As anyone knows, the supergroup is a risky proposition in rock and roll. Since the ‘60s, there have been quite a few supergroups — bands made up exclusively (or at least primarily) of musicians who have already achieved success with other bands. Sometimes even ideas that sound good on paper don’t necessarily gel on vinyl. … Continue reading Top 10 Rock Supergroups →

November 25, 1976 – The Band film their final performance on Thanksgiving Day at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.  Director Martin Scorsese makes it a documentary called The Last Waltz.  The show also features guest stars  Bob Dylan, Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Neil Diamond, Bobby Charles, The Staple Singers, and Eric Clapton. It is generally hailed as one … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 25 in Classic Rock →

November 4, 1977 – The Last Waltz, director Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed documentary of The Band’s star-studded last concert, premieres in New York City, featuring Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, The Staple Singers, Dr. John, and more. Classic Rock Birthdays November 4, 1956 – James Honeyman-Scott, guitar (Pretenders) (d. 1982)November 4, 1954 – Chris Difford, guitar, vocals (Squeeze)November 4, 1956 – Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Charles Rudes), … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 4 in Classic Rock →

November 3, 1997 – University of Iowa student Todd Miller comes to an out of court settlement with Metallica after suing them for losing his sense of smell at a concert. Miller said he was unwillingly picked up and passed along over the top of the crowd at a 1993 concert as a body surfer and was eventually dropped on his … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 3 in Classic Rock →

October 14, 1988 – Def Leppard become the first act in chart history to sell seven million copies of two consecutive albums – Pyromania (10 million copies sold) and Hysteria (25 million copies sold). October 14, 1977 – KISS release their 2nd live album, Alive II.  It goes on to sell over 2 million copies. October 14, 1972 – Adelaide, Australia police arrest … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 14 in Classic Rock →

October 13, 1998 – Eric Clapton opens the Crossroads Centre in Antigua for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. Crossroads Centre Antigua is still a nonprofit organization that offers medically managed detox, residential 12-step treatment programs and family therapy. October 13, 2016 – Bob Dylan is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, “For having created … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 13 in Classic Rock →

July 26, 2003 – Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden is arrested after hitting a parking attendant with his car at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, N.Y., where the band is performing that night. McBrain was asked for his backstage credentials by the parking attendant, and when the attendant couldn’t see them clearly he asked to view them again.  Instead, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 26 in Classic Rock →

June 24, 1999 – Eric Clapton auctions off 100 of his guitars with proceeds going toward his Crossroads Centre at Antigua, an alcohol and drug-dependency treatment center in the West Indies. The auction generates over $5 million, with his guitar “Brownie,” a 1956 sunburst Fender used to record “Layla”, going for almost $500,000. June 24, 2000 – Kiss begin a 2-day auction of costumes, instruments and … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 24 in Classic Rock →

June 14, 1986 – One fan dies at an Ozzy Osbourne/Metallica show at the Long Beach Arena after falling from a balcony.  Long Beach Police say the man “fell over backwards because he was probably overdosing, hit his head, broke his neck and died.”  Three others also jumped from the balcony and sustained life-threatening injuries. June 14, 2002 – Mick Jagger becomes Sir … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 14 in Classic Rock →

June 7, 1993 – Prince turns 35 and gifts himself with a new name that is an unpronounceable symbol, making him, literally, an icon. June 7, 2009 – Bret Michaels is injured during Poison’s performance at the 63rd Tony Awards. While exiting the stage, part of a new descending set struck him on the head and knocked him down.  The following year, Michaels … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 7 in Classic Rock →

June 1, 1975 – Ronnie Wood performs his first official gig as a Rolling Stones guitarist on his 28th birthday. June 1, 2008 – A massive fire at the 22,320-square-foot warehouse on the lot of Universal Studios Hollywood destroys thousands of master tapes including recordings by Aerosmith, Don Henley, the Eagles, Eric Clapton Joni Mitchell, Elton John, … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 1 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 →