July 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!
July 11, 2010
Guitarist Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi is 51.
On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones released "Honky Tonk Women."
On this day in 1969, David Bowie's single, "Space Oddity," was released to coincide with the first lunar landing. Producer Tony Visconti (who also worked with T. Rex and later The Moody Blues) disliked the song so much, he refused to produce it for his friend David. Instead Elton John's producer, Gus Dudgeon, stepped in and turned it into a classic.
On this day in 1970, The Who released their version of "Summertime Blues."
On this day in 1975, Gary Wright released his "The Dream Weaver" album as Fleetwood Mac released their first album with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, simply called "Fleetwood Mac." One of those albums went on to sell millions and millions and millions of copies.
On this day in 1979, Neil Young's concert film "Rust Never Sleeps" debuted at the Bruin Theatre in Westwood as the album of the same name was released nationwide.
On this day in 1987, "Alone" by Heart peaked at #1 on the charts.
July 12, 2010
Comedic god/actor Bill Cosby is 73.
Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 67.
John Wetton, bassist for Uriah Heep and Asia, is 61.
Eric Carr, KISS' second drummer, would have been 60.
On this day in 1962, The Rollin' Stones played their first gig — the Marquee Jazz Club in London was the site. That first line-up included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, piano player Ian Stewart, bassist Dick Taylor and drummer Mick Avery (who later gained fame as a member of The Kinks). Drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman were recruited into the band by the end of the year.
On this day in 1969, as his song "Lay Lady Lay" entered the Top 40, Bob Dylan learned that you can't go home again when he attended his high school reunion in Hibbing, Minnesota. He and his wife Sara were forced to leave after a drunken fool tried to pick a fight with the singer.
On this day in 1969, Blind Faith made their U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City, well before they were ready to be seen by anyone. Singer/keyboardist Steve Winwood of Traffic, guitar god Eric Clapton & drummer Ginger Baker of Cream, and bassist/violinist Ric Grech of Family barely survived as a group until the end of their first tour when they disbanded. Ultimately, they left us with a few beautiful songs from their only album.
On this day in 1983, sax player Chris Wood of Traffic died of pneumonia at age 39.
Keef Needs An Editor
OK, who didn't see this coming? It seems that before Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards' autobiography "Life" is approved for release this October, he's "reportedly" been asked to edit passages dealing with his bandmate Mick Jagger's "excesses and rocky relationships." As sources say, "The bottom line is they take great pleasure in winding each other up. Keith, in particular, can never resist a chance to have a pop at Mick — and, of course, it makes Mick completely bloody furious." It also creates tons of publicity, doesn't it?
A Change Of Focus
Did you know that Sir Elton John had been focusing on creating hit singles? Word is that the singer will now be directing his attention to making "records that fit my age." Last week he told the Brit press that: "I don't have to make pop records any more. The singles chart is not one I'm going to be in very often any more, so my view is to make records that fit my age. I don't think I'm going to do 'Crocodile Rock' any more... I think I've fulfilled my brief." To that end, Elton's latest album — a collaboration with Leon Russell called "The Union" — is already gathering rave reviews well before its October release date.
Digital Apple
The Beatles founded Apple Records in 1968 as a platform for the release of their own albums as well as those of their friends and collaborators. Now, following last year's popular re-master of The Beatles catalog, the label will finally release digitally re-mastered recordings by the other Apple artists later this year. The albums will include early works from James Taylor and Badfinger offered as digital downloads for the first time. So when will The Beatles become available on iTunes?
It was Dennis Roth who said: "If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought."
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Favor firm suggestions over strict rules."
It was Gandhi who said: "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
July 13, 2010
Roger McGuinn, guitarist and singer for The Byrds, is 68.
Drummer Stephen Bladd of the J. Geils Band is also 68.
Comedian Cheech Marin of Cheech & Chong is 64.
Director/writer Cameron Crowe is 52.
On this day in 1968, Steppenwolf released "Born to Be Wild," the song responsible for the term "heavy metal."
On this day in 1973, Queen released their self-titled debut album.
On this day in 1985, over a billion-and-a-half people around the world witnessed the Live Aid concerts, held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia. The benefit raised money for the starving people of Africa. Bob Geldof, the former lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, organized the event. Live Aid performers included U2, Phil Collins, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and a reunited Led Zeppelin, among others. The show ran 16 hours and raised over $100 million for the cause.
