the peace. And all they really wanted was a little Beatle love!
On this day in 1968, a day before their sixth anniversary, John Lennon's wife, Cynthia, sued The Beatle for divorce after discovering Yoko Ono living in their London home. Definitely not the kind of anniversary gift or home accessorizing she had in mind.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles were together for the last time in one room. The four gathered at John Lennon's Tittenhurst Park home just outside of London for a photo shoot for the cover of the "Hey Jude" album.
On this day in 1970, Eric Clapton, under the guise of Derek & the Dominoes, began work on "Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs."
On this day in 1970, Neil Young released his third solo album, "After The Gold Rush," just as Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Cosmo's Factory" album hit #1 for the first of nine weeks at the top.
On this day in 1979, Led Zeppelin released their final studio album, "In Through The Out Door."
On this day in 1981, Foreigner's "4" album hit #1.
On this day in 1981, "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones entered the singles chart.
On this day in 2006, Bruce Gary, the original drummer for The Knack, died of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 55. As a longtime L.A. session musician, he had worked with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Rod Stewart, Cream's Jack Bruce and Robby Krieger of The Doors as well as blues masters Albert Collins and Albert King.
Bono's Heart Skips A Beat
So maybe Bono wasn't rushed to Princess Grace Memorial Hospital in Monaco with heart palpitations and chest pains last Wednesday. Word was that a top heart specialist didn't keep the U2 frontman overnight for observation but did tell him to get some rest. And then yesterday, Bono's spokespeople denied the bad news, saying the 51-year-old stopped the hospital for a routine checkup and that he is, in fact, "in good health and enjoying a family holiday in the south of France." Darn those tabloids!
Metallica/Lou/For You
Metallica and Lou Reed must have finally signed a record contract because they've just announced a release date for their forthcoming collaboration album. The as-yet-untitled project will be released in the U.K. on October 31st and Stateside on November 1st. How good is it? Lou says it's "maybe the best thing done by anyone, ever. It could create another planetary system. I'm not joking, and I'm not being egotistical." Like anybody is going to argue with him.
Queen For Sale (Sort Of)
How would you like a beautiful acoustic guitar from the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert signed by David Bowie, George Michael, Brian May, Roger Taylor and a bunch of others? Maybe a Burns Brian May "Red Special" guitar signed at the second 46664 concert by Nelson Mandela, Will Smith, Brian May, Roger Taylor, Annie Lennox and Madonna, among many others. Or how about Freddie Mercury's customized Lotus Evora "S" sports car in the yellow and white colors of his 1986 Wembley Stadium concert costume (just as tight-fitting as that spandex suit, no doubt)? Bid online for a slew of Queen memorabilia up for auction on September 5th — Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday — in London at the Freddie For A Day celebration. Proceeds will go to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity the band founded following Mercury's 1991 death from the disease. Just log onto FreddieForADay.com/auction and go crazy!
It was Sophocles who said: "The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art."
It was Bil Keane who said: "A hug is like a boomerang — you get it back right away."
I Scream, You Scream...
From "Health" magazine:
* 44% of women and 30% of men feel guilty for eating ice cream.
* Americans eat an average of one ton of ice cream in their lifetimes.
* One ton is the approximate weight of a baby elephant.
Now, enjoy!
August 23, 2011
Rock drumming/partying god Keith Moon of The Who would have been 65.
Singer/actor/heartthrob Rick Springfield is 62.
On this day in 1962, John Lennon married his first wife, Cynthia, almost six years to the day before she filed for divorce. The lucky couple's wedding night was spent with The Beatles playing Liverpool's Riverpark Ballroom.
On this day in 1968, Ringo Starr walked out on The Beatles during sessions for "The Beatles (White Album)." He eventually came back.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" hit #1 Stateside.
On this day in 1974, Bruce Springsteen hired drummer Max Weinberg, completing the line-up for the most famous version of The E Street Band.
