If you’ve ever formed a band, you probably know that in those tumultuous first days, coming up with a great name that really fits – and actually sticks – might be the hardest part of the process. Luckily these classic rock bands really nailed it… eventually. Can you imagine today talking about the legendary career … Continue reading Original Names of Famous Classic Rock Bands – Part One (A-H) →

November 15, 1971 – Grand Funk Railroad releases E Pluribus Funk, the last album they would record as a trio (Mark Farner, Mel Schacher, and Don Brewer).  The original release cover is round and covered with a silver-like film to resemble a large coin. On the back side of the cover, there is a picture of Shea Stadium to celebrate Grand Funk beating The … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 15 in Classic Rock →

A new exhibit will open at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this month. Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll explores the history of the instruments that have “inspired the musicians and made possible the songs we know and love.” The Play It Loud exhibit, which was previously on display at … Continue reading New Rock Hall Exhibit ‘Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll’ to Open this Month →

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and his band the Coattail Riders have released the second single “Get the Money” from their forthcoming album by the same name. The new offering from Hawkins’ band is a star-studded affair with The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde on backing vocals and The Eagles’ Joe Walsh on guitar alongside Guns N’ … Continue reading Listen: Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins Drops New Single feat: Chrissie Hynde, Joe Walsh, and Duff McKagan →

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 →

Very few bands have stuck together for decades with only their original members – U2 and Aerosmith are two that come to mind, but there are not many others.  Hey, we’ll save that for another list!  But, some bands seem to have gone to extremes to have as many people as possible cycle in and … Continue reading Top 12 Classic Rock Bands With the Most Total Members →

July 18, 1981 – The Texxas Jam is held at the Astrodome in Houston. The lineup includes headliner REO Speedwagon, Heart, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult and The Rockets. July 18, 1978 – Def Leppard make their live debut at Westfield School, Sheffield, England in front of about 150 students. They are paid 5 pounds (about $6) by a teacher.  They also have a … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 18 in Classic Rock →

June 19, 1987 – Guns N’ Roses perform their first concert outside of the U.S. at London’s legendary Marquee Club.  They neglect to play “Welcome To The Jungle” or “Sweet Child O’ Mine” in their 12-song set. June 19, 2004 – A stick from a thrown lollipop somehow becomes wedged in between David Bowie‘s left eyeball and his eyelid. It’s … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 19 in Classic Rock →

Heart have added 11 new dates to their already sizable Love Alive summer tour. The newly added dates extend the coast-to-coast tour into the fall. Ann and Nancy Wilson and band will now make stops in Newark, Little Rock, Memphis, Kansas City, St. Paul and more. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will join as special … Continue reading Heart Extend North American Summer Tour →

June 13, 1983 – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble release their debut album Texas Flood which was recorded in only three days at Jackson Browne’s personal studio. The album is later certified double platinum. June 13, 2003 – David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Sting receive a CBE award (Commander of the British Empire) at the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Sting states, “I’m surprised and flattered to receive this honour…If … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 13 in Classic Rock →