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.  At the time, a 30-day recovery program cost $9,000; it now costs $28,500. Classic Rock Birthdays October 13, 1947 – Sammy Hagar, vocals, guitar (Montrose, Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, Chickenfoot, The Circle)October 13, 1941 – Paul Simon, vocals, guitar (Simon & Garfunkel)October 13, 1944 – Robert Lamm, vocals, … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 13 in Classic Rock →

Ginger Baker, the iconic drummer and co-founder of rock band Cream, has been hospitalized and is critically ill.  The news was posted in a statement on Baker’s official Twitter account. “The Baker family are sad to announce that Ginger is critically ill in hospital,” the statement reads. “Please keep in your prayers tonight.” Baker formed … Continue reading Cream’s Ginger Baker Hospitalized, Critically Ill →

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 →

What makes a great autobiography? Honesty, great stories, and the willingness of the author to really go deep. The following books have either stood the test of time, or have recently topped the charts and gotten enthusiastic reviews from critics and fans alike.  Sadly, two of our choices feature artists who have passed – David Bowie and … Continue reading 10 Great Classic Rock Autobiographies You Need to Read →

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, 1970 – Derek and the Dominos play … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 14 in Classic Rock →

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 is rushed to the hospital and doctors discover that he has a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage. Michaels files a lawsuit for unspecified damages against the Tony … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 7 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 →

May 19, 2000 – Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers Band is essentially kicked out of the band for “creative differences,” which are allegedly related to drugs and/or alcohol use. May 19, 1979 – Eric Clapton and Patti Boyd throw a reception party two months after their wedding featuring a jam session with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Ginger Baker, Mick Jagger … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 19 in Classic Rock →