June 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!
June 21, 2010
The Kinks leader Ray Davies is 66.
Guitarist Joey Molland of Badfinger is 63.
Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer turns 60.
Guitarist Nils Lofgren of the E-Street Band hits 59.
On this day in 1966, Britain's top session guitarist, Jimmy Page, made his live debut with The Yardbirds at a show at the Marquee Club in London. His transformation of that group into Led Zeppelin was just two years away.
On this day in 1975, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple, the band he had carefully formed seven years earlier.
On this day in 1981, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen put Steely Dan on a hiatus that lasted 13 years.
On this day in 2001, blues legend John Lee Hooker died in his sleep at the age of 83. Hooker was perhaps the most influential of all the old bluesmen, with songs covered by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, The Doors and many more.
Bucks Up 4 Rare Lyrics
After "an intense six-minute bidding battle over the phone," an anonymous American investor now owns John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to The Beatles' "A Day In The Life." The first two work-in-progress drafts of the lyrics — written on January 17, 1967 — sold for $1.2 million in a Sotheby auction in New York last Friday. The final price was far beyond the $500,000 to $700,000 pre-auction estimates. You have to wonder if we'll ever see it on display in some museum.
Jovi's Changes
It's unlikely anyone was surprised when Jon Bon Jovi pulled out of his Philadelphia Soul franchise. But dropping his manager of many years was much more unexpected. The end of that working relationship followed glitches on Bon Jovi's "The Circle" tour and the Showtime documentary, "When We Were Beautiful." As the dust settles Stateside, the New Jersey band is continuing its residency at London's O2 Arena with shows tomorrow night, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Foreigner's Brit Fests
Along with Tony Bennett and Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner will be headlining the 2010 iTunes Festival in London the first week of July. The boys will also be playing The Roundhouse — a legendary Brit venue — on July 25th, a day after performing at the High Voltage Festival July 24th.
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."
It was Fred Allen who said: "A celebrity is a person who works hard all his life to become well known, then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized."
It was H. L. Mencken who said: "A celebrity is one who is known to many persons he is glad he doesn't know."
Summertime!
"Summertime, and the livin' is easy." It was an early one! Southern California celebrated the Summer Solstice at 4:28am this morning. Both the longest day and shortest night of the year, this marks the official changing of the seasons. "Solstice" is derived from two words: "sol" meaning "sun," and "sistere," meaning "to stand still." On the day of the solstice, the sun rises an imperceptible amount, in a sense, it "stands still" — what an excuse to party! And when it comes to partying, who knew more than the ancients. An utterly astounding array of ancient cultures built their greatest architectural masterpieces specifically to align with the solstices and equinoxes. Stonehenge is a perfect marker of both winter and summer solstices. Native Americans created countless stone structures linked to equinoxes and solstices, including the 20-acre amphitheatre in Vermont called Calendar One and the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming. Since the time of the ancients, this time of year — between the planting and harvesting of the crops — has also been the traditional period for weddings. Besides fertility, planting seeds, gathering of herbs, pagan rituals and partying in Santa Barbara, Summer Solstice means so much more here in Southern California. OK, it primarily means bikini waxing and sunscreen, but it is meaningful none-the-less. Just be wary of that fertility thing!
June 22, 2010
Todd Rundgren is 62.
38 Special bassist Larry Junstrom is 61.
INXS bassist Garry Gary Beers is 53.
On this day in 1847, the doughnut was invented.
On this day in 1968, The Jeff Beck Group debuted in New York City. Their lead singer, Rod Stewart, was so nervous he hid behind the speakers for the first few songs. No, there wasn't a young blonde back there with him, but we all know how he likes doughnuts.
On this day in 2008, George Carlin, the iconic, acerbic, GRAMMY-winning comedian/actor/author whose career spanned more than 50 years, died of heart failure in Santa Monica at the age of 71.
