July 31, 2015 – Lollapalooza Chicago begins in Grant Park with Paul McCartney headlining the first night, and Metallica the second night. July 31, 1980 – The Eagles perform their last concert at the Long Beach Arena before splitting up. They reunite in 1994.  The concert – a benefit gig, no less – is played out amid muttered onstage threats between Glen Frey … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 31 in Classic Rock →

July 28, 1973 –  Outdrawing the previous Woodstock concert by almost two to one, more than 600,000 people sardine themselves into the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Raceway for the single-day festival, Summer Jam.  Only three groups play – The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead and The Band.  One out of every 350 people living in America at the … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 28 in Classic Rock →

July 8, 1958 – The first Gold record album certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is awarded to the soundtrack Oklahoma.  At the time, a Gold record represented one million records sold.  It now represents sales of 500,000 copies. July 8, 2000 – Janick Gers of Iron Maiden falls headfirst off the stage during their encore at a … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 8 in Classic Rock →

June 3, 2000 – After destroying his living room, threatening his wife with a knife and sending police on a manhunt near his Osprey, Florida home, Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts was discovered by police after a helicopter search. He is sent to a psychiatric unit. June 3, 1983 – Famous session drummer Jim Gordon murders his mother by hitting her in the head … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 3 in Classic Rock →

May 19, 2000 – Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers Band is essentially kicked out of the band for “creative differences,” which are allegedly related to drugs and/or alcohol use. May 19, 1979 – Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd throw a reception party two months after their wedding featuring a jam session with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Ginger Baker, Mick Jagger … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 19 in Classic Rock →

April 30, 1976 – Keith Moon from the Who pays nine cab drivers to blockade both ends of the street where he is staying in a NYC hotel.  He proceeds to throw the contents of his hotel room out the window.  Now that’s metal! April 30, 2008 – At the Coachella music festival, a giant inflatable pig floats away during Roger Waters‘ set. … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 30 in Classic Rock →

April 6, 1993 – Peter Criss, former drummer for the rock group KISS, settles a libel lawsuit against Star magazine for portraying him as a homeless alcoholic.  ”At least now I can go on with a clearer head, now that this is over,” he said. “I could write a song about this whole thing. Maybe I will.” A Jan. … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 6 in Classic Rock →

April 4, 2009 – Flea inducts Metallica into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a moving tribute to the deceased Cliff Burton.  This is the first-ever induction ceremony open to the public.  Jeff Beck is also inducted by his former Yardbird colleague Jimmy Page. April 4, 2000 – A Swedish couple runs into trouble with authorities after trying … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 4 in Classic Rock →

March 24, 2001 – A stretch of road on Highway 19 in Macon, Georgia, is named Duane Allman Boulevard, near where the Allman Brothers guitarist died at age 24 in a motorcycle crash on October 29, 1971. March 24, 1962 – Mick Jagger and Keith Richards perform their first paid gig when they appear as Little Boy Blue & … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 24 in Classic Rock →

March 22, 1974 – The Eagles release On the Border, their third studio album. It’s the first Eagles album to feature guitarist Don Felder. March 22, 1971 – The Allman Brothers Band is arrested on charges of heroin and marijuana possession in Jackson, AL.   It was their first bust all together, though a roadie had recently been shot off … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 22 in Classic Rock →