May 20, 2015 – Whitesnake release “The Purple Album,” a tribute to Deep Purple, featuring songs from singer David Coverdale’s two albums with the band. “It’s a tribute. A homage. It’s a huge thank you from me to Deep Purple for the opportunity I was given over 40 years ago,” states Coverdale. May 20, 1998 – Mötley Crüe‘s Tommy Lee is sentenced to 180 days in jail, … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 20 in Classic Rock →

April 10, 1956 – Leo Fender patents his Stratocaster guitar, which is the follow-up to the popular Telecaster. April 10, 1970 – Doors singer Jim Morrison attempts to flash his junk at a show in Boston.  He is dragged off stage by keyboardist Ray Manzarek as Morrison is already facing charges for a similar event … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 10 in Classic Rock →

March 1, 1969 – Jim Morrison of The Doors receives a felony charge of lewd and lascivious behavior and five misdemeanors; two counts of indecent exposure, two of public profanity and one of public drunkenness after allegedly showing his penis to a Miami audience.  Although it has never been confirmed that he actually exposed himself, he did say, “You want to … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 1 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 →

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 →

January 5, 2004 – Ray Davies of the Kinks is shot in the leg in New Orleans trying to recover his date’s stolen purse.  The shooter is immediately caught, but released three years later because Davies couldn’t make it back to Louisiana with only three days notice for the trial. January 5, 1973 – Bruce Springsteen releases his debut album Greetings from Asbury Park, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 5 in Classic Rock →

January 4, 1970 – Keith Moon’s chauffeur and bodyguard is accidentally killed when Moon runs over him trying to escape a band of skinheads at a local pub. Boland was in front of the car fighting off the unruly bar patrons when Moon got behind the wheel of the Bentley, not knowing the crowd had pushed Boland underneath … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 4 in Classic Rock →

December 12, 2003 – Mick Jagger becomes a Sir after being knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Jagger’s 92-year-old father is at the Palace to see his son receive the award. “The thing about honors is that you should never ask for them, and you should never really expect them, but I think you should accept them if … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 12 in Classic Rock →

December 9, 1974 – John Lennon stops by the Monday Night Football announcer’s booth at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park to meet Howard Cosell. The other celebrity guest that night was California governor Ronald Reagan, who explained the rules of football to Lennon. December 9, 1992 – Bill Wyman, bassist for the Rolling Stones, quits the group over frustrations stemming from their … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 9 in Classic Rock →

October 30, 1990 – Axl Rose is released on $5,000 bail after being arrested for allegedly hitting his neighbor, Gabriella Kantor, over the head with a bottle of wine. Kantor said, “He hit me over my head with a really good bottle of Chardonnay and a piece of chicken.  I continue to experience headaches as … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 30 in Classic Rock →

September 25, 2006 – Steven Tyler guest stars on Two and a Half Men playing Charlie Sheen’s obnoxious next door neighbor. Playing to stereotype, Tyler is a rowdy rocker who plays loud music and causes problems for Sheen’s character. September 25, 1970 – The pilot episode of The Partridge Family debuts on TV featuring Shirley … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 25 in Classic Rock →

September 17, 1991 – Guns N’ Roses release both Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II on the same day because they think one double album of 30 tracks would be too expensive for fans.  Record stores open at midnight to frenzied purchasing and when the dust settles, each album sells more than 7 million … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 17 in Classic Rock →