Uncle Joe's Update Archives - May 1

Unc's Daily Update Archives - 11 Orange 400x100px

May 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!

May 1, 2012

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles chart.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles played their last U.K. show for a paying audience. London's Wembley Arena was the venue, and their support acts included The Rolling Stones and The Who.

On this day in 1967, 32-year-old Elvis Presley married 21-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu seven years after they first met. You can do the math.

On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones released the "Brown Sugar" single — the group's first release on its own Rolling Stones Records label. No word if the band ever got paid.

On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones announced their upcoming tour by playing live on a flatbed truck driving down Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Who's Fried: Tyler Or The Chicken?

If you are still bothered by 64-year-old Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler being an "American Idol" judge, this will drive you nuts. If you are cool with his TV career choice, this will be hilarious and not the least bit surprising. Steven's "working" in the drive-through window in a new Burger King TV commercial — getting hands-on with a couple of female employees, sliding across a counter on his butt and refusing to wear a hairnet. What's he selling? B.K.'s new Crispy Chicken Strips — which perfectly describes Steven at many points in his singing career.

A Sab Warm-Up

Having not performed together on stage for 13 years, you knew Black Sabbath had to do a warm-up gig before headlining at England's Download Festival. How cool that they'll be doing it in their hometown of Birmingham, and that part of the proceeds will go to the Help for Heroes charity to help wounded British soldiers. No word on who'll be drumming for the May 19th warm-up or the Download Festival, much less the early August Lollapalooza fest in downtown Chicago. Will it be their original drummer, Bill Ward, or his regular replacement, Vinnie Appice?

Rock Legends Cruise II

The line-up for the second annual Rock Legends Cruise II has grown to include Kansas, Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Bachman & Turner and 38 Special, among others. The weekend-long early January Caribbean cruise will feature a music festival environment with three easily accessible performance venues where each band will perform two or three shows to ensure that attendees will have multiple opportunities to see them. And there will be a bountiful buffet (or two).

It was Mae West who said: "When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before."

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution."

It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."

This Saturday 1pm - 3pm: Stop by to say hi to J.B. and enjoy another beautiful afternoon hanging with the KLOS Cool Patrol at the O'Reilly Auto Parts at 875 West Foothill Blvd (between Mountain & Euclid) in Upland! Here's what it looked like last time.

This Sunday! The first date of the KLOS Summer Concert Series at the Greek will see Uncle Joe kicking out the jams to welcome Ted Nugent, Styx & REO Speedwagon! Hail, hail Rock & Roll!

May 2, 2012

Bob Henrit, who played drums for The Kinks and Argent, is 68.
Original Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm is 62.
Styx drummer Todd Sucherman is 43.

On this day in 1965, although he swore he would never allow the band to appear on his show again, Ed Sullivan featured The Rolling Stones for a second time. They performed "The Last Time," "Little Red Rooster," "Everybody Needs Somebody," and "2120 South Michigan Avenue." So many teenaged girls wet their pants in excitement during The Stones' performance that the Ed Sullivan Theater had to be fumigated the next day.

On this day in 1969, after several failed attempts (36 takes in all), The Beatles finally recorded George Harrison's "Something" to their satisfaction.

On this day in 1977, Eric Clapton recorded his song "Wonderful Tonight."

On this day in 1979, the movie version of The Who's "Quadrophenia" opened, and drummer Kenny Jones (of The Faces) played his first official gig as Keith Moon's replacement.

On this day in 1992, Tom Petty released the song "Peace In L.A.," written and recorded the day before, in the wake of the April 29th Rodney King verdict and subsequent rioting in Los Angeles.

On this day in 2005, Cream — featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker — launched a four-night stand at London's Royal Albert Hall. The show marked the first time the three legends had performed together since Cream's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and the first time Cream had played in public since the band staged its farewell concerts at the venue in November 1968.

Psychedelic Sub Remastered

The famous psychedelic "Yellow Submarine" movie has been painstakingly restored frame-by-frame and will finally return to theater screens across the world. The digitally restored animated masterpiece loosely based on The Beatles goofiest song will premiere this Saturday night at New York's Ziegfield Theatre. Next week, additional theatrical screenings — including matinees geared at younger audiences — will begin to roll around the entire U.S.A. But wait — there's more! "Yellow Submarine" will be released on DVD on June 5th, the very same day that its refreshed soundtrack album also goes back on sale. Coincidence? We think not!

