July 27, 1973 – The self-titled debut by the New York Dolls, produced by Todd Rundgren, is released to critical acclaim and mediocre sales.  However, the album serves as an influential precursor to the developing punk rock scene with such songs as “Personality Crisis,” “Trash,” and “Jet Boy.” July 27, 2010 – Growing Up Twisted, starring Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 27 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 25, 1965 – Bob Dylan performs an electric set for the first time at The Newport Folk Festival in Newport, RI and is booed off the stage and accused of being a sellout by leading members of the folk movement. July 25, 1999 – Woodstock closes out its 3-day festival in Rome, NY with riots that break out during Limp Bizkit’s performance … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 25 in Classic Rock →

July 17, 1979 – Gary Moore leaves Thin Lizzy for the final time to support his solo career, with the blessing of Phil Lynott.  He is replaced by Midge Ure. July 17, 1994 – Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss raid a Kiss convention in Michigan to reclaim their Kiss costumes that were stolen more than a decade ago. July 17, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 17 in Classic Rock →

July 12, 2007 – Rod Stewart is awarded the CBE Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. July 12, 1979 – The MLB makes a fateful decision when they team up with Chicago disc jockey Steve Dahl for a “Disco Demolition Night” at Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL between … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 12 in Classic Rock →

July 4, 1982 – Ozzy Osbourne marries Sharon Arden, the daughter of music business manager Don Arden. July 4, 1973 – Slade drummer Don Powell is badly injured in a car crash in which his fiancé is killed. He breaks both of his ankles and five of his ribs and is unconscious for six days after surgeons drill into his skull to … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 4 in Classic Rock →

June 30, 1977 – Kiss’ first full-color comic is released by Marvel Comics and has a vial of their blood mixed into the ink.  It’s the beginning of Kiss becoming a one billion dollar licensing brand. June 30, 1994 – Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam testify before a House of Representatives subcommittee claiming Ticketmaster has a monopoly. The federal investigation was … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 30 in Classic Rock →

June 28, 1984 – Bruce Springsteen shoots his “Dancing In The Dark” video in front of 200 extras at the St. Paul Civic center. Courtney Cox, later of “Friends” fame,  plays the front row fan who gets to dance on stage with Bruce. The single (propelled by massive MTV airplay) sells over 1 million copies and also garners Springsteen … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 28 in Classic Rock →

June 24, 1999 – Eric Clapton auctions off 100 of his guitars with proceeds going toward his Crossroads Centre at Antigua, an alcohol and drug-dependency treatment center in the West Indies. The auction generates over $5 million, with his guitar “Brownie,” a 1956 sunburst Fender used to record “Layla”, going for almost $500,000. June 24, 2000 – Kiss begin a 2-day auction of costumes, instruments and … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 24 in Classic Rock →

Nothing says 4th of July like hosting friends and family, grilling on the deck or maybe chilling by the pool, some classic tunes coming through the outdoor speakers… But don’t just hit play on some generic playlist and call it a party – step up your Independence Day party with these 15 Patriotic Classic Rock … Continue reading 15 Patriotic Classic Rock Songs for Your Independence Day Playlist →