February 21 - 28, 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!
February 21, 2008
Talking Heads keyboardist Jerry Harrison is 61.
On this day in 1975, David Bowie released his "Young Americans" album.
On this day in 1976, Peter Frampton's "Show Me The Way" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1981, AC/DC's "Back In Black" peaked at #37 on the singles chart.
February 22, 2010
On this day in 1965, The Beatles flew to the Bahamas to begin filming their second movie, "Help!"
On this day in 1967, The Beatles recorded the piano chord used at the end of "A Day in the Life."
On this day in 1968, Genesis released their debut single, "The Silent Sun." It really wasn't very good, but they eventually scored a commercial breakthrough — 10 years later.
On this day in 1969, The Beatles began sessions for their "Abbey Road" album with a take of John Lennon's "I Want You (She's So Heavy)."
On this day in 1969, T. Rex kicked off a British tour with a young David Bowie as the opening act. For this auspicious debut, David bypassed a musical performance to do a mime about a Tibetan monk. No, really — I didn't make that up.
On this day in 1975, Grand Funk Railroad's "Some Kind Of Wonderful" peaked at #3 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1978, The Police appeared as blondes in an advertisement for Wrigley's chewing gum. They never made a group decision to keep the look, but it sure worked out for them.
On this day in 1979, "Rolling Stone" magazine reported that Journey had entered into a deal with Budweiser, becoming one of the first corporate sponsorship agreements between a company and a rock act. Thus did their staging become bigger, video screens were added and Mick Jagger took serious notice of a new way to finance tours.
Off Today
After two weeks of intense racing, it's time for a day (or two) of R&R (Rest & Relaxation, not Rock & Roll!). Maintain as if nothing were amiss and I'll be back!
Townshend's Ears (Again)
After rocking 150 million viewers during Super Bowl XLIV's halftime show, The Who seemed ready to springboard into a busy 2010 with appearances at the Coachella and New Orleans Jazz Festivals. But now we find out that the band's future is uncertain because of Pete Townshend's returning tinnitus. "If my hearing is going to be a problem, we're not delaying shows. We're finished. I can't really see any way around the issue." Neil Young put Townshend in touch with an audiologist who recommended an in-ear monitor that may prevent any further damage. Townshend will try it out when The Who perform their "Quadrophenia" album in its entirety during their March 30th charity show in London. As the ever optimistic Roger Daltrey says, "We won't know until we try."
It's Knebworth All Over Again
Good news if you can't remember the huge 1990 concert at England's Knebworth House which benefitted the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and the Brit School of Performing Arts. The line-up included a few people you might be familiar with, like Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Elton John and Genesis. among many others. Now you can celebrate that amazing gig on its 20th anniversary with the remastered re-release of the double-CD "Live at Knebworth" package. Sadly you'll have to wait until March 23rd to get your hands on it.
New/Old Dead
Been a while since you heard some legendary jamming? Then you need to hear the Grateful Dead's July 7, 1989 show at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. The gig is being released as "Crimson White & Indigo," a three-CD/one-DVD set featuring 19 songs and a booklet with rare photos, all on sale at Best Buy on March 30th.
Selling Those Eagles
Have you been wondering who scored the most gold and platinum certifications for albums, videos, digital singles and ringtones over the past ten years? Turns out that of all the groups old and new, the Eagles scored 48 — way more than any other group. Michael Jackson led male solo artists with 44 and Beyonce topped everyone with 64. Guess those darn Eagles aren't playing the historic Hollywood Bowl on April 16th, 17th, and 20th because they need the cash!
Looking For Love (And A New Sugar Daddy)
Paul McCartney's ex-wife, Heather Mills, is telling anyone who'll listen that she's already spent most of her $38.1 million divorce settlement money. Mills and Macca married in 2002 and split in 2006. They have a six-year-old daughter, Beatrice.
It was Bill Cosby who said: "Parents aren't interested in justice, they are interested in quiet."
It was William Arthur Ward who said: "It is wise to direct your anger towards problems, not people; to focus your energies on answers, not excuses."
February 23, 2010
Blues guitarist Johnny Winter is 66.
Guitarist Rusty Young of Poco is 64.
Sweet bassist/singer Steven Priest is 62.
Guitarist Brad Whitford of Aerosmith is 58.