Gregg's Good To Go

Word is that Gregg Allman thankfully passed his cardiac tests last weekend at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Thus the rescheduling has begun for his missed promotional appearances for his excellent autobiography, "My Cross To Bear." If all goes well, Gregg will also perform for the first time ever at the Doheny Blues Festival on May 19th. You go Gregg!

Pay No Attention To Those Denying Stones

The Rolling Stones "officially" have no plans — touring or otherwise — this year. But word from London is that after the massive 2005/2006 A Bigger Bang mega-tour ended, drummer Charlie Watts told the others that he would never do another tour like that again... the precise same reason former bassist Bill Wyman left the band 20-plus years ago. So the "unofficial" word is that The Stones are booking a series of 50th anniversary "one-off " events next year — with Wyman back in the band! Considering that Bill hasn't flown for decades, perhaps a Rolling Stones cruise ship voyage may provide the key to get the ol' boys rocking the Southland next year.

Deep Purple/Ezrin

Super producer Bob Ezrin — best known for his work with Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper and KISS — is about to add Deep Purple to his resume. Considering that the Purple's last studio album was 2005's "Rapture Of The Deep," guitarist Steve Morse confirmed an Ezrin-helmed project is happening and observed, "Everybody realizes we're not going to do this forever, so to me it feels like this is a really important album to do well." Indeed!

It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong."

It was Mark Twain who said: "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."

It was William Shakespeare who said: "A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool."

May 3, 2012

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, would have been 79.
Bassist Bruce Hall of REO Speedwagon is 59.
Guitarist Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols is 56.

On this day in 1969, "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.

On this day in 1971, at a gig in Denmark, Led Zeppelin played "Four Sticks" live for the first and only time in their career.

On this day in 1971, multi-platinum album selling Grand Funk Railroad, who were notorious for refusing to talk to the press, chose New York to finally hold their first-ever press conference. The press demonstrated their respect for the well-spoken, swell-playin' trio when just six journalists showed up. And truthfully, five of them came solely for the free food.

On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney began his first coast-to-coast tour of America with his new band, Wings, in Fort Worth, Texas.

On this day in 1980, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band's "Against The Wind" started a six week run at #1 on the album charts.

This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of the Eagles and Glenn Frey as well as Joe's brand new conversation with the singer/guitarist about his new solo album, "After Hours." Check out the promo... and Stream on!

On Stage Tonight

Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard's side band Brad is rocking the Troubadour tonight.

Aerosmith News Nuggets

First, Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton says the "as-yet-untitled" new album's first single, "Legendary Child," will be out in three weeks, followed by "one or two more until the full album in September." Second, Queen guitarist Brian May got a preview while in town last week for "American Idol" and he says, "We enjoyed some great music. [It's] amazing. They sound like 25-year-olds." Brian also says Steven Tyler is "one of the greatest singers and frontmen in the world ever... in perhaps the quintessential rock band of our generation... He is also a good soul." Right so!

More Gene

Were we supposed to be surprised by this? The seventh season of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" will premiere on A&E on May 28th. The show will pick up after Gene and Shannon Tweed's wedding last October. Last season's run of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" was its most-watched, averaging 1.8 million viewers.

Fogerty Crossing Canada

John Fogerty's upcoming 16-date Canadian tour — the snappily titled Wrote a Song for Everyone: John Fogerty Performs Live! The Albums of Creedence Clearwater Revival — will see the 66-year-old singer/guitarist/rock icon performing CCR's 1969 LP "Bayou Country" and 1970's "Cosmo's Factory" in their entirety on alternate nights, along with a second set of hits. Willie Nelson's son Lukas Nelson (an excellent guitarist/singer in his own right) will open for Fogerty. But hey, how about bringing that show to us John?

P.J. Update

Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard, who's side band Brad is playing the Troubadour tonight, says Pearl Jam "really want to finish a record this year... [It's] now between half and three quarters done, but we got some new material and we're excited about hopefully doing some more work on that later in the year." Beyond P.J.'s previously announced Summer European tour and gigs at Florida's DeLuna Festival and Atlanta's Midtown Music Festival in mid-September, Gossard hints that there may be more 2012 shows in the works. Right so!

