Unc's Daily Update Archives - 11 Orange 400x100px

September 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!

September 11, 2010

Drummer Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead is 67.
Guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw of Styx is 57.
Multi-instrumentalist Moby is 45.

On this day in 1962, one week after their first recording sessions, The Beatles cut two Lennon/McCartney tunes, "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You." Producer George Martin insisted that session drummer Andy White sit in, on the chance that new percussionist Ringo Starr didn't work out. What ever happened to ol' Andy?

On this day in 1967, The Beatles climbed on a bus and began filming "The Magical Mystery Tour." If they had waited another day or two to figure out a story line, the TV special might have made some sense.

On this day in 1969, the first real bootleg record album turned up in stores in Los Angeles. "Great White Wonder" featured unreleased songs by Bob Dylan.

On this day in 1977, on Bing Crosby's personal invitation to appear as a special guest on his annual Christmas television special, David Bowie recorded duets of "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth" with the Binger.

On this day in 1982, John 'Cougar' Mellencamp's "American Fool" album hit #1 on the charts.

On this day in 1983, Pat Benatar released "Love Is A Battlefield."

September 11th

On this, the ninth anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, let us not forget the horror but continue to honor those cast into the role of heroes by fate. Take a moment to say a prayer for them and their families, and a prayer for your families and loved ones, as well as the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces fighting to protect our freedom around the world. God bless America.

September 12, 2010

Original Foghat bassist Tony Stevens is 61.
Vocalist Gerry Beckley of America is 58.
Drumming god Neil Peart of Rush is 58.

On this day in 1966, The Monkees' TV show premiered on NBC.

On this day in 1987, The Cars' album "Door To Door" entered the U.S. charts.

On this day in 1990, Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks announced that they would no longer perform with Fleetwood Mac. Two years later, they reunited with the group to sing at President Clinton's inauguration. Four years after that, they reunited for an MTV Unplugged special, which led to a #1 album and an immensely successful concert tour. Promises, promises, promises.

On this day in 1992, Eric Clapton's "Unplugged," the album he didn't think was worthy of releasing, entered the charts. "Unplugged" went on to win the Album of the Year Grammy Award, sell over 7 million copies and become Eric's most commercially successful release ever. So much for guitar god's judgmental skills!

September 13, 2010

Vocalist David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears is 69.
Bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera of Chicago is 66.
Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey (who now drums with The Who) is 45.

On this day in 1965, The Beatles released the song "Yesterday." While the song was credited as a Lennon/McCartney composition, it was written entirely by and recorded solely by Paul McCartney. It hit #1 on October 9th, 1965, and has since become the most recorded song in the history of recorded music.

On this day in 1969, John Lennon debuted his Plastic Ono Band, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, at a Toronto "Peace" concert. A semi-professional recording of the gig was later released as "Live Peace in Toronto."

On this day in 1969, Santana's self-titled debut album entered the charts.

On this day in 1980, Mark Knopfler's brother David left Dire Straits. The brothers, along with drummer Pick Withers and bassist John Illsley, had formed the band three years earlier.

Unc's Vacation Day

It's time for some R&R, so unless nothing happens in the music world today, Unc's Music News will return tomorrow!

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."

It was Walt Disney who said: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

It was Bill Gates who said: "Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get Summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself."

September 14, 2010

Guitarist Steve Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd would have been 61.

On this day in 1968, The Beatles released "Hey Jude," their first single on their own Apple Records label. Backed with "Revolution," it almost immediately hit #1.

On this day in 1968, The Who's Pete Townshend told "Rolling Stone" magazine of his plans to write a "rock opera" about a deaf, dumb and blind boy. The project became "Tommy," one of Townshend's most successful musical efforts. Aside from the original recording, the piece was also re-recorded by a symphony orchestra, turned into a feature film with an accompanying soundtrack and presented as a successful Broadway production.

On this day in 1969, Genesis, which consisted of Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips and John Mahew, played their first paid gig at a cottage in Surrey, England owned by Gabriel's former Sunday school teacher. Although they didn't really go over all that well, they still decided to stick with it.

