June 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!
June 1, 2012
Guitarist Ronnie Wood (most notably of The Rolling Stones, Faces and Jeff Beck Group) is 65.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones arrived at JFK Airport in New York for their first American tour. Their first U.S. gig was a high school dance near Boston. [Trivia note: The Stones' arrived on British Airways flight 505, which later inspired their 1966 song "505."]
On this day in 1967, The Beatles released one of the most ground-breaking and influential albums in the history of Rock & Roll — "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The next day it was unleashed in America.
On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young began a six-night stand at the Fillmore East in New York, yielding performances that later appeared on the live "Four Way Street" album.
On this day in 1972, The Eagles self-titled debut album was released.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones did their first gig with Ronnie Wood as an official member.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Joe Walsh, The James Gang and the Eagles as well as Benson's brand new conversation with Walsh! Check out the promo... and Stream on!
Snubbing Pagey
You may recall that Led Zeppelin mastermind Jimmy Page officially closed out the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics while crunching out the Zep’s “Whole Lotta Love” atop an English double decker bus. But with the Olympics taking place in London this Summer, nobody has even asked him to attend the games, much less take part in the opening or closing ceremonies. “Of course, I’m feeling rather hurt,” he says. Of course, we're talking about the same organizers who asked if deceased Who drummer Keith Moon was available to play the ceremony... so don't feel too bad about the snub, Jimmy.
Queen Extravaganza
The officially sanctioned Queen tribute show Queen Extravaganza launched last weekend in Canada. The nine-piece band — hand selected by Queen drummer Roger Taylor — is performing 38 songs over two sets with full staging and lights. The cool thing for fans is that they're including deep tracks like "Prophet Song," a fast version of "We Will Rock You," "Now I'm Here," "Dragon Attack" and "In the Laps of the Gods Parts One and Two." We'll have a chance to see for ourselves when they hit the Club Nokia on June 25th.
Monterey Pop Screening
Michelle Phillips, the last surviving original member of The Mamas & The Papas, will be on hand for a special Q&A event and screening of the classic 1968 concert film "Monterey Pop" on June 17th at the Silent Movie Theatre in L.A. The screening and her appearance coincide with the 45th anniversary of the ground breaking Monterey International Pop Music Festival. Mamas & The Papas producer Lou Adler, who both helped organize the festival, will be on hand to introduce the film and will also answer questions after it's shown. The Monterey Pop Fest featured landmark performances by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Who, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding and many other major rock and pop stars of the Sixties.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "I am not young enough to know everything."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Beware the hobby that eats."
It was Joseph LeDoux who said: "People don't come preassembled, but are glued together by life."
Today! Today! 3p - 7p: Join Uncle Joe's LIVE Van Halen Pre-Show KLOS broadcast from Hooters on South Figueroa (just across from the Staples Center)! Cold drinks, hot wings, Hooters Girls, the last pair of Van Halen tix to the sold-out show and yer Uncle Joe!
June 2, 2012
Drummer Charlie Watts, the heart & backbeat of The Rolling Stones, is 71.
On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney & Wings' "My Love" hit #1 as "Daniel" by Elton John peaked at #2.
On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "I'll Wait" peaked at #13.
On this day in 1993, U2 briefly became the richest group in rock when they inked a 10-year, six-album, $60 million deal with Island/PLG. The deal included a 25% royalty rate, which would certainly buy a lot of Guinness Stout or Bushmill's whiskey.
On this day in 2008, Bo Diddley, the musical pioneer whose songs melded Rhythm & Blues with Rock & Roll through a distinctive thumping beat, died of heart failure in his Florida home at the age of 79.
June 3, 2012
Singer Ian Hunter of Mott The Hoople is 73.
Byrds drummer Michael Clarke would have been 65.
Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell would have been 60.
On this day in 1964, when Ringo Starr collapsed with tonsillitis on the eve of a world tour, Beatles' manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin picked session man Jimmy Nicol to become The Fab Four's temporary drummer. Ten days later, Jimmy returned to obscurity.
On this day in 1967, The Doors released the song "Light My Fire."
On this day in 1970, Ray Davies of The Kinks flew back to London from New York to rerecord two words in the song "Lola." He changed "Coca-Cola" to "cherry cola" to qualify for airplay on the noncommercial BBC radio.
On this day in 1972, "Old Man" by Neil Young peaked at #31 on the charts.
