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 →

December 4, 2012 – Randy Blythe, the frontman of Lamb of God, is charged with the death of a 19-year-old fan at a concert in Prague in 2010 after he pushed him off the stage. The fan, Daniel Nosek, hits his head when he falls to the concrete floor and dies of his injuries 2 weeks later. Blythe is later acquitted, … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 4 in Classic Rock →

November 29, 2007 – Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle (born Thomas Delmer Pyle), is arrested for failing to properly register as a sex offender at a new permanent address. For this charge, he was later acquitted by a jury in 2009. Pyle had pleaded guilty in 1993 to charges of attempted capital sexual battery by an adult … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 29 in Classic Rock →

October 20, 1977 – It’s one of the saddest days in rock history as Lynyrd Skynyrd loses three of their band members when their plane crashes in a swamp near Gillsburg, Mississippi.  Singer/songwriter Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist/vocalist Steve Gaines, his sister, vocalist Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 20 in Classic Rock →

October 19, 1979 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers release their breakthrough album Damn the Torpedoes.  It goes on to sell two million copies in the U.S. October 19, 1977 – Lynyrd Skynyrd play their last show together in Greenville, South Carolina, prior to the plane crash that would kill three of their members. Nazareth is the opening act.  This was the … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 19 in Classic Rock →

September 20, 1976 – AC/DC release their third studio album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. The album is later certified 6x Platinum and in addition to the title track, includes the songs “Big Balls” and “Problem Child.” Death, the Devil and the CIA: Classic Rock Conspiracy Theories that Range from Completely Crazy to Entirely Conceivable … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 20 in Classic Rock →

September 14, 1984 – MTV debuts its first ever video awards show, hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler in New York at Radio City Music Hall. The Cars win Video of the Year for “You Might Think”. Among the Video of the Year nominees were Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Police “Every Breath You Take”. David Bowie wins … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 14 in Classic Rock →

September 5, 1976 – Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington is injured in a car crash in Jacksonville, FL after he falls asleep at the wheel while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The accident inspires Ronnie Van Zant to write “That Smell” with the lyrics, “Whiskey bottles and brand new cars, oak tree you’re in my … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 5 in Classic Rock →

August 13, 1965 – Jefferson Airplane make their stage debut at San Francisco’s new club The Matrix, which leads to them securing a record deal after receiving a positive review in the San Francisco Chronicle. August 13, 1973 – Lynyrd Skynyrd release their debut album (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd).  It goes on to sell over 2 million copies and features songs “Simple Man”, … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 13 in Classic Rock →

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 15, 1998 – Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer narrowly escapes serious injury when his Ferrari convertible catches on fire at a gas station.  He is admitted to the hospital with second-degree burns on his arms and hands.  The Ferrari is destroyed. Top 20 Classic Rock Drummers Still Drumming Classic Rock Birthdays July 15, 1956 – Joe Satriani, guitar (Satriani, Chickenfoot, G3) July 15, 1966 – Jason … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 15 in Classic Rock →

It’s rare that a live album becomes a driving force in a band’s career, but these rock albums all generated either hits, sales, or artistic recognition that changed the arc of the bands’ popularity and influence. In several cases, the bands/artists had not even been well-known in the U.S. prior to their live releases.  Although … Continue reading 12 Most Influential Live Classic Rock Albums of All Time →