February 13, 1970 – Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album is released in the U.K., although it doesn’t come out in the U.S. until June.  The album was recorded in just 12 hours, and has since been credited as one of the most influential albums of all time in heavy metal music. The 10 Most Essential Classic Rock Albums … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 13 in Classic Rock →

February 11, 1992 – Vince Neil is fired from Mötley Crüe. The band release a statement saying he’s leaving because his longtime hobby, car racing, has “become a priority” in his life. Neil counters by saying the split was prompted by the band’s desire to go in a bluesier direction. “We had been rehearsing for a few months but … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 11 in Classic Rock →

January 23, 2004 – David Palmer, former keyboardist for Jethro Tull, announces he has had a sex change and is now known as “Dee.”  Palmer was born with genital ambiguity, assigned male at birth, and said her desire to change sex had been an “open secret” in the music business for many years. She did not have her sex change operation until the … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 23 in Classic Rock →

January 20, 1982 – Ozzy Osbourne bites the head off a live bat at a show in Des Moines, Iowa, thinking it was a rubber bat thrown on the stage.  In his memoir, he says, “Immediately, though, something felt wrong. Very wrong. For a start, my mouth was instantly full of this warm, gloopy liquid, with the … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 20 in Classic Rock →

January 15, 1977 – David Bowie releases Low. Co-produced with Tony Visconti, it’s the first of three albums produced with the help of Brian Eno. January 15, 2010 -Jimmy Page is awarded the first ever Pathways to Peace Award by the United Nations. “Although this award has my name on it, this is a tribute to the power of music and … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 15 in Classic Rock →

January 12, 1969 – Led Zeppelin release their self-titled debut album. The album was completely funded by Jimmy Page (who was also the producer) and took only 36 hours to record and mix.  Page also picked out the image of the burning Hindenburg (the “lead zeppelin”) on the cover. Rolling Stone wrote that “The cover of Led Zeppelin … shows the Hindenburg airship, in all its phallic glory, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 12 in Classic Rock →

January 9, 1984 – Van Halen release their sixth studio album 1984.  With the songs “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot For Teacher” and “I’ll Wait,” the album goes on to sell over 10 million copies. January 9, 2005 – Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil marries his girlfriend Lia Gerardini in Las Vegas. It’s Neil’s fourth marriage, and buddy MC Hammer performs the ceremony. The … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 9 in Classic Rock →

January 3, 1967 – Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys declares himself a conscientious objector and refuses to be sworn in after receiving an induction notice from the US Army, leading to his indictment and criminal prosecution for draft evasion. Finally, in September 1971, the judge agreed to a plan that allowed Wilson to perform community service by … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 3 in Classic Rock →

January 2, 1969 – Led Zeppelin play the first of four nights at the Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles during the band’s first North American tour. Alice Cooper is the opening act and the group is billed as “Led Zeppelin featuring Jimmy Page, formerly of the Yardbirds.” Page suffers from a fever and is forced … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 2 in Classic Rock →

December 26, 1968 – Led Zeppelin start their first North American tour, supporting Vanilla Fudge and Spirit at Denver Auditorium, in Colorado. Tickets for the Sunday night show cost $5. Backstage Access: SPIRIT – RANDY CALIFORNIA December 26, 1963 – Capitol Records releases the first Beatles single in the United States.  It’s “I Want To Hold Your Hand” backed with “I … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 26 in Classic Rock →