April 21 - 30, 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!
April 21, 2010
Iggy Pop, the rock icon emeritus who was born James Jewel Osterburg, is 63.
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley scored his first #1 single with "Heartbreak Hotel."
On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Runnin'" — their first Top 10 hit — entered the charts.
Via On A.I.
Guitar god Steve Vai will perform his version of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" on American Idol's "Idol Gives Back" charity event tonight. Via will be joined by singer Mary J. Blige, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, Michael Jackson's guitarist Orianthi and A.I. judge, bassist Randy Jackson.
New/Old Macca Deal
Now that his post-Beatles contracts with the troubled EMI record label have expired, Sir Paul McCartney will re-release his solo albums through the Concord Music Group — the independent label owned by TV producer Norman Lear that rescued John Fogerty from years of contractual hell a few years back. Macca's first reissue will be his biggest: "Band On The Run," out in August with loads of bonus material. In his official statement, Sir Paulie said, "Since the release of 'Memory Almost Full' in 2007 I've had a good working relationship with Concord and enjoyed our mutual love of music.'' The new McCartney-Concord deal will not alter EMI's handling of The Beatles' catalog.
Supertramp Again (Sort Of)
Supertramp co-founder Rick Davies has announced a "40th Anniversary" tour, albeit without two of the band's original members. Word is that lead singer/guitarist Roger Hodgson and bassist Dougie Thomson are taking a pass on working with Rick. Hodgson's management issued a statement saying, "We've been told that they are billing the tour as the 40th Anniversary tour of the band and we just find this very surprising, misleading and disrespectful of Roger since he is the only other member that was a part of Supertramp when he and Rick founded the band together 40 years ago." Roger will continue to tour on his own.
So Long Crowes
The Black Crowes will follow the August release of their new "Croweology" album with a four month tour and an indefinite hiatus. Ever the clowns, the boys are calling their Fall jaunt the "Say Goodnight To The Bad Guys" tour. How long will they be gone? Singer Chris Robinson says, "Two years, five years, 10 years — you never know when you jump into the void." They officially want to take a break while everyone is in "a good mood" and spend time with their families.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it."
It was David H. Comins who said: "People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them Benjamin Franklin said it first."
It was Cherie Sogsti who said: "Anything worth doing isn't done for a reason."
What Are The Odds?
Cause of death/lifetime odds
Shark attack — 1 in 3,700,000
Amusement park ride — 1 in 920,000
West Nile virus — 1 in 520,000
Bear attack — 1 in 410,000
Plague — 1 in 240,000
Fireworks — 1 in 230,000
Hurricane — 1 in 220,000
Airplane accident — 1 in 40,000
Lightning — 1 in 39,000
Drowning in a bathtub — 1 in 11,000
Pregnancy and childbirth — 1 in 9,900
Being killed by an intimate partner — 1 in 1,800
Flu — 1 in 1,700
Homicide — 1 in 240
Automobile accident — 1 in 88
Pneumonia — 1 in 57
Diabetes — 1 in 53
All cancers — 1 in 7
Heart disease — 1 in 4
April 22, 2010
Jack Nicholson is 73.
Guitarist/vocalist/babe magnet Peter Frampton is 60.
On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney and John Lennon recorded The Beatles song "The Ballad of John and Yoko" all by themselves (the other two Fabs just weren't around).
On this day in 1969, The Who performed their rock opera "Tommy" live for the first time at a private concert in England. The invited audience was stunned (and that had nothing to do with the fact that it was 1969).
On this day in 1971, Pink Floyd premiered their song "Return of the Son of Nothing" in concert. By the time they finally recorded and released it a few months later, it was called "Echoes."
On this day in 1978, Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" entered the U.S. singles charts.
On this day in 1990, Sammy Hagar opened his first Cabo Wabo Cantina restaurant and nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of INXS as well as conversation with the Fariss brothers and singer Michael Hutchence. Stream on!
The Good Jovi
Here comes the good stuff! Bon Jovi will finally re-release their first 10 albums on May 11th. Each remastered reissue will boast bonus live tracks, new packaging, new liner notes documenting the band's success and access to the Bon Jovi Vaults, a website offering exclusive virtual content like photos, memorabilia and even more live audio tracks. Do you think the boys will now add some bonus dates to their current tour to promote the new/old albums?