No More Rockin' Aussie Funerals

As you'd expect, the most commonly used songs in Australian funerals include Frank Sinatra's "My Way," Bette Midler's "The Wind Beneath My Wings," AC/DC's "Highway to Hell," Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" and Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." So here comes Archbishop Denis Hart of the Melbourne Roman Catholic Diocese declaring that "Secular items are never to be sung or played at a Catholic funeral, such as romantic ballads, pop or rock music, political songs, football club songs." That's right — the Church has declared AC/DC and Queen music not a proper "celebration of the life of" the deceased. Talk about a buzz kill!

Mega Jimi

The newest — and most humungous — Jimi Hendrix compilation will be out on November 16th. "West Coast Seattle Boy — The Jimi Hendrix Anthology" includes four CDs and one DVD. That's four hours of rare and unreleased tracks following Jimi's career from R&B sideman to international star, plus a 90 minute documentary. Just don't hold your breath waiting for him to tour in support of it.

Macca's Boy Does Well

How much performance pressure do you think Paul McCartney's children would feel if they chose a career in music? It turns out that his 33-year-old son James McCartney is doing quite well. Papa Paul co-produced James' new EP, "Available Light," with David Kahne, who is best known for his work with bands like The Strokes. Like his dad has done so many times before, the younger Macca played electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, piano and bass on his four original compositions as well as a cover of Neil Young's "Old Man." Very nice!

Kansas/College

Inspired by the success of their 2009 DVD/CD "There's Know Place Like Home," for which Kansas teamed up with the Washburn University Orchestra, the band is launching a month long "Kansas Collegiate Symphony Tour" next week. They'll be joined by each college's symphony to raise funds for the school's music programs. Drummer Phil Ehart says, "This is going so well that other schools are contacting us for 2011 and 2012. City orchestras are even calling us about doing the same for them. Kansas has always been a symphonic rock band; we may have found our new niche!" Carry on wayward sons.

It was A.A. Milne who asked: "Did you ever stop to think and forget to start again?"

It was Albert Einstein who said: "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."

It was Rachel Flotard who said: "You have your standard work life that pays your rent; then you have your other work life that pays your heart."

Creedence Clearwater Revisited

This Thursday!: After another wild Uncle Joe Meet & Greet at the KLOS Cool Patrol Booth at the L.A. County Fair, Joe will host Creedence Clearwater Revisited on the main stage. Hail, hail Rock & Roll!

September 15, 2010

Legendary Blues shouter Big Joe Turner, the inspiration to Elvis Presley and Little Richard who topped the charts with "Shake, Rattle and Roll" in 1954, would have been 99.

Keyboardist Rick Wakeman of Yes is 61.

On this day in 1963, The Kingsmen recorded their classic "Louie Louie" using just one microphone in a small room. That's Rock & Roll!

On this day in 1963, The Beatles began their third U.K. tour supporting Roy Orbison. By the end of the 21-date tour, the Fab Four was headlining.

On this day in 1968, The Doors' album "Waiting For The Sun" hit #1.

On this day in 1973, "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" by Elton John peaked at #12 on the charts.

On this day in 1975, Pink Floyd released their classic "Wish You Were Here" album.

On this day in 1980, David Bowie made his Broadway debut playing the lead role in "The Elephant Man."

On this day in 2004, Johnny Ramone, guitarist and co-founder of the seminal punk band The Ramones, died in Los Angeles at age 55. He had fought a five-year battle with prostate cancer.

On this day in 2008, Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright, lost an intense, short battle with cancer at his home in Britain at the age of 65.

This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Foreigner as well as more of Joe's conversation with Mick Jones, Lou Gramm and John Kalodner... Check out the promo and Stream on!

Buffalo Springfield!

For the first time since 1968, the core of the legendary Buffalo Springfield will reunite on stage! Surviving original members/guitarists Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay will headline both nights of Young's Bridge School Benefit at Mountain View on October 23rd and 24th. There is no doubt that the shows will be historic both for the boys' performances and the songs they play — especially the classic "For What It's Worth!" Missing from the line-up of one of the most influential (but short lived) Sixties bands are original bass player Bruce Palmer, who died in 2004, and drummer Dewey Martin, who passed away last year. Always known for brilliant and unexpected shows, Neil's annual Bridge School Benefit concerts have raised funds and awareness for the organization that works with students with severe physical and speech impairments. And now, Buffalo Springfield!

