Unc's Daily Update Archives - 11 Orange 400x100px

August 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!

August 11, 2010

Original Guess Who bassist Jim Kale is 67.

On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd recorded "Apples and Oranges" at Abbey Road Studios. The song became their third single and was truly as lame as the title would lead you to believe.

On this day in 1973, Joe Walsh released the song "Rocky Mountain Way" just as The Edgar Winter Group released "Free Ride."

On this day in 1984, "Cover Me" by Bruce Springsteen entered the singles chart.

This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of The Cars, as well as conversation with Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr. Stream on!

Why Robert Said No

Many have speculated that Robert Plant resisted a Led Zeppelin reunion tour to focus on his GRAMMY-winning 2007 collaboration with Alison Krauss. But in a new "Mojo" magazine interview, Plant admitted that the band's 2007 reunion show in London was too emotionally intense to repeat. "Well, what could you do afterward...? Twenty minutes after we finished, the Gallagher brothers were leaning on the door of my dressing room and one of them said, 'You're the real f---ing thing, you are.' I said, 'I've known that all down the line — but I think you need to go a little further round the corridor, next door on the left.' And I... ended up in the Marathon [pub in Camden], drank four bottles of Keo [lager] and half a bottle of vodka then went to bed. Because I had to get away from it. I'd done it. Had to go... [It was] too heavy. Beautiful — but talk about examining your own mortality... Crazy." Indeed!

Top Ticket Requests

Are you wondering which is the number one requested concert in Los Angeles? According to Stubhub.com, it's U2! The website's Top 5 list of the most requested tickets in the Los Angeles metropolitan area are shows by U2 followed by Lady Gaga, Muse, the Dave Matthews Band and Roger Waters. Of course U2 won’t play Angels Stadium in Anaheim until next June, but the desire of their fans remains strong!

Gregg's Return

The Allman Brothers Band have announced their first tour since Gregg Allman underwent a liver transplant in June. The singer says he’s “been itching to play” since the operation, so the Brothers will kick off a series of intimate shows with three nights in Boston’s Orpheum Theatre starting on November 18th. Rock & Roll!

(Everybody Sing) On Broadway!

At last! Preview performances of the Broadway musical "Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark," featuring original music by U2's Bono and The Edge, will finally begin on November 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre on the Great White Way in New York City. After financing issues forced months of production delays and the departure of two marquee stars, the show with its astounding staging will officially open on December 21st.

It was Bill Cosby who said: "A word to the wise ain't necessary — it's the stupid ones who need advice."

It was David Russell who said: "The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.

It was Miriam M. Wynn who said: "If you're afraid to ask the question, it's probably because you already know the answer."

ZZ Top! ZZ Top!

This Sunday! Be prepared to rock as J.B. hosts the ZZ Top concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre during the Orange County Fair!

August 12, 2010

Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler is 61.

On this day in 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. The world's first bootleg and royalty lawsuits were just around the corner.

On this day in 1960, Pete Best became the drummer of the Silver Beetles. With Ringo Starr around the corner, Pete didn't last much longer than that band name.

On this day in 1967, Fleetwood Mac made their live debut at London's National Jazz & Blues Festival. The festival's headliners were two British artists who were neither blues nor jazz: Donovan and Pink Floyd. Oh, the Sixties!

On this day in 1969, Eric Clapton's supergroup Blind Faith made their live U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden. Too much too soon: they were doomed before they played their first note.

On this day in 1972, "Honky Cat" by Elton John entered the singles chart.

Who Stole That?

Following Heaven & Hell's performance at last month’s High Voltage Festival in London, someone walked right up and stole Tony Iommi’s guitar! The Black Sabbath guitarist's signature Gibson Iommi SG guitar was taken right after the band’s tribute to their late singer Ronnie James Dio. Not that you know where it is, but a reward is being offered for the instrument’s return... and Tony's looking for a new guitar tech.