On this day in 1979, The Knack released their debut album, "Get The Knack," one year to the day after playing their first gig. It was certified a million-seller 13 days later.
June 4, 2012
On this day in 1969, The Beatles released the song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko."
On this day in 1977, Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" was released as "Mainstreet" by Bob Seger peaked at #24 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released "Stand Back" while "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and David Bowie's "China Girl" entered the charts.
On this day in 1986, the first date of the "Conspiracy of Hope" concert tour took place at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The ground breaking tour, which played the Forum here in the Southland, included Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Sting and U2 on the bill.
Beatles On Stage (Sort Of)
A stage adaptation of "Backbeat," the 1994 film about The Beatles' earliest days, will open here at the Ahmanson Theater from January 16th through February 24th — well before it hits Broadway in New York. "Backbeat" first opened in Glasgow, Scotland in 2010 and played in London through February of this year. Because of the extremely high cost (or outright refusal of permission) to license Beatles originals, the play omits Beatles songs but prominently features performances of songs the group covered in their early period, such as "Long Tall Sally," "Please Mr. Postman" and "Twist And Shout."
Townshend/Beck
Pete Townshend will team up with Jeff Beck — Britain's reigning guitar god — for a special concert next Monday at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Pete and Jeff will play a version of The Who's classic "Love Reign O'er Me" (from the 1979 film adaptation of The Who's 1973 rock opera, "Quadrophenia") as part of the London On Film event, which will feature the BBC Concert Orchestra and various other musicians performing music from the scores of notable U.K. movies.
Stones/Time
Omega, the official time-keeper of the London Summer Olympics, has scored The Rolling Stones classic "Start Me Up" for their pre-Olympics TV commercial. The spot will feature several Olympic athletes prepping in the moments before the starting gun sounds. No official word about how much Omega paid for The Stones song, though the Brit press is reporting the fee was about $500,000.
New/Old Hendrix Again
An expanded/restored version of Jimi Hendrix's "Jimi Plays Berkeley" will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on July 10th. This newest version of the May 30, 1970 Berkeley Community Theatre concert documentary will feature 15 extra minutes of footage from the show. The digitally-restored video's 5.1 surround-sound mix was done by acclaimed Hendrix engineer Eddie Kramer, and there's also fresh commentary from Abe Jacob, the sound engineer who recorded the two shows Hendrix played at the college that day. The new package will include the complete 67-minute audio of that second show, which will then be issued separately on CD and high-quality vinyl under the moniker "Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live at Berkeley (The Second Set)."
Ringo's Old Home
So why did this take so long? After years and years of physical degradation and neglect, it looks like Ringo Starr's tiny childhood home won't be bulldozed after all. Now the British government says the three-bedroom Liverpool home will be renovated with an eye towards opening it as a tourist attraction. Kudos to the fans and history buffs who are trying to get the National Trust to take over its operation, as it has for the childhood homes of his Beatles bandmates John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Right so!
It was Yogi Berra who said: "If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."
It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said: "It takes less time to do a thing right than explain why you did it wrong."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Live as though it were your last day on earth. Some day you will be right."
Frogs With Bigger/Longer Chucks
Every species of frog has its own special mating call. The call has two parts: a "whine" which the whole species uses, and a "chuck" which is the individual frog's calling card. Females listen to the chuck carefully — the larger, more desirable frogs make longer, deeper chucks. Yeah, baby!
June 5, 2012
Badfinger bassist Tom Evans would have been 65.
Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is 58.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones released the song "Satisfaction" in the U.S. just three weeks after recording it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It went on to become the biggest song of the Sixties.
On this day in 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy was shot and killed in Los Angeles. That evening, David Crosby wrote "Long Time Gone," then Crosby, Stills & Nash immediately recorded it. The next day, The Rolling Stones included the lyric "...who killed the Kennedys..." as they recorded "Sympathy for the Devil."
On this day in 1976, "Fool To Cry" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #10, "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #11 and "Crazy On You" by Heart peaked at #35 on the charts. Whew!
On this day in 1983, U2 played on a rainy evening at Red Rocks Amphitheater near Denver. A recording of the show was eventually released as the excellent "U2 Live At Red Rocks: Under A Blood Red Sky," setting the band up for their big American breakthrough.
On this day in 1990, Steely Dan's original drummer, Jim Hodder drowned in his swimming pool at the age of 42.