Rush Selling/Still No Hall

Good news and bad news. The acclaimed "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage" documentary has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America! But even with over 100,000 copies sold, the odds are still against Rush even being nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, much less inducted. You see, the Hall kind of gave up on relevance and regard for quality a few years back.

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

It was Maya Angelou who said: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

It was Bernard Baruch who said: "We did not all come over on the same ship, but we are all in the same boat."

September 16, 2010

Blues legend B.B. King is 85.
Drummer Kenney Jones, of The Who and Small Faces, is 62.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers original (and current) bassist Ron Blair is 62.

On this day in 1955, Play-Doh was introduced.

On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album began its 19th week on the charts at #1.

On this day in 1977, Marc Bolan, the man who was T. Rex, died in a car crash at the age of 28.

On this day in 1978, Styx released "Blue Collar Man" as "Just What I Needed" by The Cars peaked at #27 on the charts.

On this day in 1978, The Grateful Dead became the first Western rock band to headline a concert at the foot of the famous Pyramids near Cairo, Egypt. Far out!

Jersey Justice

Can consumers win in New Jersey? Forget about it! That big lawsuit filed over Bruce Springsteen concert tickets scalped on the Internet has been tossed out. Last year, former New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram filed suit against a handful of online ticket sellers — including Orbitz Worldwide Inc. and TicketNetwork — after many Springsteen fans received counterfeit tickets or no tickets at all after purchasing them online. But Judge Patricia K. Costello disagreed with Milgram, ruling that the companies were not responsible for the actions of their users. She sighted the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which protects web-based firms against such claims. And so it goes down by the Jersey shore.

One Heck Of A Line-Up

Super producer T Bone Burnett will hold two of his "Speaking Clock Revue" benefit concerts with a few old friends, first in Boston on October 16th and then in New York on October 20th. Included in the line-ups are Sir Elton John, Elvis Costello, John Mellencamp and Gregg Allman. The proceeds will go to the Participant Foundation, which supports music and arts education in public schools.

Bret Again

Occasional Poison singer Bret Michaels sure likes to be in front of TV cameras. His new reality series, "Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It," will debut on VH1 on October 18th. And now he's developing another show called "Rock of Love Boat" in which couples go on a cruise ship to work on their relationships with Bret serving as the "love guru." In between his episodic canoodling and voyeurism, Mr. Michaels will release a contemporary Country/Americana album called "Bret Michaels: Once A Cowboy, Always A Cowboy" in late December or early January... unless another camera crew shows up.

New/Old Classic Tull

"Stand Up," Jethro Tull's second (and most eclectic) album, will be reissued as a 40th anniversary double CD/DVD Collector's Edition on October 25th. In addition to the original album's 13 remastered songs, the new package will include three live songs from the group's first U.S. tour as well as the singles "Living In The Past" and "Sweet Dream," which appeared on the "Benefit" album. As if that weren't enough, the set also boasts four songs from a BBC Radio program and two U.S. radio spots as well as an edited version of Tull's 1970 "Live At Carnegie Hall" concert. Guaranteed yer Uncle Joe will be reliving his Tull-ish youth for days on end, locked in his room with this re-issue!

It was Eustache Deschamps who said: "Friends are relatives you make for yourself."

It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said: "Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine."

It was Dave Matthews who said: "It's always easier to leave than to be left."

Creedence Clearwater Revisited

Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! After another wild Uncle Joe Meet & Greet at the KLOS Cool Patrol Booth at the L.A. County Fair, Joe will host Creedence Clearwater Revisited on the main stage. Hail, hail Rock & Roll!

September 17, 2010

Hank Williams would have been 87.
Lol Creme of 10cc is 63.
Singer Fee Waybill of The Tubes is 60.

