January 21 - 31, 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 21, 2010
On this date in 1966, George Harrison married Patti Boyd, with Paul McCartney serving as best man. The couple met while The Beatles were filming "A Hard Day's Night." (Patti played one of the schoolgirls in the train scene near the start of the film.) But the Harrison/Boyd union didn't last, and she eventually married George's pal Eric Clapton.
On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend The Night Together" entered the charts.
On this date in 1978, the song "Point Of Know Return" by Kansas peaked at #28 on the charts.
On this date in 1984, Yes hit #1 with the song "Owner of a Lonely Heart."
On this date in 1988, U2 was named the biggest live attraction in the U.S., according to Pollstar magazine, the trade magazine for concert promoters.
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!
Hope For Haiti Telethon
The line-up is set for Friday night's "Hope For Haiti Telethon," hosted by actor George Clooney. Bruce Springsteen, Wyclef Jean and Shakira are part of the New York City line-up, while Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews, Justin Timberlake and Taylor Swift will be part of the L.A. contingent along with the trio of Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Keith Urban. Bono, The Edge, Rihanna and Jay-Z will check in from London. All the "Hope For Haiti Now" telethon performances will be available for purchase from the iTunes store for 99-cents each. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and the United Nations World Food Programme have just been added to the fundraiser, joining Oxfam America, Partners in Health, UNICEF, the Red Cross and Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation. The telethon will air tomorrow at 8pm on several networks. Rock on!
Aerosmith Auditions
Do you think the guys in Aerosmith have forgiven Steven Tyler for his recent behavior? Word is that the Boston band will host auditions for a new lead singer next month. Guitarist Joe Perry said, "The word's been out there for a while. We'll start having some auditions, making some phone calls. Hopefully, we'll have found a new singer by the Summer, and Aerosmith will be able to go back out on the road." As the 61-year-old Tyler entered rehab last month to kick an addiction to painkillers, he was telling everyone that he wants to stay in the band. But Perry has pointed out, "(He) has to have leg surgery and foot surgery and it's basically going to take him out of the picture for about a year, year and a half. So, in the meantime, the rest of the band wants to play. We're gonna find somebody to get in there and fill that spot. Just like when (bassist) Tom (Hamilton) was sick — we got David Hull to come in and play bass." Sounds like reality is knocking at the door!
Digital Live Who
To celebrate (or cash in) on their February 7th halftime show at the Super Bowl, The Who have set up a brand new live compilation for downloading. The iTunes exclusive "Greatest Hits Live" includes 22 tracks from the band’s entire career. Rock on!
Real (Or Fake) Tapes
If they're real, how did Sharon Osbourne miss snatching them up? The purported original master tapes of Black Sabbath's third album, "Master Of Reality" are now for sale on eBay. The ultra-rare recordings — which have not been verified as real — are supposedly owned by a private collector in Sweden. With the auction open until January 29th, the top bid is currently a little over $800. Released in 1971, "Master Of Reality" featured the original Sabbath line-up: Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass and Bill Ward on drums.
It was H.L. Mencken who said: "For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong."
It was poet Bertrand Russell who said: "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt."
Avuncular Reflections/Things I've Learned
1. The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.
2. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
3. Deja moo. The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
4. Psychiatrists say that one out of every four people is mentally ill. Check three friends. If they're OK, you're the one!
5. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
6. The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.
January 22, 2010
Sam Cooke, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, would have been 79.
Singer/actor Meat Loaf is 64.
Journey singer Steve Perry, another of the greatest voices of the 20th century, is 61.
INXS frontman Michael Hutchence would have been 50.
On this day in 1966, "Day Tripper" by The Beatles peaked at #5 on the charts.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles began recording what became their "Let It Be" album. Billy Preston, who was hanging out in the lobby getting high, was invited by George Harrison to join in. Thus, Billy became the first sideman credited on a Beatles record. Those were the days!
On this day in 1977, "Somebody To Love" by Queen peaked at #13 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1983, the song "Rock The Casbah" by The Clash peaked at #8 on the chart.
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!
