ABKCO Records reissued the US version of the seminal 1966 album Aftermath by The Rolling Stones on vinyl at the very end of March, kicking off the label’s enormous undertaking of getting 16 titles from the legendary rock band’s back catalog back in print in their original format. Throughout the remainder of the year and into early … Continue reading ABKCO Records Embarks on Massive Campaign of The Rolling Stones Vinyl Reissues →

In his recent documentary, Somebody Up There Likes Me, Ronnie Wood says he’s like Yogi Berra who once said, “If there’s a fork in the road, take it!”  That’s the Ron Wood I know.  All in, all the time.  Go-for-it full speed ahead and with a devil-may-care attitude.  Indeed, in the film he admits, “That’s … Continue reading Where the Ronnie Wood Doc Missed the Mark, and Why It’s Still Worth the Watch →

Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution is a traveling exhibit now on display at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library.  I was invited to attend the opening ceremony in which there was a panel discussion about Bill’s early years and some of the more memorable moments and concerts he promoted.  Many of … Continue reading Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution →

In the wake of the recent Grammy scandal (if you’re not up on it, keep reading), we must ask ourselves… how did it happen? And what does a Grammy even mean anymore? In 1969 when I first started in the music business, the two big award shows were the Oscars and the Grammy Awards.  As … Continue reading Grammy Scandal: What Happened to Music’s Biggest Night? →

In celebration of the recording legacy of musical icon and singer/songwriter Chris Cornell, Ume (Universal) and Vicky Cornell on behalf of The Chris Cornell Estate have announced the release a 17-track self-titled album, Chris Cornell and a 64-track limited-edition deluxe box set featuring 11 previously unreleased songs. Due out on November 16th, this is the … Continue reading Listen to Chris Cornell’s Previously Unreleased “When Bad Does Good” →

You’re going to want to read this, because while remembering my dear friend and colleague with whom I worked closely at Columbia Records for many years, you will also read about what could be the wildest and greatest promotion move ever in the history of rock radio promotion.  And because of this outrageous event, you … Continue reading Jim “Rocky” Del Balzo (September 30th 1955 – September 04, 2018) – A Best Friend, And One Of The Greatest Record Men Ever! →

This year marks a half century since the formation of the legendary prog rock group YES. In recognition of this milestone the band’s current lineup – Steve Howe (guitar since 1970), Alan White (drums since 1972), Geoff Downes (keyboards; first joined in 1980), Jon Davison (vocals since 2011) and Billy Sherwood (guitar/keyboards in the 1990s … Continue reading YES Marks 50 Years With Tour and Album →

Scott Weiland, former frontman of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, died Thursday. He was 48. “Scott Weiland, best known as the lead singer for Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, passed away in his sleep while on a tour stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his band The Wildabouts,” reads a statement on Weiland’s Facebook … Continue reading Scott Weiland, Former Frontman of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, Dies at 48 →

Cynthia Robinson, trumpet player, singer and co-founder of Sly & the Family Stone, has died at the age of 69, a post on her Facebook page confirms. Considered Sly Stone’s “hype woman,” Robinson was a trailblazer. She was one of the first black women to play trumpet in a commercially successful band, and was the … Continue reading Cynthia Robinson, Co-Founder of Sly & the Family Stone, Dies at 69 →

Just got back from a fantastic European trip.  The first part was rock and roll and the second was experiencing the South of France and Barcelona. We started in Orange, France where we saw David Gilmour play in an old Roman Amphitheater (Theatre Antique).  It was extraordinary sitting on big stone blocks thinking of who … Continue reading Rock and Roll Vacation →

March 15, 1976 – Kiss release their fourth studio album, Destroyer.  The album goes on to be certified double platinum and contains the songs “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud” and “Beth.” March 15, 2004 – Jackson Browne, George Harrison, Bob Seger, Traffic, and ZZ Top are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bruce Springsteen inducts Browne, fellow Traveling … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 15 in Classic Rock →

The site of the 1969 Woodstock festival has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this week.  Cuomo called the festival a “pivotal moment in both New York and American history,” stating that its designation as a Historic site will preserve the landmark for future generations. The … Continue reading Woodstock Site Added to National Historic Register →