Uncle Joe's Update Archives - January 16

Unc's Daily Update Archives - 11 Orange 400x100px

January 16 - 31, 2012

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!

January 16, 2012

Racing god A.J. Foyt is 77.

On this day in 1970, John Lennon's London Art gallery exhibit of erotic lithographs, "Bag One," was closed by Scotland Yard and eight prints were confiscated as evidence of pornography. Yes, Yoko was his inspiration, but why did you ask?

On this day in 1980, when the Japanese police found a half pound of marijuana in his baggage at the airport, they threw Paul McCartney into a Tokyo jail for nine days. Bummer.

On this day in 1982, Journey's song "Open Arms" entered the charts on its way to becoming one of the band's biggest hits.

He's A Busy Macca

You would think that, since Paul McCartney will be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year on February 10th during GRAMMY Week, that he'd also perform on the GRAMMY Awards broadcast on the 12th. And wouldn't it make sense that he'd perform "My Valentine" from his new album of standards, "Kisses On The Bottom" on that broadcast since the LP will be in stores on February 7th? But would you ever guess that Macca would tape a TV special to promote the new album while he's in town? Even though most of those things have not been officially announced, yer Uncle Joe says "Count on it."

Foos To Play

There'll be at least one real rock band performing on this year's GRAMMY Awards broadcast on February 12th. The Foo Fighters — led by Dave Grohl, the multi-talented former Nirvana drummer — was one of the first artists to be announced as performers at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards. And since the Foos are also nominated for six awards, maybe we'll get to see them more than once!

No Coachella Sab

Word is that one of the biggest names set to headline the annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival was a last minute cancelation from the line-up announcement this week. There are credible reports that Black Sabbath was set to headline the festival but had to cancel due to guitarist Tony Iommi's recent lymphoma diagnosis. Wow — what a classic Coachella show that would have been! Maybe next year...

It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "A right delayed is a right denied."

It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal."

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Commemorating the life of a tremendously important American, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of every January. One of America's greatest orators and civil rights leaders, at age 35 in 1964 he became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. On April 4th, 1968, he was assassinated. While legislation for a commemorative holiday was introduced four days after his assassination, it took 15 years and petitions signed by six million people endorsing the holiday submitted to Congress before the holiday legislation passed in 1983. King's actual birthday is January 15th, but the holiday was created a week later to overcome opposition claiming the 15th was too close to Christmas and New Year's.

All city, county, state and federal offices are closed today. That includes public schools, most banking institutions and all post offices. There will be no mail delivery, but most public transportation and trash pickup will continue as normal.

January 17, 2012

Muhammad Ali is 70.
Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor is 63.

On this day in 1965, The Rolling Stones recorded "The Last Time" and "Play With Fire" at the R.C.A. Studios in Hollywood.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles released the "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack album in Britain.

On this day in 1994, the 6.7-magnitude Northridge Earthquake jolted Southern California at 4:31am, killing 57 and causing over $40 billion in losses with 89,000 structures destroyed or damaged to the point of requiring extensive repair.

On this day in 1996, David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd were among those inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He's A Busy Bruce

Talk about a busy weekend! In a standard practice for any New Jersey rock star releasing a new album, Bruce Springsteen spent Saturday filming a video in Asbury Park. And no one was very surprised when, on Saturday, he was a surprise guest at the Light of Day benefit concert to raise money for Parkinson's disease research. But after a couple of guests spots in the annual Light Of Day show, Bruce did his second-ever acoustic version of "Incident on 57th Street" — and then was joined by old friends Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers for a 15-song/two hour set! While rocking several greatest hits, Bruce was even joined by E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg before ending the night at 2am with an acoustic performance of "Thunder Road." Sure sounds like someone's ready to tour!

Axl's Civic Duty

Heads up for an excellent Guns N' Roses story! Last Tuesday, frontman Axl Rose wrapped up four days of jury duty in Santa Monica. Yep, Axl fulfilled his civic duty with nary a problem from the press or knuckleheads. Afterward, he said, "It was relatively painless. I was fortunate that everyone in the courthouse and jurors were all really great, plus I got to see daylight from a different perspective." Right so!

Eddie's Name Gets Stolen

There's always been a lot of thievery on the internet, and now Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder has been hit. Last week he filed a complaint with the World Intellectual Property Organization over the domain name eddievedder.com. As you'd expect, Pearl Jam owned the domain name back in the mid-2000s, but in late 2010 the name was mysteriously switched over to someone going by the name of hobeyb on the website Aftermarket, which has listed the address for sale for $18,400.

It was Mike Ditka who said: "Success isn't permanent and failure isn't fatal."

