January 11 - 20, 2010
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!
January 11, 2010
Venerable blues legend Slim Harpo would have been 86.
Sax player Clarence Clemons (The Big Man) of Springsteen's E Street Band is 68.
Keyboard player Tony Kaye of Yes is 64.
On this day in 1963, the Whiskey-a-Go-Go (the first Rock & Roll club in L.A.) opened on Sunset Boulevard. They claim that the floors have actually been fully cleaned at least twice since then.
On this day in 1964, Bob Dylan's classic "The Times They Are A Changin'" single was released.
On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix recorded the song he had written the day after Christmas 1966. In the intervening 17 days, he had changed the lyric from "Jesus Saves" to "Purple Haze."
On this day in 1969, both Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull released their debut albums in the U.K.
On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin played "Kashmir" live for the first time during a gig in Rotterdam.
On this day in 1980, The Pretenders released their debut album in the States.
On this day in 2005, Jefferson Airplane drummer Spencer Dryden died of stomach cancer at the age of 66.
No Beatles 2.0
As you'd expect with the tremendous success of "The Beatles: Rock Band" and remastered music, the Brit press has been ramping up rumors about a "Beatles 2.0." That's why George Harrison's 31-year-old son Dhani Harrison has officially denied that he and John Lennon's sons Julian and Sean, along with James McCartney and Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey, are going to form a band. Dhani fronts his own rock group, Thenewno2, and he says he's on good terms with his fellow Beatles offspring/musicians. But as for performing together, "We just keep to ourselves. Everyone's constantly trying to suggest that there might be something there, but it's not what we want to do at all."
Not Enough Money In The World
You gotta love Slash! After recent abundance of media prodding, the famed guitarist has reiterated that he's passed up hundreds of millions of dollars by refusing to reform the classic Guns N' Roses line-up. He flat out says that playing with Axl Rose was too much aggravation to make a reunion worthwhile. "It got to a point offstage where it was impossible for us to even be in the same room together and create any music. So it's sad that something so good doesn't exist any more, even though we're both still alive and on the same planet." While he's not playing with Axl, Slash is prepping the release of his first solo effort, "Slash & Friends."
Concert Promoter/Crook
After three years of investigations by the F.B.I. and others, Arizona concert promoter Miko Wady has finally been charged with 37 counts of wire fraud and money laundering for scamming over $25 million by booking fake concerts for the likes of U2 and The Rolling Stones. The 34-year-old Wady, whose ponzi scheme allegedly affected 140 victims, spent at least $3 million of the investors' money in buying homes, a boat and over 30 cars. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charges.
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "A good man's work is effected by doing what he does, a woman's by being what she is."
It was Dale Carnegie who said: "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
Five Quick Verbiage Factoids
'Stewardesses' is the longest word typed with only the left hand, and 'lollipop' is the longest word typed with only the right hand.
No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.
'Dreamt' is the only English word that ends in the letters 'mt'.
The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (they're called palindromes).
There are only four words in the English language which end in 'dous': tremendous, horrendous, stupendous and hazardous.
January 12, 2010
English blues singer Long John Baldry, who gave Rod Stewart and Elton John their first real gigs, would have been 69.
On this day in 1993, Cream surprised even themselves by reforming for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Other inductees that evening included The Doors, Van Morrison and Creedence Clearwater Revival — whose leader, John Fogerty, refused to play with the other two surviving members.
On this day in 1998, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Santana, among others. Outside of the first public appearance in years by founding Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, no drama unfolded.
On this day in 2003, Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees died in Miami after an emergency surgery. He was 53.
Ringo TV Tonight
Ringo Starr will be literally taking over NBC's "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" tonight. It's part of the former Beatles' promotional jaunt for his latest LP, "Y Not," which features a couple of collaborations between Starr and his fellow surviving Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney. As he bops down the promo trail later this Summer, Ringo — who turns 70 in July — will also stage an All Starr Band tour.
