May 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!
May 21, 2010
Stan Lynch, the original drummer for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, is 55.
On this day in 1966, Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & #35" peaked at #2 as "Eight Miles High" by The Byrds topped out at #14. Those were the days!
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" was the #1 album in the U.S.
On this day in 1977, Steve Miller's "Book Of Dreams" album entered the charts.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of ZZ Top and more of Joe's extensive conversation with guitarist/singer Billy F. Gibbons. Stream on!
Another Warning For Bret
Sometimes we want something so bad, we unwisely rush the process of achieving our goal. While undergoing physical rehabilitation following his recent near-fatal brain hemorrhage in an intense effort to participate in Sunday's final episode of "Celebrity Apprentice," Poison frontman Bret Michaels suffered a small "warning stroke" that sent him to the hospital, where tests then revealed he also has a hole in his heart. Both conditions are treatable and are not believed to be connected to his brain hemorrhage, but this is a serious setback in his recovery. Odds are Bret's going to win the "Celebrity Apprentice" contest on Sunday; let's just hope he stays alive long enough to enjoy it!
Double Super Secret Bad Co.
It just didn't make much sense when the three remaining members of Bad Company made their big announcement about reuniting to tour Europe in April — they could make more money Stateside in a week than they could in a month over there! But now a few U.S. dates seem to be leaking out, even though the band hasn't announced a U.S. tour. For instance, the Orange County Fair is putting Bad Company's July 17th show at the Pacific Amphitheatre on sale this Saturday. And that would be Bad Company featuring singer Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs and drummer Simon Kirke! Maybe when they finally announce it, it will be called "Bad Company's Double Super Secret Tour."
A Public Dio Memorial
Ronnie James Dio's friends and family have set up a public memorial service for the legendary singer on Sunday May 30th at The Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. It will be "a celebration" of the late frontman's life and music. Dio — whose career included work with Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Elf and Heaven & Hell — lost his battle with stomach cancer last Sunday. For more details regarding the memorial, please check out http://www.ronniejamesdio.com.
It was Tom Waits who said: "Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends."
It was Bill Gates who said: "Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one."
It was Art Buchwald who said: "I worship the quicksand he walks in."
Lowe's In La Habra!
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! 11am - 1pm: Check out J.B. and the KLOS Cool Patrol at the La Habra Lowe's Home Improvement Center at Beach & Imperial! You may win Steve Miller or Ratt tickets, and fun will be had! Here's what a previous Lowe's Meet & Greet looked like.
May 24, 2010
Bob Dylan turns 69 today. Bob has released over 43 albums since his self-titled 1962 debut, and it was he alone that introduced lyrics that meant something to pop music.
Guitarist Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes is 41.
On this day in 1963, legendary blues slide guitarist Elmore James died in Chicago of a heart attack at the age of 45.
On this day in 1965, John Lennon published his second volume of prose, "A Spaniard in the Works."
On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Get Back" hit #1 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1969, The Who released their landmark "Tommy" album in the States.
On this day in 1970, founding member/guitar wizard Peter Green quit Fleetwood Mac to become obscure.
On this day in 1974, American jazz great Duke Ellington died in New York from cancer at the age of 75.
On this day in 1979, fans buying tickets to a Genesis benefit show at the Roxy were shocked to find the band members manning the box office.
On this day in 1991, vocalist Gene Clark of The Byrds died in Sherman Oaks at the age of 46.
Bret's Up
Despite suffering a near fatal brain hemorrhage on April 21st, being hospitalized last week for a stroke and gearing up for surgery to repair a hole in his heart, Poison frontman Bret Michaels flew to New York City for last night's live, ninth season finale of Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice." And wouldn't you know it, he beat out Holly Robinson-Peete as the newest "Celebrity Apprentice" to win the $250,000 grand prize for his charity of choice, the American Diabetes Association. (Michaels is a diabetic.) Even though she was "fired" by The Donald, Robinson-Pete's charity, the HollyRod Foundation, is also receiving $250K to support those with autism. (The actress' son is autistic.) Right so to all involved!
