January 27, 1980 – AC/DC play their last show, a makeup date on the Highway To Hell tour, with lead singer Bon Scott.  The show is held at the Gaumont theater in Southampton, England. Scott would die on February 19. January 27, 1997 – At the 24th annual American Music Awards, Pat Boone and Alice Cooper present Mötley Crüe the award … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 27 in Classic Rock →

January 14, 1965 –  David Bowie releases his first single in the U.S., “Can’t Help Thinking About Me.”  This was the first single released after he changed his name from David (also Davie) Jones to David Bowie. January 14, 1967 – The first “Human Be-In” takes place at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with more than 25,000 people in attendance. It is the prelude to … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 14 in Classic Rock →

January 8, 1994 – Nirvana perform their final concert in the U.S. at the Seattle Center Arena. They tour for about two more months in Europe prior to Kurt Cobain’s death. January 8, 1979 – The Canadian Government name Rush the country’s official Ambassadors of Music. The honor comes with a plaque that reads, “We wish to recognize the international aspect … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 8 in Classic Rock →

November 8, 1971 – Led Zeppelin release Led Zeppelin IV, which goes on to sell over 37 million copies worldwide. The 19th century rustic oil painting on the front of the album was purchased by Robert Plant from an antique shop in Reading, England. The four symbols on the album represent each band member. Top … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 8 in Classic Rock →

A classic rock themed Halloween costume is… well, a classic. But a boring, off-the-shelf, out-of-the-box costume is no way to impress. Dig through your closets or make a quick stop at a thrift store and I bet you can pull together any of these classic rock costume ideas with just a few bucks and not … Continue reading 10 Best Classic Rock Halloween Costumes and How to Pull Them Off →

July 9, 1995 – Jerry Garcia performs his last concert with the Grateful Dead at Chicago’s Soldier Field.  At the time, no one knew this would be Garcia’s last show, even Garcia himself.  Although he’d been clean for several years, Garcia had returned to using drugs to ease some physical ailments.  He died exactly one month later at … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 9 in Classic Rock →

July 3, 1988 – The final Texxas Jam takes place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas – it is now called the “Monsters of Rock.” The headliners are Van Halen, the Scorpions, Dokken, Metallica and Kingdom Come.  During Van Halen’s set, Sammy Hagar loses his voice and promises the crowd Van Halen will play a free concert in Dallas … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 3 in Classic Rock →

June 25, 2010 – Rush receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Musicians Institute.  They are inducted by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan and Donna Halper, a former music director at Cleveland’s WMMS-FM who was among the first to champion the band on their debut album. June 25, 2004 – After a final encore … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 25 in Classic Rock →

June 19, 1987 – Guns N’ Roses perform their first concert outside of the U.S. at London’s legendary Marquee Club.  They neglect to play “Welcome To The Jungle” or “Sweet Child O’ Mine” in their 12-song set. June 19, 2004 – A stick from a thrown lollipop somehow becomes wedged in between David Bowie‘s left eyeball and his eyelid. It’s … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 19 in Classic Rock →

June 16, 1967 – The three day Monterey Pop Festival begins and is regarded historically as the start of the “Summer of Love.”  The festival becomes the pre-cursor to Woodstock.  All artists (with the exception of Ravi Shankar) perform for free, with ticket sales donated to charity.  On the first night, the line up is:  The Association, The Paupers, Lou Rawls, … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 16 in Classic Rock →

June 5, 2003 – Singer Scott Weiland is picked to be the singer for a new project featuring ex-Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum which later becomes Velvet Revolver. June 5, 1964 – The Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, CA is the first U.S. venue to host the Rolling Stones. The Stones were supporting their first … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 5 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 →