(Briefly) Pink Floyd Again (Sort Of)
Hell froze over briefly last Saturday night. For the first time in five years, Roger Waters and David Gilmour — the two driving forces behind Pink Floyd — reunited onstage. The unannounced four-song set took place before 200 attendees of the Hoping Foundation benefit in Oxfordshire, which raised about $500,000 for young Palestinian refugees. The duo's set included Phil Spector's "To Know Him Is To Love Him" (a longtime Floyd soundcheck staple) and the band's classics "Wish You Were Here," "Comfortably Numb" and "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2." This marked the first time Roger and David have shared the stage since Pink Floyd's reunion performance at 2005's Live 8 in London. Gilmour and Waters — who swapped his bass for an acoustic guitar — were joined by keyboardists Harry Waters (Roger's son) and Jonjo Grisdale, drummer Andy Newmark, guitarist Chester Kamen and bassist Guy Pratt. Hopes for an official Pink Floyd reunion tour were extinguished when keyboardist Richard Wright passed away in 2008 and Gilmour lamented, "No one can replace Richard Wright." But the estranged couple sure looked like they were having fun Saturday night!
Buffett Plays On The Beach
After Hurricane Alex delayed the gig by a couple weeks, Jimmy Buffett finally got to play his free concert for the Gulf Coast last Sunday evening on Orange Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The show, Jimmy's way of supporting those affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, was broadcast live on CMT. As Buffett said, "I saw a sign out there that said, 'What would Jimmy Buffett do? Throw a party at the oil slick!' You're right!"
Carlos Really Loves The Drummer
Sorry girls, Carlos Santana is off the market. The guitar god proposed to acclaimed drummer Cindy Blackman four songs into his show in Chicago last week. The romantic outburst followed Blackman's drum solo in "Corazon Espinado." Musta been some percussion!
Top Concert Sales Up Or Down?
More than halfway through 2010, how bad has the concert business been? Well the smaller tours have certainly taken a hit, but the official Pollstar Top Grossing Tours Of The Year chart shows Bon Jovi the top dog after taking in $52.8 million through June. Pollstar's #2 was Carole King and James Taylor’s "Troubadour" tour which has earned $41 million to date. No word on why Pollstar only counted six of the Eagles' 2010 dates. If all of their shows had been counted, the Eagles would come in at second with $48.7 million gross receipts. Sounds like fodder for a blues song to me!
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching."
It was Jim Rohn who said: "Indecision is the thief of opportunity."
It was Bob Hope who said: "If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf."
Word Play
* Oscar Wilde and his friends came up with the word "dude." It came from the words "duds" and "attitude."
* William Shakespeare coined a number of proper names including Olivia, Miranda and Jessica.
* There is no synonym for "thesaurus."
July 14, 2010
Folk legend Woody Guthrie would have been 97.
On this day in 1967, The Who began their first full-scale U.S. tour. As the opening act for Herman's Hermits, they really didn't go over all that well... but they did meet a lot of girls.
On this day in 1979, Van Halen's "Dance The Night Away" peaked at #15 on the charts.
On this day in 1982, Pink Floyd's film version of "The Wall," directed by Alan Parker, premiered in London. Maybe he understood it... maybe he didn't.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of George Thorogood & The Destroyers as well as more of Joe's extensive conversation with George... Stream on!
U2 Reboot
Two months after their Summer concert tour was postponed following lead singer Bono's emergency back surgery in Germany, U2 has rescheduled their North American tour for one year after the original dates. They'll begin on May 21, 2011 with a show in Denver, then hit Angels Stadium in Anaheim June 17th and 18th (and yes, that does leave room for more shows between Denver and Anaheim). Paul McGuinness, the band's manager, says, "We're delighted the dates are rescheduled and in all the same venues we originally planned to play... Above all, we want to thank the U2 fans for bearing with us. They're the best and the band wants to get back to where they belong, surrounded by their audience." Bono also apologized and addressed his health on the U2.com website, saying, "I am ready, rebuilt by German engineering. Better design, I'm told."
Download Live Ozzy
If you move quickly, you can download a six-song EP of the highlights of Ozzy Osbourne's live performance at London's Roundhouse Club earlier this month. The digital EP is part of Apple's iTunes Festival and features "Let Me Hear You Scream," "Mr. Crowley," "I Don't Know," "Suicide Solution," "I Don't Want To Change The World," and "War Pigs." The 61-year-old released his latest studio LP, "Scream," on June 22nd and is launching his 2010 OZZFest in Devore, California on August 14th. He's certainly a busy one, isn't he?
