October 4, 1986 – Dan Rather is mugged by two men who repeatedly ask him “Kenneth, what’s the frequency?” The incident later influences the R.E.M. song “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?”  Years later, in 1994, in an attempt to get in contact with someone who might be able to identify the frequency and put an end to the voices … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 4 in Classic Rock →

December 20, 1980 – Motörhead drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor accidentally breaks his neck after being lifted above the head of a friend in a test of strength, only to be dropped upon his head. Taylor continued to play in Motörhead with the aid of a neck brace, as is visible in the music video for “Ace of … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 20 in Classic Rock →

November 27, 1967 – The Beatles release Magical Mystery Tour, which goes on to sell over 6 million copies in the U.S.  Released as a double EP in the UK and an LP in the U.S., the album included the soundtrack to the film of the same name and was nominated for a Grammy. November 27, 1991 – Freddie Mercury’s … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 27 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 →

On paper, it seems strange that some groups can keep touring with no original members. But, many of those groups have members that have played with their respective bands for decades and seemingly have become so entrenched that fans don’t realize or care. See what you think as you look at this list of classic … Continue reading 10 Classic Rock Bands with No Original Members →

On his latest album, former Blood, Sweat & Tears vocalist David Clayton-Thomas delivers splendidly on its succinct title, Soul Ballads. Available now in the U.S., the album consists of 10 soul covers including Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Midnight Train to Georgia,” Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The … Continue reading David Clayton-Thomas Covers Soul Ballads on New Album →

Lew Soloff, most famous for those searing trumpet lines in the Blood, Sweat and Tears song, “Spinning Wheel” died Saturday at the age of 71. Soloff was widely known in the jazz world, but made an indelible mark on American culture playing with Blood, Sweat and Tears from  1968 to 1973. In that time, with … Continue reading Lew Soloff, Blood, Sweat & Tears Trumpet Player, Dies at 71 →