It was Thomas Jefferson who said: "The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

It was Jack Handy who said: "Before criticizing people, walk a mile in their shoes. Then when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away and have their shoes."

11am - 1pm this Saturday! When you need to catch your breath at the biggest musical equipment trade show in the world, say hi to J.B. at the The House Research Institute booth at the world famous NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchandisers) in the Anaheim Convention Center!

January 18, 2012

On this day in 1969, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" soundtrack and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bayou Country" both entered the American album charts.

On this day in 1973, The Rolling Stones played a benefit concert for the Nicaraguan earthquake victims at the Forum in Los Angeles. In an era when they rarely played "oldies," for this special show The Stones dusted off two classics they'd not performed live since June 1965: "Route 66" and "It's All Over Now." The Forum crowd also heard "No Expectations," which had been performed only once before (Hyde Park in 1969) and wouldn't be played again for 21 years! A truly legendary performance from a legendary band.

On this day in 1973, Pink Floyd began recording what eventually became their "Dark Side Of The Moon" album at Abbey Road Studios in London with a young engineer named Alan Parsons.

On this day in 1974, with the addition of King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell, Bad Company was officially formed by Free singer Paul Rodgers, Free drummer Simon Kirke and Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. Fame and fortune were right around the corner.

On this day in 1980, The Clash's "London Calling" album was released as "The Wall" by Pink Floyd hit #1 on the charts.

On this day in 1989, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Otis Redding, among others. At the New York dinner, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Roy Orbison, who had died about a month earlier, by singing Orbison's classic, "Crying."

Bonus V.H.

Van Halen fans are saving their dollars for the vinyl "tour collector's edition" of the band's upcoming "A Different Kind Of Truth" album. The deluxe package includes 13 songs on two vinyl discs in a gatefold sleeve with custom artwork as well as a "deluxe" digital version of the album that includes "The Downtown Sessions": four acoustic video performances of "Panama," "You And Your Blues (intro)," "You And Your Blues" and "Beautiful Girls." When can you get it? The CD arrives on February 7th and the vinyl edition will ship on February 24th.

George's Guitars

The interactive George Harrison exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum in L.A. Live is something you must see before it closes on March 25th. But if you can't see his guitar collection in person, you'll be able to check it out on youriPad. Available on February 23rd, The Guitar Collection: George Harrison app displays photos of some of George's favorite guitars, with details of the guitar's origin, when and how it became part of his collection, modifications he made to it and why it was important in creating his distinctive sound. In addition, songs from his catalog are organized by the guitars he used. The video section shows his son Dhani, Tom Petty's guitarist Mike Campbell, Ben Harper and Josh Homme each playing and showcasing the guitars. Right so!

Gerry's Will Omission

Gerry Rafferty's girlfriend, who'd been with Rafferty since 2008 and became engaged to him the year after, is suing for a share of the late songwriter's estate. It seems that the will was filed in 2007 and never amended after they became a couple. As things stand, Rafferty's California home was left to his daughter, Martha, and over $130,000 per year in music royalties from "Baker Street" alone have been placed in a trust for his grand-daughter Celia.

Joe Moves For Steven

You can bet that Steven Tyler will fit like a glove on his second season as a judge on "American Idol" tonight on FOX. Of more interest to many longtime Aerosmith fans is that guitarist Joe Perry has re-located to Los Angeles to work with Steven on the band's next album. You can see the two of them (along with "American Idol" judge/session bassist Randy Jackson) on NBC's "Tonight Show" this Friday. But wait — there's more! Joe will also appear on the "Tonight Show" on January 30th, when he performs his cover of Bob Dylan's "Man of Peace" from the tribute album, "Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International."

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Man can believe the impossible, but can never believe the improbable."

It was Mark Twain who said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

It was Lord Northcliffe who said: "News is what somebody somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is advertising."

January 19, 2012

Janis Joplin would have been 69.
Rod Evans, the first Deep Purple singer, is 67.
Smooth dancing, swell dressing singer Robert Palmer would have been 63.
Dewey Bunnell of America is 61.
Martha Davis of The Motels is 61.

On this day in 1984, R.E.O. Speedwagon released their second #1 hit single, "Can't Fight This Feeling."

On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." peaked at #9 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1994, The Animals, The Band, Duane Eddy, The Grateful Dead, Elton John, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Rod Stewart were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

On this day in 1998, Carl "Blue Suede Shoes" Perkins died in Nashville at age 65. Although he never received the recognition accorded to Elvis Presley, his guitar-playing and songwriting defined the rockabilly genre and greatly influenced The Beatles.

