March 1 - 15, 2012
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!
March 1, 2012
Vocalist Roger Daltrey of The Who is 68.
On this day in 1957, 16-year-old John Lennon persuaded his Aunt Mimi to buy him a guitar.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles started recording the John Lennon song "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" at Abbey Road studios. The song was inspired by a drawing of a little girl with lots of stars that John's 3-year-old son Julian brought home from school. The girl was his classmate Lucy O'Donnell.
On this day in 1969, Jim Morrison was arrested after a Miami Doors concert for alleged indecent exposure (he supposedly whipped it out during the show).
On this day in 1974, Queen launched its first headlining tour of England with a very loud performance in Blackpool.
On this day in 1975, the Eagles' "Best Of My Love" hit #1 on the singles chart, Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Roll On Down The Highway" peaked at #14 and Bob Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks" was the #1 album in the land.
On this day in 1995, R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry suffered a brain aneurysm on stage during a concert in Switzerland. He was rushed to a hospital and survived, but decided it was time to quit life on the road (and eventually the band).
GNR Hits The Small Venues
A pleasant surprise indeed! Next week Guns N' Roses will play three Los Angeles dates as part of their current "Up Close And Personal" tour. The first will be at the Hollywood Palladium on Friday March 9th — 22 years after GNR last rocked the dance hall. Two days later (Sunday March 11th) they'll make their first appearance ever at The Wiltern. The blow-out finale at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip on Monday March 12th will be insane!
Scorp's Out With A Bang
Knowing that the Scorpions' "The Final Sting" World Tour will wrap up on October 13th in Munich, their just announced North American Summer tour should be our last chance to see them. Starting a run across the U.S. in Reno on June 8th, their final Southland show will probably be the June 22nd Staples Center gig.
Blues Brothers Redux
Monday March 5th, The Blues Brothers will honor the 30th anniversary of John Belushi's passing in the mythical group's hometown of Joliet, Illinois. The Official Blues Brothers Revue, presented by Dan Aykroyd (John's original partner) and Judith Belushi (his widow), will feature original Blues Brothers Band members Paul Shaffer, Tom "Bones" Malone, "Blue" Lou Marini and Matt "Guitar" Murphy. Otis Day, who co-starred with Belushi in "Animal House," will also appear. It will be a party!
Davy's Gone
Davy Jones of The Monkees died of "a massive heart attack" yesterday in his Florida home. The 66-year-old English-born singer is survived by his wife and four daughters. Cast along with fellow actor Micky Dolenz, and folk artists Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith in the Sixties sitcom based on The Beatles "A Hard Day's Night," The Monkees became a pop culture phenomenon. Their first two singles and first four albums all charted at #1, and they rivaled The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Supremes as radio airplay staples of 1966 and '67. A great guy, always cheerful and appreciative of his audience, Davy will be missed. Rest in peace, music man.
It was Edna "E" Mode who said: "I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now."
It was Benjamin Disraeli who said: "Little things affext little minds."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "There are many things we would throw away if we were not afraid others might pick them up."
March 23rd - 25th: J.B. will be working non-stop at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Auto Club 400, just like he's done at every race since the Auto Club Speedway opened in 1997. Join him for Q&A sessions with NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick. He'll also be hosting the Fan Zone's big stage and broadcasting his KLOS Friday afternoon program from the NASCAR garages, as well as calling both the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Sprint Cup races from the announcers' booth. Good times! Scope out a few prime photos from last year.
March 2, 2012
Dr. Theodor 'Ted' Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss (actually pronounced like "voice"), would have been 108.
Lou Reed hits 70.
Eddie Money turns 63.
Jon Bon Jovi is 50.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles began filming "A Hard Day's Night."
On this day in 1968, Syd Barrett was pushed out of Pink Floyd.