It was Albert Einstein who said: "What I see depends on where I'm at."

It was Kin Hubbard who said: "Very often the quiet fellow has said all he knows."

It was Will Smith who said: "Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like."

May 4, 2012

Surf guitar god Dick Dale is 75.
Drag racing icon John Force is 63.
Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars is 61.
Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt is 40.

On this day in 1970, four students protesting the Vietnam war were killed and 11 were wounded by National Guard troops at Kent State University. In reaction, massive anti-war protests swept the country and Neil Young wrote and immediately recorded "Ohio" with Crosby, Stills & Nash.

On this day in 1973, Led Zeppelin opened their 1973 North American tour, which was billed as the "biggest and most profitable Rock & Roll tour in the history of the United States." The group would gross over $4 million from the dates, flying between gigs in "The Starship" Boeing 720 passenger jet.

On this day in 1974, Grand Funk Railroad's cover of "The Loco-Motion" hit #1 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1985, Don Henley's "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" peaked at #9 as Foreigner's "That Was Yesterday" topped out at #12 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1987, blues guitarist Paul Butterfield died of a drug overdose at his Los Angeles home. He was only 44.

On this day in 2005, Bruce Springsteen's "Devils And Dust" debuted at #1 on the "Billboard Top 200" albums chart.

On Stage Tonight

Lindsey Buckingham will be doing his solo gig at the Wiltern" tonight.

No Pistols For Olympics

Sure hope you didn't have the Sex Pistols in the London Summer Olympics entertainers pool. Frontman John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) says that they just turned down a request to perform at the closing ceremony. "Censorship mattered more than the content of the Pistols. If you're going to be celebrating what is great about Britain, the honesty of the Sex Pistols is one of those things." Guess we'll just have to wait four more years to hear any Olympic f-words sung to a thrashing backbeat.

Mick To SNL

Jump back silly actors! Mick Jagger will host the season finale of "Saturday Night Live" on May 19th, as well as take a turn as the musical guest. Back in '78, Mick and the rest of The Rolling Stones co-hosted, performed and appeared in a handful of sketches. In 2001, Mick returned for a number of hilarious sketches. This time around, you have to wonder if Keith Richards or Ronnie Wood might be joining their frontman on stage.

John's Progress Report

John Fogerty's new album, "Wrote A Song For Everyone," is supposed to be out this Fall. The latest word from John is that "seven songs are finished and [he] has six more to go." Two completed numbers that we're dying to hear are "Who'll Stop The Rain" with Bob Seger and "Fortunate Son" with the Foo Fighters. The album will also include contributions from My Morning Jacket, Dawes, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert as well as Alan Jackson, who just recorded with John on Tuesday. Right so!

Gilmour Live On Stage

Pink Floyd guitarist/frontman David Gilmour recently threw a 50th birthday party for his wife, author Polly Samson at the 20th Century Theatre in London's Notting Hill. With folks like Ringo Starr, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and Jeff Beck on hand, David surprised Polly with a song he wrote to mark the occasion. Backed by members of his touring band, including Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, David debuted "Dark Horse, But Lovely One," then continued to play five more songs — his first full-on live performance in a few years. Now if only he would bring the band over here...

It was Robert F. Kennedy who said: "About one-fifth of the people are against everything all the time."

It was Dave Barry who said: "People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them."

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! 1pm - 3pm: Stop by to say hi to J.B. and enjoy another beautiful afternoon hanging with the KLOS Cool Patrol at the O'Reilly Auto Parts at 875 West Foothill Blvd (between Mountain & Euclid) in Upland! Here's what it looked like last time.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is an actual holiday (not an invented commercial holiday) that commemorates Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 15, 1810, it took 11 years to get word to the Spanish soldiers, forcing them to leave Mexico. Then the French moved in and took over. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the day that 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French army of 8,000. That defeat prevented Napoleon III from supplying the American Confederate rebels for another year, thus allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen. That huge U.S. army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War. For whatever reason, Americans of every ethnicity celebrate Cinco de Mayo just like we do our version of St. Patrick's Day. To that end, I personally propose a toast to freedom and liberty! With a strawberry margarita, of course!

