 June 1 -10, 2008These 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 1, 2008
Guitarist Ronnie Wood (most notably of The Rolling Stones, Faces and Jeff Beck Group) is 61. 
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones arrived at JFK Airport in New York for their first American tour. Their first U.S. gig was a high school dance near Boston. [Trivia note: The Stones' arrived on British Airways flight 505, which later inspired their 1966 song "505".] On this day in 1967, The Beatles released one of the most ground-breaking and influential albums in the history of Rock & Roll — "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The next day it was unleashed in America. On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones did their first gig with Ronnie Wood as an official member. June 2, 2008
Drummer Charlie Watts, the heart & backbeat of The Rolling Stones, is 67.
On this day in 1973, Paul McCartney & Wings' "My Love" hit #1 as "Daniel" by Elton John peaked at #2. On this day in 1984, Van Halen's "I'll Wait" peaked at #13. On this day in 1993, U2 briefly became the richest group in rock when they inked a 10-year, six-album, $60 million deal with Island/PLG. The deal included a 25% royalty rate, which would certainly buy a lot of Guinness Stout or Bushmill's whiskey. 
Macca Plays LiverpoolChris Carter, host of Breakfast With The Beatles Sunday mornings on 95.5 KLOS passes along this mind-blowing video of Paul McCartney's performance of "A Day In The Life" at his special Liverpool homecoming show last night. Macca's gig was part of Liverpool's celebration as the European Capital of Culture, and his performance of the song marked the first time a Beatle ever played it live. Near the end of the two-hour show, Sir Paulie was joined by Foo Fighters/Nirvana star Dave Grohl, who played guitar on "Band On The Run" plus drums on "Back In The USSR" and "I Saw Her Standing There." The Beatle widows, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, were there along with a sprinkle of bishops, a wiggle of Wags, a splatter of politicians, the Liverpool soccer team and 36,000 other people of every age, size and inclination. Sounds like a party! Woodstock Museum (Without The Mud)It may be just one part of a $100-million music and arts center, but the Woodstock experience is finally a museum piece. The Museum at Bethel Woods opens today on the site of the old dairy farm northwest of New York City that was trampled under by some 400,000 people on the wet weekend of August 15 - 17, 1969 that set the standard for all rock festivals. Mocked by conservatives as a "hippie museum," the exhibits actually give a thorough look at the generation-defining concert and the noisy decade that led up to it. Let's just hope that the exhibit doesn't feature smell-o-vision! Buffet's CasinoA group led by Jimmy Buffet just bought Donald Trump's Marina Hotel Casino in Atlantic City. For a mere $315 million, Jimmy's initial plans for the 27 story hotel and 79,000 square-foot casino include renaming it Margaritaville. (Bet you didn't see that coming!) In their story on the transaction, the ever-colorful "New York Daily News" described the facility as the "the poorest performing property" in Trump real estate. But hey... just as long Mr. Buffett doesn't adopt Mr. Trump's hairstyle, I think we'll all be OK. KISS/Condi/Stockholm HotelI didn't make this up, it really happened. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with KISS last Thursday at a hotel in Stockholm, Sweden where the band was set to play a sold-out concert on Friday. Rice, who was in town for an international conference on Iraq, told reporters: "It was really fun to meet KISS and Gene Simmons." Compared to who she's usually dealing with, that statement sure rings true! 
Quote Of The DayIt was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who said: "It takes less time to do a thing right than explain why you did it wrong." Computer BugsIn 1945, when an early computer at Harvard malfunctioned, early software engineer Grace Hopper found a moth in one of the circuits and removed it, thereby restoring the machine to working order. Ever since, when something goes wrong with a computer, it is said to have a bug in it. Note: At the time of her death in 1992, Ms. Hopper held the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. (http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/hopper.html) June 3, 2008
Singer Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople is 62.
On this day in 1964, when Ringo Starr collapsed with tonsillitis on the eve of a world tour, Beatles' manager Brian Epstein and producer George Martin picked session man Jimmy Nicol to become The Fab Four's temporary drummer. Ten days later, Jimmy returned to obscurity. On this day in 1967, The Doors released the song "Light My Fire." On this day in 1970, Ray Davies of The Kinks flew back to London from New York to rerecord two words in the song "Lola." He changed "Coca-Cola" to "cherry cola" to qualify for airplay on the noncommercial BBC radio. On this day in 1972, "Old Man" by Neil Young peaked at #31 on the charts.