Bono's Down
After sustaining an injury while preparing for the next leg of U2's ongoing "U2 360°" tour, frontman Bono underwent emergency back surgery last Friday. He'll remain in a Munich hospital for several days before returning home to recover. An unknown number of shows in the next leg of the band's U.S. tour will delayed, with the June 3rd Salt Lake City gig the first to be rescheduled. Will the Anaheim shows be next? Stay tuned!
Thieving Politicians
It's a problem that Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Heart have all faced in the last few years. Now you can add Steve Miller to the list of artists who've had their music used without permission by Republican politicians running for office. Steve's message to U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio of Florida said, "The Steve Miller Band and Steve Miller do not endorse Marco Rubio's campaign or any political candidates and respectfully request that Mr. Rubio learn more about publishing law and intellectual property rights. I also ask that in the future he extends me the courtesy of asking permission before using my songs."
No Elty For Simon
As you'd expect from any well run PR campaign, rumors have been flying around and around over who will replace acerbic "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell at the end of this season. Well, you can scratch Elton John from the list. Word is that Sir Elty has turned down a $33 million offer to take up a seat at the "Idol" judges table. Do you suppose the requirement to share the spotlight was a problem?
It was Tom Stoppard who said: "Age is a high price to pay for maturity."
It was Kin Hubbard who said: "There's no secret about success. Did you ever know a successful man who didn't tell you about it?"
It was Robert Anthony who said: "If you are not leaning, no one will ever let you down."
Frogs With Bigger/Longer Chucks
Every species of frog has its own special mating call. The call has two parts: a "whine" which the whole species uses, and a "chuck" which is the individual frog's calling card. Females listen to the chuck carefully — the larger, more desirable frogs make longer, deeper chucks. Yeah, baby!
May 25, 2010
Jazz icon Miles Davis would have been 84.
Scorpions singer Klaus Meine is 62.
On this day in 1968, the second Monterey Pop Festival was canceled because of pressure from the local government and citizenry. In the wake of the cancellation, $52,000 was discovered missing from the previous festival's profits and the festival's bookkeeper, Mrs. Sandra Beebe, couldn't be located. The shock! The horror!
On this day in 1969, Led Zeppelin and The Who appeared together in concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Not one person in the crowd could hear anything whatsoever when the show finally finished.
On this day in 1978, The Who performed a second "secret" concert in London for their documentary movie on the band's history, "The Kids Are Alright." That marked Keith Moon's last public performance with the band before his death.
Bret Can't Slow Down
Fresh off his Celebrity Apprentice win, Poison frontman Bret Michaels — who is recovering from a brain hemorrhage and a warning stroke, plus was just diagnosed with having a hole in his heart — is making the talk show rounds. First it was the "Today" show and Regis & Kelly. He’ll be on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" tonight, and on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" tomorrow. Meanwhile, due to his recuperation, the release of for his new solo album "Custom Built" has been delayed until July 6th. You gotta wonder if Bret will actually be able to perform his Biloxi concert this Friday.
Stones Top U.K. Chart Again
They did it! The Rolling Stones have scored another #1 in the U.K. with the re-release of their classic 1972 "Exile on Main Street" album! This marks The Stones’ first chart-topper since their 1994 "Voodoo Lounge" album. (For the record, their 2005 "A Bigger Bang" was beaten to #1 by James Blunt’s "Back to Bedlam" by just 11 sales.) Now what's up with the tour?
Bucks Up Aerosmith
No wonder they got back together! Word is that Aerosmith will earn $1 million for playing the New York State Fair on August 26th. That alone would make the Boston rockers the highest-paid performers in the fair’s history. Plus, if the concert sells out, Aerosmith will make another $300,000 from their percentage of the ticket sales. Of course the $104 top-priced ticket is $34 higher than the fair has ever charged for a concert, but they figure you get what you pay for!