On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers' "The Captain & Me" album was released.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" as well as Joe's brand new conversation with drummer Nick Mason. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
Fool Steals From Eagles
Hip-hop artist Frank Ocean will be hanging with lots of lawyers after he sampled the Eagles' "Hotel California" for his song "American Wedding" without permission. Don Henley and the Warner Music Group, which owns the master recording, are threatening to sue big time. They assert that "Frank Ocean did not merely 'sample' a portion of the Eagles' 'Hotel California' — he took the whole master track, plus the song's existing melody, and replaced the lyrics with his own." A smooth move on the road to hell!
Huge Zep Donation
The historic December 2007 Led Zeppelin reunion concert, staged in memory of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, marked the first time the iconic band had played together in 19 years. The event honored the man who helped shape the careers of master musicians like Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. While the 02 Arena concert still hasn't been released on DVD or CD, Ahmet's widow has used the initial reunion receipts of $45 million to establish the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities. One of the largest donations in Oxford University's 900-year history will see 15 scholarships initially granted in literature, history, music, art history, Asian studies, Middle Eastern studies and archaeology. The goal is to establish at least 35 annual scholarships. Right so Led Zeppelin! Now where's the DVD?
Bruce Week Wraps
Bruce Springsteen Week on the "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Show" will wrap up tonight with Bruce and The E Street Band returning as the sole guests. After The Boss opened the series on Monday, Kenny Chesney, John Legend and Elvis Costello all performed Springsteen songs in the mid-week. Good rockin' indeed!
Dave's Voice Gone
The Foo Fighters have had to cancel next week's Japanese tour because frontman Dave Grohl has blown his voice out. His doctors have ordered a month's worth of serious vocal rest, so the earliest the Foos may return to the stage is April 1st at Lollapalooza Chile. Speedy recovery Dave!
It was Wyatt Earp who said: "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything."
It was Derek Bok who said: "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."
It was Garry Shandling who said: "They should put expiration dates on clothes so we would know when they go out of style."
March 3, 2012
Thin Lizzy (and occasional Pink Floyd) guitarist Snowy White is 64.
REO Speedwagon guitarist Dave Amato is 59.
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley released his first #1 single, "Heartbreak Hotel."
On this day in 1966, Stephen Stills and Neil Young formed Buffalo Springfield in a small house near the intersection of Fountain and Gower in Hollywood. A Buffalo Springfield earthmover parked nearby inspired the group's name (granted, they also had a thing for the initials B.S.).
On this day in 1967, former Yardbird guitar god Jeff Beck debuted his Jeff Beck Group featuring bassist Ron Wood, drummer Aynsley Dunbar and a new singer by the name of Rod Stewart.
On this day in 1973, Stealers Wheel's "Stuck In The Middle With You" entered the charts.
On this day in 1978, Van Halen began its first world tour at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Through much of that tour, the Pasadena band was the opening act for Black Sabbath or Journey.
March 4, 2012
Bassist Chris Squire of Yes is 64.
Metallica bassist Jason Newsted is 49.
On this day in 1877, Emile Berliner invented the microphone... and where would we be without that?
On this day in 1966, John Lennon's controversial comment about The Beatles being "more popular than Jesus now" was published in the London "Evening Standard" newspaper.
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this date in 1972, "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T. Rex peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd kicked off their "Dark Side Of The Moon" American tour in Madison, Wisconsin. Famed engineer Alan Parsons left Abbey Road Studios to mix the sound for the tour.
On this day in 1986, pianist/vocalist Richard Manuel of The Band hung himself following a concert in Florida. He was only 42 and the suicide was a total surprise to everyone who knew him.
March 5, 2012
Dire Straits keyboardist Alan Clark is 60.
On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin performed "Stairway To Heaven" in concert for the first time. Belfast, Northern Ireland was the chosen spot... and the crowd went wild.
On this day in 1982, comedian John Belushi, "Saturday Night Live" veteran and Blues Brother, died of an overdose at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles. He was 33.
On this day in 1994, Grace Slick pointed a shotgun at police in her Tiburon, California home. By June, she had been sentenced to 200 hours of community service and three month's worth of Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings.
Timely Pix/50th Tour?