New Bruce Today

"We Take Care Of Our Own," the first single from Bruce Springsteen's as-yet-untitled album, is out today. Recorded with various E Street Band members and a few outside musicians, including Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, the album is being described as an ambitious "big-picture piece of work. It's a rock record that combines elements of both Bruce's classic sound and his Seeger Sessions experience, with new textures and styles." The E Street Band will spend most of this year on the road, including Spring and Fall U.S. tours and a Summer European jaunt. Dates haven't been announced, but arenas have been booked starting around Springsteen's March 15th keynote address at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. Stay tuned!

Jovi's Honey-Do List

Don't worry about Jon Bon Jovi — after two years on the road, he's keeping busy at home in New Jersey. You have to love his most recent comment: "The "Circle" tour was beyond our wildest dreams... It's only fair we let some of the other bands have some of your attention in 2012, but don't worry, we are writing up a storm and have a really good record coming together." In fact, Jon's working on his Soul Kitchen — the charitable restaurant he launched in Red Bank — and getting ready for the band's one-off concert at Asbury Park's Bamboozle festival in May. Rock on!

Johnny's Story

This should be a good read. "Commando: The Autobiography Of Johnny Ramone," written in part by Johnny Ramone's widow Linda, will be out on April 2nd — eight years after he succumbed to cancer. The Ramones guitarist began writing his story when he found out he was terminally ill. The epilogue was written by Johnny's good friend Lisa Marie Presley, and Tommy Ramone contributed the foreword.

A Huge Priest

If you've somehow missed some of Judas Priest's immense catalog, here's your chance to catch up. The 17-CD "The Complete Albums Collection" will be released on January 24th. Featuring remasters of their classics and a 40-page booklet of photos, credits and liner notes, the package somehow omits the two albums the British band made with substitue singer Tim "Ripper" Owens. Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could delete a mistake or two from our lives.

It was H.L. Mencken who said: "For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong."

It was Vince Lombardi who said: "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

It was poet Bertrand Russell who said: "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent full of doubt."

January 20, 2012

Blues legend Leadbelly (Huddy Ledbetter) would have been 123.
Paul Stanley of KISS (the guitarist with the star on his eye) is 62.
Rusty Anderson, Paul McCartney's longtime guitarist, is 53.

On this day in 1964, Capital Records released their first Beatles album in the U.S., "Meet The Beatles." It then topped the charts for 11 weeks.

On this day in 1979, the Doobie Brothers released the "What A Fool Believes" single.

On this day in 1982, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off of a bat during a concert in Des Moines, then was hospitalized and administered a series of painful rabies shots. In his defense, the Prince Of Darkness said he thought the bat was plastic. At least that's what we think he said.

This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd and more of Joe's conversation with the entire band.

Win A Colonoscopy From Ozzy

This is the best. After Ozzy Osbourne's wife/manager Sharon successfully battled colon cancer several years ago, she launched the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Now she and the Ozz-Man have teamed up with CBS and New York Presbyterian Hospital for the annual CBS Cares Colonoscopy Sweepstakes. A lucky winner will be treated to a three-day trip to New York — including airfare, hotel accommodations and $500 in spending money — for a colonoscopy (which may save your life). The sweepstakes website says, "As the colonoscopy begins, you will be given a drug that will make you feel like you're at an early '70s Black Sabbath concert — but without the music. If the doctor starts to look like Ozzy, please report the side effect to him or the Prince of Darkness — whomever you see first." Indeed!

New/Old Bruce

When Bruce Springsteen's new album "Wrecking Ball" comes out on March 6th, two of the 11 songs will be familiar to hardcore Boss fans. Bruce and The E Street Band closed almost every show on their 1999-2000 reunion tour with "Land of Hope And Dreams" and it also appeared on the "Live In New York City" album in 2001. Also, the title track to "Wrecking Ball" was released as a live digital single three years ago after it debuted at Giants Stadium in New Jersey in October 2009.

Macca Is GRAMMY Man

As we all figured, Sir Paul McCartney will hit the GRAMMY stage during the live broadcast from the Staples Center on February 12th, two days after being honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. This performance of a song off his new album "Kisses On The Bottom" will be his first GRAMMY performance since 2009 when he sang The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" with head Foo Fighter Dave Grohl on drums. A 14-time GRAMMY winner, Macca has also been nominated this year for Best Historical Album for "Band On The Run."

Live Maiden

If you somehow missed Iron Maiden's "Final Frontier World Tour 2010-11" (98 shows in 36 countries to over 2 million fans), you can soon enjoy it in the privacy of your own home. March 27th is the release date for "EN VIVO!," shot with 22 HD cameras and an octocam (a flying camera which captures aerial crowd scenes) in front of 50,000 fans last April 10th in Santiago, Chile. Rock on!

