April 28, 2014 – Scorpions drummer James Kottak is sentenced to one month in a Dubai jail for being intoxicated and drinking without a license, flipping off passengers on his flight from Russia, and allegedly exposing himself.  He is also convicted of insulting Islam. Kottak spent time in prison, forcing the Scorpions to find a fill-in … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 28 in Classic Rock →

April 26, 2003 – David Lee Roth corners and detains a knife-wielding man who is  trespassing on his Pasadena estate.  Roth holds him until the police arrive. Says Roth: “Anyone found bearing arms here at night…will be found here in the morning.” It later turns out the man is his neighbor, and is booked on possession of a knife and methamphetamines. April … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 26 in Classic Rock →

April 25, 1980 – Black Sabbath release their ninth studio album, Heaven and Hell. It’s the first Sabbath album to feature Ronnie James Dio as lead singer, who replaced Ozzy Osbourne.  The album goes on to reach platinum status in the U.S. April 25, 1988 – Doc McGhee, manager of Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe, pleads guilty to importing more than 40,000 lbs of … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 25 in Classic Rock →

April 8, 1998 –  Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee is sentenced to at least six months in County Jail after pleading no contest to a felony charge of beating his wife, actress Pamela Anderson Lee. He was released after 90 days for good behavior. Concurrently, he completed a 30-day sentence for beating a security guard at a Crüe concert … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 8 in Classic Rock →

April 7, 1990 – Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee suffers a mild concussion after falling 20 feet from the scaffolding above his elevated drum kit. Tommy was descending as usual on a bungee rope but panicked when he thought his roadie wouldn’t pull the brake in time.  He was turned upside down and smashed heads with a person … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 7 in Classic Rock →

February 19, 1982 – Ozzy Osbourne is arrested in San Antonio for urinating on the Alamo Cenotaph, a 60-foot high statue erected in 1939 to honor the 189 Texans who died there. The Cenotaph is adjacent to the mission, in the Alamo Plaza.  At the time of his arrest, Osbourne is wearing Sharon’s dress. February 19, 1995 – Tommy Lee of … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 19 in Classic Rock →

February 17, 1975 – AC/DC release their debut album High Voltage. The album, released only in Australia, was re-released internationally with a new cover and track listing. February 17, 1989 – David Coverdale marries actress Tawny Kitaen, star of 5 Whitesnake videos including “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love” and “Still of the Night.”  The couple divorce in 1991. … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 17 in Classic Rock →

February 14, 1970 – The Who play a legendary concert at Leeds University in England which will become the Live at Leeds LP.  The album has been cited by critics and fans as the best live rock recording of all time. February 14, 1992 – Vince Neil is fired from Mötley Crüe and the band releases a statement saying he’s left … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 14 in Classic Rock →

February 11, 1964 – The Beatles play their first U.S. live concert at the Washington Coliseum, in Washington, D.C.  Over 8,000 people attend the show. In the 35-minute set, the Beatles play 12 songs: “Roll Over, Beethoven,” “From Me to You,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” “This Boy,” “All My Loving,” “I Wanna Be Your Man,” “Please Please … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 11 in Classic Rock →

February 8, 2006 – David Bowie is awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  It is his second Grammy, the first being for the “Jazzin’ for Blue Jean” video in 1985.  He posthumously wins four more Grammys for the Blackstar release bringing his total to six. Top 10 David Bowie Covers Classic Rock Birthdays February 8, 1961 – Vince … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 8 in Classic Rock →

January 28, 1985 – The charity single “We Are The World” is recorded in Los Angeles to benefit African famine relief. The single is the brainchild of activist Harry Belafonte and was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. The song features Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Perry, Huey Lewis, Bob … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 28 in Classic Rock →

January 27, 1980 – AC/DC play their last show, a makeup date on the Highway To Hell tour, with lead singer Bon Scott.  The show is held at the Gaumont theater in Southampton, England. Scott would die on February 19. January 27, 1997 – At the 24th annual American Music Awards, Pat Boone and Alice Cooper present Mötley Crüe the award … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 27 in Classic Rock →