Rush On The Walk
Rush will receive their own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame at a ceremony this Friday. As you'd expect, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson all plan to be there for the midday ceremony. But wait — there's more! This Saturday, VH1 and VH1 Classic will debut the "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" feature-length documentary. The film premiered in late April at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it won the "Audience Award."
Macca's Ballet Slippers
Never one to bypass a challenge, Paul McCartney has agree to write the music for a ballet. Sir Paulie says he's always "interested in doing things [he] hasn't done before," so when he got the ballet offer, he jumped on it. No word yet on which ballet company was able to hire The Beatle.
Whitesnake Reshuffles
Things must have gotten a bit uncomfortable during Whitesnake's current writing and recording sessions. Both bassist Uriah Duffy and drummer Chris Frazier left the band last week. But don't worry — former Ozzy Osbourne drummer Brian Tichy, who just left Foreigner a couple weeks ago, has already signed on to work with Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale. Can a new bassist be far behind?
John & Bob
Ever the adventurer, John Mellencamp will be doing a series of dates with Bob Dylan in mid-August. John will be opening shows for Bob in Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Las Vegas and — on August 19th — at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in our own Ontario.
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
It was "Dennis The Menace" cartoonist Hank Ketcham who said: "Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it, but don't swallow it."
Random Thoughts For An Early Summer Day
* If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
* What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
* Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.
June 23, 2010
Original Beatle bassist Stuart Sutcliffe would have been 70.
Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter is 69.
On this day in 1976, Paul McCartney & Wings wrapped up their "Wings Over America" tour at The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood. Macca didn't tour the States for another 13 years — do you think somebody ticked him off?
On this day in 1979, Supertramp's "Breakfast in America" album hit #1 just as The Knack's "My Sharona" entered the charts on its way to #1.
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" album entered the charts on its way to seven weeks at #1.
On this day in 1984, Van Halen's all-time driving classic "Panama" entered the singles charts.
This weekend, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of The Rolling Stones as well as conversation with Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Mick Jagger on over 90 stations. Stream on!
Red's Been Writing
Former Van Halen/current Chickenfoot frontman Sammy Hagar is working on an autobiography. Targeted for release next year, "Sammy Hagar Red" is so personal that Sammy even reveals his dad died in the back of a police car, drunk, leaving his mom to raise him and his three siblings. But before he can finish the tome, Sammy and his band The Wabos will open 11 of Aerosmith’s upcoming shows, including their July 29th show at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine.
J.T. & Carole Help
Talk about helping! While promoting their "Live at the Troubadour" album, James Taylor and Carole King's ongoing Troubadour Reunion tour has also raised $1.5 million for charity. The money has been raised through the sale of special VIP packages, tour related fundraising events and a commemorative book. The duo will present the cash to several charities, including Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alliance for the Wild Rockies.
Nada Beach Boys Love
Of course next year will mark The Beach Boys’ 50th anniversary, but don't plan on a special reunion tour. Singer Mike Love has made it very clear that group founder Brian Wilson won't be rejoining the group on stage or in the studio — and while Mike's merely a cousin in the Beach Boys family of Wilsons, he's running the show. By the way, 2006 was the last time the surviving Beach Boys appeared together publicly, The event was a press conference to discuss the 40th anniversary of their classic album, "Pet Sounds." And yes, there were a couple of hissy fits before it was over.
Dave's Book
The ever entertaining Dave Stewart has written a motivational book about mixing business with creativity. The former Eurhythmics mastermind uses "The Business Playground: Where Creativity and Commerce Collide" to show business-minded people how to rediscover their creativity. The book is due out next month.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice does."
It was Katherine Whitehorn who said: "Outside every thin woman is a fat man trying to get in."
It was Douglas Adams who said: "I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."
June 24, 2010
Guitar god Jeff Beck is 66.
Singer Colin Blunstone of The Zombies is 65.
Drummer/rock icon Mick Fleetwood is 63.
Former Yes and Moody Blues keyboardist Patrick Moraz is 62.