Macca Bucks
Sure he enjoys playing his music for tens of thousands of people at a time, but do you know why else Paul McCartney keeps on touring? His July 31st and August 1st shows at Chicago's Wrigley Field grossed $10.9 million on sales of 84,000 tickets — the top concert gross total by a single performer at a U.S. venue this year. Oh, and playing his music for tens of thousands of people at a time is really fun too.
Metallica/Lou/Lulu
With a masterfully run PR campaign that Mick Jagger would be proud of, Hall Of Famers Metallica and Lou Reed have "leaked" another tidbit about their forthcoming mystery album: it will be called "Lulu." But wait — there's more! The songs were inspired by German expressionist writer Frank Wededkind's plays "Earth Spirit" and "Pandora's Box," which together tell the story of a young, abused dancer's life and relationships. Definitely new lyrical territory for James Hetfield and the boys!
KISS' Monster
Bassist/singer Gene Simmons has confirmed that KISS' new album will be called "Monster." He says, "It feels like a connection between "Destroyer" and "Revenge." Produced by guitarist/singer Paul Stanley, the new album focuses on straight rock songs, no ballads and no keyboards. Recording continues in Los Angeles for the planned 2012 release, to be followed by a 2012-13 world tour.
Brian's First Historics
AC/DC's Brian Johnson drove in his first ever Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey over the weekend. He raced his sweet 1965 Lola T-70 at the event that featured 550 historic automobiles competing in 17 groups. His reaction to the automotive overload? He says he's "going to come here for the rest of my life, and that's a promise." Amen!
Leiber R.I.P.
Jerry Leiber, whose 60-year partnership with Mike Stoller made him one of the most important songwriters in the history of Rock & Roll, died yesterday of heart failure at the age of 78. Leiber and Stoller met in Los Angeles in 1950 while still in high school. They had a mutual love of R&B, blues and pop, and began writing music together almost instantly, with Stoller mostly handling the music and Leiber mostly handling the lyrics. In 1956, their career shot to a much higher level when Elvis Presley turned "Hound Dog" — which they wrote for Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton four years earlier — into a gigantic hit. "Jailhouse Rock," "Young Blood," "On Broadway," "Yakety-Yak," "Stand By Me," "Love Potion No. 9," "Spanish Harlem," "This Magic Moment," "Save the Last Dance for Me" and many more followed. "Kansas City" was their most covered song; "Stuck In The Middle With You" was their last. Dozens of artists recorded Leiber and Stoller songs: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the Coasters, the Drifters, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin and more. Rest in peace.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."
It was Mark Twain who said: "Few things are harder to put up with than a good example."
It was Steve Martin who said: "Talking about music is like dancing about architecture."
Amazing Summertime Factoids
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
The Boston University Bridge (on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts) is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train running under a car driving under an airplane.
The Eisenhower Interstate system (which we're still using) required that one mile in every five be straight to use as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. Whew... I think we all feel safer now!
August 24, 2011
Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, the bluesman whose "That's All Right Mama" was Elvis Presley's first single, would have been 106.
Uriah Heep singer/guitarist/keyboardist Ken Hensley is 66.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles had their first meeting with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Mick Jagger and his girlfriend Marianne Faithfull tagged along. John Lennon later said the experience was like "going somewhere without your trousers," a situation that Mick was very familiar with even then.
On this day in 1968, to celebrate his 21st birthday (which was actually the day before), Who drummer Keith Moon drove a Lincoln convertible into the pool of a Holiday Inn in Flint, Michigan. Rock & Roll!
On this day in 1979, The Cars played a free concert to an audience of 500,000 in New York's Central Park. No, they didn't really move around much on stage.
On this day in 1989, The Who performed their rock opera "Tommy" at the Universal Amphitheatre with an all-star cast that included Elton John, Billy Idol, Phil Collins and Patti LaBelle.
Aerosmith/Quake
The best news of the day: Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer has pointed out that it wasn't an earthquake that rocked the East Coast earlier today, it was Aerosmith laying down their grooves in the studio. Amen Brother Joey!