Hope For Haiti Telethon
The line-up is set for tonight's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," hosted by actor George Clooney. Bruce Springsteen, Wyclef Jean and Shakira are part of the New York City line-up, while Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews, Justin Timberlake and Taylor Swift will be part of the L.A. contingent along with the trio of Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Keith Urban. Bono, The Edge, Rihanna and Jay-Z will check in from London. All the "Hope For Haiti Now" telethon performances will be available for purchase from the iTunes store for 99-cents each. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and the United Nations World Food Programme have just been added to the fundraiser, joining Oxfam America, Partners in Health, UNICEF, the Red Cross and Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation. The two-hour telethon will air at 8pm tonight on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, Vh1 and CMT, among other networks and online portals. Rock on!
Tyler Sings
It's good to get out every now and then. This past Tuesday night, Steven Tyler made his first public appearance since checking into rehab for drug abuse. The Aerosmith lead singer — accompanied by his publicist and two bodyguards — made a surprise appearance at the Tilted Kilt pub in Palm Desert for karaoke night. When two fans attempting the Diane Warren-penned 1998 Aerosmith hit "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" were booed off by the crowd, Tyler stepped up on the little stage and started singing. The entire crowd immediately surrounded him, so he ended up singing the whole thing! That's Rock & Roll!
Dave's Down Again
Dave Davies, the famed wild man/guitarist of The Kinks and feisty younger brother of singer Ray Davies, has canceled next month's U.S. tour. Word is that six years after he suffered a stroke, his doctors still won't sign off on a road trip. Dave's new DVD, "Mystical Journey," is due out on February 9th.
U2 At Work (Again)
What do real musicians do when they have some spare time? They make music. Thus are U2 busy writing and recording in Dublin. With five months before they resume touring, The Edge says, "We are working on a lot of new songs. Some of them are really, really happy. We're convinced we have something really special. It's like deciding whether we are going to release the album before the tour starts or leave it for a while, we don't really know yet... the thing we haven't figured out yet, is where this album is going to end up. We're having fun with the process." And fun's the best thing to have!
Pete's Just Too Busy
You won't see Peter Gabriel singing with his former band Genesis at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 15th. Peter just seems to be too busy with other projects to join the boys for the first time in nearly 30 years, even if it's just for three or four songs. As for attending the induction ceremony in New York, he claims "I'm trying to find a way to do it." Sure he is. Fans remember the disappointment five years ago when the classic Genesis line-up of Peter, Phil Collins, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett seriously discussed re-staging their epic 1974 "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" album until Peter shut them down. "Initially I was open to it," Gabriel says. "But then it seemed to be growing... I always describe it as going back to school, since this was a school group for me. It's a fun place to visit and see your old friends, but its not a place you want to live." Not even for an evening in New York.
A Thought For The Weekend
Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
January 23, 2010
Organist Danny Federeci of Springsteen's E Street band would have been 60.
Singer Robin Zander of Cheap Trick is 58.
Some sources list today as Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons' B-day, but it's actually October 19th.
On this day in 1971, Elton John's "Your Song" peaked at #8 on the charts just 53 weeks after he and lyricist Bernie Taupin began working together.
On this day in 1977, Pink Floyd released their "Animals" album as they started their biggest world tour to date.
On this day in 1978, Chicago's guitarist Terry Kath blew his brains out playing Russian Roulette at the age of 31. At the time of his death, Chicago's song "Baby What A Big Surprise" was in the Top 10.
On this day in 1982, Bob Seger's "Feel Like A Number" peaked at #48 while "Leather And Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley peaked at #6.
On this day in 1990, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins died of pneumonia at the age of 37. He had been paralyzed from the waist down since crashing his car in 1986.
On this day in 1997, Richard Berry, who wrote the classic "Louie Louie" and never saw a dime for it, died of an aneurysm at the age of 61 in South Central Los Angeles.
On this day in 2005, the greatest talk show host ever, Johnny Carson, died of emphysema. A longtime smoker, Johnny was only 79.
January 24, 2010
Neil Diamond is 69.
Acerbic songwriter Warren Zevon would have been 63.
Blues Brother John Belushi would have been 61.
On this day in 1962, record store owner Brian Epstein signed on as the manager of The Beatles. He helped guide the Fab Four into becoming the most dominant band in the history of Rock & Roll — and they did it all without a signed contract. Brian Epstein and The Beatles worked with just a handshake agreement — those were special times!
On this day in 1969, Jethro Tull's first U.S. performance was opening for Led Zeppelin at a show in New York City.
