October 2, 1996 – Several people are injured when a Pearl Jam show in Hartford, CT gets out of control. Police estimate there is a crowd of 30,000 with only 36 security officers to quell the large-scale fights that break out. October 2, 2003 – Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx sues Thrasher skateboarding magazine and Vans shoe company for allegedly using his image … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 2 in Classic Rock →

August 18, 1987 – Aerosmith release their “comeback” album Permanent Vacation. It goes on to sell five million copies in the U.S. and spawn the hits “Rag Doll,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” and “Angel.” August 18, 1990 – The Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington in the U.K. features Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Poison, Quireboys and Thunder.  During Aerosmith’s set Jimmy Page joins them onstage … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 18 in Classic Rock →

Often the most overlooked member of the band, a bassist is the glue that holds the whole musical foundation together.  These deserving players have changed music forever and have elevated the bass player to a place deserving honor and recognition. 20 Gene Simmons (KISS) Maybe this is a sympathy vote, but Simmons revolutionized rock and … Continue reading Top 20 Rock Bassists →

June 13, 1983 – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble release their debut album Texas Flood which was recorded in only three days at Jackson Browne’s personal studio. The album is later certified double platinum. WATCH: Stevie Ray Vaughan Effortlessly Handles Broken String While Performing June 13, 2003 – David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Sting receive a CBE award (Commander of the British Empire) at the Queen’s … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 13 in Classic Rock →

June 1, 1975 – Ronnie Wood performs his first official gig as a Rolling Stones guitarist on his 28th birthday. June 1, 2003 – Paul Gray, Slipknot bassist, is arrested in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa after crashing into another car. Gray is charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine and drug paraphernalia, and failure to obey a traffic signal for running … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 1 in Classic Rock →

Who says rockers don’t read? Whether it’s horror, poetry, fantasy or 19th century classic literature, musicians throughout time have taken their cue from those crumpled up paperbacks they’ve toted with them to gigs around the world. See some of the most famous examples of literature that’s turned into music below. 10 “Shadows And Tall Trees” … Continue reading Top 10 Rock Songs Inspired By Literature →

February 12, 1997 – David Bowie receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located outside of the Hollywood Galaxy Theater. Classic Rock Birthdays February 12, 1939 – Ray Manzarek, keyboards (The Doors) (d. 2013) February 12, 1950 – Steve Hackett, guitar (Genesis) February 12, 1952 – Michael McDonald, vocals, keyboards (The Doobie Brothers) February 12, 1946 – Joe Schermie (born Joseph Edward Schermetzler), bass (Three … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 12 in Classic Rock →

In advance of the release of his new concert film, Sting has released a live video for “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You”. Hailed “the show of a lifetime” (The Vancouver Globe & Mail),  Live At The Olympia Paris, celebrates highlights from across the 16-time Grammy Award winner’s illustrious career, with blistering performances of new … Continue reading Sting: I Can’t Stop Thinking About You (Live At The Olympia Paris) →

October 27, 1977 – Roy Estrada, an original member of Frank Zappa‘s Mothers of Invention and a founding member of Little Feat,  is convicted of sexual assault on a child.  He is convicted again in 1994 for another act of sexual assault and serves six years in prison. In January 2012, he pleads guilty to a charge of continuous sexual … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 27 in Classic Rock →

A new Sting concert film due out November 10, Eagle Rock Entertainment announced this week. Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris captures the musician’s critically-acclaimed guitar-driven rock tour as it hit the French capital for a very special performance at the iconic venue in April 2017. Hailed ‘the show of a lifetime’ (The Vancouver Globe … Continue reading Sting Concert Film Coming Next Month →