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."

It was Ted Turner who said: "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise."

It was Karolvig Viggo Mortensen who said: "There's no excuse to be bored. Sad, yes. Angry, yes. Depressed, yes. Crazy, yes. But there's no excuse for boredom, ever."

January 21, 2012

On this date in 1966, George Harrison married Patti Boyd, with Paul McCartney serving as best man. The couple met while The Beatles were filming "A Hard Day's Night." (Patti played one of the schoolgirls in the train scene near the start of the film.) The Harrison/Boyd union didn't last, and she eventually married George's pal Eric Clapton.

On this day in 1967, The Rolling Stones' scandalous "Let's Spend The Night Together" entered the U.S. charts — .

On this date in 1978, the song "Point Of Know Return" by Kansas peaked at #28 on the charts.

On this date in 1984, Yes hit #1 with the song "Owner Of A Lonely Heart."

On this date in 1988, U2 was named the biggest live attraction in the U.S., according to "Pollstar," the trade magazine for concert promoters.

January 22, 2012

Sam Cooke, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, would have been 81.
Singer/actor Meat Loaf is 66.
Journey singer Steve Perry, another of the greatest voices of the 20th century, is 63.
INXS frontman Michael Hutchence would have been 52.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles "Day Tripper" peaked at #5 on the charts. It's flip side, "We Can Work It Out," had already charted at #1 on both sides of the Atlantic. It's also worth noting that those two songs comprised the first ever "double A-side" release, another sign of The Beatles overwhelming domination of the Sixties.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles began recording what became their "Let It Be" album. Billy Preston, who was hanging out in the lobby getting high, was invited by George Harrison to join in. Eventually Billy became the first sideman credited on a Beatles record. Those were the days!

On this day in 1977, "Somebody To Love" by Queen peaked at #13 on the U.S. singles chart.

On this day in 1983, the song "Rock The Casbah" by The Clash peaked at #8 on the chart.

January 23, 2012

Organist Danny Federeci of Springsteen's E Street band would have been 62.
Singer Robin Zander of Cheap Trick is 60.
Some sources list today as Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons' B-day, but it's actually October 19th.

On this day in 1971, Elton John's "Your Song" peaked at #8 on the charts just 53 weeks after he and lyricist Bernie Taupin began working together.

On this day in 1977, Pink Floyd released their "Animals" album as they launched their biggest world tour to date.

On this day in 1978, Chicago's guitarist Terry Kath blew his brains out playing Russian Roulette at the age of 31. At the time of his death, Chicago's song "Baby What A Big Surprise" was in the Top 10.

On this day in 1982, Bob Seger's "Feel Like A Number" peaked at #48 while "Leather And Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley peaked at #6.

On this day in 1986, the first class was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland. Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers, Ray Charles, James Brown, Sam Cooke and Jerry Lee Lewis were inducted along with Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and disc jockey Alan Freed, who actually coined the phrase "Rock And Roll." An excellent starting class indeed!

On this day in 1990, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins died of pneumonia at the age of 37. He had been paralyzed from the waist down since crashing his car in 1986.

On this day in 1997, Richard Berry, who wrote the classic "Louie Louie" and never saw a dime for it, died of an aneurysm at the age of 61 in South Central Los Angeles.

On this day in 2005, Johnny Carson, the greatest talk show host ever, died of emphysema. A longtime smoker, Johnny was 79.

Hall Hails Dead

It's about time the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame paid tribute to the Grateful Dead! "Grateful Dead: The Long, Strange Trip" will open at the Cleveland museum on April 12th, right before the Hall Of Fame's annual induction ceremony. The massive exhibit will feature several iconic instruments including five Jerry Garcia guitars, and many handwritten lyrics and artifacts from the band's 30-year history, all presented in a non-linear manner (as you'd expect!). The love light will also shine on Dead Heads, the band's incredibly devoted fan base. The Grateful Dead Archive at the University of California-Santa Cruz has loaned a significant number of the historic items, which will be on display at the Hall through December.

Slowhand's Sumlin Tribute

When legendary blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin passed away on December 4th at age 80, you knew there would be an epic tribute concert. Hubert, who rose to fame as Howlin' Wolf's guitarist, had been featured in all three of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals, so it should be no surprise that E.C. will headline the All-Star tribute at the famed Apollo Theatre in New York on February 24th. Jeff Beck, Derek Trucks and Kenny Wayne Shepherd are just three of the artists that will participate. Also, knowing that Sumlin is the only guitarist Keith Richards said he'd ever get out of bed to see perform, and that Richards and his old buddy Mick Jagger picked up the bill for Hubert's funeral, don't be surprised if there's a Rolling Stone or two on stage as well!