On this day in 1967, The Doors performed "Light My Fire" and "People are Strange" on the Ed Sullivan Show. Even though Sullivan told Jim Morrison to change or omit the line "Girl, we couldn't get much higher" in "Light My Fire," Jimbo sang it anyway (what a scalawag!).

On this day in 1967, The Who performed on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." Not realizing that the crew had already set a charge under his riser, Keith Moon set a flash explosion in his drum kit. When the explosion went off at the end of "My Generation," it was so loud that it damaged guitarist Pete Townshend's ears.

On this day in 1997, a reunited Fleetwood Mac launched its first tour in more than a decade.

On Stage Tonight

Steve Miller is playing a Kids Rock Free benefit at the Fender Center in Corona tonight.

On Stage Saturday

Heart will be rocking the Gibson Amphitheatre and
Foreigner will be ripping it up at the Taste Of Newport.

On Stage Sunday

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo will be playing the Taste Of Newport Sunday evening.

Roger's New Wall A Hit

Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters' latest production of "The Wall" debuted to rave reviews in Toronto on Wednesday. The re-imagined staging included fireworks and costume changes as well as images of Waters' father — who was killed in World War II — presented alongside those of modern-day soldiers who've lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also of note is Rogers' stellar 11-piece band, which includes former "Saturday Night Live" musical director/guitarist G.E. Smith. "Roger Waters' The Wall Live" will hit the Southland in late November and early December.

From The Sab's Dark Past

Although few people bought the albums the first time around, Black Sabbath will be releasing expanded reissues of their 1986 "Seventh Star" LP (featuring singer Glenn Hughes) and 1987 "Eternal Idol" album featuring vocalist Tony Martin. This new version of "Eternal Idol" will also include a few tracks done with singer Ray Gillen, who was replaced partway through the sessions by Tony Martin who promptly re-recorded all of Ray's vocals for the album. As for the question of whatever happened to Ray Gillen, he passed away at the age of 34 in 1993 from the effects of AIDS.

Mucho Whitesnake

Stand by for more information about Whitesnake than may be safe for human consumption! The 240-page "Whitesnake: The Definitive Biography" will be out next year. The book traces singer David Coverdale's career, from his time with Deep Purple through the formation and success of Whitesnake. Of course there'll be rare and previously unseen photos, loads of memorabilia, a discography and a concert list. And everywhere you look, David's smiling face!

Classic Live R.E.M.

R.E.M.'s legendary 2008 "Austin City Limits" performance will be released on special DVD on October 26th. "R.E.M. Live From Austin, TX" will feature the original 17 songs from the "City Limits" stage as well as three performances that weren't aired. Those bonus tracks will include your Unc's faves "So. Central Rain," "Fall On Me" and "Imitation Of Life."

It was Babe Ruth who said: "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way."

It was Maria Robinson who said: "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

It was G.K. Chesterton who said: "I have formed a very clear conception of patriotism. I have generally found it thrust into the foreground by some fellow who has something to hide in the background. I have seen a great deal of patriotism; and I have generally found it the last refuge of the scoundrel."

September 18, 2010

Guitarist Kerry Livgren of Kansas is 61.
Drummer Michael Hossack of The Doobie Brothers is 61.

On this day in 1970, Jimi Hendrix died at the age of 27 in London. Some contend that if Hendrix had been put into an upright position in the ambulance rather than left lying on his back, he would not have suffocated on his own vomit. Some say if the nearest hospital had admitted blacks, he could have been saved. Others feel he was overdosed as part of a bad business deal.

September 19, 2010

Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles, would have been 76.
Today is also my Mom's birthday. She says she's 29, and who am I to question that?

On this day in 1964, The Rolling Stones' song "It's All Over Now" peaked at #26 on the charts.

On this day in 1969, "Down On The Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival was released.

On this day in 1970, The Rolling Stones released their classic live album, "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out." Many still consider it to be one of the top live recordings ever.

On this day in 1973, Gram Parsons, credited as the father of Country Rock and a member of The Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers, died from a drug overdose at the age of 26. His coffin was later stolen by two associates and taken to Joshua Tree where it was set on fire. Now that was a Rock & Roll wake!