On this day in 1972, Pink Floyd began recording the soundtrack for "Obscured by Clouds" at the Chateau d'Herouville in France.
On this day in 1974, Billy Joel's "Piano Man" entered the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
On this day in 1979, Dire Straits began their first American tour in Boston.
On this day in 1980, Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" hit #1. It's true, Freddie Mercury wrote it while in a bathtub.
On this day in 1980, the Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why" broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 2003, bassist Howie Epstein of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers died of an overdose in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the age of 47.
Now They Don't Want To Sell It
It's amazing how quickly a ton of bad publicity can change a big company's course of action. After a worldwide outcry over its plans to sell off the legendary Abbey Road Studios, music industry giant EMI now says that it will not, in fact, sell the famed Beatles and Pink Floyd recording studio, but revitalize it instead. They now say that the studios have, for a number of years, been losing money, and are looking to "involve a substantial injection of new capital." Yeah, sure... that's what they meant.
Nada Billy & Elty
Billy Joel and Sir Elton John have scrapped plans to tour together again this Summer. Elton says, "It's not my decision, it's Billy's. He has decided to take a year off. It doesn't gel with my plans but he's a friend. And as an artist you have to respect his decision."
When You're Strange
The highly anticipated Doors documentary "When You're Strange: A Film About The Doors" has finally been set for release in select U.S. theaters on April 9th. The film, which chronicles the rise and fall of the Sixties icons with vintage film clips, is narrated by Johnny Depp and features a special voiceover by KLOS' Jim Ladd. "They say if you remember the '60s you weren't there," producer Dick Wolf said of the film... This movie is the story of the band but it is also an insight into a moment in time that will never be repeated."
Eric & Jeff
Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck's first ever full length American concert sure rocked Madison Square Garden in New York last Thursday. Beck opened with a 45-minute solo set, then Clapton began his solo set with four acoustic songs before rocking the capacity crowd. Jeff and E.C. then performed eight songs together, featuring Cream's "Outside Woman Blues" and "(I Want To Take You) Higher" before hitting the crowd with "Crossroads" for the encore. The two wrapped up their mini-tour last night in Montreal. Sad to say it sure doesn't seem as though they'll be coming to the Southland this year, although a DVD of the New York show may.
It was Dr. Seuss who said: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
It was Barry LePatner who said: "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment."
So What's Your Excuse?
While the economy has forced most of us to curb spending, it doesn't seem to have had much effect on suppressing people's desires to get close. Nearly four out of five of those responding to a Consumer Reports National Research Center poll say financial problems haven't affected their sex lives, with 79% noting they haven't changed the frequency in which they get intimate with their partner. However, the economy could be indirectly causing problems in the bedroom. More than 80% admit that over the past year they've skipped opportunities to have sex. Insomnia and illness — both of which can be brought on by stress — are the top two reasons why, with 53% saying they've been "too tired" for sex and 49% noting they've felt "too sick."
February 24, 2010
For many years George Harrison believed he was born on February 25th, but in 1992, he announced, "I only learned recently after all these years that the date and time of my own birth have always been off by one calendar day and about a half hour on the clock." So in fact, though we still celebrate it on the 25th, his birthday was really today. He would have been 67.
Keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, who most notably played with The Rolling Stones and The Who, would have been 64.
The mighty George Thorogood is 60.
On this day in 1958, The Champs' "Tequila" broke into the Top 40 within a month and stayed on top of the charts for five weeks, thereby assuring the fall of Western civilization.
On this day in 1969, the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed its last concert, at London's Royal Albert Hall.
On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin released the album "Physical Graffiti," the group's long awaited follow-up to 1973's "Houses of the Holy." The double-album hit #1 on the "Billboard" charts two weeks later, a record at the time.
On this day in 1979, "Roxanne" by The Police entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1998, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Elton John at Buckingham Palace.
Mucho Mas Macca
Do you think Paul McCartney will be satisfied with just two Hollywood Bowl shows (March 30th and 31st)? Macca guarantees that he'll be playing Beatles hits, Wings tunes and songs from his solo career throughout his 2010 "Up And Coming" Tour, so you know the show will rock. More dates are expected to be announced soon.
The Queen Says...