Dire Straits bassist John Illsley is 60.
On this day in 1965, John Lennon released the follow-up to his first book, "In His Own Write." The book's title, "A Spaniard In The Works," was a play on the phrase "A Spanner In The Works." Because we Americans didn't know "spanner" was another name for a "wrench," the joke was completely lost on us. Oh well...
On this day in 1978, The Rolling Stones' classic album "Some Girls" entered the charts on its way to #1.
On this day in 1984, Talking Heads premiered their classic concert movie "Stop Making Sense" directed by Jonathan Demme.
On this day in 1996, Van Halen announced that Sammy Hagar had left the band, and that David Lee Roth had returned as a (very) temporary replacement.
On this day in 1999, Eric Clapton auctioned off 100 of his guitars to raise money for his Crossroads Clinic in Antigua. The 1956 Fender Stratocaster on which he composed "Layla" fetched a (then) record price of $497,500.
On this day in 2000, KISS began auctioning off costumes and props from their 25 years in show business. Last we checked, they still haven't left the building.
Little Richard/R.E.M./The Band
Little Richard's classic 1955 single "Tutti Frutti," R.E.M.'s 1983 track "Radio Free Europe" and The Band's 1969 self-titled LP are among the 25 historic recordings being added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. According to the terms of the 2000 National Recording Preservation Act, the content considered for preservation must be at least 10 years old, and have cultural, historical and aesthetic significance — and darned if those three didn't make the grade! A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom!
Gregg's New Liver
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman underwent a successful liver transplant yesterday at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The 62-year-old singer/keyboardist for The Allman Brothers Band had been waiting for the organ for about three years as part of his continued recovery from Hepatitis C. While his surgery has forced The Allmans to cancel their scheduled appearance at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago this weekend, we're all hoping Gregg gets well soon!
Chris & Steve At Last
Yes and Genesis were among the biggest Progressive Rock bands ever, but it turns out that Yes bassist Chris Squire had never even met Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett until three years ago when Steve helped out on Chris’ Christmas album. Now, as Chris is touring with Yes and Peter Frampton, he and Hackett are about to release an album under the name Squakett. Squire says, “The amazing thing is that Steve and I just work together so well and so naturally and we sing together really well and the combination of our talent is really something that doesn’t happen often so we’re both really pleased with the outcome of the record.” You gotta wonder if they'll tour when the LP is released this Fall.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "Half the lies they tell about me aren't true."
It was Woody Allen who said: "Life doesn't imitate art, it imitates bad television."
It was Kurt Vonnegut who said: "The telling of jokes is an art of its own, and it always rises from some emotional threat. The best jokes are dangerous, and dangerous because they are in some way truthful."
You're Stressing Us Out!
So what gets American employees stressed out? A new survey by the makers of Hormel Compleats meals has found that more than half of U.S. workers say the biggest source of stress at work is not the job itself, but their co-workers. The poll found that the most annoying things about co-workers tend to be those who talk too much, use silly catch phrases or those who are brown nosers. An amazing 53% of the respondents say they can't get away from office gossip because it usually takes place at their's or a neighboring desk (duh!). 22% identified the most annoying office catch phrase as "Think outside the box," followed by "Team Player" and "Shoot me an e-mail."
June 25, 2010
Original Moody Blues bassist Clint Warwick is 68.
Eternal babe and occasional singer Carly Simon is 65.
Multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald of Foreigner and King Crimson fame is 64.
Toto keyboardist/singer David Paich is 56.
On this day in 1966, The Troggs' "Wild Thing" entered the American Top 40, scaring the bejesus out of melodic pop combos everywhere. It eventually peaked at #1.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles performed "All You Need is Love" live on the first worldwide satellite television broadcast. Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Keith Moon, among others, were on hand to help (or be seen).
On this day in 1969, guitarist Mick Taylor played his first gig as Brian Jones' replacement in The Rolling Stones. The Colosseum in Rome was the venue.
