June 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!
June 11, 2010
Drummer Frank Beard (the only member of ZZ Top without a beard) is 61.
Singer Donnie Van Zandt of 38 Special is 58.
On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' song "Paint It Black" hit #1.
On this day in 1969, David Bowie re-released his single "Space Oddity" to cash in on the Apollo 11 lunar landing.
On this day in 1977, "Telephone Line" by E.L.O. entered the charts.
On this day in 1983, Bryan Adams released the song "Cuts Like A Knife."
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of John Mellencamp and conversation with John and drummer Kenny Aronoff. Stream on!
Screaming With Ozzy
Ozzy Osbourne will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the longest and loudest scream during the 5th inning break in tonight's Freeway Series game at Dodger Stadium. The Ozz-man and his wife Sharon Osbourne will lead the stadium-wide scream in conjunction with the Dodgers ThinkCure! cancer benefit and Osbourne’s upcoming album "Scream," due out on June 22nd. The scream will be measured in length and audio level in hopes of breaking the world record.
Another Wall Just For Us
Former Pink Floyd mastermind Roger Waters has added another batch of dates to his "The Wall Live Tour." Raising the number of U.S. concerts to 52, Roger's tour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of "The Wall" will include a December 5th gig at the Staples Center.
Max Hits The Road
Long time E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg kicks off his month-long Max Weinberg Big Band Tour at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey this weekend. The 15-piece band will mix classics by Buddy Rich and Count Basie with big-band style arrangements of Bruce Springsteen songs. While it doesn't sound like he'll be leading Conan O'Brien's house band when the host's new late-night show comes to TBS in the Fall, he does say that his Big Band is booked through the Summer of 2011. You'll be able to see them yourself at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series in Newport Beach on June 25th.
Miller/Doobies/Canadian Jazz
Among the 700 performances during this year's 12-day Festival International de Montreal you'll be able to see the Steve Miller Band, The Doobie Brothers, Sonny Rollins and David Sanborn. The 31st annual event — one of the world's top jazz festivals — will roll out between June 25th and July 6th.
It was George Burns who said: "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family... in another city."
It was Rita Mae Brown who said: "One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory."
It was Yogi Berra who said: "You can observe a lot by just watching."
June 12, 2010
Singer Brad Delp of Boston would have been 59.
Drummer Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick is 59.
Bassist Pete Farndon of The Pretenders would have been 58.
Ace blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd is 33.
On this day in 1963, The Beach Boys recorded "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Surfer Girl."
On this day in 1965, The Beatles were awarded the M.B.E., "Most Excellent Order of the British Empire."
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" entered the American charts exactly one month after they recorded it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It eventually the biggest song of the Sixties.
On this day in 1982, over 750,000 saw Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt play at the first No Nukes concert in New York's Central Park.
On this day in 1982, The Clash's "Combat Rock" album entered the U.S. charts.
On this day in 1998, John Fogerty canceled the first date of his U.S. tour (in Chicago) because it conflicted with Game 5 of the NBA Finals (Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz) and he knew everyone wanted to see the game.
On this day in 2002, Sir Paul McCartney and former model Heather Mills married in Ireland.
June 13, 2010
Original Heart guitarist Howard Leese is 58.
On this day in 1958, Frank Zappa graduated from Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, California.
On this day in 1969, former John Mayall guitarist Mick Taylor officially replaced Brian Jones in The Rolling Stones.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles hit #1 for the last time with Paul McCartney's "The Long And Winding Road" on the singles charts and "Let It Be" on the album charts
On this day in 1981, "The Waiting" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers peaked at #19 on the charts.
On this day in 1983, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their "Texas Flood" album.
On this day in 1987, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2 entered the charts on its way to #1.
June 14, 2010
Keyboardist Rod Argent of The Zombies and Argent is 65.
Drummer Alan White of Yes is 60.
On this day in 1965 in London, Paul McCartney recorded "Yesterday."
On this day in 1969, The Beatles topped the British charts with their first stereo single, "The Ballad of John and Yoko." Ironically, only Paul McCartney and John Lennon played on the song.
On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen headlined the No Nukes concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Like its Central Park counterpart two days earlier, there were several guest stars, including Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills and Bonnie Raitt.
On this day in 2005, a life-sized chocolate statue of Elton John was unveiled in London. It had been commissioned by the Cadbury company as part of the chocolatier's 100th anniversary celebration. Please supply your own punch line here.
June 15, 2010
Singer Harry Nilsson would have been 69.
Singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh of Kansas turns 59.
Guitarist Brad Gillis of Night Ranger is 54.
On this day in 1956, John Lennon first met Paul McCartney at a church dinner in Liverpool, England. He soon invited Macca to join his group The Quarrymen.
On this day in 1966, Capitol Records released The Beatles "Yesterday & Today" album, featuring the band wearing butcher's aprons on the front cover surrounded by decapitated baby dolls. Paul McCartney later said it was the Fab Four's comment on the American record label's mishandling of the music. But when Capitol quickly withdrew the sleeve, it became one of the most valued Beatles collectibles.