Rush Flick
The long awaited, highly acclaimed "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" documentary will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this weekend, and then make its television debut on Vh1 and Vh1 Classic on June 26th. Party on!
Metallica In A Bus
For the first time since Metallica's 1986 tour bus crash that killed bassist Cliff Burton, the band has taken another bus trip. When the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland grounded their European tour, the Hall Of Famers didn't really have a choice on taking a 28-hour bus trip instead of a two-hour flight from Oslo, Norway to Riga, Latvia. Guitarist Kirk Hammett said that although buses "are so much more comfortable" since he last traveled on one, "I realized that those bad memories are still here. I still haven't overcome the fear of buses but the show must go on."
Bruce In Hyde
The double disc DVD "London Calling: Live In Hyde Park" will hit shelves on June 22nd — almost a full year after Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band headlined the Hard Rock Calling Festival at London's Hyde Park. Included in the 163-minutes of footage are 26 of 27 live Springsteen performances of the day (minus only the previously released "Rosalita") plus a song from his June 27, 2009 Glastonbury set and one from his '09 gig at New Jersey's Giants Stadium.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "After they make styrofoam, what do they ship it in?"
It was Edgar Allan Poe who said: "I have great faith in fools — self confidence my friends call it."
It was Henry Brooks Adams who said: "Politics, as a practice, whatever its professions, has always been the systematic organizations of hatreds."
April 23, 2010
Singing legend Roy Orbison would have been 74.
Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark would have been 50.
On this day in 1960, 19-year-old John Lennon and 17-year-old Paul McCartney performed together as the Nerk Twins in Caversham, England.
On this day in 1974, Bad Company became the first to sign with Led Zeppelin's "Swan Song" record label.
On this day in 1975, singer Pete Ham of Badfinger took his own life at the age of 27.
KISS That Glee
Oh, the horror! Rumors were swirling that KISS cancelled their "Glee" press conference because a band member was "seriously ill," but of course those rumors were false. Turns out that one of the band's songs will be used in an upcoming episode of the hit FOX series "Glee" so the band will have something to say about it (and the show's cast of real hotties). Stay tuned for more details asap!
Tommy Can You Hear Me
The Who's "Tommy" premiered 35 years ago, so the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences will celebrate the anniversary by screening the flick in Beverly Hills next month. Even with a new digital cinema presentation and the original "Quintophonic" soundtrack, it's unlikely the movie will make any more sense than it did originally. But perhaps the post-screening onstage panel discussion with writer/producer/director Ken Russell, editor Stuart Baird and other members of the film's creative team will clarify it all!
Huey's Loose
So what does Huey Lewis of Huey Lewis & The News do when he's not playing golf? He tours! His next road trip starts May 28th in Nevada and hits the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage on August 28th.
Travers Resurfaces
Ever wonder what happened to Pat Travers? Well he's on tour through October in support of his new album, "Fidelis," which is available digitally now and will be in stores soon. There aren't any Southland dates on the schedule (yet), but you'll find more details at PatTravers.com.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours."
It was Dave Barry who said: "The word aerobics comes from two Greek words: aero, meaning "ability to," and bics, meaning "withstand tremendous boredom."
It was Pearl S. Buck who said: "When we know what we want to prove, we go out and find our facts. They are always there."
A Compelling Pair Of Mid-April Factoids
The letters "YKK" on zippers stand for Yoshida Kogyo Kabushibibaisha, the largest zipper manufacturer in the world.
In English pubs, drinks are served in pints and quarts. In old England, bartenders would advise unruly customers to mind their pints and quarts. It's the origin of the phrase "mind your P's and Q's."
Kentucky Derby!
Saturday May 1st: Sporting his newest fedora, J.B. will return to host the Kentucky Derby Party at the indoor/outdoor Fairplex Satellite Wagering Sports Bar & Grill! Mint Juleps, an Outrageous Hat Contest and more Mint Juleps... and maybe a horse race too! Check out the best photos from last year's Derby party. ;]
April 24, 2010
Drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 65.