Delayed Beatles

Everyone knows that The Beatles February 9th, 1964 performance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" was seen by 76 million Americans. Now, almost 50 years later, the band’s legendary appearances on the program will finally come out on DVD on September 7th. The four "Complete Ed Sullivan Shows Starring The Beatles" DVDs will also boast 13 minutes of additional footage, including a previously unaired interview Sullivan did with the Beatles in London, a commercial for Beatles dolls by Sullivan and more.

Electric Lady Party

On August 26th, 1970, Jimi Hendrix opened his vastly over-budget, long delayed Electric Lady Recording Studios in New York City's Greenwich Village. Since then, the highly successful studio has nurtured the work of The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, U2, David Bowie and Peter Frampton. To mark the Electric Lady's 40th anniversary, the Audio Engineering Society of New York will hold a panel discussion with Jimi's legendary engineer, Eddie Kramer, as well as Jimi's sister, Janie Hendrix, and many other of the biggest names in engineering in an event that will stream on the AES' website, AES.org. By the way, Hendrix passed away less than a month after officially opening the studio.

Play Like Warren

Want to play like The Allman Brothers Band/The Dead guitarist Warren Haynes? True, his forte is brilliant leads and jams, but Warren has just released an iPhone app to teach you some of the top songs from his side band Gov't Mule. The app features note-by-note transcriptions, chord arrangements and tablature — everything you need (except talent and a guitar) to play like a god!

It was Noel Coward who said: "I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me."

It was Napoleon Bonaparte who said: "Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."

It was Muhammad Ali who said: "It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up."

August 13, 2010

On this day in 1952, Blues maven Big Mama Thornton recorded the original version of "Hound Dog," which soon became a #1 R&B hit. But little did the world know, Elvis Presley was just waiting in the wings!

On this day in 1964, The Kinks entered the U.K. charts for the first time with "You Really Got Me."

On this day in 1965, the Jefferson Airplane made their live debut at San Francisco's Matrix Club. Marty Balin, the group's vocalist and guitarist, owned the club, thus making the audition process go a lot smoother.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles' best album to date, "Revolver," hit #1 on the British charts, while anti-Beatlemania raged Stateside following John Lennon's remark that the group was "more popular than Jesus."

On this day in 1973, Jethro Tull's "A Passion Play" album hit #1.

On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band began their legendary five-night, two shows per evening stand at New York's Bottom Line club, setting the stage for the breakthrough success of "Born To Run" two weeks later.

On this day in 1977, "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner entered the charts.

On this day in 1977, Bachman Turner Overdrive announced they were splitting up, sending all of Canada and bar bands everywhere into mourning.

On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones released "Start Me Up" from their "Tattoo You" album.

This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of The Cars, as well as conversation with Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr. Stream on! (And check out the promo!)

On Stage Tonight

Rush will be rocking the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine tonight.

On Stage Saturday

Following a year-long hiatus, OzzFest reboots Saturday at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore. Motley Crue and Rob Halford are the top dogs of the 11 artists joining Ozzy Osbourne and his band.

A lot closer to the ocean, Billy Idol will be rocking the Hollywood Palladium Saturday night.

On Stage Sunday

ZZ Top will be laying it down at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa. See you there!

More Beatles Remastering Magic

It's not surprising that The Beatles' "Red" and "Blue" greatest hits albums will be digitally remastered and re-released in October. But they're saying that these latest versions of "The Beatles: 1962-1966" and "The Beatles: 1967-1970" are being reissued to "preserve the sound of the original analog recordings." Isn't that what we were trying to get away from with the digital remastering?

Sound Fatherly Advice

KISS frontman Paul Stanley admits he'll "never be as good a guitarist" as his 16-year-old son Evan, but when asked if the teen will ever play a live show with KISS, Stanley quickly replied, "I hope not!" Because living in the shadow of a famous father is a tough job, Paul says, "(They should) live by the same philosophy that got me where I am, which is: find your own path. Follow your desires and succeed without any sense of owing anybody any debt of gratitude. Being Frank Sinatra Jr. is a hard cross to bear." Right so!