On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix held his first session at his long overdue, way over budget Electric Lady Studio in New York.
On this day in 1987, the photo shoot for the cover of Pink Floyd's "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" took place in Saunton Sands, England. The project included 800 rented beds, which 30 hired hands moved onto the beach for the image.
A Pair For David
The annual Tony Awards were held in New York to honor the best in Broadway plays last Sunday evening, and Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan is sure glad he flew in from England for the party! David took home Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Orchestration for the show "Memphis" — which also won the Tony for Best Musical! To be there to accept the honors, David had to miss Sunday night's Bon Jovi's concert in England — the first Bon Jovi show he's missed since the band started in the early Eighties. Right after the Awards ceremony, David flew back overseas to be with the band when they perform tomorrow in Paris. Learn more about David's show at http://MemphisTheMusical.com.
All Hail Graham
Queen Elizabeth II has added Graham Nash of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash to this year's "Queen's Birthday Honors List." That means the ever dapper Graham shall be honored with a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire or "OBE." It's been an honor-filled year for Nash, who entered the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for a second time as a member of The Hollies in March.
Pat's Book
Pat Benatar's autobiography, "Between A Heart & A Rock Place," is out today. A great read, the book describes Pat's early days, the stories behind her hits and her personal life. She and her band will be rocking the Greek Theatre on July 31st.
A Screaming World Record
Ozzy Osbourne and the sold-out crowd at Friday night's Freeway Series game at Dodger Stadium set a new Guinness World Record for the longest and loudest scream ever! The Ozz-man led the stadium-wide 106 decibel scream in conjunction with the L.A. Dodgers ThinkCure! cancer benefit and Osbourne's upcoming album "Scream," due out tomorrow. Unfortunately, the moans of true Dodger fans pretty much eclipsed the Ozzy-Scream after the Blue Crew got swept in the three game series by the Angels.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?"
It was Plato who said: "Of all the animals, the boy is the most unmanageable."
It was Friedrich Nietzsche who said: "What does not destroy me makes me stronger."
June 16, 2010
Drummer extraordinaire Doane Perry of Jethro Tull is 56.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan recorded "Like a Rolling Stone" for his classic "Highway 61 Revisited" album. Bob and his band — featuring Al Kooper playing an electric organ for the first time in his life and some of blues guitar legend Mike Bloomfield's most understated playing ever — nailed the song on the fourth of 14 takes, the only time they made it all the way through the number.
On this day in 1967, at the height of "The Summer Of Love," The Monterey Pop Festival kicked off in Monterey, California. The media coverage given to Janis Joplin, The Who and Jimi Hendrix during the three-day festival helped turn them into international stars.
On this day in 1979, Bad Company's "Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy" peaked at #13 on the charts.
On this day in 1982, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott of The Pretenders died from a cocaine overdose at age 25.
Dio Tribute
On July 24th, the remaining members of Heaven & Hell (the Black Sabbath offshoot) — guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Vinny Appice — will play a one-off show in tribute to their late singer, Ronnie James Dio. The headlining gig at the High Voltage Festival in London will benefit the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund. Former Black Sabbath/Deep Purple singer Glenn Hughes and Masterplan's Jorn Lande will both fill in for the legendary vocalist. Of the event, Geezer said, "It will be a privilege doing a gig in honor of his memory and to help towards his charity."
Bad Money Mojo
Remember when U2 bassist Adam Clayton discovered his former housekeeper had defrauded him of millions last year? Sounds like the auditing firm Clayton hired at that time to review his finances may have found something else as well. Last week Adam filed suit against U2's financial controller Gaby Smyth and two other accountants over alleged negligence. Stay tuned!
KISS Kontest
KISS has teamed up with Guitar Center for a competition for unsigned bands to open for KISS during the band's upcoming North American tour. One group from each of the 22 cities that KISS is visiting will be chosen to support them, and then KISS will choose the best of those 22 bands and award them with a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree. You can learn more about "The KISS/Guitar Center On-Stage" at http://GCOnStage.com.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore."
It was Robert Anthony who said: "Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle."
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "The purpose of criticism is to correct, improve and change. It is not to humiliate, demean, or punish."
Father's Day!
This Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! 10am - 3pm: Uncle Joe's thinking Dad needs something really fast, totally bitchin' and fun — from RideMakerz in Downtown Disney! Meet Unc, super hot rod designer Chip Foose and more — stay tuned for details (and check out the pix from last time)!
June 17, 2010
Barry Manilow may not be Rock & Roll, but he is 64.
Keyboardist Gregg Rolie, a founding member of Santana and Journey, is 63.
And here's one you never thought you'd hear: Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra is 52.
On this day in 1966, Beatle Paul McCartney bought himself a remote farm in Kintyre, Scotland. He later wrote "Mull of Kintyre" about it.