New/Old Hendrix
On March 9th, nearly 40 years after Jimi Hendrix died, he'll be releasing a new album. "Valleys Of Neptune" is a collection of 12 previously unreleased or rarely heard tunes that emerged during Jimi's final recording sessions while he was working on his posthumously completed "First Rays of the Rising Sun." Eddie Kramer, Jimi's longtime engineer, was the lead producer on the new album. Eddie spent months painstakingly excavating the material from antiquated recordings. He told the "L.A. Times," "I felt like an archaeologist using a brush who finds, underneath the dust, this marvelous gold artifact." But wait — there's more!
On the same day that the new Jimi Hendrix album is released, all three of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience's studio albums, plus the 1997 release of "First Rays of the Rising Sun," will be reissued as CD/DVDs. Each will include a documentary by "Beatles Anthology" director Bob Smeaton featuring interviews with the trio's Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding as well as producers Chas Chandler and Eddie Kramer. For some reason the 1969 "Smash Hits" compilation will also be resurrected, and "Live at Woodstock" will be re-released as a standard and Blu-ray DVD. Rock & roll!
Spider Delayed
The debut of "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark," the Broadway show with music penned by U2's Bono and The Edge, is on hold. Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cummings, who is set to play the Green Goblin in the $50 million production, says the play has been delayed due to an "iceberg of financial ruin." It's "a really weird, frustrating thing to be waiting," Cummings said — to which yer Uncle Joe whole heartedly agrees!
There Goes The Neighborhood
Further — the latest band featuring former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh — played their first performances last September in Oakland, and are preparing to launch a short tour on February 2nd. As you'd expect, a group of Deadheads descended on the San Francisco suburb of Mill Valley last week for what they were calling the "live rehearsal sessions." And, of course, a number of residents complained about pot smoking, fights, fornication and stealing. Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: ""Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."
January 13, 2010
Producer Chris Thomas, who has worked with Pink Floyd, Pete Townshend as well as The Pretenders, is 63.
Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan sax player Cornelius Bumpus would have been 58.
Guitarist/singer Trevor Rabin of Yes is 55.
On this day in 1968, "Love Me Two Times" by The Doors peaked at #25 and Jimi Hendrix's "Foxey Lady" topped out at #67 on the singles charts as Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 1973, the song "Living In The Past" by Jethro Tull peaked at #11 on the charts.
On this day in 1973, Eric Clapton performed at the Rainbow Theatre concert organized by his friend Pete Townshend in order to help Clapton shake his heroin addiction. Eric opened his set, and much later ended the show, with "Layla."
On this day in 1978, The Police began recording their debut album "Outlandos d'Amour."
On this day in 1979, "We've Got Tonite" by Bob Seger peaked at #13, and "Bicycle Race/Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen peaked at #24 on the charts.
Vote Your Fave Jovi Song Into The Show
The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will mark Bon Jovi's first ever performance on the big show! But Jon Bon Jovi and the boys won't be playing "We Weren't Born to Follow," the song that was nominated for the Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals GRAMMY Award. Instead, fans are voting on CBS' GRAMMY web page for one of six Jovi classics. One week before the gig, the six songs will be narrowed down to three finalists. The fan voting will continue right up to the moment Bon Jovi takes the stage to play the top request at the Staples Center on January 31st. Rock & Roll!
That Darn Woodie
Since breaking up with 21-year-old barmaid Ekaterina Ivanova (courtesy of dragging her down the street in a headlock), occasional Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood hasn't been in the news much... until now. The Brit press is howling that the 62-year-old Wood-man's latest foray into dating involves 26-year-old Hannah Kamelmacher who, like Ekaterina, also hails from Russia. One difference between the two tiny temptresses: Hannah is friends with Wood's son-in-law, TV producer Jack McDonald (making for a cozy family holiday, wouldn't you say?). And the beat goes on.
Plastic Ono Again
Not sure if anyone asked for it, but Yoko Ono will be staging the first Plastic Ono Band show in 40 years on February 16th at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music in New York. Without John Lennon to guide them, the "new" Plastic Ono Band will include guitar god Eric Clapton and Beatles sidekick/bassist Klaus Voorman, who were also members of the original Plastic Ono Band that recorded the "Live Peace in Toronto 1969" album. Rounding out the eclectic crew of performers will be Paul Simon, Bette Midler, John and Yoko's son Sean Lennon, drumming god Jim Keltner and master producer/DJ Mark Ronson, among others.