May 5, 2012

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward is 64.
KLOS' own Brian Phelps and Tony Scott are both one year older, if not one year further into therapy, today.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles recorded John Lennon's song "I'm Only Sleeping."

On this day in 1968, Buffalo Springfield performed their last gig together in Long Beach.

May 6, 2012

Detroit rocker Bob Seger is 67.
Davey Johnstone, Elton John's longtime guitarist, is 61.

On this day in 1957, Chuck Berry recorded "Rock & Roll Music."

On this day in 1965, Rolling Stone Keith Richards woke up in a Clearwater, Florida hotel room and discovered that he had composed the "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" riff on his tape recorder while he slept.

On this day in 1971, while on their way home from a small gig in Sunderland, England, The Who stopped at a construction site outside Sheffield for a roadside leak. Before long, a photo of their urination episode became the "Who's Next" album cover art — one of the most famous LP covers in all of Rock & Roll history.

May 7, 2012

Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann is 66.
Tubes drummer (and founding member of Journey) Prairie Prince is 62.
Drummer Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads is 61.

On this day in 1968, piano player/singer Reginald Dwight changed his name to Elton John.

On this day in 1977, the Eagles' "Hotel California" was the #1 single in the U.S.A.

On this day in 1998, singer Steve Perry, who was suffering from degenerative hip problems, left Journey when the band decided to tour without him.

Mega-Hagar

After talking about it for months, Sammy Hagar will do a special show featuring material from every stage of his nearly 40-year career. The September 1st Mega-Hagar concert at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena in Stateline, Nevada will start with Sammy's Wabos band. Then bassist Michael Anthony will join him for a set of Van Halen tunes (billed as "The Other Half"). Next will be a tribute to Montrose with Sammy and fellow original Montrose members Denny Carmassi and Bill Church along with Joe Satriani filling in for the late Ronnie Montrose. Some Chickenfoot tunes will wrap up the evening. "This is a prototype to the type of thing I want to take on the road next year," says Sam. Let it Rock, say we!

New Skynyrd

No drama, just lots of guitars — that's the way to do it! "Last Of A Dying Breed," Lynyrd Skynyrd's first studio album in three years, will be out on August 21st. Guitarist Gary Rossington says, "We kind of went back old school this time. All of us playing together in the studio as a band, tracking songs and creating licks. We had a lot of fun and the music really flowed for us." Right so!

Schon Doubles Up

Journey's Neal Schon has two projects about to be released. He says the first, with former Journey bandmate/drummer Steve Smith, is "one of the most rockin' records I've made." As that totally improvised album is awaiting release, Schon is close to completion of another recording with current Journey drummer/singer Deen Castronovo and bassist Marco Mendoza. Neal says that one's "slammin'... a power trio, really tripped out like late 'Sixties/Seventies, but modern too in some areas, with all of us singing. [Night Ranger's] Jack Blades helped write almost all of the lyrics on the record with myself, Marco and Deen." Can't wait to hear them both!

It was Dave Barry who said: "You should not confuse your career with your life."

It was Jay Leno who asked: "How come you never see a headline like 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?"

It was Charles Swindoll who said: "The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it."

May 19th - 20th: Steve Miller, Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy will be headlining the 15th Annual Doheny Blues Festival with Uncle Joe handling the main stage and having a great time hanging with you!

May 8, 2012

Blues great Robert Johnson would have been 101 if he hadn't made a pact with the devil at the crossroads and then been killed by a jealous husband at age 27.
Convicted pedophile/rock star Gary Glitter is now 72.
Yardbirds bassist Paul Samwell-Smith is 70.
Drummer Alex Van Halen is 58.

On this day in 1965, the so-called British Invasion reached its zenith when nine of the songs in the Billboard Top 10 were by British artists.

On this day in 1976, "Show Me The Way" by Peter Frampton peaked at #6 and Steve Miller's "Take The Money And Run" entered the charts on its way to #11.

On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Get a Grip" entered the Billboard Top 200 album chart at #1, making it the group's highest-debuting and highest-charting album.