Original Jethro Tull bassist Glen Cornick is 63.
The multi-talented Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees is 56.
On this day in 1965, The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" hit #1 on the U.K. chart, and the world was shocked to find out that Paul McCartney was playing the lead guitar.
On this day in 1965, The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You" peaked at #6 on the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1976, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" peaked at #9 on the U.S. singles chart.
April 25, 2010
Blues legend Albert King would have been 87.
Bassist Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival is 65.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles had 14 singles on the American charts!
On this day in 1974, Pamela Morrison, the common law wife of the late Jim Morrison, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27.
On this day in 1974, Gregg Allman performed the last date of a solo concert, and to reassure fans that the Allman Brothers Band wasn't breaking up, he brought the whole group onstage for an encore. They finished playing the encore 90 minutes later!
April 26, 2010
Keyboardist/singer Gary Wright is 67.
On this day in 1975, Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic," one of the top hard rock albums of all time, blasted onto the charts.
On this day in 1980, Journey's "Any Way You Want It" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1982, Joe Strummer had a change of heart on his way to rehearse with the Clash in their West London studio. Instead, he went to France and disappeared, forcing the Clash to cancel their tour. When he resurfaced on May 18th, Joe claimed he was suffering from exhaustion and had suddenly doubted his "punk purpose."
On this day in 1984, bandleader Count Basie died in Hollywood, Florida at age 79.
On this day in 1986, Van Halen's "5150" album, their first with new vocalist Sammy Hagar, hit #1.
On this day in 1986, Dire Straits' "So Far Away" peaked at #19 on the singles chart.
Rich Brits
Nothing pays like success. You'll find the usual suspects on top of England's "Sunday Times" list of the richest blokes in the music industry. Sir Paul McCartney holds the #5 spot with an estimated fortune of $731 million. Sir Mick Jagger came in at #7 with $292 million and Sir Elton John follows at #8 with $284 million. The yet to be knighted (or even acknowledged by the Queen) Sting charted at #9 with $277 million in the bank, followed by the rascally Keith Richards, who is reportedly worth $269 million. Warner Music Group CEO Edgar Bronfman tops the list with over $2.5 billion. Second verse same as the first.
Tull/Wakeman/WWII
Not sure how it all ties together, but Jethro Tull and former Yes keyboardist (and Brit TV star) Rick Wakeman will headline a show at London's legendary Royal Albert Hall commemorating the end of World War II. The May 10th gig will benefit the Red Cross.
Surprise Surprise
So who do you think made a special surprise appearance at Green Day's just-opened Broadway musical "American Idiot" last Thursday night? Green Day! The trio hopped onstage for a surprise performance of "American Idiot" and their classic track "Basket Case."
Hammond Biopic
John Hammond was the legendary record producer and Columbia Records talent scout who discovered Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin, among others. Super producer Jerry Weintraub, the man behind the "Ocean's Eleven" movies, and "Wall Street" screenwriter Stanley Weiser are working on a movie about Hammond. The movie focuses on Hammond's work from the Thirties to the Seventies when he also brought Pete Seeger, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Leonard Cohen to a wider audience. That is going to be one hell of an audition process!
It was George Burns who said: "If you live to be one hundred, you've got it made. Very few people die past that age."
It was John Barrymore who said: "You never realize how short a month is until you pay alimony."
It was Hadden W. Robinson who said: "What worries you, masters you."
Kentucky Derby!
This Saturday, Noon - 2pm: Sporting his newest fedora, J.B. will return to host the Kentucky Derby Party at the indoor/outdoor Fairplex Satellite Wagering Sports Bar & Grill! Mint Juleps, an Outrageous Hat Contest and more Mint Juleps... and maybe a horse race too! Check out the best photos from last year's Derby party. ;]
April 27, 2010
Badfinger's tragic songwriter Peter Ham would have been 63.
Occasional KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is 59.
On this day in 1964, John Lennon's book "In His Own Write" was published in America. In its review, "Newsweek" magazine declared that the acerbic Beatle was "an unlikely heir to the English tradition of literary nonsense."
On this day in 1974, Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Let It Ride" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.
