July 27, 1973 – The self-titled debut by the New York Dolls, produced by Todd Rundgren, is released to critical acclaim and mediocre sales.  However, the album serves as an influential precursor to the developing punk rock scene with such songs as “Personality Crisis,” “Trash,” and “Jet Boy.” July 27, 2010 – Growing Up Twisted, starring Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 27 in Classic Rock →

July 20, 1986 – Van Halen manager Ed Leffler is beaten up at a Dallas hotel by an unknown assailant. July 20, 1975 – The Born To Run tour kicks off at The Palace Theatre in Providence, RI.  This is also the live debut of Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven) as a member of Bruce Springsteen‘s E Street Band. July 20, 1999 – The Ramones make their … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 20 in Classic Rock →

June 28, 1984 – Bruce Springsteen shoots his “Dancing In The Dark” video in front of 200 extras at the St. Paul Civic center. Courtney Cox, later of “Friends” fame,  plays the front row fan who gets to dance on stage with Bruce. The single (propelled by massive MTV airplay) sells over 1 million copies and also garners Springsteen … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 28 in Classic Rock →

June 21, 1985 – Mötley Crüe release their third studio album Theatre of Pain which goes on to sell over four million copies in the U.S. and spawns the hits “Home Sweet Home” and the remake “Smokin’ In The Boys Room.” June 21, 1975 – Ritchie Blackmore leaves Deep Purple to form Rainbow. Blackmore says, “I wasn’t interested in the direction they were going. I thought … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 21 in Classic Rock →

June 12, 1982 – Remember “No Nukes”?  The rally began at the United Nations and ended on the Great Lawn in New York’s Central Park with performers Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and Gary “U.S.” Bonds.  It became the largest political rally in the U.S. with an estimated 750,000 attendees. June 12, 2012 – Pearl Jam’s former chief financial officer Rickey … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 12 in Classic Rock →

June 8, 1969 – Brian Jones is asked to leave the Rolling Stones by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts, who visit him at his home to deliver the news personally.  He was fired due to his erratic behavior and his excessive drug use, which made him incapable of playing music. He released a statement saying, “I no longer … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 8 in Classic Rock →

June 4, 2001 – Spinal Tap tours the U.S. for its “Back From the Dead Tour” and appears at New York’s Carnegie Hall with a 20-song, 90-minute performance as part of the annual Toyota Comedy Festival. June 4, 1942 – Johnny Mercer, Glenn Wallichs and Buddy DeSylva form Capitol Records. On the same day, Wallichs gives the first free record to Los Angeles disc … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 4 in Classic Rock →

May 28, 1983 – Slash is in the audience at the legendary Gazzarri’s on the Sunset Strip in LA. for the band Rapidfire’s show, where he first sees Axl Rose perform live. May 28, 1957 – The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) is established. They launch the Grammy Awards in 1958. May 28, 1976 – Gregg Allman‘s testimony against his … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 28 in Classic Rock →

Dropkick Murphys will perform a full concert at an empty Fenway Park next Friday. Bruce Springsteen will (remotely) join the band for two songs during the live-streamed benefit show. The event is the first of its kind at Boston’s historic baseball field and marks the first full concert at a major U.S. stadium without a … Continue reading Dropkick Murphys Will Perform at Empty Fenway Park →

May 21, 1966 – Bruce Springsteen and his band The Castiles perform at Freehold Regional High School in New Jersey.  All the band members are juniors at the school. May 21, 1992 – MTV airs the first episode of their new series The Real World.  It is one of the first reality TV series and garners massive ratings although it’s critically panned. May 21, 2008 – Steven … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 21 in Classic Rock →