Stones Rumor #6,234

No surprise that The Rolling Stones are rumored to be the musical guest when Mick Jagger hosts the season finale of "Saturday Night Live" on May 19th. The ever reliable Stones' European fan club site, It's Only Rock n' Roll [http://www.iorr.org], says that Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts have been rehearsing three songs with tour keyboardist Chuck Leavell and producer Don Was on bass. Stay tuned!

New ZZ Top Cranks It Up

ZZ Top's brand new rockin' adaptation of "25 Lighters" has just debuted in Jeremiah Weed's new marketing campaign. The song is also rumored to be in the soundtrack of the new movie, "Battleship." With the Top's yet-to-be-titled Rick Rubin-produced album set for a mid-August release, we should have a lot more details soon!

Woodie & Nick's Self Portraits

Ronnie Wood is known for his artistic talents as well as his musical abilities, and Nick Mason is famous for his love of exotic cars as well as his percussive skills. It seems completely proper that both The Rolling Stones guitarist and the Pink Floyd drummer have recently put their graphic arts skills to use for a good cause, creating self-portraits to be auctioned off on the U.K. eBay for The Prince's Foundation For Children & The Arts. Woodie's self portrait depicts him with a huge grin, sporting a red and gold mask across his upper face. Mason's sketch is of him behind the wheel of an extremely rare, classic Bugatti. The fundraiser for the organization founded by Prince Charles to help disadvantaged kids runs through May 13th.

New Soundgarden

With Soundgarden's first new song in 15 years, "Live To Rise," rocking "The Avengers" soundtrack, frontman Chris Cornell says their yet-to-be-titled album should be out in October. Their first collection of new material since 1996 will be mastered by next week, so, in Cornell's mind, "it's done." Great news!

It was NFL Hall Of Fame Quarterback Joe Theisman who said: "The word 'genius' isn't applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."

It was Zig Ziglar who said: "The only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you."

It was Theodore Roosevelt who said: "If you could kick the person responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month."

May 9, 2012

Guitarist Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco fame is 68.
Piano Man Billy Joel is 63.
Bassist Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick is 62.

On this day in 1785, Joseph Bramah patented the beer-pump handle, thus assuring the eventual existence of bar bands.

On this day in 1962, The Beatles signed their first recording contract with EMI Records, beginning one of the most famous and successful careers in recording history.

On this day in 1963, the Oregon band The Kingsmen released the Rock & Roll classic "Louie, Louie." Many radio stations banned the song when they decided the indecipherable lyrics must be obscene. That, of course, helped sell a whole lot more records.

On this day in 1970, The Guess Who's "American Woman/No Sugar Tonight" hit #1 as "Woodstock" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young peaked at #11 on the charts.

On this day in 1974, Bruce Springsteen opened for Bonnie Raitt in Boston, and Bonnie allowed Bruce to perform his traditional two-hour set in its entirety. In the audience was critic and future Bruce manager Jon Landau, who wrote the next day, "I saw rock & roll's future and its name is Bruce Springsteen." Though true, it took Springsteen years to live that quote down.

May 10, 2012

Dave Mason and Donovan, along with songwriter Graham Gouldman of 10cc, are all 66 today. That could be one interesting party!

Bassist and world-class deadbeat Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols would have been 55.

Bono, the voice of U2 (and some say his generation), is 52.

On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones did their first professional recording session in London for Decca Records (who casually rejected the results).

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their first attempt on Keith Richards' song "Satisfaction" at Chess Studios in Chicago. Two days later, they got it right in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood.

On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones appeared in separate courts facing separate drug charges.

On this day in 1974, Eric Clapton recorded his cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff."

On this day in 1974, Led Zeppelin threw a party celebrating the launch of their Swan Song record label at the Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The bash ended with the guests tossing food, china and other guests at one another. Don't believe me? Ask your mom!

On this day in 1978, with Brian Jones long dead and Keith Richards cleaned up for the first time in years, The Rolling Stones released the biggest hit of the Summer of '78, "Miss You."

This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Montrose, Van Halen and Sammy Hagar as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with Sammy. Check out the promo... and Stream on!

Jamming With Coop, Joe, Steven & Johnny

Once in a while movie premieres rock a lot more than you'd expect, just like Monday night's "Dark Shadows" party. Alice Cooper (who has a small role in the Tim Burton-directed flick) fronted the house band. Coop was soon joined by "Dark Shadows" star Johnny Depp, then Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and — eventually — Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. "Dark Shadows" opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, right about the time the premiere partygoers' hearing should return to normal.