On this day in 1974, Max Weinberg made his live debut as the drummer in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band at the Main Point in Philadelphia.

On this day in 1976, "Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1979, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and several others played the first of five "No Nukes" concerts in New York City.

On this day in 1987, Aerosmith's "Permanent Vacation" entered the album chart as R.E.M.'s "The One I Love" entered the singles chart.

On this day in 1987, Pink Floyd released their "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason" album, their first following the departure of Roger Waters.

September 20, 2010

Bassist Chuck Panozzo of Styx is 61.
Drummer John Panozzo of Styx would have been 61.

On this day in 1971, guitarist Peter Frampton left Humble Pie for a solo career. Five years later he finally made it.

On this day in 1973, Neil Young & Crazy Horse played the opening show at L.A.'s newest rock & roll nightclub, The Roxy.

On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen released his "Born To Run" album and single. Springsteen's two previous albums had failed to make a significant commercial impression, but the "Born to Run" album went all the way to #3 and remained on the charts for 60 weeks.

On this day in 1983, the first ARMS Benefit Concert to raise money for research to fight Multiple Sclerosis, which former Faces bass player Ronnie Lane suffered from, was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Among the performers were Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Steve Winwood.

Tyler's First Solo Single

Steven Tyler, the famed occasional Aerosmith singer and wacky "American Idol Judge" (to be) will release a single on his own later this year. The tune is actually the theme song for the Japanese film "Space Battleship Yamamoto." The 62-year-old Tyler reportedly wrote the number after reading a screenplay for the film that was translated into English and viewing a clip. The single will feature piano, instrumental and acoustic versions of the song, along with the original recording. You really gotta wonder how wonderful it might actually be...

Julian Gathers The Clan

Last Thursday, John Lennon's eldest son Julian Lennon assembled the key players from his late father's life for the first time ever. Manhattan's Morrison Hotel Gallery hosted the debut of the "Timeless: The Photography of Julian Lennon" exhibit which saw Julian and his half-brother Sean Lennon hanging out with their respective mothers, Cynthia Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as May Pang, Lennon's girlfriend during the former Beatle's so-called "Lost Weekend" from 1973 through 1975. This marked the first time ever that May, Cynthia, Yoko, Sean and Julian were in each other's company at the same time! And they were so nice, it's a wonder people didn't demand their money back! Regarding his new artistic passion, the 47-year-old Julian has said he likes the fact that photography is his own. "My dad wasn't really a photographer, so it just allows me to breathe a little more. He used to take a couple Polaroid's, but it wasn't a potential career. This is my own thing." Right so!

Borat Begets Freddie

Sacha Baron Cohen, the comedic actor and writer behind Borat, will be taking on a more dramatic roll as the iconic Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Peter Morgan is writing the script. The film supposedly focuses on the years leading up to the group's historic performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert at London's Wembley Stadium, where an energetic Mercury worked up the crowd at one of the most famous concerts in rock and roll history. Production is expected to begin on the film sometime early next year, and the project does have the blessing of Mercury's estate, as well as that of his Queen bandmates guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon.

Rush Selling/Still No Hall

Word is that the acclaimed documentary, "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage," has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. But even with over 100,000 copies sold, what are the odds Rush will even be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, much less inducted?

It was President Barack Obama who said: "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father."

It was Ann Landers who said: "At every party, there are two kinds of people — those who want to go home and those who don't. The trouble is, usually they are married to each other."

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not."

Tribute To John Bonham

This Saturday, 8pm: Joe will host the all star Bonzo: The Groove Remains The Same event at the Key Club in Hollywood. Thirty years after the death of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, over 18 of L.A.'s finest drummers will perform in tribute to Bonzo. Included in the line-up are Bonham's son Jason, Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge/Rod Stewart), Vinny Appice (Heaven & Hell/Black Sabbath), Kenny Aronoff (Mellencamp/Fogerty/legendary studio great), James Kottak (The Scorpions), Chris Slade (The Firm/AC/DC), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers/Chickenfoot), Brian Tichy (Foreigner/Billy Idol/Ozzy) and Simon Wright (AC/DC/Dio). Rock on!