October 19, 1979 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers release their breakthrough album Damn the Torpedoes.  It goes on to sell two million copies in the U.S. October 19, 1977 – Lynyrd Skynyrd play their last show together in Greenville, South Carolina, prior to the plane crash that would kill three of their members. Nazareth is the opening act.  This was the … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 19 in Classic Rock →

October 17, 1980 – Bruce Springsteen releases The River, a double album.  It sells over 5 million copies. October 17, 1964 – The Rolling Stones release their second album, 12 X 5.  It sells over 500,000 copies in the U.S., and features only three originals – the rest are covers. October 18, 1988 –  The Traveling Wilburys release their debut album … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 17 in Classic Rock →

Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Nancy Wilson, Don Henley, Iggy Pop, Billy Gibbons, Dave Grohl and Billy Idol are among those honoring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020 in a broadcast event airing on HBO next month. The extensive lineup of special guests will help induct performer honorees Depeche Mode, the Doobie … Continue reading Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen, Nancy Wilson Among Special Guests for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Broadcast →

September 9, 1992 – The 9th annual MTV Video Music Awards do not disappoint.  Van Halen wins Video of the Year for “Right Now,” Howard Stern appears as “Fartman,” and Krist Novoselic gets clocked by his own guitar after he throws it up in the air and misses the catch.  He says, “I was fine, but I … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 9 in Classic Rock →

August 3, 1968 – The Newport Pop Festival begins in Costa Mesa, CA.  It is the first concert with more than 100,000 paid attendees.  Performers include The Grateful Dead, Alice Cooper, Canned Heat, Electric Flag, Iron Butterfly, Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Sonny & Cher, Steppenwolf and Tiny Tim.  Admission was $5.50 per day for the … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 3 in Classic Rock →

July 17, 1982 – Judas Priest release Screaming For Vengeance, their eighth studio album. It goes on to sell over 5 million copies worldwide. July 17, 1979 – Gary Moore leaves Thin Lizzy for the final time to support his solo career, with the blessing of Phil Lynott.  He is replaced by Midge Ure. July 17, 1994 – Gene Simmons … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 17 in Classic Rock →

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will forgo their usual induction ceremony in 2020 but have announced plans for a virtual event to air on HBO on November 7th. The event was originally scheduled for May 2nd in Cleveland, OH and was rescheduled early on during the pandemic for November 7th. However, in light … Continue reading Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Cancels Live Induction Ceremony, Announces Virtual Event →

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020 will now officially be inducted into the Hall on November 7th. The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on May 2nd but, a previously announced, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Rock Hall’s website, tickets for the original date will … Continue reading Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces Rescheduled Induction Ceremony Date →

March 18, 1978 – An estimated 350,000 rock fans attend the largest festival of the 70’s, California Jam II in Ontario, California. Performers include Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Foreigner, Santana, Heart, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush and Rubicon, featuring a young Jack Blades. March 18, 1975 – The Who’s Tommy premieres in New York. March 18, 2002 – The Ramones and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are among those inducted into the … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 18 in Classic Rock →

March 12, 2010 – Over 160 people are arrested and eight people are hospitalized when fans try to gain free entrance at a Metallica show in Colombia. 1,500 policeman and several tanks were brought in to manage the riot.  Inside the venue, the concert went on as planned. March 12, 2007 – Van Halen are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 12 in Classic Rock →