Sensing a threat to their tax base, as well as a worldwide PR coup, the British bureaucracy has saved Abbey Road Studios! With word that EMI was trying to sell the legendary studios where The Beatles and Pink Floyd famously worked, the U.K. government has suddenly given the building Historical Grade II protected status. Grade II does not prohibit changes to the building but stipulates that "care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered." Why they waited until yesterday to declare the building, which was erected in the 1830s, a historical landmark in a 2,050-year-old city certainly has more to do with taxes than art. But just the same, the hallowed halls are now protected. That's why longtime owners EMI are now repeating over and over that they didn't really intend to sell the studios, they're just talking with third parties about revitalizing the site.
Battle Of The Bands
Though it will be a record only until U2 takes their 360° Tour to Australia, the 212,729 tickets AC/DC just sold for three shows at ANZ Stadium in Sydney has officially made them the biggest outdoor band in Australian history. U2's 2006 "Vertigo Tour" sold 211,747 tickets at the same venue, but their 360° staging (The Claw!) allows for an average 15%-20% increase in audience size. The two bands are also in the running to be the biggest employers in the worldwide concert business. The Aussies employ 500 security, ushers and service staff at each concert, and travel with over 100 staff members who supervise the production of the shows (and fetch various beverages for the band). U2's traveling with 137 staffers and employing 120 trucks just to transport each of the 3 sets constructed to support the tour. Rock on!
Inducting The Inductees
With the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony taking place on March 15th in New York, you can count on Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio to induct Genesis, Steven Van Zandt to induct The Hollies, Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees to induct ABBA, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong to honor The Stooges and Jackson Browne will induct David Geffen.
Sting Plays Big
While it's doubtful they'll all be traveling on the same bus, Sting is going to tour with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra this Summer. The performances of some of his hits re-configured into symphonic arrangements will start in Vancouver on June 2nd before hitting the Hollywood Bowl on June 15th.
It was Carl Zwanzig who said: "Duct tape is like the Force. It has a dark side, it has a light side, and it holds the Universe together."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "Do what you feel in your heart to be right — for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."
February 25, 2010
For many years George Harrison believed he was born today. But in 1992, he announced "I only learned recently after all these years that the date and time of my own birth have always been off by one calendar day and about a half hour on the clock." So in fact, his birthday was really yesterday, February 24th. He would have been 67.
On this day in 1957, Buddy Holly & The Crickets did their first session with New Mexico record producer Norman Petty. They recorded "That'll Be the Day," which soon became their first #1 and biggest hit.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles released the single "Penny Lane" backed with "Strawberry Fields Forever."
On this day in 1993, Marshall Tucker Band guitarist Toy Caldwell died of heart failure at age 45 in his Spartanburg, South Carolina home.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of (and conversation with) Eric Clapton on over 90 stations. Stream on!
Daltrey & Page (Maybe)
Following the news that The Who's Pete Townshend is again struggling with tinnitus — a loud "ringing in the ears" — that is forcing the mighty band to cancel gigs, singer Roger Daltrey was asked what he might be up for next. His quick reply: "I'd love to do something, I'd love to do an album with Jimmy Page. He needs a singer to drive him... and I'm a great blues singer." But before any possible collaboration with the Led Zeppelin mastermind can take place, Daltrey is doing a short tour with Eric Clapton. Then he and Pete (testing a new in-ear monitor as suggested by Neil Young) will perform their entire "Quadrophenia" album at the March 30th Teenage Trust Cancer benefit concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. After that, let's hope Pagey is fully rested and ready to rock!
Ray/Bruce/Jon/Metallica
Singer Ray Davies says that he'd like to add Metallica to the list of artists who've helped him rework some of The Kinks' hits for his next album. The 65-year-old has already recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, the Killers and Lucinda Williams. He reports that, "Bruce took about two or three hours and Jon about the same, but they were well-prepped and I was very impressed... I'm thrilled to have done the tracks with those two guys." Davies and Metallica became a mutual admiration society after they first performed together last October as part of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 25th anniversary celebration concert. This should be interesting!
More More Allmans
More Allman Brothers Band just for you! The boys are releasing a deluxe 45-CD box set of live material from last year's 40th anniversary run at The Beacon Theatre in New York. The "Beacon Box," packaged in a wood case with a glossy booklet, souvenir backstage passes and other bonus material is available through the Brother's website, Hittin' The Note. The A.B.B. will return to New York next month for another Spring residency. However, because The Beacon is currently booked with a new Cirque du Soleil production, the band will be jamming for 13 nights at Harlem's United Palace Theater.
