July 17, 1982 – Judas Priest release Screaming For Vengeance, their eighth studio album. It goes on to sell over 5 million copies worldwide. 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 … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 17 in Classic Rock →

June 6, 1981 – The first issue of heavy metal magazine Kerrang is published as a special pull-out by UK weekly music paper Sounds.  AC/DC is on the front cover and there are features on Motörhead, Girlschool and Saxon. June 6, 2004 – Metallica play a rare gig at the Download Festival in England’s Donington Park without drummer Lars Ulrich, who is … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 6 in Classic Rock →

Of course the blues have influenced rock ’n’ roll, well,… ever since there’s been rock ’n’ roll! But, you may not know that many of the songs you know and love were actually initially recorded back in the 1930’s. In fact, some songs on the list may date back hundreds of years!  Here’s a good starter list … Continue reading 11 Classic Rock Hits That Are Actually Blues Songs →

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 →

December 18, 1983 – Keith Richards marries model and actress Patti Hansen in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Mick Jagger is Richards’ best man. December 18, 1988 – Mike Peters of The Alarm has his eyes burnt by spotlights during a show in Chester, England. He regains his sight two weeks later. December 18, 2000 – Bob Geldof is granted custody of … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 18 in Classic Rock →

December 2, 2012 – Led Zeppelin‘s three surviving members, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page, receive the Kennedy Center Honors from President Barack Obama. Their tribute is performed by the Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Jason Bonham, and Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. December 2, 2003 – Alice Cooper receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cooper’s … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 2 in Classic Rock →

The holidays are just around the corner and many of you are going to try to channel your inner rock star and ask Santa for an acoustic guitar.  I mean – how hard can it be, right?  Well, here’s a quick guide of songs to try first – maybe you’ll even stick with it! 10 … Continue reading Top 10 Easiest Rock Songs to Learn on Guitar →

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, The Animals’ The Animals (EP) will be reissued for Record Store Day on April 19th on 45 rpm 10 inch vinyl. The special release is part of a series of EP reissues for ABKCO Records, which earlier released 10 inch vinyl editions of The Animals Is Here and The … Continue reading The Animals EP Getting Record Store Day Release, Eric Burdon Maknig In-Store Appearance in Miami →

ABKCO Records has announced the release of three collectable and limited edition EPs by The Rolling Stones and The Animals in conjunction with this year’s Record Store Day, Saturday, April 20, 2013.  ABKCO is proud to support the efforts of over 700 independently owned record stores in the U.S., and hundreds of similar stores around … Continue reading Limited Edition Rolling Stones and Animals Vinyl EPs Set for Record Store Day Release →

In a year of a creative renaissance, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Eric Burdon, has just announced a joint book deal with Alfred Music and ABKCO Music and Records. Eric Burdon is best known as frontman of the legendary British Invasion-era rock band, the Animals and the ground-breaking, multi-ethnic rhythm and blues band, … Continue reading Eric Burdon Signs ‘Breathless’ Book Deal →