October 11 - 20, 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!
October 11, 2011
Drummer Gary Mallaber (Van Morrison, Steve Miller, Eddie Money, Bruce Springsteen) is 65.
Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates fame is 62.
On this day in 1969, a car crash in Chicago seriously injured blues legend Muddy Waters and killed three others.
On this day in 1975, the first Saturday Night Live show was broadcast with George Carlin as the first guest host. The ratings really took off the following week, spurred by the reunion of host Paul Simon with his former partner Art Garfunkel. Comparing those first shows to the current SNL should make us appreciate how lucky we were to watch a TV show when it was truly funny.
On this day in 1986, The Pretenders released the Top 10 hit "Don't Get Me Wrong" from their "Get Close" album.
More John For You
Got room for another in your John Lennon collection? The "The 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live From The Beacon Theatre NYC" will be out on November 15th. Featuring a number of artists including Patti Smith and Jackson Browne playing Lennon and Beatles tunes, it was recorded last November 12th. Proceeds from the 15-track digital album will benefit the Japanese Red Cross' earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. By the way, the 31st Annual Lennon Tribute will be held on December 10th in New York.
Billy Joe & Nurse Jackie
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong seems to have caught the acting bug while performing "American Idiot" onstage. In the midst of his busy real life, he's taken on a guest staring role in an upcoming episode of Showtime's "Nurse Jackie." Billie Joe and Edie Falco... very interesting!
Singing With V. Revolver
As most of the free world knows, Velvet Revolver has been without a singer since Scott Weiland got the boot in Spring 2008. But bassist Duff McKagan is reporting that, "Slash and I played in New York a couple weeks ago, and Matt Sorum was there. There was a singer there we might write some songs with." Yep! Ours vocalist Jimmy Gnecco, backed by all four members of Velvet Revolver at the Road Recovery benefit show, sang lead on "Slither," Guns n' Roses' "It's So Easy" and Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe." 'Bout time, say we!
Second Chance At Chickenfoot Live
If you're afraid of missing out on Chickenfoot's five-date "Road Test" mini U.S. tour the first week of November, why not see them during their five-date January run in Europe? Before they launch their world tour next Spring, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Joe Satriani are doing two whirlwind treks to promote their newly released, Top 10 charting "III" album. The shows will also feature super drummer Kenny Aronoff, who's filling the void left by the legendary Chad Smith, who is currently in full Red Hot Chili Pepper mode.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "In matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane."
It was Dave Barry who said: "If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
It was Joe Benson who said: "The oft-lauded extra leisure time of underemployment is vastly overrated."
This Friday! Friday! Friday! Ever want to rock out to Led Zeppelin live? Then join Unc as Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience takes over the Greek Theatre!
This Saturday, 6pm - 10pm: It's the AMA Pro Flat Track World Finals at the Fairplex in Pomona, where the best of the best in the flat track world will meet to decide which riders leave with crowns.
October 12, 2011
On this day in 1965, The Beatles recorded "This Bird Has Flown," which was later retitled "Norwegian Wood." During the session, George Harrison played a sitar for the first time on a Rock & Roll recording.
On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience was officially formed when guitarist-turned-bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell joined Hendrix in the studio.
On this day in 1975, Rod Stewart played his final gig with the Faces at Long Island's Nassau Coliseum.
On this day in 1994, MTV aired Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's "Unplugged" session, dubbed "Unledded." The London Metropolitan Orchestra and a group of Egyptian musicians provided the backing.
On this day in 1997, John Denver died at the age of 53 when his experimental plane crashed with him at the controls.
Analog Joe
As occasional Eagle Joe Walsh is doing a short solo tour (playing November 2nd in Riverside), he's also gearing up for his first solo album release in 18 years. "Analog Man" should be released sometime next Winter. Joe says, "I know in the past, I've had screwy album titles, but I decided to call it 'Analog Man' because, you know, my generation of musicians, we grew up analog, and now it's a digital world... Everything's totally different. There's no record companies — who knew that would happen? They were so powerful when I was young!" Weren't we all!
Alex's Drums To The Hall
As Van Halen grew in popularity after bursting on the national scene in 1978, so did the size and quality of their stage show. And the most noticable changes, next to the huge increase in stage lighting, were Alex Van Halen's drum kits. With the assistance of various manufacturers, Alex custom-designed cool, elaborate sets, and the historic white Ludwig drum kit he used on more than 100 shows during Van Halen's 1980 "World Invasion Tour" in support of the "Women & Children First" album is now on display at Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and Museum. Right so Alex!
