August 15, 1979 – Led Zeppelin release their eighth and final studio album In Through The Out Door.  It is the last album from the band while John Bonham is still alive.  It goes on to sell over 6 million copies in the U.S. August 15, 1969 – The Woodstock Festival begins outside of New York City in Bethel on Max Yasgur’s 600 acre … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 15 in Classic Rock →

August 12, 1989 – The two-day Moscow Music Peace Festival begins with an all-star lineup that includes Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Skid Row, Cinderella, the Scorpions and Gorky Park.  It marks the first time an audience in the Soviet Union is allowed to stand up and dance at a concert.  Proceeds go to The Make A Difference Foundation, which was … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 12 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 4, 1975 – Led Zeppelin‘s tour is postponed following Robert Plant’s serious auto accident on the small Greek island of Rhodos.  Plant has multiple fractures of  his ankle, bones supporting his foot, and elbow. Doctors initally tell Plant he may never walk again. His wife, Maureen, also in the car, suffers a lengthy period of concussions, and breaks her leg in several … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 4 in Classic Rock →

July 29, 1973 – Led Zeppelin play the last of three nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Although their 33-date North American tour grosses over 4 million, about $203,000 in cash is stolen that night from the safe at The Drake Hotel in New York where the band is staying. Tour manager Richard Cole is arrested as a suspect … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 29 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 24, 1977 – Led Zeppelin perform their final concert in the U.S. in Oakland, CA. Rick Derringer and fellow Birmingham, England friends Judas Priest are the opening acts. July 24, 1967 – Encouraged by Pattie Harrison, The Beatles and their partners – minus Ringo and Maureen Starkey, whose second child Jason had been born … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 24 in Classic Rock →

July 23, 1994 – Frank Zappa fan John Scialli is rewarded after embarking on a quest to get Zappa recognized in space when a Czech astronomer at The International Astronomical Union names an asteroid in Mars’ orbit after Zappa, who had passed away from cancer the year before. The asteroid (actually a minor planet) is named Zappafrank.  The official release says: Discovered … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 23 in Classic Rock →

July 7, 1980 – Led Zeppelin play their last show with the four original members in  West Berlin. They close the set with a 17-minute version of “Whole Lotta Love.”  Unofficially, the band labeled it the “Cut The Waffle” tour. July 7, 1968 – The Yardbirds disband after a gig in Luton, England. Jimmy Page, with outstanding touring obligations for the Yardbirds, assembles … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 7 in Classic Rock →

June 17, 1991 – Van Halen release their 9th album, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, also known as F.U.C.K.  Sammy Hagar titles the album, allegedly wanting to push the issue of censorship.  The album goes on to sell over 3 million copies in the U.S. June 17, 1997 – Fans riot at an Ozzfest concert in Columbus, Ohio, after Ozzy Osbourne cancels his performance due to throat issues.  The … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 17 in Classic Rock →