On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Living On The Edge" peaked at #18 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1997, Small Faces/The Faces bassist and owner of one of the first significant mobile recording studios, Ronnie Lane, died at the age of 51 after a 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis.
On this day in 2002, Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone (born Douglas Colvin) died of an accidental drug overdose in Los Angeles at the age of 49.
Macca For The Queen
As you'd expect, Sir Paul McCartney closed out the Queen's Jubilee Concert in London last night with a five-song greatest hits set played to a crowd of 12,000 on a stage in front of Buckingham Palace. When the former Beatle closed "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," many of the night's previous performers — most notably Sir Elton John and Stevie Wonder — joined him onstage. In a move that would make David Lee Roth envious, Queen Elizabeth closed the show by sticking a giant diamond in a tube to light the National Beacon and fire off the biggest display of fireworks that jolly old London has ever seen. Huzzah!
Lots O'New Sab
Word is that 3/4 of the original Black Sabbath have written 15 songs for their first studio album with Ozzy Osbourne in 33 years. With guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler looking on, Ozzy says, "Whether they all get on the album, I don't know. We just keep on writing." As for how producer Rick Rubin got the boys focused, Geezer says, "He sat us down, put the first album on and said 'listen to this', imagine it's 1969, you've just done that, what would you do next?" We'll all find out when the album is released later this Fall.
Mr. Young Speaks
When Buffalo Springfield reunited for a seven-date tour last year, but then canceled 30 more dates with little explanation, longtime fans figured Neil Young has once again lost interest — as he did when he quit the band in 1968. Now, in the process of announcing his forthcoming tour with Crazy Horse (Hollywood Bowl October 7th), Young says he's not completely closed off to the idea of touring with the Springfield again at some point in the future. "But it's not happening now. I'd be on a tour of my past for the rest of f***ing time, which I can't do. I have to be able to move forward. I can't be relegated. I did enough of it for right then, but there is this seed of something great still there. It's worth exploring again." Let's just hope that happens while there's still three original members to play Springfield's music.
Walsh & Friends
Occasional Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh will star in an upcoming special edition of "CMT Crossroads" with such country luminaries as Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley as well as with ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons. The program will premiere June 23rd. Joe's first new solo album in 20 years, "Analog Man," will be released tomorrow.
It was Zig Ziglar who said: "It's not what you know, it's what you use that makes a difference."
It was Johnny Carson who said: "If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."
June 6, 2012
Guitar god Steve Vai is 52.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles entered London's Abbey Road Studios to audition for producer George Martin. For recording four songs, including "Love Me Do," the four musicians were paid $12.07 each. But when Martin signed them the following month, the world was changed forever.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" hit #1 on the U.S. singles charts.
On this day 1968, The Rolling Stones reworked the lyrics to "Sympathy For The Devil" to reflect the recent assassination of Robert Kennedy.
On this day in 1969, Rod Stewart signed a contract as a solo artist while he was still the lead singer for The Jeff Beck Group.
On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released "Teach Your Children" as "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at #4 on the charts.
On this day in 1972, David Bowie released his classic "The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars" album.
On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones released their "Made In The Shade" greatest hits compilation.
On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" album was released.
On this day in 1982, over 85,000 packed the Rose Bowl for the Peace Sunday concert that featured, among others, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne and Stevie Wonder. Do you know someone born in April 1983? It took forever to get out of the parking lot that night!
On this day in 1987, Genesis became the first group in the history of rock to spend a full year on America's Top 100 singles chart with tracks from just one album. "Invisible Touch" was the album, and the streak began when the album's title song entered the charts on this day in 1986.
On this day in 1987, "Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi peaked at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their classic "In Step" album.
On this day in 2002, following an eight-year battle with AIDS, Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby died at the age of 42.
On this day in 2006, keyboardist Billy Preston — who played with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and Elton John — died at the age of 59 of kidney failure in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over his career, Billy also recorded and toured extensively with The Rolling Stones, and wrote the Joe Cocker classic "You Are So Beautiful." He was indeed a musician's musician.
Closing The Opening
Remember to act surprised when this is "officially" announced. Paul McCartney will perform in the London Summer Olympic Games opening ceremony. In fact, during Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee festivities this past weekend, the former Beatle casually mentioned on the BBC that he'll be "closing the opening" of London 2012 on July 27th.