Macca's Loud Party
We've all been bugged by partying neighbors playing raucous music into the wee morning hours. So too were some of Paul McCartney's neighbors when his backyard wedding reception was still cranking after midnight. The Beatles legend married American heiress Nancy Shevell at a registry office in London on Sunday afternoon, and the following reception in London's hoity toity St. John's Wood (just down the road from Abbey Road Studios), included Macca performing and superproducer Mark Ronson DJ-ing as guests like Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, Ron Wood, Jeff Beck and David Gilmour boogied into the night. An official "noise abatement team" arrived at Sir Paulie's home around 1:30am to tell the host to turn down the music. Thankfully he did, or else he'd be honeymooning in the Tower of London!
It was Garrison Keillor who said: "Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose."
It was Mary Bly who said: "Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "Dogs look up to you; cats look down on you; pigs treat you as an equal."
October 13, 2011
Rhyming Paul Simon is 70.
Keyboardist Robert Lamm of Chicago is 68.
The Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar, who has also worked with Montrose and Van Halen, is 64.
On this day in 1963, Beatlemania officially began when The Beatles appeared on the BBC's Sunday Night at the Palladium TV show. Some 15 million people watched the program, while thousands more crowded the streets around the London theater to get a glimpse of the band.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles began recording "You Can Wear My Diamond Ring," which soon became "Drive My Car."
On this day in 1965, The Who recorded "My Generation" at Pye studios in London. When 20-year-old guitarist Pete Townshend first wrote the song, it was a slow bluesy number, but the faster the band played it, the more powerful it became.
On this day in 1968, John Lennon recorded "Julia," the last song for the "White" album and the only solo recording he ever made for The Beatles.
On this day in 1973, "Ramblin' Man" by the Allman Brothers Band peaked at #2 as "Free Ride" by the Edgar Winter Group topped out at #14 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, Led Zeppelin began rehearsing for what became their last album, 1979's "In Through the Out Door."
On this day in 1979, Supertramp released the "Take The Long Way Home" single.
On this day in 1994, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band's "Greatest Hits" album was released. It eventually sold over six million copies.
George In The Museum
The GRAMMY Museum in the L.A. Live complex has opened their excellent "George Harrison: Living In The Material World" exhibit as a companion to his wife Olivia Harrison's book and Martin Scorsese's film of the same name. In fact, Olivia took a hands-on role in helping choose much of what is being shown. Among the highlights: George's notebook and sketchbooks from the Fifties with his doodled designs for guitars, plus his diary and an autograph book that included signatures from Little Richard and skiffle music king Lonnie Donegan. There are four chronological rooms of George's clothing, guitars and other artifacts that traces his career from The Quarrymen through The Beatles, as well as his solo work and The Traveling Wilburys. There are performance clips and interview footage, handwritten lyrics sheets, a wall of photos taken by George and more. There's a strong chance that other facilities around the world will mount the exhibit after its L.A. run ends on February 12th. Don't miss it!
Van Halen Rumor #7,943,261
Cue the ultra-ominous "2001: A Space Odyssey" drums — bom bum, bom bum! It's true, we're hearing reports that Van Halen have cancelled their May/June 2012 European Tour before the dates were officially announced. Even though the dates and venues were locked in, no reason has been given to the promoters for the cancellation. Bom bum, bom bum!
All Hail The Rolling Stones
The last time The Rolling Stones played Carnegie Hall (June 20th, 1964), the ensuing riot by teenaged fans resulted in the banning of Rock & Roll shows at the Hall for many years. Kind of ironic that The Stones are the latest act to get a Carnegie Hall tribute. "The Music Of The Rolling Stones: Hot Rocks 1964-1971" on March 13th will feature a group of yet-to-be-named artists tackling The Stones' 1971 greatest-hits double album. Proceeds from the show will go to eight New York-area music charities. The promoters previously assembled similar tributes to Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, The Who and Elton John without hordes of teenaged girls going bonkers, so maybe this will work out fine.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
It was Ray Romano who said: "The more I go through parenting, the more I say I owe my mother an apology."
It was Samuel Johnson who said: "Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless. Knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful."
October 14, 2011
Coach John Wooden would have been 101.
Singer Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues is 65.
On this day in 1957, Elvis Presley released "Jailhouse Rock."