On this day in 1970, "Evil Ways" by Santana entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1976, KISS' "Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)" peaked at #12 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1984, Apple Computer launched the Macintosh. It contained virtually unknown features, including simple icons and an odd little attachment called a mouse. Two years later, the first Uncle Joe's Record Guide was published. Eight years after that, unclejoe.com was hand-coded into existence. So much for free time!
On this day in 2000, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played the opening date of their reunion tour in Auburn Hills, Michigan. That show marked the first time the quartet had performed together in 25 years.
January 25, 2010
Guitarist Joe Strummer of The Clash would have been 58.
On this day in 1858, Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" was performed for the first time at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter.
On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their classic song, "Proud Mary." Like Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March," "Proud Mary" has been played at virtually every wedding since.
On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney was released from jail in Japan after serving nine days for possessing a half-pound of marijuana. Where did he go next? Why Amsterdam, of course!
On this day in 1992, U2's song "Mysterious Ways" hit #9 on the U.S. singles chart.
A Real Beatles App
A fully licensed Beatles iPhone app has been released on the iPhone App Store! The program includes lyrics and chords to more than 160 Beatles songs, the first ever official Beatles content to be featured on iTunes. "The Beatles Little Black Songbook" also features 30 recorded backing tracks and a variety of instructional videos. Although they're the biggest band in history, The Beatles have never made their music available online. Maybe that's about to change!
Scorps Over?
What happened with The Scorpions?!? The German band has announced that, "We want to end the Scorpions' extraordinary career on a high note. This is why, especially now, we agree we have reached the end of the road." Of course there'll be one final road trip: the "Sting & Blackout World Tour 2010" will kick off in March — and run for a minimum of three years through five continents! The farewell party will kick off in Germany in May, then come to North America before traveling across the world through 2012 (or later).
More Hope For Haiti
Friday night's "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" was a resounding (and sobering) success. In the process of raising over $58 million, artists like Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Bono and The Edge performed songs that are now available from the iTunes store for 99-cents each. You can also download the telethon's full performance album for $7.99, and the full two-hour video telecast for $1.99. Of course the proceeds will all go towards the same charities.
Ozzy Update
Ozzy Osbourne is in the final stages of recording his next solo album, which he's been calling "Soul Sucka." But the titles of unfinished albums can change in an instant. The Ozz-man now reports that, "When we put that on the Internet none of my fan base liked the title. They were like, 'I can't imagine me walking around the f***ing house with the words 'Soul Sucka' on my T-shirt.'" The suddenly untitled album is due out in July, the same month OzzFest will return after a one-year break. "After Ozzfest I'm doing the most extensive tour of my life," he says. "It'll be something like 3,025 dates." Hmm... don't you think that "3,025 Dates" would be a killer name for an album?
Rejecting The Ridiculous RIAA
Did you ever wonder why a business would sue the very people it wants to buy its product for millions of dollars? Well finally there's been some rational thought concerning the Recording Industry Association of America's witch hunt against normal people. Last week Minnesota District Court Judge Michael Davis found the $1.92 million fine against a Minnesota mom for illegally downloading 24 songs through peer-to-peer networks "simply shocking" and downright unconstitutional. Then he cut the penalty to $54,000. The RIAA had claimed the obnoxious $1.92 million fine would serve as a cautionary tale for would-be illegal downloaders. But rational people, were appalled. Even Richard Marx, one of the artists the woman downloaded, said he was "ashamed" to be involved in the excessive punishment and called the $1.92 million fine "misguided and at worst, farcical."
It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe."
It was Jack Nicholson who said: "My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch."
January 26, 2010
Acting God/philanthropist Paul Newman would have been 85.
Guitar God Eddie Van Halen is 55.
On this day in 1970, John Lennon wrote and recorded "Instant Karma."
On this day in 1977, Peter Green, one of Fleetwood Mac's founding guitarists, was committed to an English mental home after he fired a pistol at a messenger trying to deliver a check for his Fleetwood Mac royalties.
On this day in 1997, ZZ Top, James Brown and the Blues Brothers performed during the Super Bowl XXXI halftime show. It was just as scary as it sounds.
On this day in 2003, Billy Joel was hospitalized after crashing his car into a tree in Sag Harbor, New York. He was released — seemingly unscathed — early the next morning.
