Classics Du Jour

May 9, 1992 – Bruce Springsteen makes his North American network television debut on Saturday Night Live with host Tom Hanks. He performs three songs to promote his two recently-released albums, Lucky Town and Human Touch. May 9, 1974 – Bruce Springsteen opens a show for headliner Bonnie Raitt, who insists on him playing his full 2-hour set, rare for an opener. … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 9 in Classic Rock →

May 8, 1965 – Bob Dylan shoots a film clip for his song “Subterranean Homesick Blues” which becomes the forerunner to what we now know as music videos.  The famous “flashcard” clip theme is then duplicated many times in music videos and movies. May 8, 1996 – Tommy Lee and wife Pamela Anderson lose their suit against … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 8 in Classic Rock →

September 17, 1991 – Guns N’ Roses release both Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II on the same day because they think one double album of 30 tracks would be too expensive for fans.  Record stores open at midnight to frenzied purchasing and when the dust settles, each album sells more than 7 million … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 17 in Classic Rock →

September 14, 1984 – MTV debuts its first ever video awards show, hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler in New York at Radio City Music Hall. The Cars win Video of the Year for “You Might Think”. Among the Video of the Year nominees were Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Police “Every Breath You Take”. David Bowie wins … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 14 in Classic Rock →

September 13, 1991 – Geffen, Nirvana’s record label, throws them a party to celebrate the release of their forthcoming album, Nevermind, and the single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” at Re-bar in Seattle.  The band proceeds to tear down all of the Nevermind posters and then starts a food fight.  A bouncer ends up kicking the band out of their own party, but they hop in … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 13 in Classic Rock →

September 12, 2008 – Metallica release their 9th studio album, Death Magnetic.  The album is produced by Rick Rubin and is the band’s first album to feature bassist Robert Trujillo. It goes on to sell over two million copies in the U.S. September 12, 1966 – The first episode of The Monkees TV show debuts on NBC, preceding I Dream of … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 12 in Classic Rock →

September 11, 2001 – Radio doesn’t play much music today as almost every station airs news feeds regarding the 9/11 tragedy.  The country collectively mourns our dead and injured, and also the loss of our American innocence. September 11, 2003 – Tommy Chong, one-half of the comedy team of Cheech and Chong, is sentenced to nine months in federal … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 11 in Classic Rock →

September 10, 1975 – Kiss release their first live album Alive!, a double-disc set culled from songs on their first three studio albums. There is debate as to how much over-dubbing was used.  The album is certified Gold. September 10, 2006 – Metallica guest star on the season premiere of The Simpsons’ 18th season on an episode called “The Mook, the Chef, the Wife … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 10 in Classic Rock →

July 19, 1986 – Van Halen headline the Texxas Jam at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, preceeded by Dio, Loverboy, Krokus, Keel and Bachman-Turner Overdrive who are joined by Leslie West on “Mississippi Queen. July 19, 1976 – Deep Purple disband at the end of their UK tour. David Coverdale goes on to form Whitesnake, and the classic line up of Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 19 in Classic Rock →

July 18, 1981 – The Texxas Jam is held at the Astrodome in Houston. The lineup includes headliner REO Speedwagon, Heart, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult and The Rockets. July 18, 1978 – Def Leppard make their live debut at Westfield School, Sheffield, England in front of about 150 students. They are paid 5 pounds (about $6) by a teacher.  They also have a … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 18 in Classic Rock →

July 17, 1979 – Gary Moore leaves Thin Lizzy for the final time to support his solo career, with the blessing of Phil Lynott.  He is replaced by Midge Ure. July 17, 1994 – Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss raid a Kiss convention in Michigan to reclaim their Kiss costumes that were stolen more than a decade ago. July 17, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 17 in Classic Rock →

July 16, 1966 – The world’s first “supergroup” is forged when Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker form Cream.  Though they last only two years, Cream sells 15 million records. July 16, 1900 – The logo of the Victor Recording Company and later RCA Victor, is registered with the U.S. Patent Office. The logo features Nipper the dog looking into … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 16 in Classic Rock →