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 →

May 24, 1994 – Bret Michaels of Poison loses control of his Ferrari and crashes into a telephone pole in Burbank, CA.  He breaks his thumb, nose and collarbone, loses four teeth, cracks his sternum, and receives a hairline fracture of his upper jawbone. According to police reports, he passed out behind the wheel while driving. May 24, 1974 – David Bowie releases his 8th studio album Diamond Dogs. … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 24 in Classic Rock →

March 20, 1969 – John Lennon marries Yoko Ono at the British Consulate Office in Gibraltar. Lennon said at the time, “We chose Gibraltar because it is quiet, British and friendly. We tried everywhere else first. I set out to get married on the car ferry and we would have arrived in France married, but they wouldn’t … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 20 in Classic Rock →

March 7, 1975 – David Bowie releases his ninth studio album, Young Americans.  The album is certified Gold in the U.S. 10 Best David Bowie Covers Classic Rock Birthdays March 7, 1946 – Peter Wolf (born Peter W. Blankfield), vocals (The J. Geils Band)March 7, 1945 – Arthur Lee (born Arthur Taylor) vocals, guitar (Love) (d. 2006)March 7, 1943 – Chris White, vocals, bass (The Zombies, Argent)March 7, 1946 – Matthew … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 7 in Classic Rock →