Faces (Ever So Briefly)

The reunited Faces performed to a select crowd of 400 fans Wednesday night in London, and Simply Red's Mick Hucknall did an excellent job filling in for missing frontman Rod Stewart. Before the show, guitarist Ronnie Wood spoke about the legendary party band's tattered history during a Q&A with the fans. As for new material, Woodie said, "It would be tough with our busy schedules... but we could throw something together easily and quickly like we always did." By the way, Ronnie's son, Jessie, joined the band on rhythm guitar.

Richie Hayward R.I.P.

After fighting liver cancer for the last year, Little Feat drummer/co-founder Richie Hayward died at the age of 64 in a Vancouver hospital Thursday. A great guy and a great drummer who worked with many artists — including Robert Plant, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton and Bob Seger — Richie will be missed.

Thought For The Weekend

There are only two industries in the world that refer to customers as 'users'. One is the IT industry. The other is the illegal drugs industry.

Triskaidekaphobia

The "fear of the number 13," and today is Friday the 13th. Here are some of the factoids and superstitions surrounding both the number 13 and Fridays in general.

All months whose first day falls on a Sunday will contain a Friday the 13th.

A maximum of three Friday the 13ths can appear in one year, but every year will have at least one.

In ancient times, Friday was the day of the pagan goddess Freya, and 13 was her sacred number, because the pagan calendar had 13 months. Christian monks considered anything having to do with goddesses to be unlucky, and anything having to do with pagans as being evil. When pagans worshipped Freya on Friday the 13th, the monks accused them of "devil worship."

The Bible points to Friday as being the day Eve gave Adam the apple.

Ancient Norsemen used 13 knots in the nooses they used to hang people.

In the 19th century, Lloyd's of London refused to insure any ship sailing on Friday the 13th. The U.S. Navy still won't launch ships on that date.

Hotels and office buildings often don't have a 13th floor. Many airports skip the 13th gate and airplanes have no 13th row.

The ill-fated Apollo 13 mission was launched at 13:13 military time, from launch pad #39 (that's 13 X 3), and had to be aborted on April 13, 1970.

August 14, 2010

Singer/guitarist David Crosby, of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Byrds fame, is 69 and still living large!
Bassist Tim Bogart of Vanilla Fudge fame is 66..

On this day in 1962, Ringo Starr was nearing the end of a three-month engagement with Rory Storm & the Hurricanes when he was approached by The Beatles manager Brian Epstein about replacing drummer Pete Best. Much to Pete's chagrin, Ringo started four days later.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles released the song "Help," Bob Dylan released "Like A Rolling Stone" and The Animals released "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place." What a day!

On this date in 1965, The Beatles taped an appearance for CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show." Recording at Studio 50 in New York City, they performed "I Feel Fine," "I'm Down," "Act Naturally," "Ticket to Ride," "Yesterday" and "Help!" The program was broadcast on September 12th, for the season-opener of "The Ed Sullivan Show."

On this day in 1971, Rod Stewart's classic "Maggie May" entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1976, Steve Miller's "Rock 'N Me" entered the singles chart as Peter Frampton's "Frampton Comes Alive" album hit #1.

On this day in 1982, "Keep The Fire Burnin'" by REO Speedwagon peaked at #7 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1985, Michael Jackson snookered Paul McCartney with a bid of $47.5 million for the ATV music publishing catalog and the Northern Songs Catalogue of The Beatles' copyrights, which included 251 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

August 15, 2010

Doobie Brothers guitarist/singer Tom Johnston is 62.
Drummer Tommy Aldridge, who worked with Black Oak Arkansas, Whitesnake and Ozzy Osbourne, is 60.

On this day in 1964, "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles peaked at #53.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles performed in front of 56,000 people at Shea Stadium in New York. It set a record for concert attendance at that time, however most of those there heard nothing but screaming as fans drowned out the pathetic 600 watt P.A. system.