More New Heart
Not only was Heart's first-ever career-spanning box set, "Strange Euphoria," released yesterday, but they've got a new studio album called "Fanatic" set for an October 2nd release. Frontwoman Ann Wilson says that the new album is "way more rock-heavy" than Heart's previous record, 2010's "Red Velvet Car." Wonder if they'll play any of the new songs when they hit the Pacific Amphitheatre on August 8th?
STP Coming Home (Eventually)
Stone Temple Pilots have finally announced the first six dates of their "Core 20" tour. Playing their 1992 self-titled debut album in its entirety on its 20th anniversary, the volatile quartet will start the tour in Connecticut on August 25th. While their schedule for most of the month of September is open (will a Southland date fit in there?), they're currently closing out the mini-tour on September 24th in Las Vegas.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Among those to be inducted at this year's Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction & Awards Dinner are Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Steinman (who wrote all of Meat Loaf's biggest hits). In addition, Bette Midler will receive the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, and Ben E. King will be honored with the Towering Song Award for "Stand By Me." What about entertainment for the prestigious event? Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has just signed up for the June 14th gala in New York City. Here's guessing he won't be performing "Paradise By The Dashboard Lights."
It was Dave Barry who said: "There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
It was Hunter S. Thompson who said: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."
It was Muhammad Ali who said: "Don't count the days, make the days count."
Next Tuesday, 3p - 7p: Join Uncle Joe's LIVE Van Halen Pre-Show KLOS broadcast from Hooters at 2438 East Katella Ave. in Anaheim (just West of the Honda Center)! Cold drinks, hot wings, Hooters Girls, the last pair of Van Halen tix to the show and yer Uncle Joe behind the Orange Curtain!
June 7, 2012
Tom Jones and Prince — one turns 72 and the other 54, you figure it out.
Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro is 45.
On this day in 1969, The Who's "Tommy" album entered the U.S. charts. On this day one year later, they performed "Tommy" in its entirety (for the last time until 1989) at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. No significant damage to the Opera House was reported, but there were more than a few dazed individuals in the audience!
On this day in 1969, Blind Faith debuted with a free concert for over 120,000 fans in London's Hyde Park. The "supergroup," which featured Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, split up a few months later after one album and one tour.
On this day in 1975, Elton John's "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" album debuted on the U.S. chart at #1 — the first time an album entered the chart at the top spot.
On this day in 1994, Boston released their fourth album, "Walk On."
Stealing Axl's Jewels
You wouldn't have to be Columbo to guess that a beautiful young female model might lift $200,000 worth of jewelry from an American Rock Star during a "private party" in Paris, France, would you? Well it seems that, following Tuesday night's Guns N' Roses concert in Paris, Axl Rose and his boys attended a private after show event. (No word on what time of night that may have taken place.) And darned if, when the lights came on the next morning, three of Axl's gold and diamond necklaces had been stolen! Luckily, later that afternoon Paris gendarmes arrested a beautiful young female model who "just happened" to have in her possession three gold and diamond necklaces worth $200,000! But was there any DNA evidence, Inspector Clouseau?
Cool Auction Action
Check out the full list of unique collectibles up for bid including articles signed by Neil Young, Alice Cooper, Stevie Nicks, Sting and Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson. The proceeds will go to MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation, and you'll find the whole list at http://Ebay.com/Grammy.
A Steinbeck For John
It makes perfect sense. On July 30th, John Mellencamp will be honored with the John Steinbeck Award by the Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University. The annual award is given to a person whose work reflects the themes and beliefs Steinbeck, author of "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men," explored in his writing, such as championing the working class and support for environmental causes. The night will also feature the singer/songwriter playing some of his music as well as chatting with Robert Santelli, executive director of the GRAMMY Museum. This will rightfully place Mellencamp in an exclusive club with previous recipients like Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, playwright Arthur Miller and author Studs Terkel.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "It's like deja-vu, all over again."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "It's always the secure who are humble."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Moving fast is not the same as going somewhere."
June 8, 2012
Crooner Boz Scaggs is 68.
On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones released the single "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
On this day in 1969, guitarist Brian Jones (a psychedelicized victim of the Sixties) was fired from The Rolling Stones, the band he helped form seven years earlier. Of course, on this day in 1969 Brian Jones didn't really know what day it was or where he was. And a couple of weeks later, he was dead.
On this day in 1974, Paul McCartney & Wings' "Band On The Run" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1974, Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the band (for the first time) to pursue a solo career.