How can you doubt The Rolling Stones will tour this year? Their brand new high-quality photo book, "The Rolling Stones: 50," will hit stores on the 50th anniversary of the band's first gig (July 12th). The large tome will include 700 photos and illustrations as well as comments and writing from members of the band. Granted, probably not many words from drummer Charlie Watts, but just enough to convince you to buy those 50th anniversary tour tickets.
Massive KISS (Miniature) Golf
This Thursday's the day that the long awaited KISS-themed miniature golf course and amusement park is finally opening across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. How massively KISS is it? In a typically twisted metaphor, bassist Gene Simmons has proclaimed: "The 18th hole is my tongue." Of course the world's largest KISS gift shop (featuring KISS Koffee, KISS Mr. Potato Head sets as well as KISS urns and caskets), the Hotter Than Hell wedding chapel and the Rock 'N' Roll All Nite Cafe are already cranking on site to help you celebrate the band's 40th anniversary — whether or not you're in full-face makeup.
Saving Macca & John's Homes
You would have thought they'd done this decades ago, but it was just last week that the British Heritage organization finally declared that the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney deserve to be preserved. The homes where the duo wrote some of their earliest songs were granted special status because "they were... really intense creative hubs." Word is that the houses have already been painstakingly preserved and restored so visitors today can get a real sense of how life was for the world's greatest band as they were starting up. And being British, you can be sure there's a gift shop on both sites.
Montrose R.I.P.
Famed guitarist Ronnie Montrose passed away at his Northern California home on Saturday. The 64-year-old had been battling prostate cancer for the last five years. Before he formed his own band in 1973 with Sammy Hagar on lead vocals, Montrose performed on Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey" album, and with a number of other high profile musicians including Herbie Hancock, Boz Scaggs and the Edgar Winter Group. Rest in peace guitar man.
It was Shirley MacLaine who said: "Sex is hardly ever just about sex."
It was Phyllis Diller who said: "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing."
It was Will Rogers who said: "Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."
March 6, 2012
Guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is 66.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones began recording sessions for their 10th U.K. single, "Paint It Black," at RCA studios in Hollywood.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles recorded sound effects onto the song "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" at Abbey Road studios in London. The beginning audience murmurs and sounds of a band preparing for a performance were added, along with screams from a tape recording of the Beatles in concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
On this day in 1976, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks-penned "Rhiannon" entered the charts where it eventually peaked at #11.
Serious Aero-TV
If you're looking for fluffy entertainment news, this isn't the show you want to see. Aerosmith will be profiled on "60 Minutes" this Sunday evening on CBS. Rock on!
Stripping For Vince
Remember to act surprised as you absorb this news. Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil has bought into a Las Vegas strip club. And the topless nightclub project could wind up as a reality TV series on cable. Wow indeed! In about two weeks, Girls, Girls, Girls will open in the former Deja Vu across from the Orleans, off Tropicana Avenue a mile from the Strip.
Gabriel Tells Fat Hose Bag to Take A Leap
Peter Gabriel has formally requested that his music be pulled from Rush Limbaugh's trash-talk-radio program after the former-Genesis singer discovered that his solo hit "Sledgehammer" was being played while the conservative host went on his controversial rant against Georgetown law student Sandra Fluke, referring to Fluke as a "slut" and a "prostitute" after she testified before Congress calling for healthcare plans to cover the cost of contraceptives.
Mega Drumming Doc On Ginger
Starting Saturday, the long-in-production documentary on Cream drummer Ginger Baker will be screened multiple times at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. Fortunately, "Beware of Mr. Baker" showcases not only the crazed/cranky drumming legend (who's actually seen hitting the film's director, Jay Bulger), but also features interviews with former bandmates Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. You'll also hear from many famous drummers including Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones, Graeme Edge of The Moody Blues, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, Simon Kirke of Bad Company, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Carmine Appice, Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Neil Peart of Rush and many others — all well worth the price of admission! As expected, the 73-year-old Baker (who lives on a ranch in South Africa) has been raising all kinds of hell about the movie. But you can be sure he's loving the attention.
It was Henry Ford who said: "Quality means doing it right when no one is looking."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body."
