January 12, 1969 – Led Zeppelin release their self-titled debut album. The album was completely funded by Jimmy Page (who was also the producer) and took only 36 hours to record and mix.  Page also picked out the image of the burning Hindenburg (the “lead zeppelin”) on the cover. Rolling Stone wrote that “The cover of Led Zeppelin … shows the Hindenburg airship, in all its phallic glory, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 12 in Classic Rock →

January 9, 1984 – Van Halen release their sixth studio album 1984.  With the songs “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot For Teacher” and “I’ll Wait,” the album goes on to sell over 10 million copies. January 9, 2007 – At the Macworld Expo in San Francisco, Steve Jobs introduces Apple’s latest invention: the iPhone.  He is joined by John Mayer, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 9 in Classic Rock →

January 8, 1994 – Nirvana perform their final concert in the U.S. at the Seattle Center Arena. They tour for about two more months in Europe prior to Kurt Cobain’s death. January 8, 1979 – The Canadian Government name Rush the country’s official Ambassadors of Music. The honor comes with a plaque that reads, “We wish to recognize the international aspect … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 8 in Classic Rock →

January 7, 2004 – Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and wife Kate Hudson announce the birth of their first child Ryder Russell Robinson. January 7, 1997 – Two bronze busts worth $70,000 are stolen from George Harrison’s estate in Henley-on-Thames, England.  Thieves cut the figures of two monks from their stone plinths. Classic Rock Birthdays January 7, 1937 – Paul Revere … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 7 in Classic Rock →

January 6, 1976 – Peter Frampton releases one of the biggest double live albums in history, Frampton Comes Alive! The album goes on to sell over 11 million copies in the U.S. January 6, 1993 – Bill Wyman formally exits the Rolling Stones after 31 years. He is replaced on the road by touring bassist Darryl Jones. January 6, 2001 – Pink Floyd guitarist David … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 6 in Classic Rock →

January 5, 2004 – Ray Davies of the Kinks is shot in the leg in New Orleans trying to recover his date’s stolen purse.  The shooter is immediately caught, but released three years later because Davies couldn’t make it back to Louisiana with only three days notice for the trial. January 5, 1973 – Bruce Springsteen releases his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 5 in Classic Rock →

January 4, 1970 – Keith Moon’s chauffeur and bodyguard is accidentally killed when Moon runs over him trying to escape a band of skinheads at a local pub. Boland was in front of the car fighting off the unruly bar patrons when Moon got behind the wheel of the Bentley, not knowing the crowd had pushed Boland underneath … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 4 in Classic Rock →

January 3, 1967 – Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys declares himself a conscientious objector and refuses to be sworn in after receiving an induction notice from the US Army, leading to his indictment and criminal prosecution for draft evasion. Finally, in September 1971, the judge agreed to a plan that allowed Wilson to perform community service by … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 3 in Classic Rock →

January 2, 1969 – Led Zeppelin play the first of four nights at the Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles during the band’s first North American tour. Alice Cooper is the opening act and the group is billed as “Led Zeppelin featuring Jimmy Page, formerly of the Yardbirds.” Page suffers from a fever and is forced … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 2 in Classic Rock →

December 30, 1999 – George Harrison and his wife Olivia are attacked when an intruder breaks into their home in England. Olivia beats off the attacker with a lamp, but Harrison is stabbed repeatedly in the chest and admitted to the hospital with a collapsed lung and various minor stab wounds.  Police later arrest a fan from Liverpool who nursed an irrational … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 30 in Classic Rock →

December 29, 1967 – Traffic guitarist Dave Mason announces he is leaving Traffic due to musical differences, prior to the release of their first album.  He returns to the band less than one year later, delivering his hit song “Feelin’ Alright?”. Top 10 Rock Supergroups Classic Rock Birthdays December 29, 1947 – Cozy Powell (born Colin Trevor Powell), drums (Jeff Beck, Rainbow, … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 29 in Classic Rock →

December 28, 1998 – Ronnie Hammond of The Atlanta Rhythm Section is shot by Macon police after he attacks an officer with a hammer and a broken guitar handle. Hammond was threatening to commit suicide. December 28, 1968 – The Miami Pop Festival takes place near Miami, FL and attracts over 100,000 people over its three-day run.  Featured acts include The Amboy Dukes, Canned … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 28 in Classic Rock →