November 16, 2014 – Bono of U2 has a “high energy bicycle accident” in New York’s Central Park. The singer suffers numerous serious injuries, including a “facial fracture involving the orbit of his eye,” three separate fractures of his left shoulder blade and a fracture of his left humerus bone in his upper arm. The latter injury … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 16 in Classic Rock →

November 14, 1983 –  Michael Jackson’s 14-minute film Thriller debuts to a private audience at the Metro Crest Theater in Los Angeles. Directed by John Landis, the short film will become the most popular video in MTV history when the network begins airing it in December. Many of Jackson’s famous friends show up at the premiere, … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 14 in Classic Rock →

A fascinating new rock documentary debuted at the 2018 LA Film Festival last week. Echo in the Canyon examines the birth of the Laurel Canyon music scene and the iconic music and artists – such as The Byrds,The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield and The Mamas and the Papas – that developed there.  Incidentally this was … Continue reading Rock Doc ‘Echo In the Canyon’ Premieres at L.A. Film Festival →

August 3, 1991 – Metallica hold a “playback party” at Madison Square Garden in New York City (a venue they had yet to play) to launch their self-titled album, commonly known as the “Black Album.” Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic both attend.  The album goes on to sell 30 million copies worldwide. August 3, 1987 – Def Leppard … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 3 in Classic Rock →

Nothing says 4th of July like hosting friends and family, grilling on the deck or maybe chilling by the pool, some classic tunes coming through the outdoor speakers… But don’t just hit play on some generic playlist and call it a party – step up your Independence Day party with these 15 Patriotic Classic Rock … Continue reading 15 Patriotic Classic Rock Songs for Your Independence Day Playlist →

June 20, 2011 – Leslie West of Mountain has his right leg amputated below the knee at a Biloxi, Mississippi hospital the day after performing at the Hard Rock Cafe in the city. West later says, “When I play ‘Mississippi Queen’ now, I think about Jesus Christ.” June 20, 1978 – Foreigner releases their second album, Double Vision. It goes on to sell … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 20 in Classic Rock →

It’s true – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Many of your favorite rock stars have produced children that have gone into the family business, with varying degrees of success. Below are some of the “kids” that have succeeded in major ways. 01 The Beatles’ offspring Ranking this list was extremely difficult, so … Continue reading The Most Musically Gifted Children of Rock Stars →

June 11, 1983 – Alex Van Halen marries Valerie Kendall with Alex’s brother Eddie as the best man. The couple divorce less than a year later. June 11, 2002 – Paul McCartney marries Heather Mills in Ireland. In attendance are Elton John, David Gilmour, Chrissie Hynde and Ringo Starr. After a nasty court battle, they divorce in 2008. June 11, 1971 – Dennis Wilson, drummer for … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 11 in Classic Rock →

May 1, 1967 – Elvis Presley (32) marries Priscilla Beaulieu (21) at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. This was the first marriage for them both and the only time Elvis was officially married.  The cake cost $3200, which at the time was more than the price of an average car.  The only celebrity guest was comedian Redd … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 1 in Classic Rock →

People have often asked why the time from the early 60’s through the 90’s was so special for music. I believe I know that answer, but why that time was also so special for the music industry has eluded me until I recently saw a great documentary on the band Rush and their rabid fans.  … Continue reading Rush – and a Revelation →