April 20, 1971 – Five friends at San Rafael High School in California coin the term “4:20” as a euphemism for smoking pot so they could talk about their “activity” in front of their parents. April 20th becomes a popular day to spark one up, as does 4:20 pm… every day. April 20, 2011 – K.K. Downing, guitarist … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 20 in Classic Rock →

April 19, 2014 – Stephen Pearcy leaves Ratt after performing with them for 30 years. He later rejoins. April 19, 1980 – R.E.M. performs their first concert as R.E.M. at the 11:11 Koffee Club in Athens, GA in front of about 150 people. The show ends around 2AM when police close it down due to the venue being … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 19 in Classic Rock →

April 18, 1993 – David Lee Roth is arrested in New York City for buying a $10 bag of marijuana. Roth’s offense had a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail and a $250 fine but was ultimately “adjourned pending dismissal,” meaning the charges would be wiped out if Roth stayed out of trouble for a year. April 18, 2015 – Lou Reed, Ringo … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 18 in Classic Rock →

April 17, 1975 – Elvis Presley buys a $250,000 private jet, which he re-christens Lisa Marie. He spends an additional $600,000 refurbishing the jet with a dance floor (!) and other personal quarters.  That’s about $3.8 million today. April 17, 1983 – Joe Strummer of The Clash runs the London Marathon, finishing with a time of 4 hours and … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 17 in Classic Rock →

April 16, 1974 – Queen make their U.S. live debut at Regis College in Denver, opening for Mott the Hoople. April 16, 1996 – Kiss hold a press conference aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City to announce the reunion of all four original members, and the Alive/Worldwide reunion tour. With Ace, Gene, Paul and Peter, … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 16 in Classic Rock →

April 15, 1971 – The Beatles nab their only Oscar, winning Best Original Song Score for the movie Let It Be. April 15, 1982 – Anvil release their sophomore album, Metal on Metal, then proceed to fade into obscurity in the 1990s before being resurrected by the 2008 documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil. Rock Artists Who Have Won an Academy Award … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 15 in Classic Rock →

April 14, 1975 – Former Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood gets a coveted Rolling Stones gig, replacing Mick Taylor.  Other rumored replacements for the position are Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Steve Marriott and Chris Spedding. April 14, 2009 – George Harrison is honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in front of the Capitol Records building.  In attendance … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 14 in Classic Rock →

April 13, 1993 – William Weld, the former governor of Massachusetts, officially declares April 13 to be “Aerosmith Day” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Watch: Aerosmith Reunited with Early Touring Van on American Pickers April 13, 1979 – David Lee Roth collapses onstage in Spokane, only 5 days into the World Vacation Tour supporting Van Halen II.  The reason given … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 13 in Classic Rock →

April 12, 2000 – Metallica files suit against Napster, Yale University, The University of Southern California and Indiana University for copyright infringement. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich says, “We take our craft — whether it be the music, the lyrics, or the photos and artwork — very seriously, as do most artists. It is therefore sickening to know … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 12 in Classic Rock →

April 11, 2007 – Richie Sambora and wife, actress Heather Locklear, divorce after 11 years of marriage. April 11, 2014 – Kiss, Nirvana, Linda Ronstadt, Cat Stevens and the E Street Band  are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Kiss is inducted by former Rage Against the Machine guitarist and obsessive Kiss fan Tom Morello.  He closes his speech by saying, … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 11 in Classic Rock →

April 10, 1956 – Leo Fender patents his Stratocaster guitar, which is the follow-up to the popular Telecaster. April 10, 1970 – Doors singer Jim Morrison attempts to flash his junk at a show in Boston.  He is dragged off stage by keyboardist Ray Manzarek as Morrison is already facing charges for a similar event … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 10 in Classic Rock →

April 9, 1997 – Soundgarden breaks up, only to reform 13 years later. April 9, 1973 – Queen makes its debut performance at the Marquee Theater in London. April 9, 1969 – King Crimson makes their live debut at the Speakeasy in London. Classic Rock Birthdays April 9, 1961 – Mark Kelly, keyboards (Marillion)April 9, 1969 – Kevin Martin, vocalist (Candlebox)April … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 9 in Classic Rock →