On this day in 1969, three days of "Peace, Love and Music" known as the legendary Woodstock Music & Arts Fair began on Max Yasgur's farm in upstate New York. Almost half a million people braved rainstorms and traffic jams to see Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Joe Cocker, among others.

On this day in 1970, Sugarloaf released the song "Green Eyed Lady" as Free's "All Right Now" entered the singles chart and The Who's version of "Summertime Blues" peaked at #27.

On this day in 1978, Boston's "Don't Look Back" album was released a year before group leader Tom Scholz wanted it to be. Soon, there would be hell to pay.

On this day in 1981, "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins peaked at #19 on the charts.

August 16, 2010

INXS guitarist Tim Farris is 53.
Singer/dancer/saucy girl-next-door Madonna is 52.

On this day in 1938, Blues legend Robert Johnson (from whose music most Rock & Roll evolved) died at the age of 27 after being poisoned by a jealous husband (or so the story goes).

On this day in 1962, The Beatles replaced drummer Pete Best with Ringo Starr. Twenty years later, in 1982, Best released an album of early Decca Record auditions on which he was featured with the legendary group, and his backbeat was still all over the place.

On this day in 1977, Rock & Roll legend Elvis Presley died at the age of 42. Heart attack or heavy drug abuse, it doesn't really matter — he's not living in Kalamazoo, he's dead.

Neil's Food Tour

In light of the B.P. oil disaster, you didn't think Neil Young's "Twisted Road" tour through Alabama, Florida and Mississippi would just be a series of gigs did you? Neil has turned his mid-September shows into fundraisers of the Bay Area Food Bank, which serves communities all along the Gulf Coast. His efforts also involve partnering with Tyson Foods to provide four truckloads of chicken (about 400,000 meals) to the Food Bank. Right so!

Unholy Matrimony In Devore

The 2010 OzzFest kick-off last Saturday was an all access experience for Jody Barnes and Jennifer Knorr who got married at the event. The couple's ceremony was part of the "Unholy Matrimony" promotion Ozzy Osbourne set up for his fans. Barnes and Knorr met in 2008, and say that one of their first excursions together was to OzzFest in Texas that same year.

Stones/Big Screen

"Ladies & Gentlemen... The Rolling Stones," featuring concert footage from two Texas dates of The Rolling Stones' legendary 1972 "Exile on Main Street" tour, will screen in more than 530 theaters across the country on September 16th. While you won't see any of the infamous behind the scenes debauchery, you will see the boys performing at their peak. The film is expected to be released on both DVD and Blu-ray in late September. FathomEvents.com has the screening details.

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Simple pleasures are always the last refuge of the complex."

It was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said: "A man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."

It was Sophia Loren who said: "Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent." And that does explain a lot about this town, doesn't it?

What Sleep?

According to a "Consumer Reports" survey, 44% of Americans consider themselves to be "problem sleepers," meaning they have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or wake up too early at least eight nights per month. The survey also found that one in five Americans take prescription or over-the-counter medicines at least once a week to help them sleep, while 14% of those polled say they took some type of sleeping pill on at least eight of the past 30 nights, while 5% took a pill every night of the month. Sadly, 24% of respondents say they became dependent on the sleeping pills. Of the six characteristics that problem sleepers have in common, high stress levels was the most prevalent. Kinda stresses you out just thinking about it, doesn't it?

August 17, 2010

Former Boston drummer Sib Hashian is 61.

On this day in 1962, The Beatles played their first gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool with their new drummer, Ringo Starr. Some of original drummer Pete Best's fans began a fight as the Fab Four entered the club, and George Harrison finished the night with a black eye.

On this day in 1971, Led Zeppelin began their seventh North American tour in just three years. The band was at the height of their creative success, having just completed the "Led Zeppelin IV" album. The music and partying were legendary.

