March 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!
March 11, 2010
On this day in 1978, Steely Dan's "Peg" peaked at #11 as Lynyrd Skynyrd's "What's Your Name" peaked at #13 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton recorded an episode of "MTV Unplugged." The resulting album, released over Slowhand's objection, became the best-selling album of his career. Lesson learned: Don't expect your guitar gods to know retail.
On this day in 1997, former Beatle Paul McCartney became Sir Paul McCartney at the hand of his Queen. Shortly afterward, Ringo Starr and George Harrison began referring to their former bandmate as "His Holiness."
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of David Bowie as well as conversation with Bowie, drummer Aynsley Dunbar and producer Ken Scott. Stream on!
Crowes Go Festing
As expected, the Black Crowes will do a handful of festival gigs this Spring. An April 23rd gig at the New Orleans Jazz Fest will be their first of the year, followed by the Hangout Festival in Alabama, Arkansas' Riverfest and Kentucky's HullabaLOU Festival. Right in the middle of that run is our own Doheney Blues Festival on May 22nd. Rock on!
Ray To SXSW
Ray Davies has added the annual SXSW Music Conference in Austin to his mini-tour. Next Thursday Ray will reportedly perform some solo material with the help of guitarist Bill Shanley before joining L.A.'s The 88 to close out the set with some Kinks hits. Reason enough to go to Austin!
Jackson/Lindley
Jackson Browne has talked guitar whiz David Lindley into venturing out on the road with him again. Their 16-date mini-tour will be in support of their long delayed, live album "Love Is Strange," which was taped during the duo's 2006 tour. The pair will launch their road trip in Las Vegas on July 20th, play our Greek Theatre July 23rd and wrap things up in Atlanta on August 15th.
Slash's Dora Art
Nickelodeon's limited-edition series of celebrity-designed backpacks will be auctioned off this Summer in 11 different countries. Because the U.S. proceeds will benefit the Children's Defense Fund, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash has stepped up to design a Dora the Explorer backpack for charity. Why Dora? Perhaps because Slash's entire life has been an adventure!
Steve's Post Hall Of Fame Release
Former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett will finally release his 22nd solo album in Stateside on June 8th. The eight-song "Out of the Tunnel's Mouth (featuring a song recorded with Genesis' first guitarist, Anthony Philips) was supposed to make its U.S. debut last October, but was sidetracked by legal issues. Hackett, Phillips and former Genesis bandmates Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 15th. So is their former singer, Peter Gabriel, but he's refused to show up for the party.
It was Thomas Jefferson who said: "He who knows best knows how little he knows."
It was Steven Wright who said: "You can't have everything... where would you put it?"
Over/Under
Cottonelle's nationwide "Roll Poll" reveals that 72% of Americans like their toilet paper to go over the roll, while just 28% prefer it under the roll. Strangely enough, California (54% "over"/64% "under") is one of only four states with less than an 80% preference of "overs." Nearly 75% of "overs" say they always notice when the toilet paper is hung "wrong," and 24% admit they get annoyed if the roll has been hung improperly. Psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Gilda Carle says people's rolling preferences indicate something about their personality. "People who 'roll over' like taking charge, crave organization and are likely to overachieve. It seems to me that Americans are passionate about rolling over due to the sense of control that it gives them."
March 12, 2010
Singer extraordinaire James Taylor is 62.
Keyboardist Billy Payne of Little Feat is 61.
Badfinger drummer Mike Gibbins would have been 61.
On this day in 1969, Beatle Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman.
At 9:30pm E.S.T. on this day in 1971, the Allman Brothers Band began recording their legendary "At the Fillmore East" album.
On this day in 1974, John Lennon and fellow songwriter Harry Nilsson were thrown out of the Troubadour in West Hollywood for being far, far, far too drunk. The stories and photos in the press brought to a head Lennon's troubled life when he and Yoko Ono were separated.
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle" peaked at #2, Bob Seger's "Night Moves" peaked at #4, and Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" topped out at #10.
On this day in 2007, Van Halen, R.E.M. and Patti Smith were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Idol Stones
Two years after "American Idol" featured the music of The Beatles, the Top 12 contestants will be singing (or attempting to sing) Rolling Stones songs for next week's show. It's too early in the competition for celebrity mentors, so you shouldn't expect Mick Jagger or Keith Richards to participate, although Keef certainly could offer some valuable/entertaining partying advice to the novices!