Bret's Condition
Bret Michaels is still in critical condition in the intensive care unit of an undisclosed hospital in Arizona after suffering a brain hemorrhage. As the medical team tries to find the source of the bleeding in his brain, Donald Trump, who worked with the Poison singer on "Celebrity Apprentice," thinks that the hit to his head that Bret took during his appearance at the 2009 Tony Awards has something to do with his health issues. Everyone around here seems to think that "Celebrity Apprentice," had more to do with it.
Roger's Ticked Off
After years of estrangement from his former bandmate, Supertramp co-founder Rick Davies, singer/guitarist Roger Hodgson is not going to be included in the "Supertramp 40th Reunion Tour." Hodgson's statement reads, "Since this is the first time we are touring simultaneously since we split up 27 years ago, I expect Rick to honour the agreement he and I made that the band would not play my songs. Since the current Supertramp is a vehicle for Rick's music, which is very different from my style and songs, it's important for Supertramp to stay true to Rick's style and songs and avoid doing covers of my songs." That would, of course, eliminate most of the British band's hits.
Punkish Classics
It's a little early for Christmas gifting, but the new "Punk Goes Classic Rock" album is finally out today. The compilation features generic punk bands doing thrash versions of Journey, KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Ozzy Osbourne songs, among many many others. You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.
It was Mae West who said: "A man in the house is worth two in the street."
It was Malcolm S. Forbes who said: "Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."
It was Bob Dylan who said: "He not busy being born is busy dying."
April 28, 2010
On this day in 1963, crafty publicist Andrew Oldham saw a young band called The Rollin' Stones for the first time at London's Crawdaddy Club. By the next day, he was their manager.
On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" hit #1 on the albums chart. It then set a record by remaining on the chart for more than 300 weeks.
On this day in 1980, 30-year-old guitarist/songwriter Tommy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band died of head injuries sustained in a car crash. Many feel the band never recovered.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Bon Jovi as well as conversation with singer Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora and drummer Tico Torres. Stream on!
Lots O' Mellencamp
John Mellencamp is releasing a four-CD compilation that chronicles his career as a songwriter. Out on June 15th, "On The Rural Route 7609" contains 54 songs juxtaposed in a way that sheds light on new themes. Among the hits and near hits are 17 previously unreleased tracks like Oscar-winning actress Joanne Woodward reading John’s lyrics. The package includes a 72-page book with a comprehensive track-by-track annotation.
Sir Elty Steps Up For Andre
Sir Elton John, truly one of the hardest-working men in show biz, has agreed to perform at tennis star Andre Agassi's 15th Grand Slam for Children in Las Vegas on October 9th. He'll be joined on stage at the Wynn Resort & Casino by Matchbox 20 singer/Carlos Santana collaborator Rob Thomas. Agassi's Grand Slam events benefit the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in Las Vegas for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
PBS When You're Strange
The Doors' cool new documentary, "When You're Strange," will make its TV debut on PBS next month. Oscar-nominee Johnny Depp narrates the film by writer/director Tom DiCillo that features previously unseen archival footage of Doors' frontman Jim Morrison and his band mates John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek. PBS' airing of the documentary will be retitled "American Masters: When You're Strange," and yes Jim Ladd's voice will still emanate from that spooky dashboard radio.
It was Kin Hubbard who said: "Nobody can be as agreeable as an uninvited guest."
It was Adlai Stevenson who said: "You can tell the size of a man by the size of the things that make him mad."
It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said: "Pretty much all the honest truth telling there is in the world is done by children."
April 29, 2010
Duke Ellington, generally considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century, would have been 111 today.
Tommy James, who recorded the classic "Hanky Panky" before forming the Shondells, is 63. Unfortunately, "Hanky Panky" pretty much ruined Tommy's chances to be considered the greatest American composer and bandleader of the 20th century.
Comedian/icon Jerry Seinfeld is 56 (not that there's anything wrong with that).
On this day in 1976, Elvis fan Bruce Springsteen tried to scale the fence around Graceland in an attempt to meet his idol. Instead, he was escorted off by Presley's security.
On this day in 1988, Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd, his inspiration for "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight," filed for divorce.