On this day in 1985, Dire Straits' blockbuster "Brothers In Arms" album entered the charts on its way to nine weeks at #1.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist/singer James 'J.Y.' Young. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
AC/DC Starting To Stir
The ever chatty Brian Johnson, renowned singer for AC/DC, reports that he and guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young will finally get together in a few weeks in London to discuss their next album. Brian also says that if AC/DC hit the road after recording new material, it won't be for two full years like their 168-date Black Ice world tour (which grossed $141 million — the third highest-grossing concert tour of all-time behind U2 and The Rolling Stones). The powerful singer — who'll be 65 this October — also says the next AC/DC tour will probably be his last before he retires. Rock on Brian!
Doobies Annual Charity Gig
Once again the Doobie Brothers will headline their manager's B.R. Cohn Charity Fall Music Festival at the B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Allen, California. The October 6th and 7th festival will also feature other acts including Eric Burdon & The Animals, The Turtles, Buddy Guy, Kenny Loggins and more. Proceeds will benefit several local charities.
R.I.P. Welch
Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound yesterday. The 65-year-old, who had been dealing with health issues, was found dead by his wife in their Nashville home. Authorities report that he left a suicide note. Joining the English Blues band at the same time as keyboardist/singer Christine McVie in 1971, Bob was the Mac's lead guitarist/vocalist until 1974. Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the group shortly after Welch's exit to pursue a solo career. He scored a couple of hits, including "Sentimental Lady," a cut featuring backing vocals by Buckingham and Christine McVie, in 1977, and "Ebony Eyes" in 1978. Rest in peace, Bob.
It was Ivy Baker Priest who said: "I'm often wrong but never in doubt."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "You may delay, but time will not."
June 9, 2012
Les Paul, guitar god and major inventor, would have been 97.
Former Deep Purple/Whitesnake keyboardist Jon Lord is 71.
Jimi Hendrix's drummer, Mitch Mitchell, would have been 64.
Bassist Trevor Bolder, of David Bowie's Spiders From Mars, is 62.
Gregg Bissonette, drummer for everyone from Ringo Starr to Santana to Joe Satriani to Don Henley and David Lee Roth, is 53.
On this day in 1973, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #42 on the charts.
On this day in 1977, George and Patti Harrison (the inspiration for the song "Layla") were granted a divorce. Soon after, she married George's best friend, Eric Clapton.
On this day in 1979, "Renegade" by Styx topped out at #16 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, "Oh Sherrie" by Steve Perry of Journey peaked at #3 on the charts.
On this day in 1987, over 20 guitar legends packed New York's Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate the 72nd birthday of guitar pioneer Les Paul. Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Rick Derringer were among the attendees who jammed on stage. Regrettably, a recording of the event was never released.
June 10, 2012
Blues legend Howlin' Wolf would have been 103.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones met two of their idols during a recording session when bluesmen Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters stopped by Chicago's Chess Studios.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded "Give Peace A Chance" during their bed-in for peace in room #1742 of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.
On this day in 1978, Eddie Money's "Baby Hold On" peaked at #11 on the charts as "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan topped out at #19.
On this day in 2004, legendary singer Ray Charles died at his Beverly Hills home from complications due to liver disease. The Albany, Georgia native lost his sight by age 7, but went on to become an accomplished musician, winning 13 GRAMMY awards over the course of his long career. Charles influenced countless artists and was one of the first inductees to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was only 73.
June 11, 2012
Drummer Frank Beard (the only member of ZZ Top without a beard) is 63.
Singer Donnie Van Zandt of 38 Special is 60.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' song "Paint It Black" began a two-week run at #1 in the States.
On this day in 1968, Paul McCartney recorded "Blackbird" in Abbey Road's studio 2 as John Lennon worked on "Revolution 9" in the smaller studio 3.
On this day in 1969, David Bowie re-released his single "Space Oddity" to cash in on the Apollo 11 lunar landing.
On this day in 1977, "Telephone Line" by E.L.O. entered the charts.
On this day in 1983, Bryan Adams released the song "Cuts Like A Knife."
