July 13, 1984 – For the first and only time, Eddie Van Halen performs “Beat It” live in concert with Michael Jackson, at The Jacksons concert at Texas Stadium in Dallas. Jackson screams, “You got it, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie!” July 13, 1984 – The Live Aid concerts take place in London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium.  The concerts are … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 13 in Classic Rock →

July 12, 2007 – Rod Stewart is awarded the CBE Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. July 12, 1979 – The MLB makes a fateful decision when they team up with Chicago disc jockey Steve Dahl for a “Disco Demolition Night” at Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL between … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 12 in Classic Rock →

July 11, 1982 – Pete Willis is fired from Def Leppard and replaced by Phil Collen, due to excessive alcohol consumption on the job.  “Things were going too fast for me.” says Willis. “I was still enjoying it, but I was using drink as a crutch. It wasn’t nice to go that way, but it was something that … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 11 in Classic Rock →

July 10, 2012 – Slash gets his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Hard Rock Cafe. Ex-bandmates Duff McKagan, Gilby Clark and Steven Adler are in attendance.  Charlie Sheen is the master of ceremonies and quips, “It seems quite fitting that Slash is getting a star on the very street Axl Rose … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 10 in Classic Rock →

July 9, 1995 – Jerry Garcia performs his last concert with the Grateful Dead at Chicago’s Soldier Field.  At the time, no one knew this would be Garcia’s last show, even Garcia himself.  Although he’d been clean for several years, Garcia had returned to using drugs to ease some physical ailments.  He died exactly one month later at … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 9 in Classic Rock →

July 8, 1967 – The Monkees start their tour with The Jimi Hendrix Experience as the opening act. Not surprisingly, Hendrix is dropped after six shows when he is told his act is not suitable for the young audience. July 8, 1958 – The first Gold record album certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is awarded to the soundtrack Oklahoma.  At the time, a Gold record … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 8 in Classic Rock →

Sir Roger Daltrey CBE has been granted Knighthood in King Charles’ Birthday Honours. In addition to Daltrey’s notable contribution to British music and culture for over 50 years, he has been responsible for raising tens of millions of pounds for Teenage Cancer Trust, among other causes. Roger said in a statement: “It is a wonderful honour … Continue reading Roger Daltrey of The Who Granted Knighthood →

June 15, 1999 – Santana release their 18th studio album, Supernatural. It sells an estimated 30 million copies worldwide and garners Santana nine Grammy Awards, breaking the record held by Michael Jackson for most Grammys in one year. June 15, 1967 – Peter Green leaves the John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and goes on to form Fleetwood Mac with bandmate John McVie … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 15 in Classic Rock →

June 14, 1986 – One fan dies at an Ozzy Osbourne/Metallica show at the Long Beach Arena after falling from a balcony.  Long Beach Police say the man “fell over backwards because he was probably overdosing, hit his head, broke his neck and died.”  Three others also jumped from the balcony and sustained life-threatening injuries. June 14, 2002 – Mick Jagger becomes Sir … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 14 in Classic Rock →

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. June 13, 2003 – David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Sting receive a CBE award (Commander of the British Empire) at the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Sting states, “I’m surprised and flattered to receive this honour…If … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 13 in Classic Rock →

Brian Wilson, founder and creative force of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82. A cause of death has not been revealed. Wilson is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the 20th century. Wilson’s family announced the death on his official website. “We are heartbroken to announce that … Continue reading Brian Wilson, Founder of The Beach Boys, Dead at 82 →

June 11, 1983 – Alex Van Halen marries Valerie Kendall with Alex’s brother Eddie as the best man. The couple divorce less than a year later. June 11, 2002 – Paul McCartney marries Heather Mills in Ireland. In attendance are Elton John, David Gilmour, Chrissie Hynde and Ringo Starr. After a nasty court battle, they divorce in 2008. June 11, 1971 – Dennis Wilson, drummer for … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 11 in Classic Rock →