Led Zep version2.0 Almost Happened
Led Zeppelin's December 2007 blockbuster reunion concert at London's O2 Arena left the music world clamoring for a full-scale tour. But when Robert Plant indicated he wanted to dedicate time to other projects (like his GRAMMY-winning collaboration with Alison Krauss), founding Zep members John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page considered hitting the road with a fill-in singer. How close did they get to hitting the road? "As close as you could get," said Jason Bonham, who filled in for his deceased father on drums at the reunion show. "We did a year of writing and putting stuff together," then in January 2009 "[Page and Jones] agreed to disagree... and it was just time to move on."
It was Helena Rubinstein who said: "Hard work keeps the wrinkles out of the mind and spirit."
It was Plato who said: "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."
It was Gertrude Stein who said: "Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop."
Word Play
* Oscar Wilde and his friends came up with the word "dude." It came from the words "duds" and "attitude."
* William Shakespeare coined a number of proper names including Olivia, Miranda and Jessica.
* There is no synonym for "thesaurus."
July 15, 2010
Linda Ronstadt is 64.
Drummer Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd is 62.
Singer David Pack of Ambrosia and
Guitarist Jeff Carlisi of 38 Special are both 58.
Drummer Marky Ramone of The Ramones and
Guitarist Joe Satriani are both 55.
On this day in 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia, was killed in a car accident in Liverpool, England. She was only 34, and he just 17.
On this day in 1967, Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl" entered the singles chart.
On this day in 1968, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their self-titled debut album.
On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their fifth album, "Cosmo's Factory." Most fans still consider it to be their best.
On this day in 1989, Don Henley's "The End Of The Innocence" album entered the charts.
On this day in 1989, Pink Floyd performed on a floating stage in Venice, Italy. Unfortunately, the partying audience of 200,000 damaged many of the city's bridges and caused marble to crumble from centuries-old buildings.
Pagey's Pad
The historic Plumpton Place, Jimmy Page's former home in East Sussex, England (56 miles south of London) can be yours! Definitely not a fixer-upper, the Led Zeppelin mastermind's English manor features six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, a tennis court, three lakes, two cottages and even a moat (cause ya gotta keep those groupies at bay!). Bonus Zeppelin factoid: This is the place where Jimmy's hurdy-gurdy sequence in "The Song Remains The Same" was filmed. Now that $12 million doesn't seem so steep, does it?
Plant's Memphis Star
Occasional Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant was honored with a star on the Orpheum Theater Sidewalk of Stars in Memphis. During Monday's ceremony, Robert spoke about how a generation of British musicians owe a debt to early Southern blues artists. Do you suspect he was thinking of finally paying royalties?
All Done In Berlin
R.E.M. have officially finished recording their new album at Hansa Studios in Berlin. The band and producer Jacknife Lee will mix the disc (their 15th studio effort) later this Fall, with a Spring 2011 release date being discussed. Others who have used the Hansa Studios include David Bowie (with producer Brian Eno) for his "Low" and "Heroes" albums, as well as U2 (again with Eno) for their landmark "Achtung Baby" album.
Slash Chooses
Out of 12,000 entries, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash personally chose Northern California's State Line Empire as the winner of his Guitar Center contest. Now he'll help write, record and will perform on a three-song EP with the band (which includes former members of the Punk Metal band Drist) . Among other things, the band will get a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree, a management development deal, an opening slot on Slash's Monster Energy Bash tour and an editorial feature in "Guitar World Magazine."
It was George Carlin who asked: "If a pig loses it's voice, is it disgruntled?"
It was Bill Cosby who said: "The very first law in advertising is to avoid the concrete promise and cultivate the delightfully vague."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "She lacks the indefinable charm of weakness."
July 16, 2010
Percussionist Stewart Copeland of The Police is 58.
On this day in 1966, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton formed the first bona fide supergroup. They chose the name Cream because they were considered to be Britain's best rock musicians (the "Cream" of the crop). It wasn't until later that someone suggested the moniker "Grouchy Egomaniacs."
On this day in 1969, The Who released the song "I'm Free."
On this day in 1976, Loggins & Messina broke up when Kenny Loggins sensed a successful solo career was right around the corner.
On this day in 1981, songwriter/storyteller Harry Chapin was killed in an auto accident on New York's Long Island Expressway.
On this day in 1996, Styx drummer John Panozzo died of bleeding ulcers and cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 47.