March 23rd - 25th: J.B. will be working non-stop at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Auto Club 400, just like he's done at every race since the Auto Club Speedway opened in 1997. Join him for Q&A sessions with NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick. He'll also be hosting the Fan Zone's big stage and broadcasting his KLOS Friday afternoon program from the NASCAR garages, as well as calling both the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Sprint Cup races from the announcers' booth. Good times! Scope out a few prime photos from last year.
March 7, 2012
Singer/bassist Chris Taylor-White of The Zombies is 69 and virtually invisible.
Vocalist Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band is 66.
Drummer Kenny Aronoff who's worked with hundreds including Mellencamp, Fogerty and currently Chickenfoot is 59.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles finished recording "Lovely Rita" for the "Sgt. Pepper" album.
On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Travelin' Band" peaked at #2 on the charts.
On this day in 1973, legendary A&R man John Hammond suffered a heart attack while attending a showcase concert by his brand new signing, Bruce Springsteen. Fortunately, both John and Bruce survived.
On this day in 1975, David Bowie shocked his fans by going "soul" with the release of his "Young Americans" album.
On this day in 1979, Bad Company released the "Desolation Angels" album.
On this day in 1987, Peter Gabriel's "Big Time" peaked at #8 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1988, The Beatles albums "Past Masters Volume 1" and "Volume 2" were released.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of The Doobie Brothers as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist/singers Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons and drummer Keith Knudsen. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
All Hail The Marshall
The 50th anniversary of the Marshall amplifier will be celebrated at an all-star show at Wembley Arena in London on September 22nd. It's kind of funny that the tribute to the powerful guitar amps will be hosted by a drummer (Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden), but the line-up should be stellar. So far, Chickenfoot guitar god Joe Satriani, former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, Whitesnake's Doug Aldrich and Brian Tichy and Billy Duffy of The Cult are on board.
Another Neil Movie
"Neil Young Journeys," the latest collaboration between the iconic/eclectic Neil Young and famed director Jonathan Demme, will hit theaters on June 29th. Filmed near the end of Young's 2011 solo tour as he traveled in a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria from his hometown of Omemee, Ontario, Canada to Toronto, this may well be Neil's most personal work ever. Reminiscing "about childhood friends and talking about how the surroundings have changed over the decades" is something he's never opened up about before.
Bowie Site Honored
The building pictured on one of the most memorable album covers of all time, David Bowie's "The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars," is being honored by the British government. 23 Heddon Street in London, which Bowie used to establish his Ziggy Stardust alter-ego four decades ago, will receive an official commemorative plaque on March 27th. While it's doubtful David will be on hand for the unveiling ceremony, you know the souvenir shops will be bustling!
Preserving Arts Education
Old friend Matt Sorum is launching a campaign dedicated to preserving the arts and arts education in schools. The Velvet Revolver/former Guns N' Roses drummer will kickstart his "Adopt The Arts" initiative with a benefit dinner — hosted by "Glee" star Jane Lynch — at the West Hollywood Sofitel Hotel this Sunday. Matt's sideband, The Magnificent Seven, with Donovan Leitch, ex-Sugar Ray vocalist Mark McGrath and others, will rock the gig. If you want to have fun while you're helping out, http://adoptthearts.org/ is the place to find more details.
It was Steven Wright who said: "You can't have everything... where would you put it?"
It was Thomas Jefferson who said: "He who knows best knows how little he knows."
It was Rosemarie Rossett who said: "Adversity precedes growth."
March 8, 2012
Pseudo-drummer Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees is 67.
Bassist/singer Randy Meisner, a founding member of the Eagles and Poco, is 65.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles held the top two positions on the U.S. album chart with "The Beatles" (better known as the "White Album") and the "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack album.
On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary" peaked at #2 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1973, Ron "Pig Pen" McKernan became the first of several Grateful Dead keyboard players to die while working with the band. "Pig Pen" had been ill for a few years before passing on at the age of 27.
On this day in 1974, Bad Company played their first real gig at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England.