Bo Diddley R.I.P.Bo Diddley, the musical pioneer whose songs, such as "Who Do You Love?" and "Bo Diddley," melded Rhythm & Blues with Rock & Roll through a distinctive thumping beat, died of heart failure in his Florida home yesterday at the age of 79. The Mississippi native, who was born Ellas Bates and later took the surname McDaniel, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987. His signature beat and powerful distorted guitar sound became known as the "Bo Diddley" beat. It was unlike anything else heard in pop music. Guitarist George Thorogood best described it: "[Chuck Berry's] 'Maybellene' is a country song sped up... 'Johnny B. Goode' is blues sped up. But you listen to 'Bo Diddley,' and you say, 'What in the Jesus is that?'" Among the artists who effectively made use of the Bo Diddley beat were Buddy Holly ("Not Fade Away," later covered by The Rolling Stones), Johnny Otis ("Willie and the Hand Jive"), The Yardbirds (covering Diddley's "I'm a Man"), Bruce Springsteen ("She's the One") and U2 ("Desire"). Bo played violin as a child, but said he was inspired to pick up the guitar after hearing John Lee Hooker's 1949 rhythm and blues hit, "Boogie Chillen." His funeral will be held in Gainesville this Saturday. Rest in peace Bo! Micky Waller R.I.P.Word from England is that Mickey Waller, one of the top British session drummers of the Sixties and Seventies, died of liver failure back on April 29th. He was 66. Waller worked with many, many British stars including Dusty Springfield, Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck and Cat Stevens. Besides being an ace drummer, Mickey also had a law degree that enabled him to wage successful battles in royalties disputes — a true rarity in the music business.
Quote Of The DayIt was Dave Barry who said: "The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers." This Explains A LotIt is legal in West Virginia to carry your road-kill home with you — but the person who hit the animal has to report it to the state within 12 hours. The law was enacted in 1998 to save the State the cost of having to pick up and dispose of the carcasses. You can bet that it's also resulted in some really good eatin'! June 4, 2008
On this day in 1969, The Beatles released the song "The Ballad of John and Yoko." On this day in 1977, Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" was released as "Mainstreet" by Bob Seger peaked at #24 on the charts. On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks released "Stand Back" while "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and David Bowie's "China Girl" entered the charts. On this day in 1986, the first date of the "Conspiracy of Hope" concert tour took place at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The ground breaking tour, which played the Forum here in the Southland, included Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Sting and U2 on the bill.
Anniversary Tour Postponed?Even though singer Jon Anderson is recovering from his severe asthma attack on May 13th, don't be surprised if Yes cancels or reschedules their Summertime 40th Anniversary Reunion Tour. Yoko Loses OneYoko Ono was so upset when John Lennon's song "Imagine" was used without her permission in the film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," she sued the filmmakers for copyright infringement. Unfortunately, she lost the case this week when a judge felt that if the suit went to court, the documentarians would win under the fair use doctrine — the principle that allows the use of copyrighted works for the purposes of criticism and commentary. Ono said she never wanted the film removed from theaters, just for the scene with "Imagine" to be cut from the flick. In announcing that she will appeal the decision, Yoko also stated: "It is a pity that this decision weakens the rights of all copyright owners." Scorsese Yes/Dylan Thomas NoDirector Martin Scorsese's recent Rolling Stones concert film, "Shine A Light," will be released on DVD and Blu-ray disc on July 29th. Both discs will include a behind-the-scenes feature and archival footage not part of the original movie, plus four extra Stones performance clips. Meanwhile, Mick Jagger has blocked director John Maybury's attempts to use select Dylan Thomas writings in the BBC Films biopic "The Edge Of Love," starring Sienna Miller and Keira Knightly. The singer owns the rights to many of Thomas' works. Wolfgang's Selling 'EmThrough a new arrangement between Wolfgang's Vault and the Universal Music Group, vintage concert recordings from thousands of Bill Graham-promoted concerts will be joining the nearly 500 recordings already available for purchase by download at the popular live music and memorabilia site http://www.wolfgangsvault.com. The newly released recordings include some from artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, The Kinks, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Lou Reed, Steve Miller and many others. Famed Artist R.I.P.Legendary poster artist Alton Kelley died Sunday at his home in Petaluma after a long illness. The 67-year-old is credited with creating one of the most memorable psychedelic graphic styles closely associated with San Francisco concert venues like the Fillmore Auditorium, Winterland arena and the Avalon Ballroom. Kelly and his life-long collaborator Stanley Mouse also created album cover art for Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Steve Miller and others. Kelley is credited with creating the wings and beetles that appear on all Journey album covers, as well as the skull and roses image associated with the Grateful Dead. Do yourself a favor and google him to see some of his artwork!