More Pols Stealing Music
Wow! Yesterday it was Steve Miller who caught a politician stealing. Today we can add former Talking Head David Byrne to the growing list of musicians who are suing politicians for using their music without permission on the campaign trail. David is taking legal action against Florida Governor Charlie Crist who used the Heads' 1985 hit "Road To Nowhere" in a campaign ad slamming then-Republican primary candidate Marco Rubio (the guy that Steve Miller went after yesterday). Byrne claims Crist didn't ask for or receive permission from either Byrne or Talking Heads' record label to use the song, and that such use wrongfully insinuates Byrne's endorsement of Crist's candidacy. He's suing for $1 million because it's the amount he's typically offered for use of his songs in commercials. Heart, Foo Fighters, Boston, Van Halen, John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne all complained or took legal action when Republicans used their music during the 2008 Presidential campaign. Nothing like total regard for the law!
Mega SRV Upgrade
Talk about an upgrade! The July 27th re-release of Stevie Ray Vaughan's landmark 1984 "Couldn't Stand The Weather" album will include 22 extra songs. The bonus material will include three previously unreleased studio tracks as well as a dozen live songs from an August 17, 1984 Montreal show.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "The future ain't what it used to be."
It was Tom Waits who said: "Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends."
It was Winston Churchill who said: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
May 26, 2010
Drummer Levon Helm of The Band is 70.
Chanteuse Stevie Nicks is 62.
Mick Ronson, David Bowie's main guitarist/muse, would have been 61.
Lenny Kravitz is 46.
On this day in 1973, Deep Purple's classic song "Smoke on the Water" entered the U.S. singles charts and the consciousness of the Free World.
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark" entered the charts on its way to becoming his biggest hit single ever at #2. Ironically, it was the last song (of over 100) written and recorded for the "Born In The U.S.A." album.
Pulled Back Forces U2 Pull Back
Bono's back is bad enough that U2 have postponed all 16 dates of this Summer's North American leg of their U2 360° Tour. They've also canceled their first-ever headlining performance at this year's giant Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. Bono underwent emergency back surgery last Friday in Munich for compression of his sciatic nerve, which resulted in severe pain and partial paralysis in his lower leg. His doctor said, "The ligament surrounding the disc had an 8-millimeter tear, and during surgery we discovered fragments of the disc had traveled into the spinal canal. This surgery was the only course of treatment for full recovery and to avoid further paralysis." The singer has since been discharged from the hospital and will need to rehabilitate from the surgery. The band will reschedule the postponed concerts for 2011, so hold onto those Anaheim tickets!
Jovi's House Warming
Bon Jovi plays their first of three nights at the New Meadowlands Stadium tonight. That makes them the first ever to gig at the replacement for Giants Stadium. In an interesting twist, that legendary football stadium — immortalized in Bruce Springsteen's song "Wrecking Ball" — was actually demolished last week. Talk about timing!
Honors To Macca
Next Wednesday Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Faith Hill, The White Stripes' Jack White, The Jonas Brothers and Jerry Seinfeld will be among the stars honoring Paul McCartney as the latest recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The former Beatle is being recognized for both his humanitarian efforts and his extraordinary body of work. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host the concert in the East Room of the White House. The PBS version of the event, "Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House," will debut on July 28th.
Fogerty To Baseball Hall Of Fame
On July 25th, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty will be honored by the National Baseball Hall Of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The Baseball Hall Of Fame will commemorate John's 1985 hit “Centerfield,” which has been played at virtually every Major League Baseball game since its release. Marking the first time a musician or song has ever been honored in such a way, John will perform the song and donate his custom-made baseball bat-shaped guitar for display in the museum. The 25th anniversary edition of the "Centerfield" album (featuring the record’s original nine songs plus B-sides) will come out on June 29th.
Faces Add Mick
The Faces will reunite without Rod Stewart at the English Vintage at Goodwood Festival in August. Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall will sub for Stewart while former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock will fill in for late bassist Ronnie Lane. The Faces last reunited with Hucknall in October at a one-off show in London, and keyboardist Ian McLagan is hinting at more shows in August followed by a longer run from December to March.
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you."