Joe Perry & His Ducati Go Down
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry was on his Ducati Monster motorcycle when he was hit from the rear by a car yesterday afternoon in Middleboro, Massachusetts. The 59-year-old was treated for minor and released from the Morton Hospital — Medical Center in nearby Tauton. No word on the Ducati's condition but Joe the incident won't affect the band's "Cocked, Locked, & Ready To Rock!" tour which will kick off next Friday.
More Gilmour/Waters!
The world was shocked last weekend when David Gilmour and Roger Waters performed together for the first time in five years at the Hoping Foundation benefit gig in Oxfordshire, England. Now we find out that the long estranged Pink Floyd stars struck a secret deal before their performance at the charity show that will see Gilmour performing "Comfortably Numb" at one of Roger's upcoming "The Wall" shows — probably when that tour hits Europe in March. Roger Waters Facebook page has the full story!
All You Need Is Klaus
Now we know why Jim Ladd will be glued to his TV on August 1st. The Smithsonian Channel's new series "Inside The Music" will debut that night with "The Accordion Kings!" The second episode, "Electrified: The Guitar Revolution," will air on August 15th, and "All You Need Is Klaus" will roll on August 22nd. That episode will feature the life of musician and artist Klaus Voormann, who is best-known for his legendary work for The Beatles — especially the cover art for their "Revolver" album. "All You Need Is Klaus" will also feature appearances by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, making it a must-see for the entire family!
Top Concert Sales Up Or Down?
How bad has the concert business been in the first half of 2010? The official Pollstar Top Grossing Tours Of The Year chart shows Bon Jovi the top dog after taking in $52.8 million through June. Last year's Top Grossing Tour was U2's "360° Tour" with a take of over $300 million.
It was Yogi Berra who said: "If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's gonna stop them."
It was Samuel Goldwyn who said: "Ninety percent of the art of living consists of getting on with people one cannot stand."
It was John F. Kennedy who said: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."
July 17, 2010
Guitarist/group leader Spencer Davis is 70.
Bassist Terry "Geezer" Butler of Black Sabbath is 61.
On this day in 1917, the British royal family changed their surname from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor, adopted from their largest castle (bearing a German surname during World War I was considered in bad taste, especially for the royals).
On this day in 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience opened for The Monkees in Forest Hills, New York. What were they thinking?!?
On this day in 1968, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" movie premiered in London. What were they smoking?!
On this day in 1971, Creedence Clearwater Revival's final Top 10 hit, "Sweet Hitch-Hiker," entered the charts.
On this day in 1971, The Who unleashed "Won't Get Fooled Again" as Rod Stewart released "Reason To Believe."
On this day in 1976, Heart's "Magic Man" entered the U.S. singles chart.
On this day in 1996, Chas Chandler, the bass player for The Animals who later became Jimi Hendrix's manager, died in a British hospital at the age of 57. He had been undergoing tests related to an aortic aneurysm.
July 18, 2010
Bluesman "Screaming" Jay Hawkins would have been 81 (the exact number of children he claimed to have fathered).
Keyboardist Ian Stewart, a founding member of The Rolling Stones, would have been 72.
On this day in 1953, Elvis Presley made his first recording, "My Happiness," as a gift for his mother.
On this day in 1960, Elvis Presley's "It's Now Or Never" was released. That evening marked Jim Ladd's first karaoke performance of said song in front of real people. Fortunately, Jim later made bail.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles album "A Hard Days Night" was released. It yielded two #1 hits, the title track and "Can't Buy Me Love."
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones first hit single, a rockin' cover of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away," peaked at #48 in the States.
On this day in 1981, Journey released "Who's Crying Now" as Santana's song "Winning" peaked at #17 on the charts.
July 19, 2010
Guitarists Bernie Leadon of the Eagles and Brian May of Queen are 63.
Grateful Dead keyboardist Keith Godchaux would have been 62.
Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been 58.
On this day in 1954, Sun Records released the first Elvis Presley single, "That's Alright (Mama)."
On this day in 1966, The Monkees recorded their TV theme song.
On this day in 1980, Billy Joel hit #1 for the first time with "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me."
On this day in 1980, the stage adaptation of "The Elephant Man," starring David Bowie, opened in Denver. The non-musical part gave Bowie his first dramatic stage role, and when the show eventually moved to Broadway, fans could see The Thin White Duke on The Great White Way!
Can You Spare A Dime
"Forbes" has released its list of Top Earning Musicians based on net income from ticket sales, record sales and endorsement deals between June 2009 and June 2010. U2 took the top honors with earnings of $130 million for six months of their "360° Tour." AC/DC came in second by earning $114 million ($226 million total on their 108-city "Black Ice" tour). Bruce Springsteen came in fourth with $70 million in earnings from the last leg of his "Working On A Dream" tour that ended in November.