Floyd Win
Pink Floyd won their lawsuit over single-song downloads against EMI, immediately halting the digital sale of the band's individual tracks. Under the terms of their 1999 contract that predated iTunes and other digital-music retailers, the band mandated its songs could not be offered outside the context of their original albums. While EMI argued the contract only covered physical and not digital releases, the judge ruled for the Floyd. Now EMI must immediately pay $60,000 for the band's legal fees while the court determines how much the label should pay in fines and damages. Seeing as only The Beatles' back catalog is more profitable than Pink Floyd's, millions of dollars will be at stake. Perhaps that's why EMI Music CEO Elio Leoni-Sceti suddenly announced he'll be leaving the company at the end of this month!
P.J.'s Road Trip
After you watch Pearl Jam perform on "Saturday Night Live" tomorrow night, you can chase them across America as they roll into a month-long slate of shows, kicking off at the New Orleans' Jazz Festival on May 1st. They'll finish that run with two shows at New York's Madison Square Garden on May 20th and 21st. Sorry, no Southland gigs this time around.
Slash's Line-Up
Slash has finally set the line-up for his touring band — and they should be great! He previously had announced Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy as the vocalist, and has now confirmed rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck, bassist Dave Henning and drummer Brent Fitz. The itinerary for his Spring tour will be announced shortly.
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."
It was Steven Wright who said: "Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country."
It was Paul Harvey who said: If there is a 50-50 chance that something can go wrong, then nine times out of ten it will."
Spring Ahead
At 2 am this Sunday, groggy Americans will turn their clocks forward one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). The time shift runs (in most States) from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. Have fun adapting on Monday!
March 13, 2010
Bassist Adam Clayton of U2 is a well-dressed 50.
On this day in 1852, Uncle Sam first appeared in a political cartoon.
On this day in 1935, Donald Duck made his crotchety debut.
On this day in 1965, Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds to play the blues with John Mayall. (Six months later he left Mayall's band.)
On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You" entered the U.S. singles charts as The Beatles hit #1 with "Eight Days A Week."
On this day in 1966, Pink Floyd played their first gig at London's legendary Marquee Club (previous home to The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds and The Who).
Remember how I mentioned yesterday that in 1970, the Allman Brothers Band began recording the gig that became their live "At the Fillmore East" album? It was around 3am on this day in 1970 that they finished playing.
On this day in 1971, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's song "Lucky Man" entered the charts where, a few weeks later, it peaked at #48.
On this day in 1976, the Eagles' "Take It To The Limit" peaked at #4 as "Love Hurts" by Nazareth topped out at #8 and Foghat's "Slow Ride" charted at #20.
March 14, 2010
Railroad engineer Casey Jones would have been 147 today — and the Grateful Dead song would have had a completely different ending!
Quincy Jones, a true musical genius, is 77.
Saxophonist Walter Parazaider of Chicago is 65.
On this day in 1964, as The Beatles' cover of "Twist And Shout" entered the charts, Billboard magazine reported that the Fab Four's records made up 60% of the singles market.
On this day in 1981, Genesis singer/drummer Phil Collins' first solo album, "Face Value," entered the charts. It eventually sold over four million copies — more than any Genesis album to that date!
On this day in 1981, Eric Clapton was admitted to a St. Paul, Minnesota hospital after a serious attack of bleeding ulcers. He was forced to cancel a 60-date U.S. tour and eventually quit drinking.
March 15, 2010
The Ides Of March Rock & Roll B-day Boys
Blues guitar legend Lightnin' Hopkins would have been 98.
Bassist Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead is 70.
Beach Boy Mike Love is 69.
Superflake Sly Stone is 67.
Legendary guitarist & producer Ry Cooder is 63.
On this day in 1975, The Doobie Brothers' "Black Water" hit #1 and ELO's "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" peaked at #9 as Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" broke into the Top 100 singles chart.
On this day in 1980, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Refugee" peaked at #15 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1986, The Rolling Stones' "Harlem Shuffle" and Van Halen's "Why Can't This Be Love" both broke into the Top 40.