Nada Bowie GaGa

No surprise that David Bowie has officially denied that he's ending his semi-retirement just so he can collaborate with Lady Gaga. An alleged record label document circulating through the internet last week suggested that David would appear on some songs on Gaga's next album. His reply: "The suggestion that David Bowie is producing and participating in the production of Lady Gaga's next album is untrue and a hoax." Right so!

No Beatles Piano For You

The coffee-stained Challen upright piano used on such Beatles songs as "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," "Paperback Writer" and "Tomorrow Never Knows" has been taken off the auction block. The long out of service instrument from the historic Abbey Road studios was scheduled for auction at the Bonhams' Pioneers of Popular Culture sale last weekend, but was withdrawn without any explanation. The piano, which had been sold in the Eighties to a family for children to learn to play, was expected to sell for $250,000.

Aero/Geils Battle

Aerosmith and The J. Geils Band, arguably Boston's two biggest bands ever, played at Fenway Park last Saturday. The big surprise was that the two groups never shared the stage! Word is that a pre-show argument between frontmen Steven Tyler and Peter Wolf soured the planned grand finale. It seems that Steven didn't want Peter to use Aerosmith's ramp into the audience from the stage, but once Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry weighed in for the Geils guys, Steven relented. Still, too little too late.

Mono Mellencamp Today

John Mellencamp's latest album, "No Better Than This," is finally out today. Using a primitive 1955 Ampex portable recording machine and one microphone, John recorded the songs during breaks from his 2009 tour with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. The T Bone Burnett-produced album was recorded in mono, the same way the classic folk and blues recordings were done in the Thirties and Forties, in various historic places like Savannah, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee; and San Antonio, Texas. John says the recording is "as American folk as [he's] ever been."

Another Typical G&R Day

It was really just another typical day in Guns N' Roses' world. First someone hacked into singer Axl Rose's rarely-used Twitter account and tweeted, "All upcoming Guns N' Roses dates are officially cancelled. Please contact your place of purchase for any refunds." Of course, that was a complete lie. Then Guns N' Roses took the stage at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Friday an hour and 20 minutes late — which is kind of normal for them. But this time it wasn't Axl's fault. A technical glitch with the video production took longer than expected to fix. By the time the band took the stage at 12:50am, some of the crowd had been throwing beer bottles and cans at the stage, and others just left the Rock 'N Rev amphitheater at the Monkey Rock USA site near Sturgis in angry, foul moods. Just another typical day in Guns N' Roses' world.

Jason's Zep Experience

Occasional Led Zeppelin drummer Jason Bonham has announced the dates of his multi-media Led Zeppelin Experience tour. The very limited engagement venture commemorating the 30th anniversary of the passing of his father, Zep drummer John Bonham, will kick off on October 8th in British Columbia. Jason will play about two dozen shows through November 29th, when he wraps things up in Vancouver. The concerts will include the music of Led Zeppelin, historical video footage and photos, Jason's stories about his dad and much more. His Southland shows will include the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside on November 21st and the beautiful Pantages Theatre on November 23rd. I'll be discussing the tour in detail with Jason in about two weeks when he's my special guest on OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson.

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Ability gets you to the top; character keeps you there."

It was William Shakespeare who said: "Listen to many, speak to a few."

It was Abraham Lincoln who said: "I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down..."

Dog Days Indeed

The term "Dog Days" means the hottest days of Summer. The Ancient Romans believed that there was a period during the Summer when "the brightest star in the heavens, the dog star 'Sirius,' added its heat to the sun's, making those days a veritable inferno."

August 18, 2010

Former Foreigner drummer Dennis Elliott is 60.

On this day in 1973, The Doobie Brothers released "China Grove."

On this day in 1973, "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" by Chicago peaked at #10 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1977, The Police (with guitarist Andy Summers) played their first gig as a three-piece after the departure of original guitarist Henri Padovani.

On this day in 1978, The Who released the "Who Are You" album.

On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones released their "Tattoo You" album.