Rocking The Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLIV in Miami on February 7th is going to rock! Oh sure you've got the Indianapolis Colts playing the New Orleans Saints, but The Who is doing the halftime show! Guitarist Pete Townshend says, "We're kinda doing a mash-up of stuff. A bit of 'Baba O'Riley,' a bit of 'Pinball Wizard,' a bit of the close of 'Tommy,' a bit of 'Who Are You,' and a bit of 'Won't Get Fooled Again.' It works — it's quite a saga. A lot of the stuff that we do has that kind of celebratory vibe about it — we've always tried to make music that allows the audience to go a bit wild if they want to. Hopefully it will hit the spot." As long as it's loud enough, you know it will!
On The Wagon With Mr. Richards
Word from jolly old England is that the ultimate icon of hard living, Mr. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, has gone on the wagon. The 66-year-old rock god finally quit after getting strict orders from his doctor — and watching bandmate Ronnie Wood's life unravel through alcoholism. The Brit press are saying that Keef hasn't touched a drop of booze for four months, and he "has started to feel for the first time like it might do him some good to give up the booze for a while." Right so!
One Big Ass Merger
U.S. Department of Justice approved the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster yesterday. Combining the two biggest players in the $4.4 billion worldwide concert business, the new Live Nation Entertainment will affect every live-music fan, artist, agent, manager and promoter. Ticketmaster has exclusive ticketing deals with most of the major U.S. arenas, while Live Nation owns and operates 140 top venues overall, including most of the amphitheatres. And, of course, Ticketmaster sells over 140 million tickets a year. Before approving the merger, U.S. attorneys forced Ticketmaster to license its software to top competitor AEG Live and forbade the merged company from retaliating against any concert venue that uses a non-Ticketmaster ticketing outlet.
Vultures On TV
Them Crooked Vultures will be the musical guests on an episode of Saturday Night Live next month. The supergroup, which consists of John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, will perform (at an incredibly high volume) on the late night comedy show on February 6th.
Headlining Wrigley (Finally!)
It only makes sense! Word is that Chicago's famed Wrigley Field baseball stadium is considering hosting a Summer concert series. Among the names being discussed to play the home of the Cubs are Billy Joel and Elton John, Paul McCartney and the Dave Matthews Band. Stay tuned!
It was Charles Wadsworth who said: "By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong."
It was Stuart Hughes who said: "No issue is too small that it can't be blown out of proportion."
January 27, 2010
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have been 254.
Blues guitar legend Elmore James would have been 92.
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason is 66.
Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey and J. Geils Band keyboardist Seth Justman are both 59.
On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released six weeks after he'd been killed in a plane crash. Recorded just three days before he died, it became his only #1 hit.
On this day in 1971, David Bowie arrived in the United States for his first promotional tour. While he didn't actually perform any live dates, he did manage to raise a few eyebrows by wearing a gingham dress.
Haiti Tops Chart
Last Friday's "Hope For Haiti Now" telethon has already raised over $61 million for the victims of the devastating earthquake, and today its soundtrack/compilation album is expected to debut at the top of the Billboard 200. The 20-track album, which would become the first digital-only production to top the charts in the U.S., features songs from stars like Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bono & The Edge, Taylor Swift and Jay-Z. The performance that has drawn the most charity downloads on iTunes internationally has been Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris' incredible duet on Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Right so!
Playing The Tyler Depot
In the midst of Steven Tyler's rehab for his addiction to pain killers, he's been popping up all over the Inland Empire. The impossible to miss Aerosmith singer hit a karaoke bar last Tuesday, and ended up performing during a shopping trip to the Rancho Mirage Home Depot on Saturday. Tyler sang "Dude Looks Like a Lady" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" over the store's loudspeaker, and even took a few hits off the balloon helium tank to sing like a Chipmunk as he signed autographs for anyone who asked. No word if he got a discount on his purchases, but you know everyone had a real good time!
Dave's Summer Jaunt
Just like The Allman Brothers Band did for so many years, the Dave Matthews Band will be jamming all over the country again this Summer. Dave's massive four-month tour will start Memorial Day weekend in Connecticut, followed by a spot at the Bonnaroo Festival. He and his band will also do a two-night stand at New York's Citi Field and a three-night stand at The Gorge in George, Washington (no, really!). Closer to home, you can count on stops at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on August 21st and the Hollywood Bowl on August 23rd.