On this day in 1967, The Who released "I Can See For Miles" just as "Purple Haze" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience topped out at #65 on the charts. America just wasn't ready yet.
On this day in 1972, "You Wear It Well" by Rod Stewart peaked at #13 on the charts.
On this day in 1975, KISS released the live version of "Rock & Roll All Night."
On this day in 1977, Bing Crosby died from a heart attack at age 74.
On this day in 1978, Steely Dan's "Josie" peaked at #26 on the charts.
Stories from old friends about the joy of creating music. This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of The Grateful Dead as well as conversation with Mickey Hart and Jerry Garcia.
Seger (Finally!)
Sure, it took forever for the announcement to be made, but Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band will definitely be bringing their hugely successful 2011 North American Tour to our very own Staples Center on December 28th! Seger originally conceived his 2011 Tour as a short run of 18-20 shows last Spring. But due to the overwhelming demand for tickets, he more than doubled the number of shows as he took the band back out this Fall. His tour-ending December 30th show in Las Vegas will be Seger's 50th concert in 2011. Right so, Bob!
Revisiting Bus Stop
Before there was ever any hint of an idea to form the Crosby, Stills & Nash supergroup, Graham Nash was a member of the successful Sixties British Invasion pop band The Hollies. Fast forward 45 years to Graham's current European tour with David Crosby. Nash really couldn't say no when his sister Elaine requested they perform The Hollies "Bus Stop" — with it's amazing harmonies — in Manchester and London. Just imagine the audience's surprise when Allan Clarke, The Hollies original lead singer joined Graham and David to perform it at London's Royal Albert Hall!
Make A Who Video
Contest time! Tied in with the November 15th release of "Quadrophenia: The Director's Cut Box Set," The Who is inviting fans to create a video for the song "5:15." In addition to the winning film becoming the song's official video, the winner will also receive a $2,000 cash prize plus a Fender Stratocaster signed by Pete Townshend. The video needs to pay homage to the Mod Culture of the early Seventies, so inspiration from the era will be an essential element of the winning selection. You'll find the details at TheWho.com — good luck!
It was William Blake who said: "A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else."
It was Malcolm X who said: "If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything."
Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! Ever want to rock out to Led Zeppelin live? Then join Unc as Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience takes over the Greek Theatre!
October 15, 2011
Chef Emeril Lagasse is a 'Bamming' 52.
On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first major concert, a benefit to help launch Europe's first underground newspaper, "The International Times." The show, at London's Roundhouse, was called "The International Times All-Night Rave," and it lasted almost as long as the newspaper.
On this day in 1968, Led Zeppelin played their first concert ever (Surrey University was the site). Three days later they performed as "Jimmy Page's New Yardbirds" — confusing times indeed!
On this day in 1983, "Crumblin' Down" by John Mellencamp entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1988, Def Leppard set an impressive sales record when they became the first artists in chart history to sell seven million copies of two consecutive albums — "Pyromania" and "Hysteria."
October 16, 2011
Singer/bassist Fred Turner of Bachman-Turner Overdrive is 68.
Singer/guitarist Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead is 64.
On this day in 1793, during the French Revolution, Queen Marie Antoinette was beheaded — thus eliminating any chance of earning herself a backstage pass.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Yesterday" held at #1 for the second week in a row.
On this day in 1966, Grace Slick made her first appearance with the Jefferson Airplane at the Filmore West in San Francisco. She replaced Signe Toly Anderson, who had left the band to have a baby.
Forget the club tour! On this date in 1968, Deep Purple made their American concert debut at The Forum in Los Angeles.
On this day in 1971, Santana released the song "Everybody's Everything."
On this day in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival announced that they were breaking up.
On this day in 1982, "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne peaked at #7 on the singles charts.
October 17, 2011
On this day in 1964, The Zombies released "She's Not There" as Manfred Mann's "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" hit #1.
On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin began their third U.S. tour at New York's Carnegie Hall as they released "Led Zeppelin II." Rock & Roll!
On this day in 1969, the American Federation of Musicians rescinded a four-year-old order banning The Kinks from playing in the U.S. The ban — which almost bankrupted the band — resulted from an unauthorized appearance on the television show "Hullabaloo" in 1966.
On this day in 1970, Eric Clapton released the song "After Midnight" as "All Right Now" by Free peaked at #4 on the charts.