On this day in 1984, Patti Scialfa joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as a back-up singer, four days before the "Born in the USA" world tour began.
On this day in 1994, Boston's fourth album, "Walk On," entered the charts a mere eight years after the band's "Third Stage."
On this day in 1994, Chet Helms, who founded and managed Big Brother & The Holding Company with Janis Joplin, died in San Francisco of complications from a stroke at age 62. It was Helms who staged the free concerts at Golden Gate Park that became the backdrop for 1967's Summer of Love. He also helped the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Country Joe & The Fish and others develop the "San Francisco Sound."
Rush's Star Today
Today, Rush will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 11:30am in front of the Musician's Institute at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard. Both yer Uncle Joe and Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan will be on hand to pay tribute to the Canadian rockers. See you there!
Crossroads This Weekend
Eric Clapton's got a great line-up set for his 2010 Crossroads Festival in Chicago this Saturday. Former Traffic frontman Steve Winwood, Buddy Guy, John Mayer, Vince Gill and ZZ Top are just a few of the acts that will perform in the day-long festival. As before, proceeds from the entire event will benefit The Crossroads Centre substance abuse rehabilitation facility in Antigua that Clapton founded in 1997.
Sting TV
Sting will be featured on Sunday's episode of "Private Sessions" on A&E, performing on his "Symphonicity Tour" at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. He'll sing updated versions of some of his biggest hits while being backed by the 45-piece Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. No pressure there!
Pete R.I.P.
Pete Quaife, The Kinks original bassist, died of kidney failure Wednesday in Denmark at the age of 66. He played and sang with the British Invasion band from their very formation in 1961 through 1969. Pete last played with The Kinks at their 1990 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Considering the nasty intra-band squabbles he was part of in the Sixties, we sure hope Pete rests in peace now.
Body/Mind
Pollsters report that 75% of Americans say they want to change their bodies in some way, but only 13% want to change their intelligence.
June 26, 2010
Chicago blues pioneer Big Bill Broonzy would have been 117.
Guitarist Mick Jones of The Clash is 55.
Crooner Chris Isaak is 54.
On this day in 1963, John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote "She Loves You" in a hotel room in Newcastle, England.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles released their "A Hard Day's Night" album, which was sold in either a stereo or mono mix. In fact, only the instrumental tracks were issued in stereo or mono — The Beatles' songs were mixed in mono on both versions.
On this day in 1973, British police raided Keith Richards' London home, where they discovered guns, ammunition and Chinese heroin. The Rolling Stones guitarist was immediately arrested with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg.
On this day in 1973, singer Marsha Hunt named Mick Jagger in a paternity suit in London. Hunt claimed the Rolling Stone was the father of her then-two-year-old daughter. A blood test proved otherwise and the lawsuit against Jagger was dismissed.
June 27, 2010
Captain Kangaroo, Bob Keeshan, would have been 83.
On this day in 1949, Gene Autry recorded "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' self-titled debut album entered the British charts, two months after it was released.
On this day in 1970, seven weeks after the Kent State Massacre that it was written about, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's blistering "Ohio" was released.
On this day in 1970, the English band Smile made its performance debut under its new name, Queen.
On this day in 1971, the legendary Fillmore East in New York City closed. Performers on the last night included The Allman Brothers Band, The Beach Boys, J. Geils Band and Mountain.
On this day in 1976, John Lennon finally received his green card.
On this day in 1977, Led Zeppelin played the last of seven legendary nights at the Forum in Los Angeles.
On this day in 1978, at a special ceremony, UNICEF named Kansas as its first musical ambassadors of goodwill. Not having been told anything about the honor, the band was extremely surprised!
On this day in 1989, occasional Eagle Don Henley released his classic "The End Of The Innocence" solo album.
On this day in 1989, The Who performed the rock opera, "Tommy" in its entirety for the first time in 19 years at New York's Radio City Music Hall. The revived show raised money for a children's charity as well as the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
On this day in 1993, Lyle Lovett married Julia Roberts — you go boy!