New/Old Janis

"Pearl," Janis Joplin's final (and best) album, will finally get the expanded-reissue treatment on April 17th. "The Pearl Sessions" will include the original mono versions of the album's singles as well as newly discovered alternate versions and outtakes. The package will also include a live recording from Janis' 1970 Summer tour that marked her first public performances with The Full Tilt Boogie Band, which she then used to record "Pearl." The previously unknown audio tapes from "Pearl" sessions produced by Paul Rothschild came to light as research was being done on Rothschild's Doors catalog.

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Youth is wasted upon the young."

It was Woody Allen who said: "Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem."

It was Victor Hugo who said: "There is nothing like a dream to create the future."

January 24, 2012

Neil Diamond is 70.
Acerbic songwriter Warren Zevon would have been 64.
Blues Brother John Belushi would have been 62.

On this day in 1962, The Beatles signed a contract to make record store owner Brian Epstein their manager. Epstein helped guide the Fab Four into becoming the most dominant band in the history of Rock & Roll — and they did it all without a signed contract because, for whatever reason, Brian never signed the contract himself. Basically, Brian Epstein and The Beatles worked together with just a handshake agreement. Those were special times indeed!

On this day in 1969, Jethro Tull's first U.S. performance was opening for Led Zeppelin at a show in New York City.

On this day in 1970, "Evil Ways" by Santana entered the singles charts.

On this day in 1976, KISS' "Rock And Roll All Nite (Live)" peaked at #12 on the singles chart.

On this day in 1984, Apple Computer launched the Macintosh. It contained virtually unknown features, including simple icons and an odd little attachment called a mouse. Two years later, the first "Uncle Joe's Record Guide" was published. Eight years after that, unclejoe.com was hand-coded into existence. So much for free time!

On this day in 2000, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young played the opening date of their reunion tour in Auburn Hills, Michigan. That show marked the first time the quartet had performed together in 25 years.

Sir Elty's Team (Sort Of)

Of course Steven Tyler and Jon Bon Jovi were hanging with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft during Sunday's AFC Championship game — they're East Coast guys from the get-go. The surprise at their party was that, as soon as the Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 to advance to the Super Bowl, Elton John called to congratulate Robert Kraft, the team's owner! Turns out Sir Elty is a longtime fan who has called after every Pats Super Bowl win. Kraft reports, "Whether he's in Dubai or wherever he is in the world, he watches our games. He's a huge Patriots fan and has been a good friend of our family for over 25 years."

Olympic Macca?

After virtually every British Classic Rock artist said no to performing at this year's Summer Olympics in London, the Brit Press reports that Paul McCartney met with Olympic organizers last week. Of course the Brit Press has also tied Sir Paulie to Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebration on the first weekend of June. After all, Macca did headline the all-star concert in the Queen's Buckingham Palace backyard for her Golden Jubilee 10 years ago. So far all Paul's said is that he "might be doing something." Stay tuned!

No Purple This Time

Though they were penciled in for a Southland appearance this Summer, Deep Purple has decided to stay off the road so they can continue writing and recording their first new album in eight years. Singer Ian Gillan says, "We know we will disappoint some of our fans this Summer [by not touring]. However, we look forward very much to our Autumn and Winter tour, and continuing our worldwide tour with our new album in 2013."

It was Malcolm Forbes who said: "When in doubt, duck."

It was George Bernard Shaw who said: "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."

It was poet Sam Brown who said: "Never offend people with style when you can offend them with substance."

This Saturday, 11am - 1pm: Stop by to say hi at the Uncle Joe Meet & Greet with the KLOS Cool Patrol at one of the biggest, most important hot rod shows in the world — the 63rd Annual Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona. Check out the pix from last year!

January 25, 2012

Guitarist Joe Strummer of The Clash would have been 60.

On this day in 1858, Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March" was performed for the first time at the wedding of Queen Victoria's daughter.

On this day in 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released their classic song, "Proud Mary." Like Mendelssohn's "The Wedding March," "Proud Mary" has been played at virtually every wedding since.

On this day in 1980, Paul McCartney was released from jail in Japan after serving nine days for possessing a half-pound of marijuana. Where did he go next? Why Amsterdam, of course!

On this day in 1992, U2's song "Mysterious Ways" hit #9 on the U.S. singles chart.

Here Comes Bruce

As anticipated, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have announced a 19-date U.S. tour running from March 18th through May 2nd in Newark, New Jersey. As for more dates, Springsteen will be the keynote speaker at the South By Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas on March 15th, so he'll probably book a show somewhere near there. So far there's only one Southland date on the schedule — April 26th at the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena — but does anyone remember how many shows he's done there in the past?

