December 4, 2012 – Randy Blythe, the frontman of Lamb of God, is charged with the death of a 19-year-old fan at a concert in Prague in 2010 after he pushed him off the stage. The fan, Daniel Nosek, hits his head when he falls to the concrete floor and dies of his injuries 2 weeks later. Blythe is later acquitted, … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 4 in Classic Rock →

November 30, 2000 – The City of New York officially names the corner of Bowery and Second Street “Joey Ramone Place.” It is the block where Joey once lived with bandmate Dee Dee Ramone and is near the music club CBGB, where the Ramones played their first gigs. In 2010, it was reported that “Joey … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 30 in Classic Rock →

October 10, 1975 – Deep Purple release Come Taste the Band, their only studio album to feature guitarist Tommy Bolin.  The album is also the final of three albums to feature Glenn Hughes on bass and a pre-Whitesnake David Coverdale on lead vocals. October 10, 1995 – Peter Frampton releases Frampton Comes Alive II, the long-awaited sequel to his record-setting live album released in 1976. October 10, 1969 … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 10 in Classic Rock →

September 1, 1998 – Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan is charged with assault and battery for allegedly hitting a security guard in the head with a microphone during a concert at Pine Knob in Michigan. “I’ve seen everything at Pine Knob, but I’ve never seen it where the lead singer bends over and hits someone,” says the local sheriff. September 1, … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 1 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 →

April 20, 1971 – Five friends at San Rafael High School in California coin the term “4:20” as a euphemism for smoking pot so they could talk about their “activity” in front of their parents. April 20th becomes a popular day to spark one up, as does 4:20 pm… every day. April 20, 2011 – K.K. Downing, guitarist … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 20 in Classic Rock →

April 6, 1993 – Peter Criss, former drummer for the rock group KISS, settles a libel lawsuit against Star magazine for portraying him as a homeless alcoholic.  ”At least now I can go on with a clearer head, now that this is over,” he said. “I could write a song about this whole thing. Maybe I will.” A Jan. … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 6 in Classic Rock →

March 10, 2003 – AC/DC are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Aerosmith‘s Steven Tyler. The band went on to play “Highway To Hell” and then performed “You Shook Me All Night Long” with Tyler. March 10, 1984 – Ian Gillan leaves Black Sabbath after a year with the band. He later says, “I was … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 10 in Classic Rock →

July 19, 1986 – Van Halen headline the Texxas Jam at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, preceeded by Dio, Loverboy, Krokus, Keel and Bachman-Turner Overdrive who are joined by Leslie West on “Mississippi Queen. July 19, 1976 – Deep Purple disband at the end of their UK tour. David Coverdale goes on to form Whitesnake, and the classic line up of Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 19 in Classic Rock →

July 16, 1966 – The world’s first “supergroup” is forged when Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker form Cream.  Though they last only two years, Cream sells 15 million records. July 16, 1900 – The logo of the Victor Recording Company and later RCA Victor, is registered with the U.S. Patent Office. The logo features Nipper the dog looking into … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 16 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 →

May 26, 2000 – Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee begins a five day jail sentence for violating his parole by drinking alcohol.  A Malibu judge extends Lee’s probation until May 26, 2003, reinstates random drug testing and orders him to enroll in Alcoholics Anonymous. May 26, 1994 – Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie Presley in the Dominican Republic. The couple divorce in 1995. May 26, 1973 – Deep Purple release … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 26 in Classic Rock →