The Return Of The Ozz
Well before he starts his 18-month tour in support of his new album "Soul Sucka," Ozzy Osbourne will release his autobiography, "I Am Ozzy," on January 25th. The album itself is targeted for a June release, right about the time the Ozz-Man should be hitting stages across the U.S.A.
It was Elvis Presley who said: "I never met anybody who learned by talking."
It was Edward Langley who said: "What this country needs are more unemployed politicians."
January 14, 2010
Longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde is 43.
Head Foo Fighter/former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl is 41.
On this day in 1956, Little Richard entered the pop chart at #26 with "Tutti Frutti." The world of music would never be the same.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones played their first gig with drummer Charlie Watts. London's Flamingo Jazz Club was the place, and Rock & Roll has never been the same.
On this day in 1983, Van Halen's "Jump" entered the chart. The first release from their album "1984," it not only became the band's first #1 single, it spent five weeks on top of the charts!
On this day in 2000, Melissa Etheridge revealed that David Crosby fathered her two children with Julie Cypher. Imagine our surprise!
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Aerosmith and Joe's brand new conversation with drummer Joey Kramer on over 90 stations. Stream on!
NAMM Again
If you're noticing a lot of musicians hanging around Anaheim, it's because the four-day NAMM 2010 Expo opens today in the Anaheim Convention Center. The annual National Association of Music Manufacturers show, one of the world's biggest music trade shows, promotes business and networking among invite-only guests and music trade professionals... and lots of musicians. Music product companies will unveil their latest instruments and gear, and musicians, lots of musicians, will be scarfing it up. This year's VIP guests will include Yoko Ono, Stevie Wonder, producer Quincy Jones, legendary drummer Hal Blaine and KISS' Gene Simmons — all surrounded by lot of musicians. So have fun, and tell 'em yer Uncle Joe sent you!
Aerosmith/Pagey/Peace
If it actually happens, the April 17th Show of Peace Concert in Beijing will be one hell of a show! The Singapore Press says Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin mastermind/guitarist Jimmy Page and the Black Eyed Peas are expected to play to a crowd of 100,000+ in a celebration of Earth Day. Of course it is China we're talking about, so don't plan on Googling it.
He's A Marrying Kinda Guy
Word is that Paul McCartney is going to marry American heiress Nancy Shevell later this year. Sir Paulie reportedly held a family meeting in the Caribbean this month to talk to his children about his future with Shevell. We'll have to wait to see how well their plans to keep the wedding low-key to minimize paparazzi interference and press coverage works out. Likewise for details on where they're registered for gifts. For the record, The Beatles legend married his first wife, Linda, in 1969. She passed away in 1998. Four years later he wed former model Heather Mills, but they went through a nasty divorce in 2006. Macca and Nancy have been dating since 2007.
(Re)Animate Those Fabs
Director Robert Zemeckis is saying that he's got the cast for his 3-D update of The Beatles' animated "Yellow Submarine" movie. Cary Elwes, star of "The Princess Bride," will voice George Harrison; British actor Dean Lennox Kelly will portray John Lennon; Shaun of the Dead's Peter Serafinowicz will perform as Paul McCartney; and Adam Campbell of "Epic Movie" will cover Ringo Starr. Although both the real Paul and Ringo have said no, Zemeckis is still hoping they make voice cameos in the film, which is expected out just in time for the 2012 London Olympics.
It was Mark Twain who said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
It was Diane Kavelaras who said: "Good design should solve problems, not just decorate."
January 15, 2010
Ronnie Van Zant, the singer and heart of Lynyrd Skynyrd, would have been 60.
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones performed on the Ed Sullivan Show and were forced to change the lyrics of "Let's Spend the Night Together" to "Let's Spend Some Time Together." Oh, those were scandalous times!
On this day in 1992, Dee Murray, Elton John's longtime bassist, died of cancer at the age of 55.
On this day in 1994, singer/writer Harry Nilsson died from heart disease at age 52.