On this day in 1966, guitarist Peter Green joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. In less than a year, Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie left Mayall's band to form Fleetwood Mac.
On this day in 1972, David Bowie's landmark "Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars" album entered the American charts. Although it only peaked at #75, it did spend 72 weeks on the charts and influenced the sound of rock albums and songwriting for years to come.
On this day in 1978, Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" album, the highly anticipated follow-up to 1975's "Born To Run," entered the charts.
On this day in 1980, Led Zeppelin began their final tour in Dortmund, Germany.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Queen and conversation with singer Freddie Mercury on over 90 stations. Stream on!
All Hail Billy/Bob/Jackie
There'll be a few familiar names being honored at tonight's 2010 Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. In addition to Billy Joel and the late Bob Marley, the lovely Jackie DeShannon will be among several artists being recognized. Don't be surprised if KLOS' Chris Carter does a tribute to Jackie during this Sunday's "Breakfast With The Beatles" — not only is he a major fan, but she also contributes a weekly news feature to his show.
Greatly Expanded
Back in 1969, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett took their regular band (soon to become Eric Clapton's Derek & The Dominos) and some all-star friends on a weeklong tour of England. But the resulting 40-minute long live album, "On Tour With Eric Clapton," was barely noticed by the masses. Now, an updated version of that album is being reissued on July 27th as a four-CD set with over three hours of unreleased performances! The "Deluxe Edition of On Tour with Eric Clapton" features special appearances by Dave Mason, Rita Coolidge and George Harrison (listed as "Mysterioso").
Two Eagles/One Skynyrd
Not only will fans rock to Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Crowes at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival this Labor Day weekend, they'll also see two Eagles. Joe Walsh and Glenn Frey will be teaming up for the first time as a duo.
It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a person's character, give them power."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."
It was Leonardo da Vinci who said: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
June 18, 2010
Sir Paul McCartney is 68.
On this day in 1967, Big Brother & The Holding Company, featuring Janis Joplin, performed a second set at the Monterey Pop Festival so that D.A. Pennebaker could film them for his documentary. Then, after The Who won a backstage argument with Jimi Hendrix over who would close the festival, Hendrix played an incendiary set that saw him light his guitar on fire. History was made, and The Who's Pete Townshend was even more pissed!
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's song "Dreams" hit #1.
On this day in 1980, goofy behavior spread all across the good old U.S. of A. when the "The Blues Brothers" movie premiered, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Queen and conversation with singer Freddie Mercury on over 90 stations. Stream on!
U2/World Cup
Sure Bono's back surgery is keeping U2 off the road, but the band is still a big part ESPN's coverage of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Several of the Irish band's songs were recorded by The Soweto Gospel Choir, and then synched up with footage from U2's recent Rose Bowl concert. Among the songs used in the broadcast are "Get On Your Boots," "Magnificent," "Where The Streets Have No Name" and "Amazing Grace." By the way, even with their tour insurance, U2 is losing over $700,000 per day during Bono's recovery. The final tab for his 50-year-old back giving out may be close to $150 million.
Walk Of Fame
Former Guns N' Roses rocker Slash, Melissa Etheridge and the late Buddy Holly will be getting stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame next year. No word on dates, but each of those ceremonies should be excellent!
(Oily) Party At Jimmy's Place
Damn the oil sludge, full speed ahead! Despite tar balls from the giant oil spill in the Gulf washing up on Florida beaches, Jimmy Buffett is launching the first of his chain of Margaritaville Beach Hotels on July 1st in Pensacola, Florida. The $50 million, 162 room hotel is the first of three hotels set to open this Summer. Next will be a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina location, and the third will be in Hollywood, Florida.
Thought For The Weekend
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
June 19, 2010
Singer Ann Wilson of Heart is 60.
Drummer Simon Wright of AC/DC is 47.
On this day in 1965, both The Kinks and Moody Blues played their first American gigs at New York's Academy of Music. Bad news for both bands: they were in trouble with the New York City Musicians Union and revoked work visas were right around the corner.
On this day in 1976, Blue Oyster Cult's outstanding "Agents Of Fortune" album entered the charts as "Don't Fear the Reaper" was about to become their biggest hit.
On this day in 1982, Fleetwood Mac's song "Hold Me" entered the charts on its way to #4.
On this day in 1997, Bobby Helms, best known for "Jingle Bell Rock," died from emphysema and asthma at the age of 63.
June 20, 2010
Guitar god Chet Atkins would have been 86.
Bassist/songwriter Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys is 68.
Bassist Michael Anthony of Van Halen is 56.
On this day in 1969, the 3-day Newport '69 Festival began in Northridge. An estimated 150,000 made it in to hear Jimi Hendrix, Jethro Tull, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Steppenwolf and others. Hendrix received $125,000 for his appearance — the highest fee ever paid to a single rock act for one appearance at that time. Do you know anyone born in the Southland in March 1970? Their folks were probably at the festival — or at least in the parking lot!
On this day in 1970, Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" entered the charts.