On this day in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's last studio album with its original lineup, "Street Survivors," was released. The cover art showed the band members surrounded by flames. That artwork was quickly changed when three members of the group were killed in a plane crash three days after the album's release.
On this day in 1979, Fleetwood Mac's double-album "Tusk" was released.
On this day in 1995, Sting's former financial adviser, convicted of bilking the singer to the tune of $9.4 million, was sentenced in a London court to six years in jail.
On this day in 1999, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band played the first rock concert at L.A.'s brand-new Staples Center. The state-of-the-art acoustics allowed at least a full one-third of the audience to actually hear the show.
Van Halen Rumor #7,943,262
In an incredibly rare statement from the Van Halen organiztion comes word that the band never booked a European tour for next Summer and therefore couldn't have cancelled anything as Rumor #7,943,261 had previously stated. However, it's true that their Fall Australian tour was, in fact, canceled. And a North American V.H. tour maybe set to roll in February. Or maybe not.
Macca's Honeymoon
While a stay at the Oceanside Holiday Inn probably wouldn't have been a budget buster, Sir Paul McCartney and his new bride Nancy Shevell opted to honeymoon at Sir Mick Jagger's lavish beachside villa in Mustique (a private Caribbean island hideaway nowhere near Oceanside). So the storyline reads: The Beatles legend married the American heiress at a London registry office last weekend, and then snuck off to The Rolling Stones frontman's love nest. Next, the newlyweds will head to New York to celebrate with Shevell's relatives. Oh, one more thing: Paul says that he did not sing "Let It Be" and "Let Me Roll It" at the couple's backyard wedding reception. "I think the reporters may have got confused by hearing a few of my other songs being played by our DJ for the night, Mark Ronson." Well! We know for sure it wasn't Van Halen playing those songs!
Busy Busy Rush
Time to check your Rush to-do list. Featuring more than 6 hours of Rush concert video, the new Neil Peart instructional DVD, "Taking Center Stage: A Lifetime Of Live Performance," was released last week. The band's new "Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland" will screen in theaters on October 26th, then be released on November 8th. The magic trio's Canadian record company has scheduled the release of "Sectors," a set of three separate, six-disc box sets spanning Rush's entire recording career, for November 21st. The Rush albums "Fly By Night," "A Farewell To Kings" and "Signals" are being mixed in 5.1 surround sound, and — oh yeah — the band is returning to the studio to complete the recording of "Clockwork Angels," their album set for release next year.
P.J. DVD
The highly acclaimed Cameron Crowe-directed movie "Pearl Jam Twenty" is coming to DVD on October 25th. The intimate examination of Pearl Jam was distilled from more than 1,200 hours of rarely and never-before-seen footage, over 24 hours of recent interviews with the band and rarely seen concert performances premiere. But before you can buy it, see it on October 21st as part of the PBS "American Masters" series. And be ready to rock out!
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Wickedness is a myth invented by good people to account for the curious attractiveness of others."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "If A is a success in life, then A equals X plus Y plus Z. Work is X; Y is play; and Z is keeping your mouth shut."
It was author Ambrose Bierce who said: "The gambling known as business looks with austere disfavor upon the business known as gambling."
This Saturday, 8am to 11am: Pre-register here to take part in an exclusive live taping of the TV show The Sunday Drive with Uncle Joe Benson & Mark Perleberg at Complete Auto Care & Tire at 27913 Center Drive in Mission Viejo (across from the Home Depot). Join in as the experts "Appraise Your Ride" for condition, pricing and curb appeal — and find out what it's really worth!
October 18, 2011
Chuck Berry, the Grandaddy of Rock & Roll, is 85.
Gary Richrath, REO Speedwagon's original guitarist, is 62.
Drummer Keith Knudsen of the Doobie Brothers would have been 59.
On this day in 1957, Paul McCartney made his live debut with the Quarrymen at the New Clubmoor Hall in Liverpool, England. Besides Macca, the line-up included John Lennon, Eric Griffiths, Colin Hanton and Len Garry. Any idea what ever happened to those other guys?
On this day in 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience played their first gig (in front of 14,500 deafened and confused Parisians) just six days after forming.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles released their first single not written by Lennon & McCartney — George Harrison's "Something."
All Hail The Songwriters Hall
Talk about the biggest and best! Pete Townshend, Bob Seger and Steve Miller have been nominated for induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Others nominated in the Performer category include Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and George Michael. The 2012 induction ceremony will take place in New York next June 14th.