On this day in 1999, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
On this day in 2004, the late George Harrison, Traffic, ZZ Top, Bob Seger and Jackson Browne were among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hall Of Fame Tonight
This is the night Genesis, The Hollies, The Stooges, ABBA and Jimmy Cliff will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Record/film mogul David Geffen will also be inducted as a non-performer with the Ahmet Ertegun Award, as will songwriters Mort Shuman, Jesse Stone and Otis Blackwell, and songwriting teams Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, and Jeff Barry & Ellie Greenwich. It seems unlikely that any of the inductees — besides The Stooges — will perform, but there'll be stories to tell!
Old White Guy Says Bruce Is Evil
Talk about running short on ranting material, bombastic conservative talk show host Glenn Beck has identified Bruce Springsteen's 1984 "Born In The U.S.A." hit single as a perfect example of the politics that are killing the country. The loudmouthed carny explained the evilness of Bruce to this weekend's 2010 Conservative Political Action Conference by saying, "The, you know, this is the thing that, people who come from the Soviet-bloc or Cuba, they're all saying, 'How do you guys not hear this? How do you not see this?' Well, that's 'cause we don't ever expect it." Other speakers included former Attorney General John Ashcroft and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich — both of whom lost their jobs in disgrace. Gotta think that Judy Collins' "Send In The Clowns" would have been perfect theme music for the event.
Canucks To Hail Rush
Bypassed again by the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Rush will be honored at the sixth annual Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame gala on March 28th. The formal induction ceremony at the Toronto Centre for the Arts will feature top rock acts from Canada and the U.S. performing songs by the legendary trio. Can't wait to see who attempts a Neil Peart drum solo!
It was Mark Twain who said: "Often it seems a pity that Noah and his party did not miss the boat."
It was Katherine Whitehorn who said: "I am firm. You are obstinate. He is a pig-headed fool."
Brain Power/Management
In one day, the average adult speaks 48,000 words, exercises seven million brain cells, takes 23,000 breaths, laughs 15 times, and his/her heart beats 104,000 times. There is also an inverse proportion between the number of brain cells exercised and words spoken, i.e. more words/fewer brain cells used. And, of course, the closer one is to upper level management, the fewer times one's heart beats.
March 16, 2010
Original Alice Cooper Band guitarist Michael Bruce is 62.
Nancy Wilson of Heart is 56.
Current Van Halen bassist Wolfgang Van Halen is 19.
On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd began recording their debut album, "Piper at the Gates of Dawn," at Abbey Road studios.
On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" hit #1 on the singles chart just over three months after his death in a plane crash.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles released the "Let It Be" album.
On this day in 1991, Van Halen's Eddie Van Halen and wife Valerie Bertinelli became parents to son Wolfgang.
Hall Of Fame Last Night
Genesis, The Hollies, The Stooges, ABBA and Jimmy Cliff were added to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame during the 25th annual induction gala held at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel last night. As expected, the only inductees to perform were reggae master Jimmy Cliff and Iggy Pop with The Stooges. Phish performed admirably for Genesis, with drummer/singer Phil Collins, keyboardist Tony Banks, guitarist Steve Hackett and guitarist/bassist Mike Rutherford basking in the moment. While short on super stars, the evening was both quite entertaining and moving. Now we wait to see who will be skipped by the Hall next year: KISS, Rush, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, The Moody Blues, E.L.O., Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton, Heart, Bon Jovi, Journey or the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Rush: The Movie
The long awaited documentary "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage" will get its world premiere at New York's Tribeca Film Festival on May 15th. The first-ever documentary about Rush, the trio who got their start in Toronto during the late Sixties, was masterminded by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, the duo also responsible for "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey." For more info about "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage," go to http://www.tribecafilm.com.
A Really Big Show
Metallica's manager says that next year "They will only play in 10 cities, but it will be a huge undertaking. It will be Metallica's equivalent of 'The Wall.'" In the meantime, the Hall Of Famers will continue their "World Magnetic Tour 2010" in Norway next month.
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "The past is not what it was."
It was Josh Billings who said: "There's a great power in words, if you don't hitch too many of them together."
It was Harry S. Truman who said: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
March 17, 2010
Jefferson Airplane/Starship founding member/guitarist Paul Kantner is 69.
Guitarist Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy is 59. (Note: Although the band was Irish, Scott was a SoCal guy from Santa Monica.)
Guitarist/pseudo-singer Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins fame is 44.
