October 1, 1982 – Sony introduces the first digital compact-disc player in Tokyo, which sells for about $730. October 1, 2011 – Gene Simmons of KISS, finally marries Shannon Tweed, his partner of 28 years at the Beverly Hills Hotel in front of 400 guests. Tweed, who met Simmons at the Playboy mansion and was Hugh Hefner’s partner … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 1 in Classic Rock →

September 22, 1985 – The first Farm Aid benefit concert is held at the Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois to help American farmers.  Organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young, the event draws over 80,000 people, raises over $9 million and features The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Foreigner, Don … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 22 in Classic Rock →

August 27, 1989 – Izzy Stradlin of Guns N’ Roses loses his “patience” on a US Airways flight from Indianapolis to Los Angeles and pees in the galley after being annoyed that the lavatory was occupied. His publicist explains that, “Relieving himself in the galley was just his way of expressing himself.” After being sentenced to a year of probation … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 27 in Classic Rock →

May 12, 1967 – Pink Floyd perform what may have been the first concert in quadraphonic sound when they place loudspeakers at the back of the concert hall at “Games for May,” a swanky affair at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Adding to the otherworldly experience,  Roger Waters throws potatoes at a gong, Nick Mason mic’s up a saw to cut through … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 12 in Classic Rock →

March 29, 1975 – Led Zeppelin becomes the first band in history to have six albums on the Billboard chart at once: Physical Graffiti (#1), Led Zeppelin IV, House of the Holy, Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin III. March 29, 1979 – Supertramp release their sixth album Breakfast in America, which goes on to sell six million copies … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 29 in Classic Rock →

March 7, 1975 – David Bowie releases his ninth studio album, Young Americans.  The album is certified Gold in the U.S. 10 Best David Bowie Covers Classic Rock Birthdays March 7, 1946 – Peter Wolf (born Peter W. Blankfield), vocals (The J. Geils Band)March 7, 1945 – Arthur Lee (born Arthur Taylor) vocals, guitar (Love) (d. 2006)March 7, 1943 – Chris White, vocals, bass (The Zombies, Argent)March 7, 1946 – Matthew … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 7 in Classic Rock →

Neil Young surprised fans with a holiday gift this year – the release of his long lost album Summer Songs, recorded in 1987. “I think you will enjoy this very cool recording – lost for years, but not forgotten,” Young wrote in a post on his Neil Young Archives website. “NYA’s files reveal the whole … Continue reading Neil Young Previews Forgotten ‘Summer Songs’ Album →

December 30, 1999 – George Harrison and his wife Olivia are attacked when an intruder breaks into their home in England. Olivia beats off the attacker with a lamp, but Harrison is stabbed repeatedly in the chest and admitted to the hospital with a collapsed lung and various minor stab wounds.  Police later arrest a fan from Liverpool who nursed an irrational … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 30 in Classic Rock →

November 25, 1976 – The Band film their final performance on Thanksgiving Day at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.  Director Martin Scorsese makes it a documentary called The Last Waltz.  The show also features guest stars  Bob Dylan, Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Neil Diamond, Bobby Charles, The Staple Singers, and Eric Clapton. It is generally hailed as one … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 25 in Classic Rock →

November 18, 1993 – Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is arrested in the New Orleans French Quarter outside the Blue Crystal, a punk rock bar, for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace.  Apparently, there was a bar fight with a waiter and Vedder’s friend, Chicago White Sox pitcher and Cy Young award winner, Jack McDowell, was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital. … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 18 in Classic Rock →

November 12, 2000 – Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones breaks both of his legs after a car crashes into him in England.  Wood’s wife, Jo, was driving the couple’s BMW when they were involved in an accident. Wood was unhurt, but when he stepped from the car to direct traffic, he was struck by another car … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 12 in Classic Rock →

November 9, 1967 – The first issue of Rolling Stone Magazine is published in San Francisco in newspaper format. It sells for 35¢, which is about $2.48 today. The cover features a photo of John Lennon and the lead article is on the Monterey Pop Festival. The first issue also conveniently includes a free roach clip. The name of the magazine … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 9 in Classic Rock →