The Loudest Festival Ever
This year's Download Festival in the U.K. is going to be so loud that you'll be able to hear it as you sit by your pool! AC/DC will join Them Crooked Vultures, Megadeth, Stone Temple Pilots and Motörhead over the course of the June 11th - 13th bash. Of special note, this year marks the 30th anniversary of rock festivals at Donington, dating back to the first Monsters of Rock in 1980.
Eddie's Bruce For You
Eddie Vedder's epic cover (with a gospel choir) of Bruce Springsteen's "My City Of Ruins" has just been made available as a download through Pearl Jam's Ten Club and iTunes. Proceeds will go to Artists for Peace and Justice Haiti Relief. The track was recorded at last December's 32nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors.
Santana Extends
Gotta pay those bills! Carlos Santana is extending his band's "Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits" residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. How do February, April and May fit into your schedule?
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Youth is wasted upon the young."
It was Jack Handy who said: "Before criticizing people, walk a mile in their shoes. Then when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away and have their shoes."
Todd Rocks For Cause
Next Monday, 6p - 9p: House Of Blues – Anaheim. Uncle Joe will be hosting the Todd Rocks Benefit Concert, featuring an all-star band including Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, famed drummer Mark Shulman, Broadway star Jon Abrams and several former students of the Irvine Music Academy. Todd Larsen, founder of the Irvine Music Academy and a 14-year veteran coach in the 2,000+ member Irvine Swim League, was diagnosed with a deadly leukemia last Fall. The Todd Rocks Benefit Concert is the latest in a series of fundraisers that the Orange County community has put together to help out. So join us for some rockin' good music, to have fun and to help a really great cause!
January 28, 2010
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his national television debut on "The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show" on CBS.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones recorded a five song demo with producer Glyn Johns, vainly hoping to interest a record label.
On this day in 1967, Buffalo Springfield released "For What It's Worth."
On this day in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made its first non-nightclub appearance opening for The Who at London's Saville Theater. No guitars were burned, but everyone was deafened and had the time of their lives!
On this day in 1978, Van Halen unleashed "You Really Got Me," the first single from their self-titled debut album, and Kansas released "Dust In The Wind," the biggest song of their career.
On this day in 1978, the Doobie Brothers guest starred on "What's Happening!!," yielding the infamous line, "Which Doobie you be?" Who said Seventies TV sitcoms lacked depth?
On this day in 1985, a Who's Who in the music world showed up at the legendary A&M Studios in Hollywood to "check their egos at the door" and record "We Are The World" to aid Ethiopian famine relief. The most casual of all was Bruce Springsteen, who parked his car in a public lot across the street and walked on in.
On this day in 2005, Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi died in London at the age of 60 after a fight with stomach cancer.
On this day in 2009, Lynyrd Skynyrd piano player Billy Powell died of heart failure in his Florida home at the age of 56.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Rush as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist/singer Geddy Lee on over 90 stations. Stream on!
Encore At The Hall
The "From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen" exhibit at Cleveland's "Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame" has been extended through the end of this year. The huge collection of Springsteen artifacts, handwritten lyrics and guitars had been scheduled to close in April, but the public's response has been overwhelming. Several new items have been added since last year's April opening, including Springsteen's first car and his 2009 Kennedy Center Honor and Golden Globe Award.
AC/DC Does Ironman
How better to amp up "Iron Man 2," the sequel to the hit 2008 film, than to have AC/DC's music pumping through the flick louder than hell. But wait — there's more! On April 19th, the Aussie band will unleash their latest 15-song greatest hits-type compilation, "AC/DC: Iron Man 2." Rock on marketing!
John, Bob & Jennifer To The White House
John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will be among the performers at the "In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement" concert. Morgan Freeman and Queen Latifah will emcee as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host the February 11th special which will air on PBS from the White House's East Room.
Jon On Tina (Sort Of)
Talk about a heart warming story. Jon Bon Jovi will appear in the Valentines Day-themed episode of the NBC-TV series "30 Rock," joining several other guest actors playing Tina Fey's former love interests. Oh that Tina!