On this day in 1967, The Grateful Dead released its self-titled debut album but no one outside of San Francisco knew what to do with it.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side Of The Moon" album entered the American charts. Little did anyone know of the impact it would have.
On this day in 1973, The Moody Blues' "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)" peaked at #12 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive released the "Bachman Turner Overdrive 2" album featuring "Let It Roll" and "Takin' Care of Business."
On this day in 1979, Bad Company released the song "Rock & Roll Fantasy" and Styx released "Renegade."
On this day in 1990, former Traffic and Blind Faith bassist Rick Grech died of a drug overdose at the age of 43.
Nick's Fantasy (Camp)
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason will be taking part in this year’s London edition of Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp. He'll be joined (so to speak) by Cream bassist Jack Bruce, Bad Company guitarist Mick Ralphs, Yes drummer Alan White and many more, all sharing their wisdom, jamming with campers and recording with them at the famed Abbey Road Studios May 25th through May 30th. Find out if you've got enough cash to join in the fun at RockCamp.com!
Scorps' Final Run
The Scorpions launched their "Get Your Sting And Blackout Farewell Tour 2010" Tuesday night in Prague. Guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who founded the band in the mid-Sixties, has said that the band wants to go out on top with this tour and the forthcoming "Sting Of The Tail" album. Be assured that U.S. concert dates will be announced shortly.
Eagles Eagles Everywhere
How are the Eagles following up three nights at the Hollywood Bowl and one night at the Honda Center in Anaheim next month? By doing a handful of stadium shows with the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. Those gigs will run from June 8th in Toronto through June 24th in St. Louis.
R.I.P Lesley
Lesley Duncan, the beautiful English singer best known for writing “Love Song,” her hit duet with Elton John, lost her battle with cerebrovascular disease at age 66 last week. You also heard her haunting voice on Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" as well as recordings by Ringo Starr and Dusty Springfield. Rest in peace.
It was Derek Bok who said: "There is far too much law for those who can afford it and far too little for those who cannot."
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said: "A woman is like a tea bag — you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water."
St. Pat Facts
Before he was declared a Saint, St. Patrick was a pig farmer in England who was carried off to Ireland as a slave. Somehow, he eventually introduced Christianity to Irish pagans and they decided he would be their Patron Saint. Although the actual date of his death was uncertain, St. Patrick definitely died in 461 A.D. The story goes that Irish historians figured he died on either March 8th or 9th, so they compromised by adding the dates together, making March 17th the official holiday date.
The truth is, St. Patrick wasn't Irish, he was British. And his color wasn't green, it was blue. Some historians think that there actually might have been TWO Saint Patricks, but neither of them looked like Bono or wore sunglasses like his. As they say in Dublin, right so and slainte (slan-cha)!
March 18, 2010
Drummer John Hartman of the Doobie Brothers is 60.
On this day in 1965, a British gas station owner refused to let The Rolling Stones use his facilities. So the long-haired hooligans took the matter into their own hands, and were arrested for urinating in public. Well after the publicity died down, Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards and bassist Bill Wyman were fined $8 each.
On this day in 1972, Neil Young topped the charts with "Heart of Gold," his only solo single to break into the Top 30.
On this day in 1978, California Jam 2 drew an estimated 250,000 fans to the Ontario Motor Speedway (the site where the Ontario Mills Outlet Mall is now located). Santana, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent and Foreigner headlined, and a live double album was issued later that Fall. To further commemorate the event, the Inland Empire birth rate spiked in December 1978.
CSN Busy
Graham Nash, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame on Monday as part of The Hollies, says he and David Crosby and Stephen Stills are about halfway through recording their Rick Rubin-produced covers album. “We recorded seven things and we love five of them... When I go back, we’re gonna do about seven other songs then go into the studio and record them before we go on the road and we’ll see if we can finish the record.” As for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Graham said, “Neil [Young] told me a couple of days ago that he’s very interested in doing a new CSNY record and he wants us to sing on this new acoustic record that he’s doing right now.” To that we say, go for it boys!
Cabo Chickenfoot
Who better to play the 20th anniversary gig at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina than Chickenfoot! Tickets (like the tequila) are first come first served to see Sammy, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith play April 22nd to April 24th at the Mexican venue.