On this day in 1977, Foreigner released its self-titled debut album. It eventually charted at #4, yielded three Top 10 singles and sold over five million copies.
On this day in 1990, Robert Plant released the album "Manic Nirvana."
On Stage Tonight
The mighty George Thorogood and his Destroyers will be ripping it up at the House Of Blues in Anaheim tonight.
Sneaking A Little Aerosmith Into The Show
Have you been fretting about how Aerosmith will hype their new album on "American Idol" this season? Since he's already jumped naked into a moat this season, are you wondering what wacky thing Aero frontman/Idol Judge Steven Tyler might do next to grab some attention? Well just leave it to guitarist Brad Whitford to break the cone of silence surrounding the Aero promotion machine. Says Brad, "We've got a new song that's gonna be used in a major motion picture this Summer... We may even debut it on "American Idol" in May." Brilliant! Perform a new song on the ratings powerhouse that is "American Idol!" Let's just hope it rocks!
A Rush Date
Looks like Rush will release their long-in-gestation new "Clockwork Angels" album Stateside on May 29th. If you've REALLY REALLY GOT TO HAVE IT, just book yourself a pleasant little flight to Tokyo where the trio's 20th studio effort will be released on May 23rd.
Rush To Rush: Shut The Hell Up
The Canadien Prog Rock trio Rush have demanded that U.S. political talk show bloviator Rush Limbaugh stop using their music on his radio show. They became quite upset upon discovering the hose-bag radio guy was playing their song "The Spirit Of Radio" as he ranted about wanting to see sex tapes of Sandra Fluke, the student who spoke about contraception to a congressional committee. The band's cease and desist letter to Limbaugh said, "The public performance of Rush's music is not licensed for political purposes and any such use is in breach of public performance licenses and constitutes copyright infringement." As if he gives a rat's ass about copyright infringements.
Bad Company Again
The surviving members of the original line-up of Bad Company will do a short run of European festival dates this Summer — their first Euro dates in 37 years! They'll start on June 9th at the Sweden Rock Festival, then do five German Rock The Nation Festival performances in Berlin, Stuttgart, Augsburg, Trier and Cologne. If singer Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke dig the vibe, Stateside they may come!
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Ability is a poor man's wealth."
It was Frederico Fellini who said: "Life is a combination of magic and pasta."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "The reformer is always right about what is wrong. He is generally wrong about what is right."
March 9, 2012
Guitarist Robin Trower is 67.
On this day in 1974, David Essex's "Rock On" peaked at #5 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 2007, 55-year-old Boston singer Brad Delp took his life in his home.
On Stage This Weekend
Guns N' Roses L.A. Take Over begins tonight at the Hollywood Palladium, continues Sunday night at the Wiltern and wraps up Monday at the House Of Blues on Sunset. What a rockin' weekend we've got going on!
No G N' R For Hall Gig
When asked if he had any idea how long the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony was going to be this year, Paul Shaffer (bandleader for "Late Night with David Letterman" and the musical director for the Hall Of Fame induction ceremony since its inception in 1986) cut straight to the chase. "Guns N' Roses will not be performing, so not as long as you would think," was his reply. So maybe the original line-up of the band will all be there, but it doesn't sound like they'll have any on-stage tantrums at the April 14th event.
Every Mother Counts
In assembling her second benefit album for her Every Mother Counts campaign to raise awareness and reduce the maternal mortality rate on a global scale, model Christy Turlington Burns called in some pretty big friends. "Every Mother Counts 2012," available exclusively at Starbucks from May 1st to May 29th, features 13 previously unreleased tracks like Coldplay's acoustic "Yellow," Bono and The Edge's acoustic "Original Of The Species," Eddie Vedder's "Skipping" and Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell teaming up on "Pretty Day." David Bowie, Sting and the Dave Matthews Band have also contributed to the album. Sounds like a "Must Have," for sure!
It was Mark Twain who said: "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow."
It was Martin Mull who said: "The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out of your glass."
It was Peter F. Drucker who said: "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said."