Pete Sells Out

The Spirit Music Group is a famous independent music publisher that owns the publishing for songs by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Santana, The Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand, Lou Reed, T. Rex, The Grateful Dead, Alice Cooper, Chicago and many others. And now, they also own The Who's songs. Who mastermind Pete Townshend sold them his entire song catalog as well as his future work, both for The Who and as a solo artist. While no one is talking about how many millions he's getting paid for his songs, Townshend says, "The deal provides me with the resources to start all over again in my creative career — most songwriters don't get this kind of opportunity." But you have to wonder what he'll say when he has to pay Spirit Music to perform his songs in concert later this year.

The Family Jewels

Assembled with AC/DC's help over the last few years, the massive AC/DC Family Jewels exhibit includes more than 400 historical artifacts. You'll be able to see those photos, instruments, show posters, letters, lyrics and costumes — including an extremely rare Angus Young home-sewn schoolboy outfit — at the Experience Music Project in Seattle between April 28th and September 29th. Let's hope the GRAMMY Museum here at L.A. Live is next on the itinerary!

It was Leonardo da Vinci who said: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

It was Rita Mae Brown who said: "The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself."

It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important."

January 26, 2012

Acting god/philanthropist Paul Newman would have been 87.
Guitar god Eddie Van Halen is a rockin' 57.

On this day in 1977, Peter Green, one of Fleetwood Mac's founding guitarists, was committed to an English mental home after he fired a pistol at a messenger trying to deliver a check for his Fleetwood Mac royalties.

On this day in 1997, ZZ Top, James Brown and the Blues Brothers performed during the Super Bowl XXXI halftime show. It was just as scary as it sounds.

On this day in 2003, Billy Joel was hospitalized after crashing his car into a tree in Sag Harbor, New York. He was released — seemingly unscathed — early the next morning.

This weekend, over 80 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Santana and Journey as well as conversation with founding member/keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie.

Super Bowl Crue!

Citizens run for your lives! Motley Crue is featured in the new Kia Motors Super Bowl ad! In the commercial, the new 2012 Optima Limited races through a Gen X couple's wildest thoughts as they sleep, including: Victoria's Secret® Angel Adriana Lima waving the checkered flag at a speedway; an in-your-face Motley Crue concert; mixed martial arts legend Chuck Liddell battling in the ring; a heroine and hunk on horseback in a romance novel setting; champion bull rider Judd Leffew taming a bucking rhinoceros; and a fairy tale ending. (Normal stuff on the Sunset Strip in the mid-Eighties.) Set to air during the fourth quarter of the big game on February 5th, the commercial will actually premiere on February 2nd on more than 18,000 movie screens nationwide. Meanwhile, the Crue kick off their Las Vegas residency at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on February 3.

Bachman/Turner/Ferrell/Galifianakis

Large and in charge Canadian rock legends Bachman & Turner have landed roles in the new Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis movie. With Ferrell and Galifianakis playing North Carolina congressional candidates battling for the same seat, guitarist Randy Bachman and bassist Fred Turner show up to play their hit "Takin' Care of Business" at the winner's celebration rally. The film, currently titled "Dog Fight," is being directed by Jay Roach (who previously did "Austin Powers"). Due to be released later this year, the movie also stars John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd and Dylan McDermott.

Pawning Ford's Guitar

This one seems a little strange. The "Pawn Stars" reality series recently picked up a real piece of musical history. The nephew of Les Paul's wife, Mary Ford, sold the Pawn Shop a cream colored 1961 Gibson SG that once belonged to the singer. Because the nephew had all of the necessary documents to confirm the guitar's authenticity, he got $90,000 for the instrument. But is a pawn shop the best place to buy and sell a truly historic instrument?

It was Granville Hicks who said: "A censor is a man who knows more than he thinks you ought to."

It was A.H. Weiler who said: "Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself."

It was Kin Hubbard who said: "Nobody ever forgets where he buried the hatchet."

January 27, 2012

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have been 256.
Blues guitar legend Elmore James would have been 94.
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason is 68.
Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey and J. Geils Band keyboardist Seth Justman are both 61.

On this day in 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released six weeks after he'd been killed in a plane crash. Recorded just three days before he died, it became his only #1 hit.

On this day in 1970, John Lennon wrote "Instant Karma" in the morning and recorded it that evening with George Harrison, bassist Klaus Voorman and future Yes drummer Alan White. The song was totally finished by 4am the next day.

On this day in 1971, David Bowie arrived in the United States for his first promotional tour. While he didn't actually perform any live dates, he did manage to raise a few eyebrows by wearing a sheer gingham dress.