Metallica In Reverse Order

If you're going to perform your most successful album in it's entirety for the first time ever live in concert, why wouldn't you play the songs in reverse order? True, it's never been done like that before, but that didn't stop Metallica! Monday evening the band kicked off their European tour in Prague by performing all 12 tracks from their 1991 record, "The Black Album." Yes, the audience was a bit surprised when Metallica played the songs in reverse order. Do you think that's what they'll do throughout the rest of the tour?

New/Old Ozzy Video

"Speak Of The Devil," Ozzy Osbourne's live DVD filmed at Irvine Meadows Amphitheater on June 12, 1982, will be released on July 17th. The show was part of the delayed continuation of the "Diary Of A Madman" tour following the tragic death of guitarist Randy Rhoads a few months earlier. The concert is really a snapshot of Ozzy's live performances in the Eighties: dramatic staging with a setlist based around his first two solo albums and a few Black Sabbath classics. The line-up on the DVD features Ozzy, Don Airey on keyboards, Tommy Aldridge on drums, Nightranger's Brad Gillis on guitar and Rudy Sarzo on bass.

Queen/Genesis/Field Party

Queen's Brian May and Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford will perform at a small Cancer Research U.K. benefit concert on May 26th. How small is the gig? The guitar gods will be performing in a field behind the Kings Arms pub in the town of All Cannings. Let's just hope they have enough Porta-johns to keep the field trouble free!

It was Goodman Ace who said: "The best cure for hypochondria is to forget about your body and get interested in someone else's."

It was Norman Vincent Peale who said: "Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that."

It was Groucho Marx who said: "Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others."

May 11, 2012

Eric Burden of The Animals and War is 71.
Drummer Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band is 65.

On this day 1970, The Who unleashed their "Live At Leeds" album and The Beatles released their "The Long And Winding Road" single.

On this day 1974, Led Zeppelin attended Elvis Presley's Los Angeles Forum concert. Afterward, all four Zep members spent over 2 hours backstage hanging with Elvis.

On this day 1981, reggae legend Bob Marley died of a brain tumor in a Miami hospital at the age of 36.

On this day in 2003, Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding died in Ireland at the age of 57.

On this day in 2008, original Rush drummer John Rutsey died at the age of 55 of a heart attack caused by complications from diabetes. His health had forced him to retire just before the trio's first significant tour in 1974.

Aerosmith/Idol

As if you ever doubted it, Aerosmith will perform on the "American Idol" season finale on May 23rd. Word is that they'll play "Legendary Child," the first single from their still-unnamed new album that is due out this Fall. For once, "American Idol" will rock!

More Boston/But Not For You

Still no West Coast dates, but Boston has extended their Summer tour with a dozen new gigs through July, August and September.

New Metallica Mag

A special issue of "So What," Metallica's long-running fanclub magazine, will be made available to the general public next week. The collector's edition focuses on the band's 30th anniversary shows last December at The Fillmore in San Francisco, featuring interviews with all of the past and present members of Metallica. As for former guitarist Dave Mustaine's speculation about a studio collaboration between his band Megadeth and Metallica, Metallica frontman James Hetfield says that's just "crazy talk"... and he really wishes his ex-bandmate wouldn't keep making such statements to the press. Good luck with that James!

No Hendrix For Andre 3000

Following the announcement that the Jimi Hendrix biopic "All Is By My Side" — written and directed by John Ridley and starring Andre 3000 — was in production in Ireland, this reaction was completely expected. Jimi's estate, Experience Hendrix, immediately made it clear that they are not supporting nor licensing music for the film. And if you haven't got the songs, you haven't got the movie!

It was Mae West who said: "It's not the men in my life that counts — it's the life in my men."

It was Robert Anthony who said: "When you blame others, you give up your power to change."

It was Kin Hubbard who said: "Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while, nine out of ten people couldn't start a conversation."