On this day in 1993, Mick Ronson, genius guitarist and arranger for David Bowie during his "Ziggy Stardust" phase, died of cancer in England at the age of 47.
Green Day Stones
When NBC's "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" decided to do a Rolling Stones tribute, Green Day jumped at the chance to kick it off. So starting on May 10th, the punk-ass trio along with Phish, Sheryl Crow and Keith Urban will pay daily homage to the Stones by performing tracks from their iconic "Exile on Main Street" album. It's no accident that the remastered version of that classic will be reissued on May 18th. Marketing genius and damned entertaining say we!
The Show Must Go On
Now that occasional Poison frontman/reality TV star Bret Michaels' condition has been upgraded from "critical" to "stable" following a deadly subarachnoid brain hemorrhage late last week, his management is rescheduling his missed tour dates. If the shows actually do resume on May 26th, the 47-year-old will have less than four weeks to get back on his feet and prepare for a live concert. They also say he'll hit the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd in June and July as previously scheduled. They must figure they need to make hay while the sun shines.
Special Editions (Sort Of)
So what do you do when your special edition albums and deluxe packages have run their commercial course? You re-release them as the "Rarities Edition" collection! Eric Clapton's classic 1974 "461 Ocean Boulevard" is the first, with albums by Cream, Bob Marley and Lynyrd Skynyrd coming down the line. Yes, they include the remixes and bonus tracks and sound great!
Trick's Sgt. Pepper
Not many of us got to see Cheap Trick perform "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" in its entirety during last year's run of shows in Las Vegas — lucky for us they're going to do it again! Starting on June 11th, the group will bring their highly lauded "Sgt. Pepper Live" show to the Paris Hotel and Casino for a limited run. Don't be late!
It was U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson who said: "I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "Well done is better than well said."
It was Natalie Wood who said: "The only time a woman really succeeds in changing a man is when he is a baby."
April 30, 2010
Neil Young's buddy, the multi-talented Willie Nelson, is 77 today.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan began his British tour immortalized in the movie "Don't Look Back." At the same time, The Kinks began their first British tour, supported by The Yardbirds. Wow! Did anybody realize what was happening?!?
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" entered the charts on its way to #8.
On this day in 1983, blues legend Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) died in his sleep at home in Westmont, Illinois at the age of 68.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Bon Jovi as well as conversation with singer Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora and drummer Tico Torres. Stream on!
Handwritten Beatles Lyrics
On June 18th (Paul McCartney's birthday), Sotheby's New York auction house will be selling John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "A Day in the Life," the epic "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" closing track. The extraordinary piece, once owned by Beatles road manager Mal Evans, is expected to bring in $500,000 to $700,000. The first side of the work sheet — believed to have been composed on the morning and afternoon of January 17, 1967 — features a rough draft complete with crossed-out words and annotations in red ink. The other side of the page, is written in block letters with a break where Lennon anticipated McCartney would insert his classic "Woke up, got out of bed" bridge. Barring a heated bidding war, it's unlikely that the "A Day in the Life" lyrics will surpass the $1 million paid in 2005 for the handwritten lyrics to The Beatles' "All You Need is Love" — but you never know!
Rush On The Walk
Heads up! Rush will get their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 25th! The honor comes after a 2008 campaign in which fans petitioned to get the group their own star.
Big Book On Neil
Neil Young begins his Summer 2010 tour on May 18th, just three days after "Neil Young – Long May You Run: The Illustrated History" rolls into stores. The first complete illustrated history published about the legendary Hall of Famer was co-written by the highly regarded duo of Daniel Durchholz and Gary Graff. As you'd expect, the 224-page volume follows Young's long-and-winding 50-year career from Buffalo Springfield through CSNY and, of course, his eclectic solo career.
It was Dave Barry who said: "People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them."
It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."
Kentucky Derby!
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Noon - 2pm: Sporting his newest fedora, J.B. will return to host the Kentucky Derby Party at the indoor/outdoor Fairplex Satellite Wagering Sports Bar & Grill! Mint Juleps, an Outrageous Hat Contest and more Mint Juleps... and maybe a horse race too! Check out the best photos from last year's Derby party. ;]