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 →

September 9, 1971 – John Lennon releases his second solo album Imagine. The title track becomes his signature song and the album goes on to sell over 2 million copies in the U.S. 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 … 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, 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 and Paul Stanley of Kiss raid a Kiss convention in Michigan to reclaim their Kiss costumes that were stolen more than a decade ago. July 17, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 17 in Classic Rock →

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 →

February 18, 1974 – Kiss release their self-titled debut album on Casablanca Records. Warner Bros. dissolved their deal with the record label after the band refused to remove their makeup.  The album initially sold only 75,000 copies, although now it is certified Gold. February 18, 1969 – Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees marries pop star Lulu in Buckinghamshire, England. He … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 18 in Classic Rock →

February 12, 1997 – David Bowie receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located outside of the Hollywood Galaxy Theater. February 12, 1981 – Rush release their 8th studio album, Moving Pictures, featuring “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight” and “YYZ.” It becomes their best-selling album, with 4 million copies sold;. Classic Rock Birthdays February 12, 1939 – Ray Manzarek, keyboards (The Doors) … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 12 in Classic Rock →

February 8, 2006 – David Bowie is awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  It is his second Grammy, the first being for the “Jazzin’ for Blue Jean” video in 1985.  He posthumously wins four more Grammys for the Blackstar release bringing his total to six. Top 10 David Bowie Covers Classic Rock Birthdays February 8, 1961 – Vince … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 8 in Classic Rock →

February 3, 1969 – The Beatles hire Allen Klein as their new manager, following the death of Brian Epstein. Klein got his start working for Sam Cooke and Bobby Darin, with whom he gained a reputation for being ruthless on behalf of artists whose royalties were being hidden through accounting tricks. This endeared him to the Rolling Stones, … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 3 in Classic Rock →

December 13, 2000 – After former Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore delivers his concession speech to George W. Bush in Washington, D.C., he holds a party in his home with a performance by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  It features guest appearances by Jon Bon Jovi and Stevie Wonder and others. Petty performs “I Won’t Back Down” with Jon … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 13 in Classic Rock →