No Elty For Simon
Rarely does the truth get in the way of a good story in the world of "American Idol." Thus it was instantaneously broadcast around the world that Sir Elton John would replace the iconic Simon Cowell upon Simon's departure from the show at the end of this season. Yeah, right. "Utter rubbish" was the reply when the rumor made it into Elton's inner circle. Ironically, that's almost exactly what Simon would have said!
Survivor Rock Fantasy Camp
You have to wonder why it took so long. Famed "Survivor" producer Mark Burnett has a new reality show ready to roll: "Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp." Of course it's based on the long running Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp that hits the Southland again next month — in fact, that's where and when the show will be taped. If you can't play a lick, or don't have the cash to buy in to instruction from the likes of Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Ace Frehley, Lita Ford, Dave Mason and other rock stars, then you can watch 15 amateur musicians from a variety of backgrounds attempt to transform themselves into rock stars. The show will air on VH1 in July. Whoo-hoo!
Hitting Those Balls
Alice Cooper, The Doors' Robby Krieger, former Eagle Don Felder and KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer are among the many stars slated to tee up for next week's 2010 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic golf tournament. The benefit event that raises money for a variety of charities will run from January 18th through the 24th at various courses in the Palm Springs area. The celebrity golfing (the most dangerous kind!) will begin on the 20th.
Rush Shaking It Up
Rush drummer Neil Peart says the legendary Toronto trio is in the early stages of working up new music, but the new songs may not be released in a traditional album format. The drumming god says, "We're thinking of writing and recording a few songs and maybe releasing them, and playing them live, and then going back and doing some more later... We just feel really free (in terms) of what we might do right now. Anything is possible in the nicest way and we like the fact of shaking it all up." Go for it, say we!
Hit And Run Over
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke was hospitalized last Sunday after a hit-and-run pick-up driver smashed into his motorcycle. Clarke suffered several breaks in both his legs, but is expected to be fine. Speedy recovery, Gilby!
Thought For The Weekend
Being "over the hill" is much better than being under it.
January 16, 2010
Racing god A.J. Foyt is 75.
On this day in 1970, John Lennon's London Art gallery exhibit of erotic lithographs, "Bag One," was closed by Scotland Yard and eight prints were confiscated as evidence of pornography. Yes, Yoko was his inspiration, but why did you ask?
On this day in 1980, when the Japanese police found a half pound of marijuana in his baggage at the airport, they threw Paul McCartney into a Tokyo jail for 10 days. Bummer.
On this day in 1982, Journey's song "Open Arms" entered the charts on its way to becoming one of the band's biggest hits.
January 17, 2010
Muhammad Ali is 68.
Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor is 62.
Legendary KLOS disc jockey Jim Ladd is 37 (more or less).
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "The Last Time" and "Play With Fire" at the R.C.A. Studios in Hollywood.
On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin released their debut album in America.
On this day in 1994, the 6.7-magnitude Northridge Earthquake jolted Southern California at 4:31am, killing 57 and causing over $40 billion in losses with 89,000 structures destroyed or damaged to the point of requiring extensive repair.
On this day in 1996, David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
January 18, 2010
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' breakthrough single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand," was unleashed Stateside.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bayou Country" both entered the American album charts.
On this day in 1973, The Rolling Stones played a benefit concert for the Nicaraguan earthquake victims at the Forum in Los Angeles — a truly legendary performance from a legendary band.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd began recording what eventually became their "Dark Side Of The Moon" album at Abbey Road Studios in London with a young engineer named Alan Parsons.
On this day in 1974, with the addition of King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell, Bad Company was officially formed by Free singer Paul Rodgers, Free drummer Simon Kirke and Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. Fame and fortune was right around the corner.
On this day in 1980, The Clash's "London Calling" album was released as "The Wall" by Pink Floyd hit #1 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Otis Redding, among others. At the New York dinner, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Roy Orbison, who had died about a month earlier, by singing Orbison's classic, "Crying."
Eagles/Mac/Not
Oops! Word is that the highly anticipated Eagles/Fleetwood Mac mega-tour is off before it even began. As you'd expect, after the Eagles do three nights at the Hollywood Bowl in April, they'll continue on down the road by themselves... but what will the Mac do with all that spare time?