Beatles/Dodgers
Betcha never saw this one coming! No, it's not the Los Angeles Dodgers bankruptcy, it's their promotion to honor The Beatles on Friday. Dodger Stadium was home to the next-to-last show of the Fab Four's final tour on August 28th, 1966. To commemorate that auspicious date, Bob Eubanks, the DJ who promoted and emceed all three of The Beatles' L.A. concerts (including the '64 and '65 Hollywood Bowl shows), is throwing out the first pitch before Friday night's game. Next Tuesday, the cast of the Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas production of The Beatles Love will perform a pre-game concert. But seriously, don't you think that Chris Carter, host of KLOS' Breakfast With The Beatles, would look good in Dodger Blue?
Searching For Sir Elty In Vegas
Elton John's people are putting together a program for his run of "Million Dollar Piano" dates that debut on September 28th at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. One of the features will be an historical overview of Sir Elty's many Vegas concerts over the years, and they're looking for information on his first two shows there: September 15th, 1971 and October 2nd, 1975 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. If you were there and can share details or visual souvenirs (such as advertisements, tickets, press announcements or reviews), contact Editor@eltonjohn.com... and tell them your Uncle Joe sent you!
Don Speaks
"USA Today" has published Don Henley's excellent editorial "Internet Theft Is A Job-Killer, Too." He talks about how foreign websites steal more than just music, and concludes by saying: "Online thieves are stealing American creativity, ingenuity and innovation. They are killing American jobs. Members of Congress should not be taken in by special interest agendas disguised as First Amendment claims, or they themselves will be as culpable of abetting theft as the rogue sites and companies that support them." Right so!
Jack To Shoot Tommy
Jack Osbourne is a busy guy! In addition to this week's theatrical release of the documentary he made about his father, "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne," Jack's lined up to do a documentary on Motley Crüe's Tommy Lee. Osbourne's production company is also working up a full-length feature film on Ozzy as well as his current project about police and military canine training facilities. "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne" will be shown in theaters tonight and on August 29th.
It was Bob Roll who said: "Slow boiled rage is the most lethal."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
It was Bhagavad Gita who said: "Man has control of action alone, never the fruits of the action."
August 25, 2011
KISS frontman Gene Simmons is 62.
Judas Priest singer Rob Halford is 60.
Master songwriter Elvis Costello is 57.
Def Leppard/Whitesnake/Dio guitarist Vivian Campbell is 49.
On this day in 1970, Elton John played his first American concert at the Troubadour in West Los Angeles. That week-long gig helped to break Sir Elty in America even before he became a star in his British homeland.
On this day in 1970, Emerson, Lake & Palmer played their first-ever gig at the Plymouth Guild Hall in England.
On this day in 1973, The Allman Brothers Band's biggest single, "Ramblin' Man," entered the chart. It eventually peaked at #2.
On this day in 1979, The Knack scored two chart toppers in one day: their debut album, "Get The Knack," and their first single, "My Sharona," both hit #1. "My Sharona" stayed at #1 for five weeks.
On this day in 1994, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Robert Plant recorded an episode of MTV Unplugged. The success of that show led to two albums and several tours by the duo.
On this day in 2000, producer Jack Nitzsche died in Los Angeles. As well as having worked closely with Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, Jack won an Oscar in 1982 for co-writing "Up Where We Belong" for the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman."
Stewart On TV
Heads up percussionists! Stewart Copeland of The Police will be featured tonight as "Drum Solo Week" rolls on the "Late Show with David Letterman!"
Kenny's A Foot
Word is that former John Mellencamp/current John Fogerty drummer Kenny Aronoff will be touring with Chickenfoot this Fall. Regular Foot drummer Chad Smith — who'll be on a two-year tour with his other band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers — named Kenny his personal choice, and Sammy Hagar says he passed the audition with flying colors. "We tried him. He's [bleeping] great." Amen to that! Chickenfoot will do a five-city promo tour in November, followed by a full-scale tour next year. Their second album,"Chickenfoot III," will be out on September 13th.