Les' Guits Bring Big Bucks
A rare recording model 1982 Gibson Les Paul prototype, designed and owned by renowned guitarist Les Paul, sold for $180,000 over the weekend. The two-day auction of Les' instruments and personal effects raised nearly $5 million for the Les Paul Foundation, which the guitarist founded to support music education, engineering, innovation and medical research. Les Paul's 1951 Fender Nocaster (signed by Leo Fender) went for a whopping $216,000, and a 1940s Epiphone Zephyr, known as the legendary "Klunker #3," fetched $144,000. Known as the father of the electric guitar, Paul produced one of the first solid body guitars and commissioned the first 8-track tape recorder, revolutionizing the way music was produced and distributed. He died in 2009 at the age of 94.
Hagar/Coverdale
Here's a boisterous pair you've never seen hanging together. Sammy Hagar and David Coverdale will each be honored for their contributions to rock at the Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards 2012 on August 26th at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Chickenfoot/Van Halen/Montrose frontman Hagar will be presented with the Voice Of Rock award. He'll also perform in a special tribute for late Montrose guitarist Ronnie Montrose, as well as lead a star-studded jam to close the evening. Whitesnake/Deep Purple singer Coverdale will receive the Lifetime Achievement in Rock 'n' Roll trophy at the event. Stay tuned for an update on the special guests who will also appear at the show.
BTO Redux
Evidently the Bachman brothers are talking to each other again for the first time in many years. Randy Bachman (a founding member of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive) says there'll be a comprehensive 40th anniversary BTO box set coming out this Fall. That became possible when someone discovered that only half of the recordings from their final 1976 Tokyo concert were used in the "Live In Japan" album and he reached an agreement with his younger brothers. Besides Randy and his singer partner Fred Turner, the original BTO also included guitarist Blair Thornton (eventually replaced by Tim Bachman) and drummer Robbie Bachman. By the time they split in 1991, none of the other Bachmans wanted to work with Randy.
It was W. C. Fields who said: "I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally."
It was Mark Twain who said: "Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18."
It was Goodman Ace who said: "Politics makes estranged bedfellows."
June 12, 2012
Singer Brad Delp of Boston would have been 61.
Drummer Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick is 61.
Bassist Pete Farndon of The Pretenders would have been 60.
Ace blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd is 35.
On this day in 1963, The Beach Boys recorded "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Surfer Girl."
On this day in 1965, The Beatles were awarded the M.B.E., "Most Excellent Order of the British Empire."
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" entered the American charts exactly one month after they recorded it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It eventually became the biggest song of the Sixties.
On this day in 1982, over 750,000 saw Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt play at the first No Nukes concert in New York's Central Park.
On this day in 1982, The Clash's "Combat Rock" album entered the U.S. charts.
On this day in 1998, John Fogerty canceled the first date of his U.S. tour (in Chicago) because it conflicted with Game 5 of the NBA Finals (Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz) and he knew everyone wanted to see the game.
On this day in 2002, Sir Paul McCartney and former model Heather Mills married in Ireland.
Who Closing Olympics
The Who have been confirmed to play at the 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony on August 12th at London's Olympic Park. The Olympic committee reportedly wanted major artists representing Britain over the past 50 years to headline, and to that they said "The Who are an inspired throwback to the swinging Sixties." Indeed!
Seger's Songwriters Hall Induction
Though "Hollywood Nights" was his first choice, Bob Seger will perform "Turn the Page" when he's inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this Thursday. Reportedly event producer Phil Ramone told Bob that the smallish stage at New York's Marriott Marquis ballroom wasn't suited to his full band plus backup singers. You'd think that to honor the 67-year-old Seger, they'd find someone to sponsor a bigger stage.
The Boss Keeps On Rockin'
Yes, Bruce Springsteen will turn 63 in September, but he wouldn't be The Boss if he let something like that get in his way. Last Thursday Bruce performed the second-longest show of his career with a three-hour and 40-minute, 33 song set in Milan, Italy. True, he and The E Street Band came close to that at the L.A. Coliseum in September 1985 (remember his record five sold-out nights with a total attendance of 322,986?). But Springsteen's longest-ever show took place on New Year's Eve 1980 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. That party rolled through 38 songs for over four hours.
Slash/Walk Of Fame
His big day is right around the corner. Slash will be honored with the 2,473rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 10th in front of the Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard. Charlie Sheen and movie mogul Robert Evans will be among those saluting the guitar great when he unveils his star on the very street where he grew up.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else."
It was Zig Ziglar who said: "Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals."
It was Bill Gates who said: "Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."