More On Show Of Peace
Got a little more on this Spring's Show of Peace concert in Beijing, China. Word is that Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page (the recently announced winner of the United Nations' "Pathways To Peace Award") and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry are both confirmed for the concert. But Aerosmith itself is not. About 100,000 people are expected to pack Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium for the concert, which will be televised globally on April 17th in conjunction with Earth Day. The event is supposed to be free by virtue of funding raised from sponsorship, international distribution, merchandising, Internet, ringtones, DVDs and CDs. Stay tuned!
Eric's Phone
Heads up Slowhand fans! Any moment now Eric Clapton will start promoting T-Mobile's new Limited Edition myTouch 3G Fender phone. Featuring new accessories for customization — including Fender branded shells, a carrying bag and a docking system with speakers — the android phone will also ship preloaded with a number of Clapton's best known songs. Good luck with your coverage!
He's Small But Mighty
Just weeks after the messy reports of Van Morrison fathering a new baby with one of his managers, the iconic singer is facing another paternity test involving a manager. Samantha Branch's mother Dee was Morrison's road manager and live-in girlfriend in the mid-Sixties. But when Dee died in 1967, just four months after Samantha was born, she hadn't named a father on the girl's birth certificate. Samantha's relatives have always alleged her mother claimed Van had fathered the child, and now the 42-year-old wants to formally solve the mystery by forcing Morrison to take a paternity test. Good luck on that, Samantha.
Hughes/Bonham/Bonamassa
Whether or not they're really a supergroup, the combination of Deep Purple's singing bassist Glenn Hughes, Led Zeppelin reunion drummer Jason Bonham, famed guitarist Joe Bonamassa and fusion keyboardist Derek Sherinian will definitely produce some interesting music! Working under the name Black Country (a reference to the industrial area in England where Jason and Glenn hail from), the boys recently a few days in the studio. Famed producer Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden, Journey) says they've already cut six tracks and the record is "promising to be phenomenal." There's also a hint about something in San Bernardino on March 17th... stay tuned!
Clarence Is Better
Clarence Clemons, Bruce Springsteen's famed saxophonist who celebrated his 68th last week, is recovering from a long delayed lower spine surgery to correct joint damage from osteoarthritis. The longtime E Street Band member says he is "in great spirits" following the procedure in Manhattan last Wednesday.
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
It was Josh Billings who said: "One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness."
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Commemorating the life of a tremendously important American, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day on the third Monday of every January. One of America's greatest orators and civil rights leaders, at age 35 in 1964 he became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. On April 4th, 1968, he was assassinated. While legislation for a commemorative holiday was introduced four days after his assassination, it took 15 years and petitions signed by six million people endorsing the holiday submitted to Congress before the holiday legislation passed in 1983. King's actual birthday is January 15th, but the holiday was created a week later to overcome opposition claiming the 15th was too close to Christmas and New Year's.
All city, county, state and federal offices are closed today. That includes public schools, most banking institutions and all post offices. There will be no mail delivery, but most public transportation and trash pickup will continue as normal.
January 19, 2010
Janis Joplin would have been 67.
Rod Evans, the first Deep Purple singer, is 65.
Smooth dancing, swell dressing singer Robert Palmer would have been 61.
Dewey Bunnell of America is 59.
Martha Davis of The Motels is 59.
On this day in 1984, R.E.O. Speedwagon released their second #1 hit single, "Can't Fight This Feeling."
On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." peaked at #9 on the singles charts.
On this day in 1998, Carl "Blue Suede Shoes" Perkins died in Nashville at age 65. Although he never received the recognition accorded to Elvis Presley, his guitar-playing and songwriting defined the rockabilly genre and greatly influenced The Beatles.
Big Stars For Clooney's Haiti
U2's Bono has agreed to perform at Friday's "Hope for Haiti" concert and telethon. Justin Timberlake has also signed on, and George Clooney — who is masterminding the operation — hopes to confirm Sting, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera shortly. The two-hour, commercial-free live telecast from Los Angeles and New York will run on MTV, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN and other networks. The goal is to raise money for Red Cross, UNICEF, Oxfam America and Partners in Health in order to benefit victims of last week's devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Rubin
Crosby, Stills & Nash are reportedly here in town hard at work on their cover album with über producer Rick Rubin. Word is that they've already recorded Gregg Allman's "Midnight Rider" and Bob Dylan's "Girl From The North Country," and should have at least 10 more finished shortly. Throughout their recent tour, the boys performed a few cover songs each night just to see how it felt in front of a crowd. Stay tuned!