Where's Ozzy/Sabbath Reunion
Seriously, we all know that the original Black Sabbath line-up is in London "working" on a reunion album in preparation for a tour. So don't be too hard on Ozzy Osbourne for missing this past Monday night's Hollywood premiere and special MusiCares screening of his own personal documentary, "God Bless Ozzy Osbourne." It surely wasn't the first time his family was left to make excuses for his absence, and it won't be the last.
Big Box O' Allmans
Pretty cool, but a little scary. The latest Allman Brothers Band box set contains all 13 shows they played last March during their annual run at New York's Beacon Theatre. The box, which looks like a road case in honor of the 40th anniversary of their classic "Fillmore East" album, will also contain a 32-page booklet, a copy of this year's 28-page Beacon program and a bonus disc of their two performances from last April's Wanee Festival. That's 15 concerts, 82 songs, 223 total tracks and 53 special guests — and no spilled beer — for just $400.
It was Malcolm Forbes who said: "Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "We fear the thing we want the most."
It was Rodney Dangerfield who said: "I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous — everyone hasn't met me yet."
More Amazing Summertime Factoids
More females than males have been depicted in the nude by painters and sculptors in every society except that of ancient Greece.
Every cat on Chatham Island in the Pacific — and there are thousands — is black.
The rule of thumb to calculate the weight of a blue whale is a ton and a half per foot.
August 26, 2011
On this day in 1967, The Beatles appeared with their new guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, at a press conference where Paul McCartney announced that the bandmates had given up drugs. Yeah, sure.
On this day in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience released the "Purple Haze" single. Not one person said it wasn't about drugs.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles released their "Hey Jude"/"Revolution" single in the States. The U.K. had to wait until September 30th for their release.
On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix played his last live show at the Isle of Wight festival. Three weeks later, he was dead.
On this day in 1970, guitarist Duane Allman joined Eric Clapton's Derek & the Dominos sessions in Florida. The first result was the stunning guitar riff that made the song "Layla" so memorable.
On this day in 1972, Rod Stewart released the song "You Wear It Well" as "Hold Your Head Up" by Argent peaked at #5.
On this day in 1989, Don Henley's song "The End Of The Innocence" peaked at #8 on the charts.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Peter Frampton and more of Joe's extensive conversation with Peter. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
Beatles #1
A re-mastered version of "1," The Beatles' collection of #1 charting songs, will be out on September 13th. Since being released in 2000, it has become the seventh best-selling album in the SoundScan era (1991 onwards) and has sold over 31 million copies worldwide! So what's to remaster?
Keef's A Million (Seller)
"Life," Keith Richards' autobiography, has become one of the best-selling rock memoirs of all time. Even more surprising than selling over one million copies since its release last year, The Rolling Stones guitarist's book has earned positive reviews across the board. Now, if only he could get that darn Jagger kid to agree to next year's tour!
Classic Aerosmith To iTunes
Apple and Columbia Records are expected to announce today that Aerosmith's classic recordings from 1973 through 1987 will be available on iTunes on September 6th. Word is that iTunes has signed a groundbreaking deal for the never-before-released digital versions of the Hall Of Famers' music to the service. Why hadn't its management been able to come to a deal over its classic recordings before? Too many cooks in the kitchen.
P. Jam On TV
Just days after their 20th anniversary "Pearl Jam Twenty" festival rocks Wisconsin on September 3rd and 4th, Pearl Jam will be the musical guest on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" on September 8th and 9th. Famed director Cameron Crowe will also join Mr. Fallon on the 8th to discuss his new "Pearl Jam Twenty" documentary, which will debut at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10th. Amazing how it all worked out, isn't it?
It was William Shakespeare who said: "I wasted time, and now doth time waste me."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until 75."
It was Henry Ford who said: "Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success."
August 29, 2011
Jazz legend Charlie "The Bird" Parker would have been 91 (his nickname as a kid was "The Yardbird").
Pop icon Michael Jackson would have been 53.
On this day in 1895, the real Eleanor Rigby was born in Liverpool.
On this day in 1959, George Harrison recruited John Lennon and Paul McCartney to play a last minute gig as the Quarry Men at Liverpool's Casbah Coffee Club after the Les Stewart Quartet had an argument and refused to play. The Quarry Men's performance immediately secured them a regular Saturday night show. Too bad for Les and his Quartet!