Some (More) Girls
Check this out! The Rolling Stones' deluxe reissue of their "Some Girls" album will contain the album's 10 songs, all re-mastered, with the second disc containing 12 bonus tracks, none of which appear on the first disc in any configuration. The November 21st reissue of The Stones most commercially successful album will also be available in a super-deluxe edition with previously unseen photos from the 1978 Helmut Newton photo session and a seven-inch "Beast Of Burden" single backed with "When The Whip Comes Down" in its banned sleeve. Nasty!
Pricey Plastic
Sure, we've all owned many vinyl copies of Led Zeppelin's debut "Led Zeppelin" album. But an early copy of that album has sold on eBay for $3,467! It is an ultra rare edition with a turquoise sleeve, a Superhype label credit and the all-important — to collectors — mistaken label matrix of "Side 1: 588171 A//1" and "Side 2: 588171 B//1." So what if it sounds exactly like your old vinyl? It's been described as "the most perfect example... ever seen." But $3,467? Jimmy Page recorded the entire album in 1968 for just $4,300.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
It was Isabel Moore who said: "Life is a one-way street. No matter how many detours you take, none of them leads back. And once you know and accept that, life becomes much simpler."
It was Robert Orben who said: "For a real quick energy boost, nothing beats having the boss walk in."
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Noon - 2pm: Stop by to say hi as J.B. returns for another beautiful afternoon hanging with the KLOS Cool Patrol at the O'Reilly Auto Parts at 18724 Amar Road (just east of Nogales) in Walnut! Here's what it looked like last time.
October 19, 2011
Guitarist/singer Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers is 63.
On this day in 1966, The Yardbirds, featuring Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page on lead guitars, arrived in New York City for their first American tour. After two shows, Beck left, forcing Page to handle all the guitar parts himself. When the group folded upon its return to England, Jimmy inherited the band's name, hired new personnel and changed the group's moniker to Led Zeppelin. For some reason, that really irritated Jeff.
On this day in 1968, Small Faces singer/guitarist Steve Marriott asked singer/guitarist Peter Frampton of The Herd to sit in with the band for a show in London. That marked the beginning of the highly successful Humble Pie, which Marriott and Frampton soon left their respective bands to form.
On this day in 1979, Journey released "Evolution," with Steve Perry behind the mic. The album was so named because the band felt it best described how their sound was changing.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Eric Clapton and Cream, as well as conversation with Eric. Stream on!
Let It Be/Magical Mystery Tour
No wonder Chris Carter of KLOS' "Breakfast With The Beatles" hasn't slept for a week! For the first time ever, someone who should really know has said that The Beatles' last film, "Let It Be," is finally headed to DVD! Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg says, "We have been working on it pretty much every year for the last couple of years. And the plan is, at the moment, to have it come out, I think, in 2013. This is after they release "Magical Mystery Tour" as a special DVD release. And it'll be the film itself, the original film — the color is great, the soundtrack is perfect." And the band is breaking up right in front of the cameras, but you can't blame us for getting excited!
Mas Frampton
Due to overwhelming demand, Peter Frampton will carry his "Frampton Comes Alive 35 Tour" through next year. So far the first big date to be announced is a February 18th gig at New York City's Beacon Theater which will be filmed for the "Comes Alive 35" DVD.
Big Rush Sectors
You didn't think Canada would get a Rush release and we wouldn't, did you? With more than 40 million records sold and countless sold-out tours, Rush will release three separate "Sector" six-disc box sets on November 21st. Each contains five of Rush's 15 albums in chronological order, all transferred to high resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio and digitally remastered for optimal quality. In addition, each volume includes an exclusive booklet packed with unpublished photos, original album lyrics and credits, and features one album from each set specially remixed on DVD in high resolution 96kHz/24-bit, 5.1 surround sound and stereo. And yes, all three box sets form a Rush CD road case. Did you expect anything less?
It was Mark Twain who said: "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
It was Arthur Baer who said: "His insomnia was so bad, he couldn't sleep during office hours."
October 20, 2011
Tom Petty is 61.
On this day in 1964, overexcited fans were arrested during The Rolling Stones' first concert at the Olympia in Paris. The stampeding fans broke windows and chairs at the theater before 150 people were arrested.
On this day in 1973, Steve Miller released "The Joker," his first #1 hit single.
