April 5, 1980 – R.E.M. play their first-ever gig when they appear at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia.  They perform as Twisted Kites, and three weeks later change their name to R.E.M. Classic Rock Birthdays April 5, 1966 – Mike McCready, guitar (Pearl Jam)April 5, 1946 – Dave Holland, drums (Judas Priest)April 5, 1935 – Peter Grant, rock band manager (Led Zeppelin, The Animals, The Yardbirds, … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 5 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 →