On this day in 1964, Roy Orbison released his classic "Oh Pretty Woman."
On this day in 1965, The Beatles performed at the Hollywood Bowl. The show was recorded for possible release, but Paul's microphone broke, making the recordings unusable. Isn't it interesting that through all the little girls' screams, no one in the crowd noticed that they couldn't hear Paul.
On this day in 1966 in San Francisco's Candlestick Park, The Beatles played their last concert. Of the 25,000 present, it's doubtful that anyone heard any of the 11 songs that the Fab Four played.
On this day in 1970 Neil Young released his "After The Gold Rush" album as The Kinks released their classic song "Lola."
25th Bridge School Benefit
This is probably why the full Buffalo Springfield Reunion Tour got postponed until next year. Neil Young has announced that this year's 25th annual Bridge School benefit concerts will be held on October 22nd and 23rd at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. The semi-acoustic concerts benefit the Bridge School, which treats students with severe physical impairments. Past performers include Buffalo Springfield, CSNY, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Tom Petty, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters and many others. Are you thinking Lady Gaga for this year's show? Me too.
Eric For Xmas
This should cover most everyone on your vinyl record gift list: Eric Clapton's "Clapton Blues" box set will be out just in time for Christmas. The five vinyl disc set includes his 1994 "From The Cradle," 2000's B.B. King collaboration, "Riding With The King," and 2004's Robert Johnson tribute, "Me And Mr. Johnson." A special limited-edition version pressed on blue vinyl will be available only from Clapton's website, EricClapton.com.
Final Gary Moore Show
"Gary Moore: Live at Montreux 2010," guitar legend Gary Moore's final filmed concert, will be released on DVD, Blu-ray and CD on September 20th. The performance was recorded in July 2010, months before Gary died on February 6, 2011.
Duff's Financials
Former Guns N' Roses/current Velvet Revolver and Loaded bassist Duff McKagan, has started a money management company designed to advise musicians on financial matters. Duff said: "When I first got out of the hospital, I was just trying to stay sober so I had to fill my time. One of the things I did was to go through my financial statements and I couldn't figure them out... No one took the time to explain how money works, you know, simple things — the difference between gross and net, what a bond was, how a mortgage worked. I realized there was great need for some kind of advice service. It wasn't just me who was freaking out about being broke." Hell yeah Duff, a lot of us still worry about that!
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one."
It was Mark Twain who said: "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."
Late Summer Musings
* Remember, half the people you know are below average.
* A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
* Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
August 30, 2011
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan released the album "Highway 61 Revisited." Folk purists were once again horrified to hear him using electric guitars, but the album's first single, "Like A Rolling Stone," became one of Dylan's best-loved songs.
On this day in 1969, the Chicago Transit Authority and Led Zeppelin headlined the Texas International Pop Festival at the Dallas International Motor Speedway. No matter what they say, no one who was there really remembers any of it.
On this day in 1973, The Doors finally broke up, following Jim Morrison's death in July 1971.
Doing The Guitarist Swap
Count Alice Cooper's guitarist Damon Johnson as the latest big name to rotate into the current version of Thin Lizzy. Johnson is replacing Guns N' Roses' Richard Fortus, who's about to leave on that band's tour. Fortus, in turn, replaced Vivian Campbell, who was on vacation from Def Leppard. Johnson's slot in Alice Cooper's band will be filled by the stunning Orianthi Panagaris, best known for her role as Michael Jackson's guitarist.
Thick As A... 40th Anniversary
Fear not if you were wondering if Jethro Tull would ever perform their "Thick As A Brick" album live again! After all, 1972 was the last time Ian Anderson mounted the whole show anywhere in the world. Word is that the 40th Anniversary of the album-length song (some of which is just good, goofy fun) has provided the impetus for a next year's European theater tour running from mid-April through Summer. The band will then bring the show to the U.S. in the Fall. Meanwhile, the 40th anniversary compilation of Tull's 1971 "Aqualung" album will be released on November 1st. It will be available in numerous configurations -- CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and vinyl. Anderson says, "This is not a simplistic rehashed re-mastering aimed at squeezing another few pounds, dollars, Euros, etc. out of the recording." These releases feature unreleased material, bonus tracks, a new stereo mix, the original Quad mix, a surround-sound mix, a 48-page hardback book, rare photos, album lyrics and more.
