June 3, 2000 – After destroying his living room, threatening his wife with a knife and sending police on a manhunt near his Osprey, Florida home, Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts was discovered by police after a helicopter search. He is sent to a psychiatric unit. June 3, 1983 – Famous session drummer Jim Gordon murders his mother by hitting her in the head … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 3 in Classic Rock →

April 16, 1996 – Kiss hold a press conference aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City to announce the reunion of all four original members, and the Alive/Worldwide reunion tour. With Ace, Gene, Paul and Peter, the tour went on to gross over $140 million dollars. April 16, 1969 – Elektra drops the MC5 after they … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 16 in Classic Rock →

Mott the Hoople will tour the U.S. this April, the band’s first trip stateside since 1974. The tour celebrates the 45th anniversaries of their 1974 albums, The Hoople and Live. The 2019 lineup is billed as “Mott The Hoople ’74” and consists of frontman Ian Hunter, guitarist Ariel Bender and keyboard player Morgan Fisher. Bender joined the … Continue reading Mott the Hoople Announces First U.S. Tour Since 1974 →

Lately, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been making up for so many artists that have previously been overlooked, but they’ve still got a long way to go to right some very obvious wrongs in their choices. Here are our picks for the Top 15 most overlooked artists that have yet to make … Continue reading 15 Most Overlooked Artists by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame →

January 17, 1990 – The Fifth Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City.  Inductees include The Kinks (inducted by Graham Nash), Simon & Garfunkel (inducted by James Taylor), and The Who (inducted by U2). January 17, 1996 – The 11th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City.  Inductees include David Bowie (inducted … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 17 in Classic Rock →

October 24, 2005 – Poison guitarist C.C. DeVille is sentenced to 80 days in jail for his “no contest” plea to driving under the influence of alcohol. DeVille, born Bruce Johannesson, was ticketed in August after hitting a parked car while backing out of his girlfriend’s driveway. His girlfriend received minor injuries in the crash.  He also receives five years probation and … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 24 in Classic Rock →

The early 70’s in the music business seemed like one long party. It’s not that we didn’t do our jobs, it’s just that everything seemed very loose and carefree while we were doing them. We worked hard for sure, but then there would be an afternoon game of bowling in the hallway — stuff like … Continue reading Early 70’s Music Biz Hiring — Pretty Amusing! →

The sudden passing of David Bowie and Glenn Frey overshadowed a lesser-known name in rock who passed away shortly after Bowie.  That person is Dale Griffin, nicknamed “Buffin” by his pal Mott The Hoople bass player Overend Watts. I was a big fan of Mott and worked closely with them during their early years on … Continue reading The Passing Of Mott The Hoople Drummer Dale “Buffin” Griffin—Too Many Leaving Us Too Fast →

Dale “Buffin” Griffin, best known as drummer and founding member of the glam rock band Mott The Hoople, passed away Sunday at the age of 67. Griffin, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, died peacefully in his sleep. Mott the Hoople released their debut album in 1969 and it quickly became a cult success. … Continue reading Dale “Buffin” Griffin, of Mott The Hoople, Dies at 67 →

Mott the Hoople’s Ian Hunter has released his new solo album, When I’m President. Hunter says the new record, his 3rd solo release in the last six years, is “a little more upbeat this time round.” Preview it below. Hunter and The Rant Band are also hitting the road this fall throughout Europe and North … Continue reading Ian Hunter Releases New Solo Record →