On this day in 2002, rock's greatest bass player, John Entwistle of The Who, died in his sleep from a heart attack in Las Vegas on the eve of the band's North American tour. He was only 57 years old.
June 28, 2010
On this day in 1969, Crosby, Stills & Nash's debut album entered the charts as Stephen Stills was reconnecting with his Buffalo Springfield bandmate, Neil Young. Neil was, of course, talked into joining CS&N shortly thereafter.
On this day in 1975, The Eagles' "One of These Nights" album entered the charts on its way to five weeks at #1.
On this day in 1975, David Bowie released the song he cowrote with John Lennon, "Fame." It finally hit #1 on the charts on September 20th (real fame took a lot more time back in those days).
On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton and Elton John co-headlined a concert at London's Wembley Stadium. The event marked Elton's first public outing since undergoing painful hair transplants. Oh, the courage he demonstrated!
Slash Is Coming (Sort Of)
No Southland dates are included (yet) in the August 29th through October 2nd leg of Slash's solo tour, but you know he'll be here. The former Guns N' Roses guitarist recruited Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy to sing the tracks from the "Slash" album for this tour, meaning Myles will be covering Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, Iggy Pop, Fergie and many others who contributed vocals to the album. Challenging indeed!
Rush DVD
Rush fans will finally be able to pick up the "Beyond the Lighted Stage" DVD tomorrow. The documentary, which won the Heineken Audience Award at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, tells the story of the Canadian trio using archival footage as well as interviews with the band and their famous friends.
Doors DVD
You can see how The Doors came to be when their documentary, "When You’re Strange," is released on DVD. Narrated by Johnny Depp, the movie explores the group’s beginnings, their rise in popularity and the death of singer Jim Morrison using historic and previously unseen footage. It’s out tomorrow.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Great leaders give credit to others, but accept the blame themselves."
It was Woody Allen who said: "You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred."
June 29, 2010
Deep Purple's drummer, Ian Paice, is 62.
On this day in 1967, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were found guilty of trumped-up drug charges in London. The British music scene would never be the same.
On this day in 1968, Pink Floyd's second album, "A Saucerful of Secrets," was released and they headlined at the first-ever large scale free rock concert in London's Hyde Park. Jethro Tull and T-Rex were also in the show's line-up.
On this day in 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its last concert together on the final day of the three-day Denver Pop Festival at Mile High Stadium (an appropriate name indeed).
On this day in 1974, Neal Peart replaced original Rush drummer John Rutsey as the band was about to leave on their first big tour.
On this day in 1975, bassist/lyricist Roger Waters spit on the audience during a Pink Floyd show. He later said that experience inspired the multi-million selling "The Wall" album. Maybe good manners don't really matter after all.
On this day in 1978, Peter Frampton survived a Bahamian car crash, although his career took a pretty severe hit.
On this day in 1979, Little Feat leader (and master musician) Lowell George died of a heart attack at the age of 34.
On this day in 1998, George Harrison announced that he had been receiving radiation treatment for throat cancer caused by smoking.
Bret's On A Roll
After almost dying from a brain hemorrhage two months ago, Bret Michaels is on a roll. His latest album, "Custom Built," is due out next Tuesday and he's about to receive the Chair’s Citation Award from the American Diabetes Association. The Poison singer is also pushing to replace Simon Cowell as an "American Idol" judge. He says that, "We have a meeting in LA in a couple weeks and we're going to sit down and talk." In addition to starring on VH1's "Rock Of Love," Michaels won the third installment of NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" and judged talent on the USA Network's "Nashville Star" back in '05.
Bucks Up For A Doodle
It was bucks up last Friday at Christie's Auction House in London. A doodle drawn by John Lennon during one of his legendary Montreal "bed-ins" in May 1969 sold for nearly $56,000! The auction also featured the largest collection of memorabilia from The Who ever sold at one time. That astounding collection went for about $270,000.