Quote of The DayIt was Johnny Carson who said: "If life were fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead." Lack of Sleep/Gain of StupidityAccording to new research, cutting back on sleep impairs your mental skills as much as completely skipping sleep for a few days. Researchers measured response times and memorization skills in subjects who had slept either 4, 6 or 8 hours per day for two weeks against those of a group who stayed awake for three days. Participants who slept for 8 hours performed normally, while those sleeping 6 hours or less scored just as poorly by the end of the week as the group who hadn't slept at all. Wonder how many radio executives are using that as an excuse? June 5, 2008
Badfinger bassist Mike Evans would have been 61.
On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones released the song "Satisfaction" in the U.S. just three weeks after recording it in a 30-minute session at RCA Studios in Hollywood. It went on to become the biggest song of the Sixties. On this day in 1968, Senator Robert Kennedy was shot and killed in Los Angeles. David Crosby writes "Long Time Gone" which is immediately recorded by Crosby, Stills & Nash. The next day, The Rolling Stones recorded "Sympathy for the Devil," including the lyric "...who killed the Kennedys...". On this day in 1976, "Fool To Cry" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #10, "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #11, and "Crazy On You" by Heart peaked at #35 on the charts. Whew! On this day in 1993, Aerosmith's "Living On The Edge" peaked at #18 on the singles chart. On this day in 2002, Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone (born Douglas Colvin) died of an accidental drug overdose in Los Angeles at the age of 49.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Boston as well as Joe's brand new conversation with group leader/guitarist Tom Scholz.
On StageChicago and The Doobie Brothers will play the first of two dates at the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight. Yes Officially NoSorry to confirm that Yes have canceled their upcoming 40th anniversary Close To The Edge And Back Tour in the wake of frontman Jon Anderson's recent health issues. After suffering from a severe asthma attack last month, Anderson was admitted to a hospital where he was diagnosed with acute respiratory failure. His doctors have suggested he rest for at least six months. The 26-city North American tour was to start on July 12th in Quebec and end on August 22nd in Los Angeles. Big Action At Edge's AuctionLast Saturday's Icons of Music II Auction fundraiser at the Hard Rock Times Square in New York City raised way more cash than anyone was expecting. The event was hosted by U2 guitarist The Edge to benefit the Music Rising campaign to support hurricane-affected musicians, students and parishioners of the Gulf Coast Region. The Edge's prize Gibson Explorer guitar, valued around $80,000 pre-auction, went for $150,000! Similarly, a collection of four Beatles D.A. Millings suits from Madame Tussaud's that was estimated to be worth $60,000 to $80,000 bagged a whopping $144,000! One of Pink Floyd guitarist/singer David Gilmour's personal played-on-stage Fender Stratocasters went for $72,000 and a Bob Dylan owned and played guitar went for $93,750. Jerry Lee Lewis' Custom Flamed Baldwin piano sold for $84,000 and a Kurt Cobain stage-worn jacket went for $87,000. In all, the auction took in close to $2.5 million. Right so! Paulie's PartyTo celebrate World Environment Day today, Paul McCartney is hosting a "virtual dinner party" to benefit the Adopt-A-Minefield charity. If you donate at least $25 to the charity before July 12th at the online Night of a Thousand Dinners, you can download a previously unreleased track by Macca's Fireman project. Plus, you can check out some of chef Jamie Oliver's fave recipes. Head to http://PaulMcCartney.com to party with Sir Paulie (and chef Jamie) to help Adopt-a-Minefield clear mines from fertile land so that farmers in poor countries can grow food on the fields. The Feat's All Star Line-upBob Seger, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and Jimmy Buffett are among the many well-known artists appearing on Little Feat's new "Join The Band" album. The 14-track collection, due out on August 26th, will feature Seger singing on a song called "Something In The Water" and Robinson covering the 1974 Feat classic "Oh, Atlanta." The legendary jam band and their guests recorded the new album at Buffett's personal studio in Key West.