Bret & Phil Rock The Bikes

It was occasional Poison frontman/fulltime motorcycle fan Bret Michaels who wrote and recorded that rocking new theme song for The Speed Channel's supercross coverage. The lead and rhythm guitar and backing vocals on the tune, "Get Your Ride On," were done by Def Leppard's Phil Collen. But wait — there's more! Manraze, Phil Collen's side band with Sex Pistol Paul Cook, wrote and recorded another bike racing song. Their "Take On The World" will be featured in director Mark Sloper's newest supercross documentary "I, Superbiker II — The Showdown." Rockin' and racin' bikes!

CBGB Again

Here's an interesting twist on reopening an old club. Word is that CBGB, the legendary NYC dive bar that helped launch the careers of the Talking Heads, Blondie and The Ramones, should be re-opening soon in a new dark, dank location. True, the club closed under financial duress in 2006, and then owner Hilly Kristal died in 2007. But every inch of the bar has been in storage since it closed, just waiting to be reborn.

Bolin Tribute

Tommy Bolin was a brilliant guitarist whose solo work, following stints with Deep Purple and The James Gang, was just catching on before his untimely death in 1976. Finally, "Great Gypsy Soul," a long overdue tribute album, is set for release on March 27th. Among the superstars contributing to the labor of love are Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes, Steve Morse, Aerosmith's Brad Whitford, Joe Bonamassa, Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes and Toto's Steve Lukather. And a few don't-miss tribute concerts are also being lined up — stay tuned!

It was Gypsy Rose Lee who said: "She's descended from a long line her mother listened to."

It was Albert Einstein who said: "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."

It was Joe Paterno who said: "Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won't taste good."

January 28, 2012

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his national television debut on "The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show" on CBS.

On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones recorded a five song demo with producer Glyn Johns, seriously hoping to interest a record label — any record label.

On this day in 1967, Buffalo Springfield released their classic "For What It's Worth."

On this day in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made its first non-nightclub appearance opening for The Who at London's Saville Theater. No guitars were burned, but everyone was deafened and had the time of their lives!

On this day in 1978, Van Halen unleashed "You Really Got Me," the first single from their self-titled debut album, and Kansas released "Dust In The Wind," the biggest song of their career.

On this day in 1978, the Doobie Brothers guest starred on "What's Happening!!," yielding the infamous line, "Which Doobie you be?" Who said Seventies TV sitcoms lacked depth?

On this day in 1985, a Who's Who in the music world showed up at the legendary A&M Studios in Hollywood to "check their egos at the door" and record "We Are The World" to aid Ethiopian famine relief. The most casual of all was Bruce Springsteen, who parked his rental car in a public lot across the street and just walked on in.

On this day in 2005, Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi died in London at the age of 60 after a fight with stomach cancer.

On this day in 2009, Lynyrd Skynyrd piano player Billy Powell died of heart failure in his Florida home at the age of 56.

January 29, 2012

On this day in 1977, the Eagles hit #1 with the "Hotel California" album as Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" by peaked at #10 on the charts.

On this day in 1979, Emerson, Lake & Palmer disbanded for the first time.

On this day in 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend. They split a year later.

On this day in 1992, blues great Willie Dixon died of heart failure in Burbank at the age of 76.

January 30, 2012

Jefferson Airplane's founder, Marty Balin, is 70.
Steve Marriott, the cheeky singer for the Small Faces and Humble Pie, would have been 65.
The multi-talented singer/drummer for Genesis, and uber-solo artist, Phil Collins, is 61.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles did their last public performance on the "cold, windy and damp" rooftop of their Apple Corp. Building at #3 Savile Row in London. They played 42 minutes before the cops shut them down. A portion of that performance showed up in the "Let It Be" movie, and another portion surfaced on the "Let It Be" album.

On this day in 1971, "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.

On this day in 1971, Janis Joplin's recording of the Kris Kristofferson song "Me And Bobby McGee" was released (four months after her death from a heroin overdose). It soon became her only #1 hit.

On this day in 1973, KISS performed together for the first time in makeup at Queens' Popcorn Club. Guitarist Paul Stanley later said that the makeup was inspired by the New York Dolls' outrageous appearance.

On this day in 1982, blues guitarist Lightnin' Hopkins died from cancer in Houston at the age of 79.

On this day in 1988, Aerosmith's "Angel" broke into the Top 40.