Mom's Day

Mother's Day celebrations date back at least as far as ancient Greece, where worshipers observed a Spring day in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the gods. In 17th century England, Christians celebrated "Mothering Sunday," the fourth Sunday in Lent, to honor the Virgin Mary and other faithful moms. In the United States, Julia Ward Howe, (who wrote the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic"), suggested the idea of Mother's Day in 1872. But it wasn't until 1908 that a state (West Virginia) declared an official Mother's Day celebration. The idea took off from there, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May to be the official Mother's Day. But enough of the history! Get out and get your mom something as nice as she deserves!

May 12, 2012

Comic genius George Carlin would have been 75.
Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan is 67.
Multi-instrumentalist/singer extraordinaire Stevie Winwood is 64.
Guitarist Billy Squier is 62.
KISS/Alice Cooper drummer Eric Singer is 54.

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "Satisfaction" in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. Two days earlier, they had unsuccessfully attempted to record the song at Chess Studios in Chicago.

On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd played one of their first experimental concerts in quadraphonic sound at the "Games for May" event at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall.

On this day in 1969, Santana recorded "Evil Ways," which went on to become their first Top 10 hit.

On this day in 1971, Mick Jagger married his first wife, Bianca, at the St. Tropez Town Hall. The large Roman Catholic service was attended by the other Rolling Stones, as well as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and Steven Stills. Think any of that group caught a buzz?

On this day in 1972, The Rolling Stones released their classic "Exile On Main Street" album.

On this day in 1973, Steely Dan's "Reeling In The Years" peaked at #11 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1979, singer Mickey Thomas made his debut with the Jefferson Starship at a free concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

On this day in 2008, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills' divorce became official with a monetary award of nearly $50 million for Mills — far more than the former Beatle had originally offered, but significantly less than his ex was seeking.

May 13, 2012

Rock & Roll pioneer Ritchie Valens would have been 71 today.
Magic Dick, trumpet and harmonica player with the J. Geils Band, is 67.
The amazing Stevie Wonder is 61.
Danny Kirwan, guitarist/vocalist in the first successful incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, is 62.

On this day in 1966, The Kinks recorded "Sunny Afternoon."

On this day in 1970, The Beatles' pseudo-documentary "Let It Be" premiered in New York.

On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's classic "Full Moon Fever" album entered the charts.

May 14, 2012

Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce is 69.
The head Talking Head, David Byrne, is 60.
Original Rush drummer John Rutsey would have been 59.

On this day in 1955, "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley And His Comets entered the Top 40 on its way to becoming the first #1 record of the rock era.

On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' cryptic "Paint It, Black" entered the American singles charts.

On this day in 1966, The Yardbirds' "Shapes Of Things," driven by Jeff Beck's mind-blowing guitar work, peaked at #11 on the charts.

On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released the song "Ohio," only 10 days after the fatal Kent State University shootings that inspired the song.

On this day in 1976, former Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf electrocuted himself while tuning his electric guitar in the bathtub.

On this day in 1988, Atlantic Records' 40th anniversary celebration at New York's Madison Square Garden saw the surviving members of Led Zeppelin reunite with John Bonham's son Jason on drums.

On this day in 1998, Frank Sinatra died at the age of 82.

One Mick/No Stones

Awwwww... shoot. Mick Jagger won't be playing with his Rolling Stones bandmates when he hosts Saturday Night Live this week. Instead, Sir Mick will rely on the Foo Fighters with Jeff Beck and Arcade Fire to back his musical performances.

Sorry — No Beatles For You

Sounds like someone wasn't getting paid enough. The screenings of "The Beatles' Lost Concert" set for later this month have been canceled. According to the distributor, several last-minute issues need to be resolved by the documentary's producers and they hope to reschedule the screenings for later this Summer.

"Duck" Dunn Passes

Donald "Duck" Dunn, one of the most important bass players in the history of Rock & Roll, passed away in his sleep at the age of 70 yesterday in Tokyo. Dunn and guitarist Steve Cropper were high school classmates who joined Stax Records in Memphis in the early Sixties to play with Booker T. & The MGs — whose "Green Onions" became an immediate hit. As part of that fully integrated band in the Deep South (a highly unusual situation in that era), they became a R&B powerhouse that turned out hits like Otis Redding's "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" and Sam & Dave's "Soul Man," among many others. After the MGs split up in 1971, Dunn played on hundreds of sessions, recording with Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan, among others. In 1978, Dunn and Cropper joined Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as back-up for the highly successful Blues Brothers album and movies. Cropper and Dunn were in Japan this past week to fulfill dates that had been postponed by the 2011 Japanese earthquake. The duo were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992 and received a lifetime achievement GRAMMY in 2007. As Cropper said on his web site, "Today I lost my best friend, and the world has lost the best guy and bass player to ever live." Amen — rest in peace Duck!