Quote Of The DayIt was Hunter S. Thompson who said: "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." June 6, 2008
Guitar god Steve Vai is 48.
On this day in 1962, The Beatles entered London's Abbey Road Studios to audition for producer George Martin. He signed the group the following month, and the world was changed forever. On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" hit #1 on the U.S. singles charts. On this day 1968, The Rolling Stones reworked the song "Sympathy for the Devil" to reflect the recent assassination of Robert Kennedy. On this day in 1969, Rod Stewart signed a contract as a solo artist with Mercury Records while he was still the lead singer for The Jeff Beck Group. On this day in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released "Teach Your Children" as "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at #4 on the charts. On this day in 1972, David Bowie released his classic "The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars" album. On this day in 1975, The Rolling Stones released their "Made in the Shade" greatest hits compilation. On this day in 1976, Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak" album was released. On this day in 1982, over 85,000 packed the Rose Bowl for the Peace Sunday concert that featured, among others, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne and Stevie Wonder. Do you know someone born in April 1983? It took forever to get out of the parking lot that night! On this day in 1987, Genesis became the first group in the history of rock to spend a full year on America's Top 100 singles chart with tracks from just one album. "Invisible Touch" was the album, and the streak began when the album's title song entered the charts on this day in 1986. On this day in 1987, "Wanted Dead Or Alive" by Bon Jovi peaked at #7 on the charts. On this day in 1989, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble released their classic "In Step" album. On this day in 2002, following an eight-year battle with AIDS, Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby died at the age of 42. On this day in 2006, keyboardist Billy Preston — who played with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and Elton John — died at the age of 59 of kidney failure in Scottsdale, Arizona. Over his career, Billy also recorded and toured extensively with The Rolling Stones, and wrote the Joe Cocker classic "You Are So Beautiful." He was indeed a musician's musician. This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Boston as well as Joe's brand new conversation with group leader/guitarist Tom Scholz.
On StageChicago and The Doobie Brothers will wrap up their two-night run at the Gibson Amphitheatre tonight. The Final Police FinaleIf you've been kept awake at night worrying about where The Police would be playing the final show of their reunion tour, then prepare to finally get some shut eye! The dynamic trio's fundraising finale will be held at New York's Madison Square Garden on August 7th. Pairs of tickets will be made available to those who contribute at least $150 during a June 14th public television pledge drive. A $5,000 (tax deductible) gift to the same cause will snag you a package including dinner and entrance to the band's sound check. Imagine, making more than $212 million on a reunion tour no one ever thought would happen (the Top Tour of 2007!), then donating the proceeds of your final show to charity. Now that's the way to do it! Halens Take Home Big BucksNot only did Van Halen [version #4] defy the Vegas odds-makers by completing all of the dates on their 2007/2008 semi-reunion tour, the group also raked in more cash than on any of its previous outings. The tour — which launched late last September, was interrupted by rehab and medical issues before it and wrapped up this week in Grand Rapids — grossed more than $93 million over the course of its 74 arena dates. Watch The Who Pulverize PauleyA fan club presale for The Who's July 12th performance at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion for the taping of VH1 Rock Honors Tribute Concert for The Who is rolling today, and tickets for the public go on sale this Sunday. Proceeds will benefit multiple charities including the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Double O Charity, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, and select VH1 Classic Rock Autism organizations. Additional performers at the bash will include Pearl Jam, the Foo Fighters and the Flaming Lips. As for parking, you're on your own! Bitch Slapping A TabloidWell they sure taught that naughty news rag a lesson! Ozzy Osbourne was awarded "substantial damages" after winning a libel case against the U.K. tabloid, "The Daily Mail" earlier this week. It seems that the naughty pseudo-newspaper falsely reported that Ozzy was in such poor health at this year's Brit Awards that he collapsed twice before the show, needed an electric scooter to move around the set and was almost replaced as the show's host right before the gig. After consulting with his manager, Ozzy plans to donate all of the settlement money to his wife's charity, The Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program. Gosh — who would ever think of Ozzy as less than a perfect physical specimen? Mandella B-day BashQueen + Paul Rodgers along with many other stars will celebrate Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday with a big old fashioned rock festival on June 27th in London's Hyde Park. If you can't make it in person, then plan on watching the entire 46664 Concert live on VH1.com. Or check out the two-hour highlights special premiering on June 30th on VH1 and VH1 Classic. Meanwhile, Paul Rodgers is set to play a June 14th benefit show at the Fender Center in Corona — and yer Uncle Joe will be there hosting the event! Stay tuned!