Stevie To Woodstock
Fleetwood Mac powerhouse Stevie Nicks will travel to Bethel, New York on Saturday for a show at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts — the site of the original Woodstock festival. Wonder if she'll be wearing tie-dye?
Ray's Coming Back
Ray Davies will kick off his Fall U.S. tour on October 30th at the New Orleans Voodoo Experience festival. While some of the shows will feature a choir on songs performed on his 2009 "Kinks Choral Collection" album, you can also count on L.A.'s The 88 to be working with The Kinks frontman.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it."
It was Thomas A. Edison who said: "Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning."
It was George Burns who said: "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."
August 31, 2011
Rock icon Van Morrison is 65.
On this day in 1976, George Harrison was found guilty of “subconscious plagiarism” of the Ronnie Mack song “He’s So Fine” when writing “My Sweet Lord.” The Chiffons, whose original recording of the song had charted at #1 for four weeks in 1963,
On this day in 1985, Dire Straits' "Brothers In Arms" album started a nine-week run at #1 on the U.S. charts. It also topped the charts in 25 other countries and went on to sell over 20 million worldwide.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Fleetwood Mac as well as more of Joe's conversations with Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and engineer/producer Ken Caillat. Stream on!
Aerosmith Rarities/Delays
Good news! Aerosmith's new deal with Apple's iTunes means that, in addition to the band's first seven studio albums and three live sets, a number of real Aerosmith rarities will finally be released. Those include a studio version of "Major Barbara," a live favorite that was left off of the "Get Your Wings" album, the "Draw The Line" outtake "All Your Love," a studio version of "Helter Skelter" from the "Toys In The Attic" and several more. Meanwhile, you'll have to wait until next May before the boy's new album will be released. Producer Jack Douglas says, "I know that's a long wait, but after the South American tour and Japan in October, November and December, we will just get back to work on it in mid-January." He has also confirmed that, "For those who are asking, this album will be raw, nasty, tough rock with a good deal of the old Aerosmith 'tongue in cheek.'" Indeed!
Springfield Delayed (Again)
Darn it! The Buffalo Springfield reunion tour won't be hitting the road early next year after all. After originally canceling/postponing the tour for this Fall, now Stephen Stills says, "Neil [Young] started a book and said, 'Don't mess with the muse, man.'" The Springfield surprisingly reunited last year for Neil Young's annual Bridge School benefit, and then played seven shows this past June — six in California and the Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee.
Dr. Ozzy Says...
Based on his ongoing "Rolling Stone" magazine and British Sunday Times health columns, Ozzy Osbourne's written a new book. "Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy" embraces the Prince Of Darkness' status as a medical marvel to tell incredible stories and shed light on his seemingly superhuman ability to stay alive. Due out October 11th, the book's comprised of reader-submitted medical and lifestyle questions and the Ozz-Man's pearls of "wisdom." Hopefully, there won't be any photos accompanying the stories!
Def Crue
You would have thought that this year's British Summer riots caused enough trouble. Now comes word that Def Leppard and Motley Crue will be doing a special joint tour of the U.K. in December. God save the Queen!
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it."
It was Thomas A. Edison who said: "Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning."
It was George Burns who said: "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."
Fulfilling Food Factoids
* Five percent of people who frequent restaurants claim they eat out because they do not know how to cook.
* Chef Boy-ar-dee was a real chef (Hector Boiardi) who created the first take-home, ready to fix pasta meals. His sauce became so popular among U.S. troops during World War II that demand after the war made him a superstar.
* Betty Crocker was a fictional spokesperson created by General Mills in the early 1920s to answer letters from consumers. Alas, Jim Ladd still has a crush on her.
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