Today! Today! 3p - 7p: Join Uncle Joe's LIVE Van Halen Pre-Show KLOS broadcast from Hooters at 2438 East Katella Ave. in Anaheim (just West of the Honda Center)! Cold drinks, hot wings, Hooters Girls, the last pair of Van Halen tix to the show and yer Uncle Joe behind the Orange Curtain!
June 13, 2012
Original Heart guitarist Howard Leese is 61.
On this day in 1958, Frank Zappa graduated from Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, California.
On this day in 1969, former John Mayall guitarist Mick Taylor officially replaced Brian Jones in The Rolling Stones.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles hit #1 for the last time with Paul McCartney's "The Long And Winding Road" on the singles charts and "Let It Be" on the album charts.
On this day in 1975, Peter Frampton played the first of two nights at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Months later, recordings from those two shows were used as part of his #1 charting, multi-million selling double album "Frampton Comes Alive."
On this day in 1981, "The Waiting" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers peaked at #19 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their "Texas Flood" album.
On this day in 1987, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 entered the charts on its way to #1.
Ghostly Jim & Jimi
We should have known it would come to this. The estates of Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix are investigating holographic live performances. Doors manager Jeff Jampol — who manages both Hendrix's and Morrison's estates as well as Otis Redding's and Janis Joplin's — says, "We're trying to get to a point where 3-D characters will walk around... Hopefully, 'Jim Morrison' will be able to walk right up to you, look you in the eye, sing right at you and then turn around and walk away." In the developing business model, a 3D hologram would be just another element of a proposed new multimedia concert experience. But will the armies of lawyers claiming rights be holograms or real live vermin?
A Van Halen Clarification (Sort Of)
Yes, Van Halen stunned everyone when they abruptly postponed over 30 Summer US "A Different Kind Of Truth" tour dates. But now Eddie Van Halen has reiterated David Lee Roth's explanation. "We bit off more than we could chew," Eddie says. "This record took a lot out of us. And we went on tour earlier than we wanted to so we could play Madison Square Garden (in March, before a renovation), and that threw the schedule out of whack." Having completed more than 40 shows on their first tour leg, they next plan to hit Japan in November. And that's the truth!
Humungous Elty Box Set
Now you can see for yourself if Elton John's earliest work — as many maintain — is his most pure. Sir Elton will release his new "Classic Album Selection" limited edition box set on July 2nd. The set will include his five 1970 to 1973 Gus Dudgeon-produced studio albums: "Elton John," "Tumbleweed Connection," "Madman Across The Water," "Honky Château" and "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player." Prime material indeed!
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Well done is better than well said."
It was Jay Leno who said: "Politics is just show business for ugly people."
It was Friedrich Nietzsche who said: "What does not destroy me makes me stronger."
This Saturday, 6p - 10p: J.B. will be hosting the Alex Xydias CTEC Gala to celebrate the hot rodding icon's 90th birthday and benefit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts at the L.A. Fairplex. A war hero, one of the true pioneers of California hot rodding and a very successful entrepreneur, Alex is the perfect inspiration for future generations of car enthusiasts! Here are some cool shots from last year's event.
June 14, 2012
Keyboardist Rod Argent of The Zombies and Argent is 67.
Drummer Alan White of Yes is 63.
On this day in 1965 at Abbey Road Studios in London, Paul McCartney recorded "Yesterday" without any help from the other Beatles.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles topped the British charts with their first stereo single, "The Ballad Of John And Yoko." Ironically, only Paul McCartney and John Lennon played on the song.
On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen was the surprise guest at the No Nukes concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Like its Central Park counterpart two days earlier, there were many stars who performed, including Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills and Bonnie Raitt.
On this day in 2005, a life-sized chocolate statue of Elton John was unveiled in London. It had been commissioned by the Cadbury company as part of the chocolatier's 100th anniversary celebration. Please supply your own punch line here.
Miller Joins Nicks & Grohl
Steve Miller will be joining Stevie Nicks and head Foo Fighter Dave Grohl as presenter/performers at tonight's Songwriters Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in New York. Bob Seger is among the biggest names being inducted.