Aerosmith's New (Sales) Record
Sure it's been a slow news week, but you have to be excited that Aerosmith set a new sales record for most tickets ever sold in Peru in one day! Fans snapped up over 10,000 tickets to the group’s May 22nd concert in Lima. Whew!
Alex R.I.P.
Singer/guitarist Alex Chilton, who as a teenager provided the lead vocals to The Box Tops hits “The Letter” and “Cry Like a Baby,” died of an apparent heart attack in a New Orleans hospital yesterday. The 59-year-old was still musically active with his highly influential group Big Star, who were slated to perform this weekend at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Rest in peace.
It was baseball legend Joe Garagiola who said: "Oh well, half of one, six dozen of the other."
It was St. Theresa of Avila who said: "I do not fear Satan half so much as I fear the fears of those who fear him."
It was Henry Ford who said: "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
Three More Late Winter Factoids
1. People burn more calories sleeping than they do watching television.
2. February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
3. The King of Hearts is the only king in the deck of cards without a mustache.
March 19, 2010
On this day in 1974, the revamped Jefferson Airplane began their first tour under the name Jefferson Starship. The line-up included singer/guitarist Paul Kantner, singer Grace Slick, drummer Johnny Barbata, keyboardist David Freiberg, bassist Peter Kaukonen, guitarist Craig Chaquico and violinist Papa John Creach.
On this day in 1976, Free guitarist Paul Kossoff died of a heart attack on a London-to-New York plane flight. The 26-year-old had been troubled with heart disease most of his life.
On this day in 1982, 25-year-old Southern California guitar legend Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane crash while touring with Ozzy Osbourne.
On this day in 1983, U2's album "War" made its first appearance on the American charts. But the Irish band had to wait until 1987 to score a major hit song in the U.S., when "With Or Without You" reached #1.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Led Zeppelin as well as conversation with guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones. Stream on!
More Historical Stones DVDs
The much-hyped release of the remastered The Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street" double album in late May will be accompanied by an international telecast of the "Stones In Exile" documentary, detailing the making of the 1972 Stones' masterpiece. Soon after the initial promotion of the release fades, that same "Stones In Exile" program — with substantial bonus material — will be released on DVD. But hold on — there's more! A fully restored version of the 1974 concert film "Ladies and Gentlemen... The Rolling Stones" — filmed during the 1972 "Exile on Main Street" tour — will be screened in cinemas over the Summer, then released on DVD for the first time ever this Fall. Now if only we could get the boys to do a few club dates for us!
The Coolest App
You need to check out the new Six-String iPhone application, which allows you to "play along" with six songs by Bon Jovi, Peter Frampton and Tom Petty, among others. The app let's you "pluck, strum and change chords" to tracks taken from the real studio masters. At least 20 more songs are also for sale, but you'll have to provide your own roadies.
All Hail Patti
Patti Smith will receive the ASCAP Founders Award and perform at the group's 27th annual Pop Music Awards on April 21st in Los Angeles.
Remixing The Remixes
On May 14th, U2 will release a compilation of other artists' remixes of their songs on the "Artificial Horizon" triple-vinyl set. Among the 13 featured producers are Trent Reznor, Justice and Hot Chip who reworked songs from "Pop" to "No Line On The Horizon."
It was Susan Richman who said: "The trouble with dawn is that it comes too early in the day."
It was famed cartoonist Charles M. Schulz who said: "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."
March 20, 2010
Drumming legend Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer is 60.
Blues guitarist Jimmy Vaughan is 59.
On this day in 1964, John Lennon's first book, "In His Own Write," was published.
On this day in 1968, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Richie Furay and Jim Messina were arrested at a private residence in Los Angeles and charged with "being in a place where it is suspected marijuana is being used." While the others had to pay small fines for the misdemeanor, Clapton (the world's reigning guitar god), was found innocent.
On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married at the Rock of Gibraltar.
On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's "Me And Bobby McGee" hit #1 on the pop singles chart.
On this day in 1972, T. Rex released the "Electric Warrior" album, which included the hit "Bang A Gong (Get It On.)"
On this day in 1982, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'N Roll" hit #1 on the pop singles charts for the first of seven weeks.
On this day in 1991, Eric Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, fell to his death from a 53rd story window in midtown Manhattan. The song "Tears in Heaven" was written in his memory.