BTM Remastered
You knew it had to happen. VH1 Classic will debut the "Behind The Music Remastered" series next month. First up will be "John Lennon: The Last Years," a re-configured version of the program that first aired in 2000. Other revamped episodes coming down the pipe will feature Metallica, Genesis, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard and Judas Priest. Rock on!
Tedly's Moose Awards
Yeah sure, Hollywood has those old Oscars, Emmy Awards and the Golden Globes, but Ted Nugent has the 10th Annual Golden Moose Awards! The "Moose" awards — produced by the Outdoor Channel — specifically honor excellence in outdoor television. Since the Motor City Madman hosts his own "Spirit Of The Wild" on the network, they probably got a special price for his Thursday performance at the event in Las Vegas.
It was Mark Twain who said: "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please."
It was William James who said: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."
Voice Mail Messages You Can Use
Just another of yer Uncle Joe's timely services!
1. Hi there. Now, you say something.
2. Hello. I'm David's voice mail. What are you?
3. Hi! John's voice mail is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.
4. This is not an answering machine. This is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your reason for calling and a number where I can reach you, and I'll think about returning your call.
5. Hi. I am probably home. I'm avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you.
6. Hello. I'm sorry I can't answer the phone right now. Leave a message, and then wait by your phone until I call you back.
January 20, 2010
Blues legend Leadbelly (Huddy Ledbetter) would have been 121.
Paul Stanley of KISS (the guitarist with the star on his eye) is 60.
Rusty Anderson, Paul McCartney's longtime guitarist, is 51.
On this day in 1979, the Doobie Brothers released the "What A Fool Believes" single.
On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off of a bat during a concert in Des Moines, then was hospitalized and given a series of rabies shots. After undergoing the painful shots, the rocker said he thought the bat was plastic. He actually said something earlier, but no one could understand him.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Police as well as more of Joe's conversations with drummer Stewart Copeland, guitarist Andy Summers and bassist/singer Sting on over 90 stations. Stream on!
A Real U2/Jay-Z Quickie
How long do you think it took U2 and Jay-Z to work up a song? U2 guitarist The Edge says that Bono received a call from producer Swizz Beatz saying, "He and Jay-Z wanted to do something for Haiti. So, Bono came up with the phrase on the phone and last night we were here, we wrote a song... finished, recorded and sent it back to them." The still-untitled charity song is expected to be sold via iTunes. The Edge, Bono and Jay-Z, along with Rihanna, are due to appear in London for "a group performance" as part of Friday's "Hope For Haiti" telethon.
More Music For Haiti
Slash, Peter Gabriel and the Dave Matthews Band are among the artists who have made never-before-released music available for download to help the victims of the Haitian earthquake. Check out MusicForRelief.com now!
Smashing Egos
Have you noticed how jittery guitarists have been lately? That's because they know their egos will be smashed when "Emotion & Commotion," guitar god Jeff Beck's first studio album in seven years, comes out on April 13th. In addition to his regular drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Tal Wilkenfield and keyboardist Jason Rebello, Jeff recorded a couple of songs with vocalist Joss Stone and a handful of tracks with a 64-piece orchestra. The eclectic project was co-produced by Steve Lipson and Trevor Horn (a one-time member of Yes). And yes, Jeff will promote it with a major tour.
Knopfler Stays Busy
Life must be good for former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler — he's just added several more dates to his "Get Lucky" North American Spring tour. He'll now do theater shows in 25 cities from April 8th through early May. That includes a gig at the Pechanga Resort & Casino on April 15th and shows at the Pantages Theater on April 16th and 17th.
It was Hal Lee Luyah (was that really his name?) who said: "A penny saved is a congressional oversight."
It was Philip J. Simborg who said: "Alimony is always having to say you're sorry."