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, 2007 – At the Macworld Expo in San Francisco, Steve Jobs introduces Apple’s latest invention: the iPhone.  He is joined by John Mayer, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 9 in Classic Rock →

December 22, 1987 – Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue is pronounced “dead on arrival” in an ambulance when his heart stops beating for two minutes. Sixx is given two shots of adrenaline in his chest, which revives him. In his book, The Heroin Diaries, Sixx says, “I ripped out my tubes and staggered in just my leather pants … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 22 in Classic Rock →

November 24, 1984 – Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe marries for the first time, to model Elaine Starchuk (AKA Candice).  They divorce the following year. November 24, 1972 – The music TV show In Concert debuts with Alice Cooper, Bo Diddley and Seals and Crofts. November 24, 2007 – Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea loses his $4.8 million home in a wildfire that sweeps through Malibu.  He … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 24 in Classic Rock →

October 30, 1990 – Axl Rose is released on $5,000 bail after being arrested for allegedly hitting his neighbor, Gabriella Kantor, over the head with a bottle of wine. Kantor said, “He hit me over my head with a really good bottle of Chardonnay and a piece of chicken.  I continue to experience headaches as … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 30 in Classic Rock →

October 15, 2006 – Patti Smith headlines the final night of the infamous club, CBGB in New York City, which closes due to $300,000 owed in unpaid back rent.  She says, “CBGB is both the scrappy symbol of rock’s promise and a temple that no one wanted to see go.”  With an open booking policy, … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 15 in Classic Rock →

October 12, 1987 – Dee Snider announces he is leaving Twisted Sister, two days after the Love Is for Suckers tour concludes. Snider reunites with the band ten years later. October 12, 1991 – The Day on the Green festival in Oakland, CA features headliners Metallica, Queensrÿche, Faith No More and Soundgarden. It is the final festival presented by Bill Graham prior to his death. October 12, 2005 … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 12 in Classic Rock →

October 11, 1999 – Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe is released on $5000 bail after being arrested for inciting the crowd to attack a security guard at a North Carolina show. He is charged with “assault and inciting a riot with ethnic animosity” and later sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading “no contest” to the charges. October 11, 1983 … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 11 in Classic Rock →

October 7, 1984 – Dee Snider is arrested after a concert in Amarillo, TX for using “profane and abusive” language.  According to Snider, a mom who had escorted her daughter to the show filed a complaint after Snider screamed, “Suck my mutha-f****n’ d**k!” at a concertgoer who was harassing him.  Snider would pay a whopping fine of $75. October … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 7 in Classic Rock →

October 3, 1978 – The members of Aerosmith bail out 28 fans who are arrested for smoking pot and underage drinking at their concert in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They pay approximately $4,200 in bail and fines. October 3, 1992 – Sinead O’Connor, without telling producers in advance, tears up a photo of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 3 in Classic Rock →

October 2, 1996 – Several people are injured when a Pearl Jam show in Hartford, CT gets out of control. Police estimate there is a crowd of 30,000 with only 36 security officers to quell the large-scale fights that break out. October 2, 2002 – Adam Ant (real name Stuart Goddard) pleads guilty to threatening pubgoers who had mocked his cowboy-style clothes. … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 2 in Classic Rock →

September 16, 1970 – Jimi Hendrix goes to see his good friend Eric Burdon’s new band War, and is invited on stage to play guest guitar. This is his last time on stage as he dies less than 72 hours later. September 16, 2005 – Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil tears his calf when he leans over to sing along with … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 16 in Classic Rock →

September 3, 1982 – The first US Festival commences in San Bernardino, California and features Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, The Cars, the Talking Heads, The Kinks, the Ramones, B52’s, The English Beat, Gang Of Four, The Grateful Dead, Pat Benatar and Jackson Browne. Apple Computers co-founder Steven Wozniak bankrolls the festival and loses about $12 … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 3 in Classic Rock →