September 26, 1995 – AC/DC release Ballbreaker, their 12th studio album. The album is produced by Rick Rubin, and marks the return of former drummer Phil Rudd. September 26, 1981 – Bruce Dickinson, lead singer of Samson, officially joins Iron Maiden, replacing Paul Di’Anno. It’s a month before performing his first show with the band. … 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) … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 20 in Classic Rock →

August 18, 1987 – Aerosmith release their “comeback” album Permanent Vacation. It goes on to sell five million copies in the U.S. and spawn the hits “Rag Doll,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” and “Angel.” August 18, 1990 – The Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington in the U.K. features Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Poison, Quireboys and Thunder.  During Aerosmith’s set Jimmy Page joins them onstage … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 18 in Classic Rock →

Often the most overlooked member of the band, a bassist is the glue that holds the whole musical foundation together.  These deserving players have changed music forever and have elevated the bass player to a place deserving honor and recognition. 20 Gene Simmons (KISS) Maybe this is a sympathy vote, but Simmons revolutionized rock and … Continue reading Top 20 Rock Bassists →

August 7, 1983 – Black Sabbath release their 11th studio album Born Again.  It is the only Black Sabbath album with former Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan as front man. The album was released to mixed reviews but has become a favorite over time for metal musicians and fans. Even Ozzy Osbourne gave it the thumbs up. 20 Facts You Might … 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, 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 represented one million records sold.  It now represents sales of 500,000 copies. July 8, 2000 – Janick Gers of Iron Maiden falls headfirst off the stage during their encore at a … 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 →

Lately, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been making up for so many artists that have previously been overlooked, but they’ve still got a long way to go to right some very obvious wrongs in their choices. Here are our picks for the Top 15 most overlooked artists that have yet to make … Continue reading 15 Most Overlooked Artists by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame →

March 25, 1990 – Mötley Crüe‘s Tommy Lee is arrested for mooning the audience during a gig in Augusta, GA.  Lee is charged with “Indecent Exposure/Live Sexually Explicit Act” and fined $1,647.  The arresting officer tells the Augusta Chronicle that Lee, “…could not have been a nicer guy, and the entire group was extremely cordial and even thanked us … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 25 in Classic Rock →