Spring Ahead
At 2 am this Sunday, groggy Americans will turn their clocks forward one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). The time shift runs (in most States) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. Have fun adapting on Monday!
March 10, 2012
Boston's main guy, Tom Scholz is 65.
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament is 49.
On this day in 1973, both "Reelin' In The Years" by Steely Dan and "Frankenstein" by The Edgar Winter Group were released.
On this day in 1998, Eric Clapton released his "Pilgrim" album.
On this day in 2003, AC/DC and The Righteous Brothers were among the performers inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
On this day in 2008, The Dave Clark Five were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, along with The Ventures, Little Walter, Leonard Cohen, John Mellencamp and Madonna.
March 11, 2012
On this day in 1970, The Beatles released the "Let It Be" single in the U.S.
On this day in 1978, Steely Dan's "Peg" peaked at #11 as Lynyrd Skynyrd's "What's Your Name" peaked at #13 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton recorded an episode of "MTV Unplugged." The resulting album, released over Slowhand's objection, became the best-selling album of his career. Lesson learned: Don't expect your guitar gods to know retail.
On this day in 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney became Sir Paul McCartney at the hand of his Queen. Shortly afterward, Ringo Starr and George Harrison began referring to their former bandmate as "His Holiness."
March 12, 2012
Singer extraordinaire James Taylor is 64.
Keyboardist Billy Payne of Little Feat is 63.
Badfinger drummer Mike Gibbins would have been 63.
On this day in 1969, Beatle Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman.
At 9:30pm E.S.T. on this day in 1971, the Allman Brothers Band began recording their legendary "At The Fillmore East" album.
On this day in 1974, John Lennon and fellow songwriter Harry Nilsson were thrown out of the Troubadour in West Hollywood for being far, far, far too drunk. The stories and photos in the press brought to a head Lennon's troubled life when he and Yoko Ono were separated.
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle" peaked at #2, Bob Seger's "Night Moves" peaked at #4, and Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" topped out at #10.
On this day in 2007, Van Halen, R.E.M. and Patti Smith were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
On Stage Tonight
Guns N' Roses L.A. Take Over concludes tonight at the House Of Blues on Sunset.
Green Day In Town (Sort Of)
While Green Day is putting finishing touches on their latest album, their mega-successful musical "American Idiot" opens at the Ahmanson Theatre this Wednesday for a run through April 22nd. Of course there's no guarantee of Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong making the scene during the Southland performances, the show's Broadway run saw Billy Joe play the role of St. Jimmy on stage many times.
Digital Settlements
The Allman Brothers Band, Cheap Trick and The Youngbloods are among the first group of musicians to settle a five-year long dispute with Sony Music over digital music royalties. All of the litigants had signed contracts between 1976 and 2001 that lacked specific clauses relating to digital sales. The participants in this first settlement will receive a lump sum of $7.95 million and a 3% raise in their digital royalty rates. As is the American way, the artists' attorneys will receive about a third of the money.
KISSing Cadillac High
It's absolutely true that KISS music was played in the locker room before each 1974 Cadillac High School Vikings football game — perhaps one of the reasons the Cadillac, Michigan team won seven straight games en route to the conference championship. In a typically brilliant PR move, KISS themselves made a visit to the school on homecoming weekend the following year, played a show at the school, took part in a parade and received an honor from the mayor and city council. Even before someone suggested making a movie about it, Gene Simmons said it was "a celebration for everybody. You won, we won." Now that a film about the 1975 KISS visit has been confirmed, the only question is who'll play the original KISS on camera. Stay tuned!
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "What is said of a man is nothing. The point is, who says it."
It was Derek Bok who said: "There is far too much law for those who can afford it and far too little for those who cannot."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "A woman is like a tea bag — you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water."
March 23rd - 25th: J.B. will be working non-stop at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Auto Club 400, just like he's done at every race since the Auto Club Speedway opened in 1997. Join him for Q&A sessions with NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick. He'll also be hosting the Fan Zone's big stage and broadcasting his KLOS Friday afternoon program from the NASCAR garages, as well as calling both the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Sprint Cup races from the announcers' booth. Good times! Scope out a few prime photos from last year.
