September 26, 1969 – The Beatles release Abbey Road, their 11th studio album. The album sells over 12 million copies in the U.S., and although initially garnering mixed reviews, becomes perhaps one of the most beloved albums ever. The cover features the iconic image of the band crossing the street in a single file line … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 26 in Classic Rock →

August 20, 1988 – Iron Maiden headline the Monsters of Rock Festival at Castle Donington with Kiss, David Lee Roth, Megadeth, Guns N’ Roses and Helloween.  Two fans die during Guns N’ Roses’ set when they slip in the mud and a crowd surge pushes them beneath others. Classic Rock Birthdays August 20, 1948 – Robert Plant, vocals (Led Zeppelin)August … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 20 in Classic Rock →

August 18, 1969 – Jimi Hendrix closes out the Woodstock festival with a morning set that concludes with “Hey Joe,” one of the few times in his career that he played an encore. Surprisingly,  Hendrix was not supposed to be the final act. Woodstock organizer Michael Lang wanted Roy Rogers to come on after Hendrix and play “Happy Trails” but the … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 18 in Classic Rock →

August 7, 2006 – Gene Simmons Family Jewels premieres on the A&E Network. The show runs for seven successful seasons and features Simmons, his longtime partner Shannon Tweed, and their two kids Nick and Sophie. August 7, 1981 – The movie Heavy Metal is released to lukewarm response, but goes on to become a cult classic (mainly because of its soundtrack) … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 7 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 →

July 8, 1967 – The Monkees start their tour with The Jimi Hendrix Experience as the opening act. Not surprisingly, Hendrix is dropped after six shows when he is told his act is not suitable for the young audience. July 8, 1958 – The first Gold record album certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is awarded to the soundtrack Oklahoma.  At the time, a Gold record … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 8 in Classic Rock →

June 5, 2003 – Singer Scott Weiland is picked to be the singer for a new project featuring ex-Guns N’ Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum which later becomes Velvet Revolver. June 5, 1964 – The Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, CA is the first U.S. venue to host the Rolling Stones. The Stones were supporting their first … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 5 in Classic Rock →

March 22, 1994 – Pantera release their 7th studio album, Far Beyond Driven. It joins the elite group of million-selling hard rock albums, going platinum in the U.S., Australia and Canada.  It’s also the first album where Darrell Abbott is credited as “Dimebag Darrell,” having switched from the moniker “Diamond Darrell.” March 22, 1974 – The Eagles release … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 22 in Classic Rock →

March 12, 2010 – Over 160 people are arrested and eight people are hospitalized when fans try to gain free entrance at a Metallica show in Colombia. 1,500 policeman and several tanks were brought in to manage the riot.  Inside the venue, the concert went on as planned. March 12, 2007 – Van Halen are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 12 in Classic Rock →

March 11, 1995 – Van Halen kicks off their “Balance” tour in Pensacola, FL. It is later dubbed the “Ambulance” tour by Eddie Van Halen due to his hip surgery and Alex Van Halen’s need to wear a neck brace for most of the gigs. March 11, 2005 –  Ozzy Osbourne’s front door from his childhood home in … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 11 in Classic Rock →

December 23, 1985 – Judas Priest fans Raymond Belknap, 18, and James Vance, 20, shoot themselves after listening to the Judas Priest album, Stained Class. Belknap dies, but Vance lives for more than three years before dying from the effects of the shooting.  The parents later file an infamous lawsuit against the band claiming their music was filled with subliminal messages. December 23, … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 23 in Classic Rock →

At 12:01 AM on August 1, 1981, a truly groundbreaking change happened in the music industry when the fledgling cable network dubbed MTV signed onto the airwaves for the first time. Although the channel is now mostly devoid of actual music videos, MTV ushered in the dawn of the music video age, and created overnight … Continue reading 25 Interesting Facts About the Launch of MTV →