June 29, 1995 – The first TV commercial of Ringo Starr‘s career airs for Pizza Hut, as does a similar spot by the newly-reformed Monkees. June 29, 2000 – Vandals break into tombs containing the remains of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. Van Zant’s casket had been removed from its tomb but did not appear to have been opened. A plastic bag … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 29 in Classic Rock →

May 22, 2011 – Vinnie Vincent, ex-Kiss and Vinnie Vincent Invasion guitarist,  is arrested in Smyrna, Tennessee after his wife, Diane Cusano, charges that he slapped her face, grabbed her hair, dragged her through shattered glass, and, as she tried to escape from their property, repeatedly hurled her to the ground. A SWAT team is brought to his home … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 22 in Classic Rock →

May 3, 2004 – The U.S. Supreme Court rejects an appeal by bassist Robert Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake who claim they are owed royalties from Ozzy Osbourne. They believe they are entitled to money from the albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. “Their music is literally everywhere,” their lawyer tells justices in a filing. May 3, 1968 – Jimi … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 3 in Classic Rock →

May 1, 1967 – Elvis Presley (32) marries Priscilla Beaulieu (21) at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. This was the first marriage for them both and the only time Elvis was officially married.  The cake cost $3200, which at the time was more than the price of an average car.  The only celebrity guest was comedian Redd … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 1 in Classic Rock →

March 31, 2015 – Van Halen releases their first-ever live album to feature original singer David Lee Roth. Recorded on June 21, 2013 at the famed Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, TOKYO DOME LIVE IN CONCERT includes 23 songs, spanning all seven of the band’s albums with Roth. March 31, 1992 – Def Leppard releases Adrenalize, their first album after the death of … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 31 in Classic Rock →

February 26, 1997 – Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart of Rush receive the Order of Canada, the highest civilian award from the Canadian government, for significant achievement in important fields of human endeavor.  They are the first rock band to receive the award. February 26, 1985 – Bruce Springsteen wins his first Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance for “Dancing In The Dark.” … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 26 in Classic Rock →

February 20, 1991 – Bob Dylan and John Lennon receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 33rd Grammy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Aerosmith win their first Grammy for Best Rock Performance for “Janie’s Got A Gun” and perform “Come Together” as part of the tribute to Lennon. February 20, 1976 – All four members … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 20 in Classic Rock →

December 8, 2003 – Ozzy Osbourne fractures his collarbone, eight ribs and a vertebrae in his neck after he crashes his ATV at his English estate. December 8, 2013 – Metallica become the first band ever to play on all seven continents when they play a concert inside a dome at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station. It is only the second musical … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 8 in Classic Rock →

Helios Console (Image: Bonhams Auctions) A significant piece of rock music history is going up for auction next month. Bonhams Auction House has revealed that they will be taking bids on a console which was used to record portions of Led Zeppelin’s IV including “Stairway To Heaven.” This unique console is actually an amalgamation of … Continue reading Studio Desk Used to Record Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” Going Up For Auction →

November 27, 1967 – The Beatles release Magical Mystery Tour, which goes on to sell over 6 million copies in the U.S.  Released as a double EP in the UK and an LP in the U.S., the album included the soundtrack to the film of the same name and was nominated for a Grammy. November 27, 1991 – Freddie Mercury’s … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 27 in Classic Rock →