On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "Panama" peaked at #13 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1986, Bon Jovi released their third album, "Slippery When Wet." It eventually sold over six million copies.

This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of — and more of Joe's extensive conversation with — Stevie Nicks... Check out the promo and Stream on!

Mods & Rockers Do Wight

American Cinematheque's annual four-day Mods & Rockers Film Festival will kick off on August 26th with a screening of the documentary "Message To Love" to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the famed 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. The presentation at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood will also feature appearances by musicians who played the Festival, including Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors, Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Glenn Cornick of Jethro Tull and Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues, among others. A remastered 1970 concert film of The Moody Blues and a new documentary about the history of the Mellotron, featuring interviews with Beach Boy Brian Wilson and Rod Argent, will be shown the next evening at the Egyptian. The third night of the Festival will feature the Isle of Wight performances of The Who and Jimi Hendrix (who died 18 days after the concert). Go to http://www.modsandrockers.com for more info.

Gabriel TV

Peter Gabriel will be the guest on the first episode of the "Guitar Center Sessions" TV program, which will premiere on August 21st on DirecTV. The show, hosted by NPR personality Jason Bentley, will be taped live at the Guitar Center in Hollywood. You can preview Gabriel's performance on the show with a free video of "Here Comes the Flood" available exclusively through the Guitar Center's website.

Smell Like A Sex Pistol

This story is just downright weird. The Sex Pistols, the ultimate punk band, is reportedly getting its own signature perfume thanks to a partnership with Fragrance and Beauty Limited. While you'd expect Sex Pistols perfume to smell like urine and vomit, it has been described as having a scent of "fresh, restless bite of lemon, sharpened and intensified by a defiant black pepper." Delivered in "God Save The Queen"-inspired packaging (or is that a heroin bindle?), the product is expected to foul stores next month.

It was John Lennon who said: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

It was Thomas Jefferson who said: "He who knows best knows how little he knows."

It was Mark Twain who said: "I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one."

August 19, 2010

Cream drummer Ginger Baker is 71.
Ian Gillan, vocalist with the best-known incarnation of Deep Purple, is 65.
Queen bassist John Deacon is 59.

On this day in 1959, 61-year-old blues guitar legend Blind Willie McTell died in Milledgeville, Georgia from a brain hemorrhage. Just the same, The Allman Brothers Band (unlike a big English band or two) still gave him writing credits when they covered his material 10 years later.

On this day in 1967, The Beatles hit #1 with "All You Need Is Love."

On this day in 1978, Boston released the song "Don't Look Back."

On this day in 1991, Bob Seger released his album "The Fire Inside."

On this day in 1997, Fleetwood Mac released "The Dance," the soundtrack to a TV special featuring the recently reunited/most famous line-up of the classic band.

On Stage Tonight

Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp are performing at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario tonight.

Just Another Tyler Fall

Remember when Steven Tyler fell from the stage during an Aerosmith concert last August, incurring major injuries, derailing the band's tour and damn near destroying the legendary group? Sure, Steven ended up doing a little rehab, and the Hall Of Famers did get back together in time to tour this Summer, but Tuesday night in Toronto Tyler fell off the stage again! This time Steven had playfully bumped guitarist Joe Perry during "Love In An Elevator." But when Joe returned the bump, he sent the 62-year-old frontman right off the stage! Unlike last year, Tyler landed on his feet this time and was immediately helped back on stage by fans. Grabbing the mic, the singer announced, "It ain't gonna happen again baby!" We sure hope not!

Tedly Behaving Badly

When the California Department of Fish and Game discovered that loud mouthed guitarist/hunter Ted Nugent broke several laws when filming his Outdoor Channel TV show "Spirit Of The Wild" here, they righteously busted his ass. The Motor City Madman was fined $1,750 after he pleaded no contest to baiting a deer and not having a properly signed hunting tag when he killed it for his TV show. Tedly originally faced 11 charges, including killing a deer too young to be hunted, but cut a deal. What a man.