It was Dr. Norman Vincent Peale who said: "Nothing of great value in this life comes easily."
It was H. L. Mencken who said: "A celebrity is one who is known to many persons he is glad he doesn't know."
May 27, 2010
Bassist/keyboardist Pete Sears, most famous for his work with Rod Stewart and Jefferson Starship, is 61.
On this day in 1962, Bob Dylan released his second album, "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," which contained two all time classics: "Blowin' In The Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall."
On this day in 1972, Procol Harum's live version of "Conquistador" entered the U.S. singles charts.
On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' "Miss You," the first single from their forthcoming "Some Girls" album, entered the charts. It went on to become the Stones' third and final #1 hit in the Seventies, and "the song" of the Summer of '78.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Styx as well as more of Joe's conversation with Chuck Panazo, Tommy Shaw and James 'J.Y.' Young. Stream on!
More Rush
It's official! It's nowhere near being finished yet, but Rush's new album — "Clockwork Angels" — is set for release early next year. The first two songs to emerge from the sessions, "Caravan" and "BU2," will be released on June 1st. Both tracks were recorded in Nashville with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz, who previously collaborated with Rush on 2007's critically acclaimed "Snakes & Arrows" album.
Edge Helps Nashville
U2 guitarist The Edge is turning his attention to flood ravaged Nashville through the Music Rising charity that he helped to establish in 2005 to help Gulf Coast musicians after Hurricane Katrina. The organization is providing $250,000 to help members of Nashville's music community repair or replace musical instruments and equipment that's been lost or destroyed in the flood. As Edge said, "Nashville is a treasure chest of Southern heritage and American musical tradition and is indisputably the world's Country Music capital. But it's more than that. It is also home to one of the greatest concentrations of musical talent on earth." Right so!
Hard Rock Calling
This year's Hard Rock Calling festival in London's Hyde Park will feature Paul McCartney headlining the final night of the three-day event. Pearl Jam will top the bill on Friday and Stevie Wonder will headline the Saturday show. Crosby, Stills & Nash and Elvis Costello will be among the many other artists playing on one of three stages between June 25th and the 27th. Just don't plan on being able to buy cold beer.
Changing Names/Singers
Not sure why former Doors members Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger didn't use their own names in the beginning, but they've just changed the name of their band from Riders On The Storm to the Manzarek-Krieger Band. But wait — there's more! As the keyboardist and guitarist prepare to head out on a Summer tour, they've also added Steelheart singer Miljenko Matijevic to their line-up.
New Mellencamp
John Mellencamp will release his latest collection of songs, "No Better Than This," on August 3rd. The always interesting T Bone Burnett produced and recorded the album at a variety of historically significant locations in the South (think Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters) using vintage (think really old/really simple) equipment.
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you."
It was Dr. Norman Vincent Peale who said: "Nothing of great value in this life comes easily."
It was H. L. Mencken who said: "A celebrity is one who is known to many persons he is glad he doesn't know."
May 28, 2010
Blues legend T-Bone Walker, credited as being the first to plug in his guitar and turn the blues electric, would have been 100 today.
Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty is 65.
On this day in 1966, The Beach Boys incredible "Pet Sounds" album entered the charts.
On this day in 1969, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and girlfriend Marianne Faithful were arrested in their London home on marijuana possession charges. Yes, she was naked, but why do you ask?
On this day in 1976, the Allman Brothers Band broke up in disgust after Gregg Allman testified against his road manager who transported his drugs.
On this day in 1977, Bruce Springsteen settled out of court with his former manager, Mike Appel. Their suits and counter-suits had prevented Springsteen from recording for almost two years.
On this day in 1983, the second US Festival opened in Devore. Headliners for each day — Van Halen, David Bowie and The Clash — were paid a cool million dollars each. Last reports were that 237 people are still wandering around the hills, looking for their cars.