It was Dave Barry who said: "Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."

It was Kin Hubbard who said: "There is plenty of peace in any home where the family doesn't make the mistake of trying to get together."

It was Zig Ziglar who said: "There is little you can learn from doing nothing."

This Saturday, 10a - Noon: Join Unc at the Kawasaki Good Times Street Demo Days! Riders of all levels can experience the pure fun and enjoyment of riding a Kawasaki motorcycle at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Roarrrr!

This Weekend! Friday afternoon, Uncle Joe will broadcast his KLOS show live from Hennessey's in Dana Point. Then Saturday and Sunday, Steve Miller, Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy will headline the 15th Annual Doheny Blues Festival. Of course J.B. will spend both days handling the main stage and having a great time hanging with you next to the ocean!

May 15, 2012

Former Roxy Music keyboardist Brian Eno (Uber-producer for David Bowie, Talking Heads and U2) is 64.

On this day in 1965, The Byrds made their first entry into the charts with their cover version of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man." Three months later, the song peaked at #1, and was a strong factor in Dylan's decision to switch from acoustic to electric music.

On this day in 1965, "For Your Love" by The Yardbirds entered the charts. The song featured Eric Clapton on all the guitar parts except the solo, which was recorded by his replacement, Jeff Beck.

On this day in 1967, Paul McCartney met Linda Eastman for the first time at the Bag O' Nails nightclub in London. They clicked big time and married on March 12th, 1969.

On this day in 1970, Pink Floyd played a concert in front of a large lake at the Crystal Palace Bowl in South London. Not only were a great number of fish in the lake killed by the loud music, a full one-third of the audience blew their minds!

On this day in 1970, Black Sabbath released its self-titled album.

On this day in 1971, The Doors' "Love Her Madly" peaked at #11 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1971, two truly classic albums, The Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" and Jethro Tull's masterpiece "Aqualung," entered the charts on their way into the Top 10.

On this day in 1975, the most famous Fleetwood Mac line-up (Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and John & Christine McVie) made their live debut in El Paso, Texas.

On this day in 1976, Steve Miller released his "Fly Like An Eagle" album.

On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's classic "The Boys Are Back In Town" entered the singles charts.

On this day in 1984, guitarist Nils Lofgren was drafted into The E Street Band by Bruce Springsteen to replace "Little Steven" Van Zandt.

Macca Plays For 220,000

Paul McCartney played a free show in Mexico last week. Word is that 150,000 people made it into the venue and another 70,000 were partying with Macca and his band in the surrounding neighborhoods. The t-shirt sales (legit and otherwise) must have been staggering!

Weiland In/Weiland Out

Four years after he was kicked out of the group for inappropriate behavior, frontman Scott Weiland is telling people that he's rejoined Velvet Revolver. The supergroup featuring three former members of Guns N' Roses — guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum — has been without a singer since Weiland's departure. As his original band, Stone Temple Pilots, prepares for a few Fall shows, Scott says he's writing and recording new music with his V.R. bandmates. "They gave me a couple of songs and myself and (guitarist) Dave (Kushner) and Duff are gonna be getting together for a songwriting session next week." Very cool, say we! But word is that no one told Slash. His reaction was, "He's out of his mind... I have absolutely no intention of going back to that... I'll call Duff, but I seriously doubt (there's any truth to what he's saying). We have no intention of going backwards." Ah, the drama of being in a band!

Yep — Angus Is The Best

Not that he had much competition, but you can't argue with "Australian Guitar" magazine naming Angus Young of AC/DC the Greatest Guitar Player In Australian Music History. Interesting that his brother, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, only ranked at #11 — but then they were ranking guitar "players," not the guys who write the riffs. By the way, Tommy Emmanuel came in at #2, Cold Chisel's Ian Moss was #3, The Living End's Chris Cheney was #4 and The Angels' Rick Brewster wrapped up the Top 5. Feel free to Google them for more details.