March 13, 2012
Bassist Adam Clayton of U2 is a well-dressed 52.
On this day in 1852, Uncle Sam first appeared in a political cartoon.
On this day in 1935, Donald Duck made his crotchety debut.
On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds to play the blues with John Mayall. (Six months later he left Mayall's band.)
On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired Of Waiting For You" entered the U.S. singles charts as The Beatles hit #1 with "Eight Days A Week."
On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first gig at London's legendary Marquee Club (previous home to The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds and The Who).
On this day in 1967, six members of Sounds, Inc. (three saxophones, two trombones and a french horn) recorded the horn parts for The Beatles song "Good Morning Good Morning" at Abbey Road studios in London. Though they were not credited on the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album, they were all paid scale wages.
Remember how I mentioned yesterday that in 1970, the Allman Brothers Band began recording the gig that became their live "At The Fillmore East" album? It was around 3am on this day in 1970 that they finished playing their five-and-a-half hour set.
On this day in 1971, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's song "Lucky Man" entered the charts where, a few weeks later, it peaked at #48.
On this day in 1976, the Eagles' "Take It To The Limit" peaked at #4 as "Love Hurts" by Nazareth topped out at #8 and Foghat's "Slow Ride" charted at #20.
Rush's So Far So Good Award
Shunned by the ever political Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Rush will be honored with The Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th annual Revolver Golden God Awards April 11th at Club Nokia. Previous honorees include Mötley Crüe, Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead and Ozzy Osbourne. Rush drummer Neil Peart pointed out that, "Our 'lifetimes' are not over yet, and we dearly hope our 'achievements' are not either, so I suppose you could say that to us this is the 'So Far, So Good' award." The Canadian trio will release their 19th studio album, "Clockwork Angels," in late May.
Stones Tribute
An all-star tribute at New York City's Carnegie Hall will be celebrating The Rolling Stones 50th anniversary tonight. The line-up includes Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, Ronnie Spector and many others, each recreating a song from The Stones' greatest hits compilation "Hot Rocks: 1964-1971." For sure, Carnegie Hall will be rocking!
Going For The Cure
Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord, who retired from the band he helped form in 2002, is undergoing special treatment for pancreatic cancer. Purple drummer Ian Paice says it's in the "really early, early stages... so far, all the news from Jon is great. There are no more cancer cells being produced, and those that are lying dormant are being, hopefully, wiped out as we speak... So we're already thinking that he may be back working in April or May." Let's all hope so!
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "The past is not what it was."
It was Josh Billings who said: "There's a great power in words, if you don't hitch too many of them together."
It was Harry S. Truman who said: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
March 14, 2012
Railroad engineer Casey Jones would have been 149 today — and the Grateful Dead song would have had a completely different ending!
Quincy Jones, a true musical genius, is 79.
Saxophonist Walter Parazaider of Chicago is 67.
On this day in 1964, as The Beatles' cover of "Twist And Shout" entered the charts, "Billboard" magazine reported that the Fab Four's records made up 60% of the singles market.
On this day in 1981, Genesis singer/drummer Phil Collins' first solo album, "Face Value," entered the U.S. charts. It eventually sold over four million copies — more than any Genesis album ever had!
On this day in 1981, Eric Clapton was admitted to a St. Paul, Minnesota hospital after a serious attack of bleeding ulcers. He was forced to cancel a 60-date U.S. tour and finally quit drinking.
On this day in 2011, Alice Cooper, Darlene Love, Neil Diamond, Tom Waits, Dr. John and Leon Russell were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
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 Lindsey Buckingham. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
On Stage Tonight
Peter Frampton will be rocking the Long Beach Terrace Theatre as Green Day's "American Idiot" Broadway musical opens at the Ahmanson Theatre .
A Great Woody (Tribute)
With events at different L.A. venues scheduled throughout the previous week, This Land Is Your Land: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration Concert at L.A.'s Club Nokia on April 14th is shaping up to be a biggy. The tribute to the legendary folk singer in conjunction with the GRAMMY Museum with feature Jackson Browne, David Crosby & Graham Nash, Buffalo Springfield's Richie Furay and a whole lot more.