It was Mae West who said: "She's the kind of girl who climbed the ladder of success wrong by wrong."
It was Henry David Thoreau who said: "It's not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?"
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February 26, 2010
Johnny Cash would have been 77.
Rock & Roll Icon Mitch Ryder is 66.
Keyboardist Jonathan Cain of Journey is 60.
On this day in 1966, "19th Nervous Breakdown" by The Rolling Stones entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, the song "Hotel California" by the Eagles entered the charts.
On this day in 1987, the first four Beatles albums were released on Compact Disc.
On this day in 2008, drummer Buddy Miles died of congestive heart failure at his home in Austin, Texas at the age of 60. During his long career Miles had worked with many musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Wilson Pickett, Carlos Santana, David Bowie and Stevie Wonder.
Petty's Rockin' Mojo
As hoped, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will hit the road on May 6th in support of the bluesy "Mojo," their first studio album in eight years. The mix of special guests joining the tour include My Morning Jacket, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joe Cocker, ZZ Top and Drive-By Truckers. The "Mojo" tour runs across America through late August with a special Hollywood Bowl stop on May 22nd and a Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre show on June 3rd. You really should check out the song "Good Enough" from the LP right now at TomPetty.com!
Aero-Aero-Aerosmith
Remember to act surprised when you hear this. Aerosmith has officially announced their "Cocked, Loaded and Ready to Rock Tour" with Steven Tyler singing (as if there would be anyone else capable!). The quick little overseas Summer tour kicks off on June 10th at the Sweden Rock Festival, and (so far) runs through Italy's Venice Festival on July 3rd. Of course they haven't announced any American gigs yet, but stay tuned!
Exile At Last!
After a very difficult remastering effort due to the quality of the master tapes, The Rolling Stones will finally be reissuing their iconic "Exile on Main Street" album on May 18th. The re-release will also include 10 never-before-heard tracks, and as you'd expect, a deluxe edition of the reissue will boast the "Stones In Exile" documentary DVD, vinyl and a 50-page photo book. No word if vast quantities of drugs are referenced in the documentary, but the remastered music itself should tell some tales.
Heavy Filming
The directors of the highly acclaimed "Iron Maiden: Flight 666" and "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" films have been working on a documentary about Rush over the past two years. Now, according to fan site Power Windows, the flick is expected to be out on DVD on May 18th. The aptly titled movie, "Rush: The Documentary," boasts contributions from Metallica, Foo Fighters, KISS and many others. This will rock!
It was Mahatma Gandhi who said: "There is more to life than increasing its speed."
It was Calvin Coolidge who said: "No man ever listened himself out of a job."
February 27, 2010
Guitarist Neal Schon of Journey and Santana fame is 56.
Singer Johnny Van Zandt of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 51.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd recorded their debut single, "Arnold Layne." Based on the true story of a man arrested for stealing women's underwear off of clothes lines (three years before The Kinks recorded "Lola"), the single eventually sold tens of copies.
On this day in 1977, Rolling Stone Keith Richards got busted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who found 22 grams of heroin, five grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia in his Toronto hotel suite. Talk about your wicked room service!
On this day in 2003, pioneering children's TV host Fred "Mister Rogers" died of cancer at age 74.
February 28, 2010
Driving legend Mario Andretti is 70.
Brian Jones, founding member of The Rolling Stones, would have been 68.
On this day in 1970, under the threat of a serious lawsuit from the family of Ferdinand Von Zeppelin, the brand new Led Zeppelin band performed in Denmark under the name The Nobs (English slang for male genitalia).
On this day in 1970, "No Time" by the Guess Who peaked at #5 on the charts as Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" hit #1 for the first of six weeks.
On this day in 1970, "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)" by John Lennon and "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum both entered the charts.
On this day in 1976, the Eagles released their "Greatest Hits" collection, which eventually became the best-selling record in America ever.
On this day in 1977, bluesman Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White died of cancer in Memphis at age 75.
On this day in 1981, Billy Idol left Generation X to pursue a solo career just as Rockpile drummer Terry Williams joined Dire Straits.
On this day in 1983, U2 released their "War" album.