Slash's Solo
Slash has finally set April 6th for the release of his upcoming solo album, "Slash." Among the many guest musicians he recruited for the project are Ozzy Osbourne, Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Chili Peppers bassist Flea. By the way, the British version of the CD will come with a special 132-page issue of "Classic Rock Magazine" focusing entirely on Slash's career.
It was Lord Northcliffe who said: "News is what somebody somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is advertising."
It was Mike Ditka who said: "Success isn't permanent and failure isn't fatal."
January 29, 2010
On this day in 1977, the Eagles hit #1 with the "Hotel California" album, and the song "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1979, Emerson, Lake & Palmer disbanded for the first time.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend. They split a year later.
On this day in 1992, blues great Willie Dixon died of heart failure in Burbank at the age of 76.
GRAMMY Time
Did you realize that The Recording Academy will present 99 of their 109 awards before the televised 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony even begins this Sunday evening? And a viewing tip: among hundreds (if not thousands) of pop and R&B performers on the televised show, you'll most likely want to keep your eye on Elton John and Lady GaGa, who may or may not be climbing all over each other. Bon Jovi, Slash and Green Day should also provide interesting counterpoints to the rest of the live programing going on in the Staples Center. Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Pearl Jam are among the nominees who won't be performing.
Ripping Off Joe Walsh
So what's with Republication candidates and copyright infringement? Occasional Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh is in battle over intellectual property law with Joe Walsh the Republican Candidate for Congress in Illinois' 8th District. At the heart of the dispute is the slime ball politician's "Lead The Way" campaign video featuring a re-recording of the James Gang's hit "Walk Away," which was originally written and performed by rocker Walsh. The pair have exchanged a series of open letters, with the politician's posturing growing ever odious.
All Hail Neil
As this year's GRAMMY Awards week heads into Sunday's grand finale, tonight is Neil Young's special evening. The rock icon is being honored as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of both his artistic achievements and his philanthropic work for charities, such as Farm Aid and the Bridge School for children with special needs. After Neil is honored at the gala dinner, a star-studded tribute concert will feature (in alphabetical order): Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Sir Elton John, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and James Taylor, among others. A special night indeed!
The Brit Invasion Returns
"The British Invasion" documentary series, first released in the U.K. last September, is coming Stateside in March. The first four DVDs include "Dusty Springfield: Once Upon A Time, 1964-1969," "Small Faces: All Or Nothing, 1965-1968," "Gerry & The Pacemakers: It's Gonna Be All Right, 1963-1965" and "Herman's Hermits: Listen People, 1964-1969." Each features television performances filmed in the Sixties, a 24-page booklet filled with stories and interviews with the artists.
Thought For The Weekend
It was Ogden Nash who said:
"To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong admit it;
Whenever you're right shut up."
January 30, 2010
Jefferson Airplane's founder, Marty Balin, is 68.
Steve Marriott, the cheeky singer for the Small Faces and Humble Pie, would have been 63.
The multi-talented singer/drummer for Genesis, and uber-solo artist, Phil Collins, is 59.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles did their last public performance on the very chilly rooftop of their Apple Corp. Building in London. They played 42 minutes before the cops shut them down. A portion of that performance showed up in the "Let It Be" movie, another portion surfaced on the "Let It Be" album.
On this day in 1971, "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.
On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's recording of the Kris Kristofferson song "Me and Bobby McGee" was released (four months after her death from a heroin overdose). It soon became her only #1 hit.
On this day in 1973, KISS performed together for the first time in makeup at Queens' Popcorn Club. Guitarist Paul Stanley later said that the makeup was inspired by the New York Dolls' outrageous appearance.
On this day in 1982, blues guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins died from cancer in Houston at the age of 79.
On this day in 1988, Aerosmith's "Angel" broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 1998, Sir Elton John received his knighthood from the real Queen of England.
January 31, 2010
Guitarist Terry Kath of Chicago would have been 64.
John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) of the Sex Pistols is a very cranky 54.
On this day in 1967, Jack Bruce of Cream and lyricist Peter Brown wrote "Sunshine Of Your Love" at about 5:30am ("It's getting near dawn...").
On this day in 1970, "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.
On this day in 2009, Buffalo Springfield drummer Dewey Martin passed away in his Van Nuys home at the age of 68.