Mick's Old School
While guitarist Keith Richards has been toning down stories in his autobiography about his longtime partner Mick Jagger in recent days, Sir Mick has been literally strolling down memory lane. The Rolling Stones frontman returned to Dartford Grammar School For Boys in Dartford, England last Thursday to open an extension of The Mick Jagger Arts Centre. The space houses gallery rooms as well as video and rehearsal spaces for "rock stars" in training. At the opening, Jagger said, "I've been given a very warm welcome, and I was taken to the headmaster's office. It's always difficult to go into that room without feeling a pang of some sort of guilt!" A sensation Keith isn't overly familiar with.
New Doobie LP/Old Doobie Video
In between touring and finishing The Doobie Brothers' new album, guitarist/singer Pat Simmons, the only member to be in every incarnation of the band, has been working on a retrospective DVD. Last week he reported that a taste of the vintage footage should be included when the band releases their new album, "World Gone Crazy," in September. That means that the Doobies first album of original material in 10 years may also include a half hour of classic footage as part of a deluxe edition of the new CD. Sweet!
Lining Up For Jerry Lee
Rock & Roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis' new "Mean Old Man" duets album will feature special guest performances from John Fogerty on his Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Bad Moon Rising" and Mick Jagger on The Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers." John Mayer, Slash, Kid Rock, Eric Clapton and Willie Nelson also recorded with The Killer this time around. Both an 18-track deluxe edition and a 10-track standard edition LP will be out on September 7th.
It was Henry James who said: "Summer afternoon, summer afternoon... the two most beautiful words in the English language."
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
It was Dave Barry who said: "You can only be young once. But you can always be immature."
KLOS Blood Drive!
Wednesday July 28th, 4pm - 6pm: Join Joe as he'll be meeting folks before donating a pint of his blood at the Glendale Civic Center (1401 North Verdugo in Glendale). Take part in the 29th Annual KLOS Blood Drive — July 27th - 31st — and get a special bitchin' KLOS T-shirt and a ticket to see OzzFest, Meatloaf or Lynyrd Skynyrd (while supplies last) for every pint you donate!
July 20, 2010
Bassist John Lodge of The Moody Blues is 65.
Guitar god Carlos Santana is 63.
Singer Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave is 46.
On this day in 1968, actress Jane Asher told a BBC TV reporter that her engagement to Paul McCartney was off. Watching the television with some friends, Paul found out about the breakup at the same time as millions of other Britons.
On this day in 1969, contrary to anything Timothy Leary later said, Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon.
On this day in 1974, Joey Ramone moved out from behind the drums to become the vocalist and frontman for The Ramones. Gabba, gabba, hey!
Shooting Bad Co.
As anyone who saw them at the Pacific Amphitheater Saturday night can tell you, Bad Company is rocking! The briefly reunited band is also working on a tour video blog and documentary called "Movin' On 2010." Cameras and film crews will film each concert as well as the group and their crew during their daily tour activities. You can see the ongoing "Movin' On 2010" tour video blog at BadCompany.com.
Crossroads For You
Guitar god Eric Clapton held his third "Crossroads Guitar Festival" last month in Chicago and now, for one night only, over 475 movie theaters nationwide will show a two-hour compilation of footage of the concert. The July 27th screenings will feature performances from ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck and B.B. King, among many others. An introduction by Clapton himself combined with exclusive backstage footage, behind-the-scenes video, and performer interviews will also grace the big screen. Check out FathomEvents.com for more details.
New/Old Petty
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' classic 1979 "Damn The Torpedoes" album is getting the full documentary treatment. Eagle Rock Entertainment's excellent "Classic Albums" series will release "Tom Petty: Damn The Torpedoes" on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 3rd, and the 56-minute program will also air on VH1 Classic. In addition to background on the music and archival footage, the documentary will feature interviews with Petty and Heartbreakers Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench and Ron Blair as well as producer Jimmy Iovine.
John Will Talk
When John Mellencamp's latest album, "No Better Than This," hits the shelves on August 17th, John himself will actually be onstage at the GRAMMY Museum in the L.A. Live complex. During "An Evening with John Mellencamp," the Indiana native will answer questions about his career, political activism and his excellent new album. They say he'll even take questions from the 200 fans present!
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "I like men who have a future and women who have a past."
It was Michael Jordan who said: "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
It was Satchel Paige who said: "Ain't no man can avoid being born average, but there ain't no man got to be common."