Dio Service Threatened
Friends, family and fans of Ronnie James Dio will remember and celebrate the man together this Sunday from 2pm to 4pm at The Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Dio — whose career included work with Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Heaven & Hell — lost his battle with stomach cancer last Sunday. The bad news is that the Westboro Baptist Church will be picketing the memorial service. The independent church group is infamous for their foul, aggressive protests at the funeral services of fallen members of the U.S. Military. In responding to the protest threats, Dio's wife Wendy said, "Ronnie hates prejudice and violence! We need to turn the other cheek on these people that only know how to hate someone they didn't know. We only know how to love someone we know!" She has also asked that in lieu of flowers, fans and well-wishers send in donations to the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund" based in Studio City. Details may be found at www.ronniejamesdio.com. Rest in peace, music man.
A Happy Schon
Original Journey guitarist Neal Schon says that he believes Journey has more hits in its future with its forthcoming follow-up to 2008's "Revelation." And he's also proud that "Don't Stop Believin'" seems to dominate their catalog with appearances from HBO's "The Sopranos" to the FOX hit "Glee." Schon says, quote, "[The song's success is] brilliant for us and bands like us. If people think 'Don't Stop Believin'' is a 'Glee' song and not one of ours, I don't mind. Those are brand new fans — I'm happy they like the song, period."
Jeff For Les
New York's Iridium, the little club where the legendary Les Paul loved to play, has been paying homage to the guitar great every week since his passing with their ongoing "Les Paul Mondays" concert series. On June 9th, what would've been Les' 95th birthday, Jeff Beck will step onto the tiny stage to perform in tribute to his old friend.
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway."
It was French President Charles de Gaulle who said: "The graveyards are full of indispensable men."
Memorial Day
Time for a few thoughts on Memorial Day. The basic problem is that people increasingly take the holidays we celebrate throughout the year for granted, as nothing more than a day you don't have to go to work or school, and a gimmick for advertisers and merchandising. But the reality is that Memorial Day was established to honor all the men and women who have served, are currently serving, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country and our freedoms. It's also a day to pay tribute to the families whose loved ones died, or were taken captive and never returned. We thank them for shouldering this burden, and for giving us our future at the cost of their own. The idea is that this Monday, before you hit the malls, light up the barbecue or hit the road, STOP for a moment and reflect. Remember the heroes, those who came home and the ones who never made it, all of whom helped build and preserve the American dream.
May 29, 2010
Show biz legend Bob Hope would have been 107 today.
Singer/keyboardist Gary Brooker of Procol Harum is 65.
Danny Elfman, lord of Oingo Boingo and many soundtracks, is 55.
Bass player Mike Porcaro of Toto is 52.
Melissa Etheridge is 49.
On this day in 1942, Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas," which went on to become the biggest selling Christmas song of all time.
On this day in 1971, The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" hit #1 Stateside, while their "Sticky Fingers" stayed at the top of the albums chart.
On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's classic "Fly Like An Eagle" album entered the charts.
On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley wandered off the stage in the middle of a Baltimore concert, and didn't come back. That marked the first time "The King" used Van Morrison's personal technique for terminating shows.
May 30, 2010
On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "Love Me Do" hit #1 in the States.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles began recording their "White" album by doing 18 takes of "Revolution 1" (John Lennon was hard to please that day).
On this day 1970, the most powerful live album in the history of Rock & Roll, The Who's "Live At Leeds," and The Beatles last album, "Let It Be," both entered the charts.
On this day 1975, in one of their most productive sessions ever, The Who recorded both "Squeeze Box" and "Slip Kid" for "The Who By Numbers" album.
On this day in 1980, bassist Carl Radle, who played in Clapton's Derek & the Dominos, died from a kidney ailment at the age of 37.
May 31, 2010
Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham would have been 62.
On this day in 1969, The Guess Who's "These Eyes" peaked at #6 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones recorded "Honky Tonk Women."
On this day in 1975, the Eagles released the "One Of These Nights" single.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney was featured on the cover of "Time" magazine.
On this day in 1976, The Who's gig at Britain's Charlton Athletic Grounds put them in the "Guinness Book Of World Records" as the loudest band ever with 120 decibels of sterilizing sound.