October 4, 1986 – Dan Rather is mugged by two men who repeatedly ask him “Kenneth, what’s the frequency?” The incident later influences the R.E.M. song “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?”  Years later, in 1994, in an attempt to get in contact with someone who might be able to identify the frequency and put an end to the voices … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 4 in Classic Rock →

October 3, 1978 – The members of Aerosmith bail out 28 fans who are arrested for smoking pot and underage drinking at their concert in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They pay approximately $4,200 in bail and fines. October 3, 1992 – Sinead O’Connor, without telling producers in advance, tears up a photo of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 3 in Classic Rock →

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, 2002 – Adam Ant (real name Stuart Goddard) pleads guilty to threatening pubgoers who had mocked his cowboy-style clothes. … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 2 in Classic Rock →

October 1, 1982 – Sony introduces the first digital compact-disc player in Tokyo, which sells for about $730. October 1, 2011 – Gene Simmons of KISS, finally marries Shannon Tweed, his partner of 28 years at the Beverly Hills Hotel in front of 400 guests. Tweed, who met Simmons at the Playboy mansion and was Hugh Hefner’s partner … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 1 in Classic Rock →

September 30, 1988 – John Lennon is posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is located in front of Capitol Records, and his widow, Yoko Ono, attends the ceremony.  None of the other Beatles are present. September 30, 1998 – On the Drew Carey Show, Drew and his gang decide to form a band … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 30 in Classic Rock →

September 29, 1989 – Bruce Springsteen and a few of his bodyguards stop for a beer at Matt’s Saloon in Prescott, AZ on a motorcycle ride.  The small town quickly figures out Springsteen is there and packs the saloon when he agrees to jam with the house band for an hour. He also makes a generous $100,000 donation to a barmaid … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 29 in Classic Rock →

September 28, 1978 – Black Sabbath release their 8th studio album, Never Say Die!, which is the last one to feature Ozzy Osbourne before his return in 2013.  The album is called “scattered” but still reaches Gold status. September 28, 1991 – Bryan Adams is awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. Other Canadian musicians who have been given the … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 28 in Classic Rock →

September 27, 2007 – Van Halen kick off their reunion tour with David Lee Roth and new bassist Wolfgang Van Halen at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. It was their first tour with Roth in 23 years, and it grossed over $93 million for 74 dates. September 27, 2004 – Producer Phil Spector is charged with the murder of … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 27 in Classic Rock →

September 26, 1969 – The Beatles release Abbey Road, their 11th studio album. The album sells over 12 million copies in the U.S., and although initially garnering mixed reviews, becomes perhaps one of the most beloved albums ever. The cover features the iconic image of the band crossing the street in a single file line … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 26 in Classic Rock →

September 25, 2006 – Steven Tyler guest stars on Two and a Half Men playing Charlie Sheen’s obnoxious next door neighbor. Playing to stereotype, Tyler is a rowdy rocker who plays loud music and causes problems for Sheen’s character. September 25, 1970 – The pilot episode of The Partridge Family debuts on TV featuring Shirley … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 25 in Classic Rock →

September 24, 1991 – Nirvana release their second studio album, Nevermind. The album goes on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide.  Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl conceive of the cover shot after watching a TV documentary on water babies.  Spencer Elden, the 3-month-old son of the photographer’s friend is the baby chosen.  Elden’s circumcised penis is visible in the image and Cobain … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 24 in Classic Rock →

September 23, 1980 – Bob Marley collapses on stage during a concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Marley had collapsed in New York’s Central Park while jogging two days before and was told to immediately cancel the U.S. tour, but flew to Pittsburgh to perform one final performance. This was the last time Marley ever appeared on stage.  He died … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 23 in Classic Rock →