On this day in 1977, just days after releasing their "Street Survivors" album, three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd died in a fiery plane crash near Gillsburg, Mississippi. Ronnie Van Zant, along with Steve and Cassie Gaines were killed in that crash which, after investigation, was caused by the plane running out of fuel.
On this day in 1978, The Police began their first American tour at the infamous New York punk club CBGB.
On this day in 2008, AC/DC released "Black Ice," their first album in eight years.
On this day in 2001, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, The Who, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Elton John, John Mellencamp and others performed at the six-hour Concert for New York City at Madison Square Garden. More than 5000 police officers and firemen attended the benefit for the families of police and firemen killed on September 11th.
On this day in 2001, the first of two nights of the Volunteers for America benefit concerts for the victims of 9/11 was held in Atlanta and Dallas. Organized by Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw, Styx was joined by REO Speedwagon, Journey, Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Peter Frampton, Mark Farner and many others.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Eric Clapton and Cream, as well as conversation with Eric. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
One Tooth & An Unknown Drummer
As the story goes, in the late Sixties John Lennon gave an extracted molar to his one-time housekeeper, Dot Jarlett, saying, "Dot, will you dispose of this" and then saying, 'Or, as your daughter's a Beatles fan, you can give to her as a souvenir." Strange but true. The odd piece of memorabilia is heading for the auction block and is expected to sell for a jaw-dropping $16,000! Omega Auctions will sell the tooth in Stockport, England on November 5th. In typical British understatement, their rep said, "This is the most wonderful and weird item that we have ever had for sale... it is really difficult to put a value on it." But wait — there's more! An August 12th, 1960 letter written by Paul McCartney seeking a drummer prior to The Beatles first trip to Hamburg has been unearthed. Macca's letter is addressed only to "Sir," saying in part: "Expenses paid 18 pounds per week (approx.) for two months. If interested ring Jacaranda Club." Three days later, The Beatles travelled as a five-piece, with Pete Best on drums and Stuart Sutcliffe on bass, to Germany. The identity of the drummer is not known, but Pete Best was replaced by Ringo Starr in 1962 — just before the Fab Four became the biggest band in the world. The simple letter is another of the strangest ever Beatle artifacts, but Christie's auction house expects it to sell for up to $11,000 in the November 15th pop memorabilia auction.
But Who's The Singer?
Seems like it should have happened years ago, but Queen will receive the Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards on November 6th in Belfast. With typical Brit wit, guitarist Brian May says, "We are honored to be designated a Global Icon. We will do our best to be worthy!" The real attention-getter, though, is that they'll also perform live with a "special guest vocalist." Who might that be?
Waters Helps
Pink Floyd mastermind Roger Waters has joined the effort to build homes for 10 impoverished families in Mexico this December. From now through the end of the year, he'll match every dollar donated by fans to One Small House, an organization that has built more than 30 homes in rural Mexico over the past 10 years. Ever the poet, Waters says, "Help if you can. Each small candle lights a corner of the dark." Give, say we!
Bruce's Storage Locker (Sort Of)
Where to put an ever growing collection that now contains 15,000 Bruce Springsteen songbooks, tour programs, magazines and other documents from 44 countries? Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey says right here! Robert Santelli, a Monmouth graduate and the executive director of the GRAMMY Museum here in Los Angeles, helped broker the deal with the university. He says, "The collection not only offers Springsteen fans the chance to explore various aspects of his career, but students, scholars and journalists will also benefit from the access that Monmouth University will now provide."
It was writer Gore Vidal who said: "A good deed never goes unpunished."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one."
It was Soupy Sales who said: "Be true to your teeth and they won't be false to you."
2013
2012
December 1 - 15
December 16 - 31
November 1 - 15
November 16 - 30
October 1 - 15
October 16 - 30
September 1 - 15
September 16 - 30
2011
Dec. 1 - 10
Dec. 11 - 20
Dec. 21 - 31
Nov. 1 - 10
Nov. 11 - 20
Nov. 21 - 30
Oct. 1 - 10
Oct. 11 - 20
Oct. 21 - 31
Sept. 1 - 10
Sept. 11 - 20
Sept. 21 - 30
Aug. 1 - 10
Aug. 11 - 20
Aug. 21 - 31
July 1 - 10
July 11 - 20
July 21 - 31
June 1 - 10
June 11 - 20
June 21 - 30
May 1 - 10
May 11 - 20
May 21 - 31
April 1 - 10
April 11 - 20
April 21 - 30
March 1 - 10
March 11 - 20
March 21 - 31
