May 18, 1980 – Peter Criss leaves Kiss for the first of three times.  He is replaced by drummer Eric Carr. May 18, 2004 –  New Jersey’s Country Cow Creamery gets permission from Ozzy and his wife Sharon to create flavors in their name.  Ozzy’s is called Carnivorous Carrot Cake – cinnamon spice ice cream with carrot cake dipped in hazelnut liqueur, and Sharon’s is Death … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 18 in Classic Rock →

May 12, 1967 – Pink Floyd perform what may have been the first concert in quadraphonic sound when they place loudspeakers at the back of the concert hall at “Games for May,” a swanky affair at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Adding to the otherworldly experience,  Roger Waters throws potatoes at a gong, Nick Mason mic’s up a saw to cut through … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 12 in Classic Rock →

April 16, 1996 – Kiss hold a press conference aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City to announce the reunion of all four original members, and the Alive/Worldwide reunion tour. With Ace, Gene, Paul and Peter, the tour went on to gross over $140 million dollars. April 16, 1969 – Elektra drops the MC5 after they … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 16 in Classic Rock →

April 6, 1993 – Peter Criss, former drummer for the rock group KISS, settles a libel lawsuit against Star magazine for portraying him as a homeless alcoholic.  ”At least now I can go on with a clearer head, now that this is over,” he said. “I could write a song about this whole thing. Maybe I will.” A Jan. … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 6 in Classic Rock →

April 5, 1980 – R.E.M. play their first ever gig when they appear at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia.  They perform as Twisted Kites, and three weeks later change their name to R.E.M. Classic Rock Birthdays April 5, 1966 – Mike McCready, guitar (Pearl Jam)April 5, 1946 – Dave Holland, drums (Judas Priest)April 5, 1935 – Peter Grant, rock band manager (Led Zeppelin, The Animals, The … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 5 in Classic Rock →

March 15, 1976 – Kiss release their fourth studio album, Destroyer.  The album goes on to be certified double platinum and contains the songs “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud” and “Beth.” March 15, 2004 – Jackson Browne, George Harrison, Bob Seger, Traffic, and ZZ Top are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bruce Springsteen inducts Browne, fellow Traveling … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 15 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 →

February 18, 1974 – Kiss release their self-titled debut album on Casablanca Records. Warner Bros. dissolved their deal with the record label after the band refused to remove their makeup.  The album initially sold only 75,000 copies, although now it is certified Gold. February 18, 1969 – Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees marries pop star Lulu in Buckinghamshire, England. He … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 18 in Classic Rock →

February 7, 1964 – The Beatles are greeted by over 5,000 fans, mostly young girls, who are crowded onto the upper balcony of New York’s JFK airport, waving placards and banners to welcome the group. Paul McCartney remembers it like this, “There were millions of kids at the airport, which nobody had expected. We heard about it in mid-air. … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 7 in Classic Rock →

January 30, 1973 – Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss make their first appearance as Kiss at the Popcorn Club in Queens, New York.  They had recently changed their name from Wicked Lester.  The band was paid $50 for the show, and less than 10 people were in the audience. Related: New Beatles … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 30 in Classic Rock →