Newt Just The Latest

It's well known that Republican politicians have little regard for U.S. Copyright laws. The latest to received a cease and desist notice is presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich. Newt has been ordered to stop using the song "How You Like Me Now?" from the British band Heavy. Last June, Michele Bachmann was served with cease and desist orders to prevent her from using Tom Petty’s "American Girl" and Katrina & The Waves' "Walking on Sunshine" in campaign appearances. Previously (and most famously), Jackson Browne and John Mellencamp had to sue Sen. John McCain over his continued use of their songs, and Heart sued Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for using "Barracuda." Just last year Rush asked Rand Paul not to play its songs at rallies, head Talking Head David Byrne sued Florida Governor Charlie Crist for using “Road to Nowhere,” and Steve Miller went after Florida's Marco Rubio for using "Take the Money and Run." On and on they go, second verse same as the first.

Bret's Busy

He's nothing if not versatile. After performing last Friday at the NFL's Super Bowl Village in Indianapolis, occasional Poison frontman Bret Michaels has returned to L.A. to headline One Night Only: A Celebration Of The Live Music Experience. The February 9th gig at the Saban Theatre is part of the GRAMMY Foundation Music Preservation Project. The show, co-hosted by Sharon Osbourne and Steve Vai, will also feature performances by Robert Cray and Jonny Lang, among others.

Spider-Man: See You/Sue Me

The soap opera saga of the Broadway musical, "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark," with music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge, is almost ready for screening in a theater or TV near you. You may recall that production accidents and nasty fights over the script led to headlines and numerous delays before the director Julie Taymor was fired and "Spider-Man" became one of Broadway's biggest box office successes. Documenting it all was Jacob Cohl, the son of one of the show's lead producers, mega-concert promoter Michael Cohl. Originally, Jacob's unlimited behind-the-scenes access to the making of "Spider-Man" was expected to promote the musical. But what Jacob actually captured was drama of the troubled project — as well as a lawsuit from Taymor to prevent any footage of her from appearing in the movie. Stand by for the third act of the soap opera to play out on the big screen!

R.I.P. Andrew

Longtime Rush photographer Andrew MacNaughtan died last Wednesday of a heart attack while on assignment for the trio in Los Angeles. The 47-year-old had taken photos for the band for every album since 1989's "Presto." Rest in peace.

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account."

It was David Frost who said: "Television enables you to be entertained in your home by people you wouldn't have in your home."

It was Josh Billings who said: "One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness."

January 31, 2012

Guitarist Terry Kath of Chicago would have been 66.
John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) of the Sex Pistols is a very cranky 56.

On this day in 1967, Jack Bruce of Cream and lyricist Peter Brown wrote "Sunshine Of Your Love" at about 5:30am ("It's getting near dawn...").

On this day in 1967, The Beatles spent a second day at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, England to complete the filming of the "Strawberry Fields Forever" promotional video. The film was shot in color, for the benefit of the U.S. market, since U.K. television was still only broadcast in black and white. During a break in the filming, John Lennon bought an 1843 circus poster from a nearby antiques shop which provided him with most of the lyrics for his song "Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite."

On this day in 1970, "Travelin' Band" by Creedence Clearwater Revival entered the charts.

On this day in 2009, Buffalo Springfield drummer Dewey Martin passed away in his Van Nuys home at the age of 68.

Clubbing With Axl

Not that anyone around here would have noticed, but Guns N' Roses skipped New York City during last year's U.S. tour. So — tied in for some reason with Fashion Week — they'll be playing three NYC clubs starting late next week. What do you think the odds are that they'll make the club goers wait four hours for the show to begin just like they did on their South American tour?

Eric Plays A Party

Talk about a low key, high pressure gig! Word has just come out that Eric Clapton played an acoustic set for Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in December. Joined by longtime compatriots Andy Fairweather-Low on guitar, Chris Stainton on keyboards, Dave Bronze on bass and Henry Spinetti on drums, Eric entertained at Prince Philip's 90th birthday party. But the celebration for the Queen of England's hubby was actually a serious benefit for two youth charities — The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Outward Bound Trust. By all reports, E.C. did just fine under the Royal gaze, and many monies were raised.

Mountain Jamming

The legendary Steve Winwood of Traffic fame will join Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes' side band, Gov't Mule, as a headliner at the eighth annual Mountain Jam. The result will, no doubt, be some epic improvising. The rest of the line-up for the May 31st through June 3rd festival at Hunter Mountain, New York includes Southern California's own Dawes.

It was Red Skelton who said: "All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner."

It was Stephen Covey who said: "If we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to keep getting what we're getting."

It was Plato who said: "The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves."

February 9th - 12th: Make time for some serious high speed rocking with yer Uncle Joe at the 52nd O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals Drag Races at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona! You know that Randy Balough will be racing his Uncle Joe's Super Gas Corvette and J.B. and Randy will be doing their Saturday and Sunday Meet & Greets with the KLOS Cool Patrol. Check out these pix from last year — then come and join the fun and excitement!