Edge/Muse/Surprise
Everyone knows that U2 had to cancel their performance at the 40th annual Glastonbury Festival due to lead singer Bono's recent back injury. So imagine the surprise last Saturday evening at Glastonbury when U2 guitarist The Edge joined Muse for a rendition of "Where the Streets Have No Name" in front of the 80,000 or so buzzed up Brits! Now will there be a special DVD of the song released for charity?
It was Yogi Berra who said: "It ain't the heat, it's the humility."
It was Thomas Jefferson who said: "The most valuable of talents is that of never using two words when one will do."
It was Albert Einstein who said: "Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity."
Rush On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Check out the fotos of Rush receiving their star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Friday!
June 30, 2010
Former Dire Straits rhythm guitarist Hal Lindes is 60.
Sweet guitarist Andy Scott is 59.
On this day in 1956, Chuck Berry's classic "Roll Over Beethoven" entered the singles chart for the first time.
On this day in 1975, Gregg Allman married Cher four days after she divorced Sonny Bono. Ten days later, she divorced Allman too.
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen kicked off his "Born In The U.S.A." tour in Minnesota as "Dancing in the Dark" peaked at #2 on the singles charts.
On this day in 1989, the surviving Beatles sued for an injunction against Dave Clark, formerly of The Dave Clark Five, banning him from selling copies of the old Ready Steady Go! TV show featuring The Beatles. The case was eventually settled out of court.
On this day in 2001, guitar god Chet Atkins died at the age of 77 in Nashville from complications of cancer. Chet was THE most recorded solo instrumentalist in history, with more than 75 albums of guitar instrumentals to his credit and more than 75 million albums sold worldwide. He played on hundreds of hit records, including those of Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Sr.. He collaborated with a wide range of artists including Sir Paul McCartney. His business acumen and guitar style influenced generations of country and rock musicians alike. Remember the first time you ever saw a picture of The Beatles performing? That was a Chet Atkins model Gretsch guitar George Harrison was playing.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Deep Purple as well as more of Joe's conversation with singer Ian Gillan. Stream on!
Crossroads III
Eric Clapton's latest Crossroads Guitar Festival, held this past Saturday in Chicago, was a screaming success. Nearly 30,000 fans packed the stadium for the 11-hour concert. B.B. King, Jeff Beck, ZZ Top, Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy and John Mayer topped the star-studded line-up. As before, the proceeds benefit Clapton's Antigua-based nonprofit Crossroads Center rehab clinic. As we await details on the DVD of the event, keep in mind Eric's comment on the possibility of another Festival in the future: "This was going to be the last one, but I don't think it will be." Rock On!
Refreshed Lennon
As part of the Gimme Some Truth campaign, which is overseen by Yoko Ono, eight of John Lennon's remastered classic solo albums are being released to celebrate his 70th birthday. Among the releases are a stripped down, expanded version of "Double Fantasy" (like The Beatles "Let It Be... Naked") a hits compilation called "Power To The People: The Hits," a 4-CD set of themed discs titled "Gimme Some Truth" and a deluxe 11-CD box set called the "John Lennon Signature Box" with the remastered albums plus an EP of Lennon's non-album singles and a bonus disc of rare and previously unreleased recordings. While his birthday is actually October 9th, the new packages will be released on October 5th.
New/Old Bruce
Bruce Springsteen's long awaited deluxe version of his classic 1978 "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" album will finally be released this Fall. E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt says the set will feature at least 10 previously unreleased outtakes. "We put 10 or so outtakes on the [1998] "Tracks" box set and we [have since] found 10 more," Van Zandt said. "I'm not sure how many we'll put on there. We'll go back and he might finish a lyric on one or two, or finish a harmony on one or two, but we'll keep them intact pretty much."
It was Benjamin Franklin who said: "All would live long, but none would be old."
It was jazz great Thelonius Monk who said: "Sometimes it's to your advantage for people to think you're crazy."