Artworks For The Cure

Next month's Artworks for the Cure will auction off pieces of art by guitarists Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, Andy Summers of The Police and Jimi Hendrix, as well as work by Jefferson Airplane singer Grace Slick and many others. The proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation, which raises funds to find cures for cancer and AIDS. You can learn more about the September 26th event in Santa Monica at 2010Artworks.org.

A Better Defined Clapton

The latest word on Eric Clapton's new album "Clapton" is that it will feature a mix of covers of swing songs as well as new material. Both Steve Winwood and Allman Brothers Band guitarist Derek Trucks have contributed to the recording, and the first single will be "Diamonds Made from Rain" featuring Sheryl Crow. It is thought to be the first of a two volume set, but there have been no details released on the second album. "Clapton" will hit shelves on September 28th.

It was Albert Einstein who said: "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."

It was Craig Ferguson who said: "If it doesn't work, at least it will be an interesting train wreck."

It was George Carlin who said: "Just cause you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the circus has left town."

I Scream, You Scream...

From "Health" magazine:
* 44% of women and 30% of men feel guilty for eating ice cream.
* Americans eat an average of one ton of ice cream in their lifetimes.
* One ton is the approximate weight of a baby elephant.
Now, enjoy!

August 20, 2010

Trombonist James Pankow of Chicago is 63.
Singer/rock god Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame is 62.
Thin Lizzy bassist/singer Phil Lynott would have been 58.

On this day in 1966, the title song of The Beatles' film "Yellow Submarine" entered the charts.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles were together in the studio for the last time as they finished recording "I Want You (She's So Heavy)."

On this day in 1977, The Marshall Tucker Band released the song "Can't You See."

On this day in 1981, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band played at the L.A. Sports Arena in one of the first high profile benefits for Vietnam veterans.

Steven's New Job (Maybe)

While neither Steven Tyler nor the producers of "American Idol" have announced that the Aerosmith frontman will be a judge on the show's upcoming season, everybody else has. Even Steven's bandmate, bassist Tom Hamilton said, "Steven is doing 'American Idol.' The ink is dry on that. So, we'll have to work around his schedule for a new record." Tom also said, "Steven is someone who absolutely lives to be in front of an audience, and the people closest to him know how witty and entertaining he can be. I don't know if 'American Idol' will be Rock & Roll enough for him, but it is an opportunity for millions of people to see another side of Steven Tyler." Let's just hope Steven doesn't fall off the stage.

OzzFest UFOs

Did you realize that one of the best documented UFO sightings in the U.S. took place in August 2004 as fans were leaving the Ozzfest concert in Tinley Park, Illinois? Then you weren't surprised to hear that during last Saturday's Ozzfest 2010 kick-off concert in Devore, a good number of folks saw "a triangle UFO flying higher than any conventional aircraft." Witnesses described the craft as "pale gray" with lights that "blinked and flashed three to five times before it disappeared." You'd kind of expect a lot of "blinking and flashing" at OzzFest though, wouldn't you?

Macca Tribute?

There's been a lot of talk lately about a possible Paul McCartney tribute album, and Gene Simmons has confirmed that KISS has recorded a cover of Macca's "Venus and Mars/Rock Show" for the charity effort. No further word of a title or release date yet, but something will surface soon!

Michael Been Passes On

Michael Been, the 60-year-old leader/vocalist/guitarist of The Call, died of a heart attack yesterday at his son's gig at a festival in Belgium. Michael was the father of frontman/bassist Robert Been of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and had been mixing the sound for BRMC for quite some time. The Call were highly respected by other musicians, and Garth Hudson of The Band played keyboards on several of their albums. In addition, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds' Jim Kerr and former Band frontman Robbie Robertson all recorded with Michael and his band. I had the pleasure of working with The Call once in Riverside, and it was a gig I'll never forget. Rest in peace, Michael... your music will live on.