Einstein's Insight
1. "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." June 7, 2008
Tom Jones and Prince — one turns 68 and the other 50, you figure it out.
On this day in 1969, The Who's "Tommy" album entered the U.S. charts. On this day one year later, they performed "Tommy" in its entirety (for the last time until 1989) at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. No significant damage to the Opera House was reported, but there were several dazed individuals in the audience! On this day in 1969, Blind Faith debuted with a free concert for over 120,000 fans in London's Hyde Park. The "supergroup," which featured Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, split up a few months later after one album and one tour. On this day in 1975, Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" album debuted on the U.S. chart at #1 — the first time an album entered the chart at the top spot. On this day in 1994, Boston released their third album, "Walk On." June 8, 2008
Crooner Boz Scaggs is 64.
On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones released the single "Jumpin' Jack Flash." On this day in 1969, Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones left/was kicked out of the group. He was soon replaced by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers alumni Mick Taylor. On this day in 1974, Paul McCartney & Wings' "Band On The Run" hit #1 on the U.S. singles chart. On this day in 1974, Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the band (for the first time) to pursue a solo career. On this day in 1985, Dire Straits' blockbuster "Brothers in Arms" album entered the charts on its way to nine weeks at #1. June 9, 2008
Les Paul, guitar god and major inventor, is 93. Former Deep Purple/Whitesnake keyboardist Jon Lord is 67. Jimi Hendrix's drummer, Mitch Mitchell, is 61. Bassist Trevor Bolder, of David Bowie's Spiders From Mars, is 58. Gregg Bissonette, drummer for Santana, Joe Satriani, Don Henley and David Lee Roth, is 49.
On this day in 1973, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones peaked at #42 on the charts. On this day in 1977, George and Patti Harrison (the inspiration for the song "Layla") were granted a divorce. Soon after, she married George's best friend, Eric Clapton. On this day in 1979, "Renegade" by Styx topped out at #16 on the charts. On this day in 1984, "Oh Sherrie" by Steve Perry of Journey peaked at #3 on the charts. On this day in 1987, over 20 guitar legends packed New York's Hard Rock Cafe to celebrate the 72nd birthday of guitar pioneer Les Paul. Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Rick Derringer were among the attendees who jammed on stage. Regrettably, a recording of the event was never released.
Half The Zep Joins All The FoosFoo Fighters were joined onstage by members of Led Zeppelin as they wrapped up their second night at London's Wembley Stadium over the weekend. Guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones — making their first public performance together since the Zep's a one-off gig last December — teamed up with Dave Grohl and his band to play two Zep classics. Grohl, the Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer, took over the drum set while Foos drummer Taylor Hawkins sang the lead vocals on the Zep's "Rock And Roll." Then Grohl swapped places with Hawkins for a crowd pleasing rendition of "Ramble On." The collaboration came just eight months after members of Queen joined the Foos onstage at London's 02 Arena for a cover of the Brit band's classic "39." AC/DC/Wal-MartWhen the "Wall Street Journal" announces that AC/DC's next studio album will be exclusively sold at Wal-Mart stores, you have to figure that's the truth. Another of the world's top selling bands, the Eagles, signed exclusively with Wal-Mart last year, and their "Long Road Out Of Eden" album sold more than 2.98 million copies in the United States. The as-yet-untitled AC/DC album — produced by Brendan O'Brien (who has also worked with Pearl Jam and Springsteen) — will be released in the Fall with a tour expected to follow. One last note: AC/DC and The Beatles are two of the only major acts who haven't made their music available on Apple's iTunes Music Store. Maybe their time is finally near. The End Of The World: Nugent Makes SenseIn what may mark the most intelligent utterances of his career, Ted Nugent has offered his keys to a successful life for the class of 2008 in an op-ed in the "Detroit News." Tedley focused on work, values and politics. He told graduates to work hard because the world owes them nothing. He advised them to find that one thing that they love, and toil with their best efforts at it with no expectations of financial reward. If you do that, he says, the money will find you. In terms of values, Ted reminded students to take care of their bodies and to find a hobby to blow off steam. Finally, the Nuge wants the class of 2008 to "be intelligently and effectively defiant," like the country's founders. Nugent wrapped it up by saying, "Have fun. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Live smart, live good. Rock hard." Right so Tedly! Replacement KISSersKISS bassist Gene Simmons has been telling anyone who'll listen that the band is close to putting on an "American Idol" type show to select new members. Paul Stanley has disclaimed any certainty over the matter, but the band's manager — Doc McGhee — said, "I believe that KISS can go on forever. I believe that there is a way — and we are talking to people and we're pretty close to getting it done — about finding the four new members of KISS." Yeah, yeah, sure... how about finding a way to knock the price of gas back down? Woodie The Wedding ArrangerAccording to one of England's (occasionally) reliable tabloids, guitarist Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones is arranging his daughter's wedding around a theme based on the character of "Puck" — the cheeky sprite from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Ronnie's daughter, Leah, is marrying TV producer Jack MacDonald on the 21st at Woodie's British estate. As for the other boys in The Stones, word is that they'll be in attendance and playing at the sprightly reception! Wonder if they gave Ronnie a break on their fee? Genesis' ScreeningFootage from Genesis' "When in Rome 2007" DVD will be screened in select U.S. theaters tonight. "Rome," which hits stores tomorrow, documents the band's July 2007 concert at the Italian capital's historic Circo Massimo. That gig closed out the European leg of their extremely successful Turn It On Again reunion tour.
Quote Of The DayIt was Steven Wright who first asked: "Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?" These Might Explain...
These three factoids from nicefacts.com may explain why Jim Ladd no longer travels out of state. June 10, 2008
Blues legend Howlin' Wolf would have been 99.
On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones met two of their idols during a recording session when bluesmen Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters stopped by Chicago's Chess Studios. On this day in 1969, Brian Jones (a psychedelicized victim of the Sixties) was fired from The Rolling Stones, the band he helped form seven years earlier. Of course, on this day in 1969 Brian Jones didn't really know what day it was, and a couple of weeks later he was dead. On this day in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded "Give Peace A Chance" during their bed-in for peace in the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal (it was room #1742). On this day in 1978, Eddie Money's "Baby Hold On" peaked at #11 on the charts as "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan topped out at #19. On this day in 2004, legendary singer Ray Charles died at his Beverly Hills home from complications due to liver disease. The Albany, Georgia native lost his sight by age 7, but went on to become an accomplished musician, winning 13 GRAMMY awards over the course of his long career. Charles influenced countless artists and was one of the first inductees to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was only 73.
Geddy Donates BallsLast Friday, Rush frontman Geddy Lee donated 200 baseballs autographed by former players and others associated with the Negro Leagues — including Hank Aaron and Willie Mays — to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum at the Coors Field of Legends in Kansas City, Missouri. Geddy's been a baseball fan since he was a kid, and began collecting game memorabilia after Rush became famous. But a visit last year to the Field of Legends made a lasting impression, and he bought the collection specifically to give to the museum. Right so! Beck/McDonald/America/MartinGuitar god Jeff Beck, former Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan singer/keyboardist Michael McDonald and America will be among the performers honoring legendary Beatles producer George Martin at the GRAMMY Foundation's annual Starry Night benefit here in L.A. on July 12th. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, will help chair the event. Martin will receive the organization's Leadership Award at the bash. Another Trippy Road TripThe official Grateful Dead web site, Dead.net, is streaming selections from the latest release in The Dead's "Road Trips Vol. 1" series — "previously uncirculated" (i.e. not previously bootleged) tapes from the band's 1971 Summer tour. The two featured concerts being streamed this time include shows at the Yale Bowl in Connecticut and at Chicago's Auditorium Theater. Limited quantities of the release include a bonus disc with yet more rarities from the '71 tour. To make the experience complete, just bring your own tie-dye, incense and psychotropics. Toto FiniGuitarist Steve Lukather has officially announced "There is no more Toto... This is NOT a break. It's over." The guitarist (and last original band member) says that he was no longer happy playing in the group. It wasn't because of the current line-up (all of whom he hired), but that he simply feels it's finally time for him to move on. By the way, Steve has just released his latest solo album, "Ever Changing Times," which he will spend the next year supporting on the road.
Quote Of The DayIt was Mark Twain who said:"Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen." |
|