David's Surprise
Pink Floyd singer/guitarist David Gilmour made a surprise appearance Sunday at a 60th birthday celebration for the late Douglas Adams, David's old friend who's best known as the author of the "Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy." Gilmour performed "Wish You Were Here" with the house band, then played guitar with singer Gary Brooker of Procol Harem for the final two songs — Chuck Berry's "Too Much Monkey Business" and Procol Harem's "A Whiter Shade of Pale." As Sunday afternoon parties go in London, this one was mighty fine!
R.I.P. Big Mike
Sorry to report that Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack has lost his long fight with cancer. The 65-year-old passed away on Monday in his Wyoming home with his family at his side. Big Mike established the Doobies double-drummer backline in 1971, and, before he left the band in late 1973, he played on several of their biggest hits including "Jesus Is Just Alright," "Listen to The Music" and "China Grove." He returned when the band reunited in 1987 and was a mainstay of the group through the next two decades. Rest in peace music man.
It was Katherine Whitehorn who said: "I am firm. You are obstinate. He is a pig-headed fool."
It was Mark Twain who said: "Often it seems a pity that Noah and his party did not miss the boat."
It was Siddhartha Guatama who said: "There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth. Not going all the way, and not starting."
March 15, 2012
The Ides Of March Rock & Roll B-day Boys
Blues guitar legend Lightnin' Hopkins would have been 100.
Bassist Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead is 72.
Beach Boy Mike Love is 71.
Super Flake Sly Stone is 69.
Legendary guitarist & producer Ry Cooder is 65.
Poison frontman Bret Michaels is 49.
On this day in 1975, The Doobie Brothers' "Black Water" hit #1 and ELO's "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" peaked at #9 as Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" broke into the Top 100 singles chart.
On this day in 1980, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Refugee" peaked at #15 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, The Rolling Stones' "Harlem Shuffle" and Van Halen's "Why Can't This Be Love" both broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 1999, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
On this day in 2004, George Harrison, Traffic, ZZ Top, Bob Seger and Jackson Browne were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
On this day in 2010, Genesis, The Hollies, The Stooges, ABBA and Jimmy Cliff were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
No Stones To Roll This Year
Word is that The Rolling Stones won't be touring until next year. Although "Rolling Stone" magazine has echoed questions about Keith Richards' health, Keef says, "We're just not ready. I have a feeling that [2013 is] more realistic." He also points out that next year is more appropriate for the 50th anniversary. "The Stones always really considered '63 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts] didn't actually join until January... We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year." He's also suggested that original bassist Bill Wyman may rejoin the boys for the tour. Meanwhile, they seem to be focusing on booking multinight runs in arenas, such as 10 nights at Madison Square Garden, 10 nights at Staples and 10 nights at London's O2 arena. Stay tuned!
God Bless Diamond Dave
It's called taking control. Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth stopped the band's Manchester, New Hampshire concert Tuesday night to reign in some knuckleheads who started a fight in front of the stage. Partway through "(Oh) Pretty Woman," Roth stopped the show and yelled, "Knock off the [bleeping] fighting! [Bleep] you! What do you think this is, a mosh pit? You've got all the best-looking women on the East Coast here, and all you can think of is [bleeping] fighting?" He then told Alex Van Halen to "start it back at the top. Let's do the whole thing over again." Right so!
Bruce's #1
Bruce Springsteen's new "Wrecking Ball" album sold 196,000 copies in its first week to hit #1 on the Billboard album chart. This feat ended Adele's amazing 23-week run at the top. In an interesting side note, "Wrecking Ball" is Bruce's 10th #1 charting album, tying him with Elvis Presley for the third most chart-toppers ever. As you'd expect, The Beatles are the top dog with 19. Rapper Jay-Z is second with 12.
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."
It was Paul Harvey who said: If there is a 50-50 chance that something can go wrong, then nine times out of ten it will."
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
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