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, 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 →

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 →

January 25, 2006 – Mötley Crüe receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “We’re across the street from the Erotica Museum and Frederick’s of Hollywood. This is a perfect place for us to be,” bassist Nikki Sixx told an estimated 600 screaming fans. January 25, 2003 – Billy Joel crashes his Mercedes in Long Island, New York.  He … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 25 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 →

May 26, 2000 – Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee begins a five day jail sentence for violating his parole by drinking alcohol.  A Malibu judge extends Lee’s probation until May 26, 2003, reinstates random drug testing and orders him to enroll in Alcoholics Anonymous. May 26, 1994 – Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie Presley in the Dominican Republic. The couple divorce in 1995. May 26, 1973 – Deep Purple release … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 26 in Classic Rock →

April 29, 1998 – Steven Tyler incurs a knee ligament injury when he drops his mic on his knee at a concert in Anchorage, Alaska while singing “Mama Kin.”  The tour is postponed through September of that year. April 29, 2003 – Great White play their first gig since the infamous Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island that killed 100 people.  Proceeds from … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 29 in Classic Rock →

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 →