Scorpions Not Really Farewell Forever
So what do the Scorpions have in common with Elton John, David Bowie, Cher and KISS? Saying farewell is often times temporary. Is the German band's massive "Sting In the Tail" world tour their last? Guitarist Matthias Jabs reports, "We called it the farewell tour thinking — believing — it would be the last time we would play the U.S.A., that wherever we played, that would be the last time... But the tour is still going, due to demand from the audience and promoters." So the band has decided that they'll give up the constant tour/studio/tour routine, but they will not break up. Matthias says, "We will work on something like an anthology, some kind of box set. And nobody has said we'll never hit the stage again, for one show somewhere in the world. Why not?" That makes it sound like they'll perform at the opening ceremonies for the 2014 World Cup, doesn't it? Rock on!
Walsh Versus Walsh
Remember when Joe Walsh of the Eagles had to threaten legal action to stop Illinois Tea Party Republican Joe Walsh from using a parody of one of the guitarist's songs in the 2010 race for a suburban Chicago congressional seat? Perhaps it's payback time. Yesterday Walsh the musician announced he's backing Democratic candidate Tammy Duckworth, a double leg amputee Iraq war veteran who is running against Illinois Representative Walsh in the upcoming election. Says Joe the musician, "I sincerely believe that she is the real thing... I'm frustrated with Congress in that they're not getting very much done, and I'm frustrated to the point where I think people should start paying attention to who's in Congress." Right so!
All Hail Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi was honored Tuesday night with the Covenant House Beacon of Hope Award, for his work with homeless and at-risk youth. Covenant House is the nation's largest privately-funded agency providing food, shelter and care for homeless and runaway kids, and Jon's charitable organization, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, has contributed money towards the construction of shelters and housing facilities for homeless youth in various cities. Other honorees at the New York event included former first lady Laura Bush and daughter Barbara Bush as well as Olivia Harrison, wife of the late Beatle, George Harrison.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?"
It was Plato who said: "Of all the animals, the boy is the most unmanageable."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle."
June 15, 2012
Singer Harry Nilsson would have been 71.
Singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh of Kansas turns 61.
Guitarist Brad Gillis of Night Ranger is 56.
On this day in 1956, John Lennon first met Paul McCartney at a church dinner in Liverpool, England. He soon invited Macca to join his group The Quarrymen.
On this day in 1966, Capitol Records released The Beatles "Yesterday & Today" album, featuring the band wearing butcher's aprons on the front cover surrounded by decapitated baby dolls. Paul McCartney later said it was the Fab Four's comment on the American record label's mishandling of the music. But when Capitol quickly withdrew the sleeve, it became one of the most valued of all Beatles collectibles.
On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix held his first session at his long overdue, way over budget Electric Lady Studio in New York.
On this day in 1987, the photo shoot for the cover of Pink Floyd's "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason" took place in Saunton Sands, England. The project included 800 rented beds, which 30 hired hands moved onto the beach for the image.
This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of David Bowie, The Beatles and Elton John as well as Joe's brand new conversation with producer Ken Scott. Check out the promo... and Stream on!
Aerosmith Launch
Aerosmith kick off their Global Warming tour with old friends Cheap Trick tomorrow night in Minneapolis. After a stop at the Hollywood Bowl on August 6th, the tour will finish on August 8th in Tacoma — although another leg is likely in support of the August 28th release of the band's long awaited new album, "Music From Another Dimension."
New/Old Bluesy Stones
It's not surprising that Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Ian Stewart of The Rolling Stones wanted to see blues legend Muddy Waters play at his Chicago nightclub on November 22, 1981 during their "Tattoo You" U.S. tour. So of course they ended up joining him onstage to do a full set of 15 classic blues songs, with help from future Hall Of Famers Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. No one knew it would be one of the late bluesman's last live concert appearances. The result, will finally be released 31 years later, as "Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones: Checkerboard Lounge Live 1981." It will be available as a DVD-plus-CD package on July 10th. Rock on!
Doors On The Street
It's true that The Doors perfected their sound at various clubs on the Sunset Strip in the late Sixties. Those clubs (and a few evolutionary offspring) will be rocking with Doors music again this Summer as the iconic band is honored during the fifth Sunset Strip Music Festival. The three day festival will launch with a VIP event on August 16th that will feature a star-studded band (perhaps including a member or two of The Doors) playing Doors music. The party will conclude on August 18th with an all-day street fest featuring Marilyn Manson, The Offspring, Black Label Society, Bad Religion and many more.
It was Woody Allen who said: "Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem."
It was Garrison Keillor who said: "Everyone can't be over average."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "She lacks the indefinable charm of weakness."
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