February 13, 1970 – Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album is released in the U.K., although it doesn’t come out in the U.S. until June.  The album was recorded in just 12 hours, and has since been credited as one of the most influential albums of all time in heavy metal music. The 10 Most Essential Classic Rock Albums … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 13 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. Classic Rock Birthdays February 12, 1939 – Ray Manzarek, keyboards (The Doors) (d. 2013)February 12, 1950 – Steve Hackett, guitar (Genesis)February 12, 1952 – Michael McDonald, vocals, keyboards (The Doobie Brothers)February 12, 1946 – Joe Schermie (born Joseph Edward Schermetzler), bass (Three Dog Night) (d. … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 12 in Classic Rock →

February 2, 2003 – Phil Spector is charged with murder after police find Lana Clarkson dead from a gunshot wound in his home in Alhambra, CA. He is later sentenced to the maximum sentence of 19 years to life for the murder of the actress. February 2, 1976 – Genesis release A Trick Of The Tail, their seventh studio album and the … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 2 in Classic Rock →

December 11, 1968 – Filming begins on The Rolling Stones‘ Rock And Roll Circus movie. Conceived by Mick Jagger, the event was comprised of two concerts on a circus stage and included such acts as John Lennon and his fiancée Yoko Ono performing as part of a supergroup called The Dirty Mac, along with Eric … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 11 in Classic Rock →

November 18, 1993 – Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is arrested in the New Orleans French Quarter outside the Blue Crystal, a punk rock bar, for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace.  Apparently, there was a bar fight with a waiter and Vedder’s friend, Chicago White Sox pitcher and Cy Young award winner, Jack McDowell, was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital. … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 18 in Classic Rock →

October 7, 1984 – Dee Snider is arrested after a concert in Amarillo, TX for using “profane and abusive” language.  According to Snider, a mom who had escorted her daughter to the show filed a complaint after Snider screamed, “Suck my mutha-f****n’ d**k!” at a concertgoer who was harassing him.  Snider would pay a whopping fine of $75. October … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 7 in Classic Rock →

September 14, 1984 – MTV debuts its first ever video awards show, hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler in New York at Radio City Music Hall. The Cars win Video of the Year for “You Might Think”. Among the Video of the Year nominees were Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Police “Every Breath You Take”. David Bowie wins … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 14 in Classic Rock →

August 16, 1986 – Rick Allen of Def Leppard makes his first live appearance with the band after losing his arm in a car accident.  He picks one of the biggest worldwide festivals, appearing at the Monsters Of Rock Festival at Castle Donington, England. August 16, 1980 – Bill Ward quits Black Sabbath for the first time, most … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 16 in Classic Rock →

  Phil Collins has announced that he will be embarking on his first North American tour in 12 years this fall. The tour, titled Not Dead Yet, Live has been billed as a sequel to his 2016 autobiography Not Dead Yet.  It is Collins’ first major run of solo concerts since his cheekily titled First Final Farewell Tour … Continue reading Phil Collins Plans First North American Tour in 12 Years →

Who says rockers don’t read? Whether it’s horror, poetry, fantasy or 19th century classic literature, musicians throughout time have taken their cue from those crumpled up paperbacks they’ve toted with them to gigs around the world. See some of the most famous examples of literature that’s turned into music below. 10 “Shadows And Tall Trees” … Continue reading Top 10 Rock Songs Inspired By Literature →