January 14, 1965 –  David Bowie releases his first single in the U.S., “Can’t Help Thinking About Me.”  This was the first single released after he changed his name from David (also Davie) Jones to David Bowie. January 14, 1967 – The first “Human Be-In” takes place at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with more than 25,000 people in attendance. It is the prelude to … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 14 in Classic Rock →

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 24, 1971 – The New York Dolls make their live debut at a homeless shelter, the Endicott Hotel, in New York City. Classic Rock Birthdays December 24, 1945 – Lemmy (born Ian Fraser Kilmister), singer, bassist (Motörhead) (d. 2015)December 24, 1946 – Jan Akkerman, guitar (Focus)December 24, 1957 – Ian Burden, keyboards, bass (Human … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 24 in Classic Rock →

November 6, 1970 – Aerosmith perform together for the first time at Nipmuc Regional High School in Mendon, Massachusetts. The new band got the gig because Joe Perry’s mother knew someone at the school.  Tickets for the show were $1. November 6, 1975 – The Sex Pistols play their first concert at St Martin’s School Of Art in London. Their performance lasts … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 6 in Classic Rock →

July 27, 1973 – The self-titled debut by the New York Dolls, produced by Todd Rundgren, is released to critical acclaim and mediocre sales.  However, the album serves as an influential precursor to the developing punk rock scene with such songs as “Personality Crisis,” “Trash,” and “Jet Boy.” July 27, 2010 – Growing Up Twisted, starring Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 27 in Classic Rock →

July 15, 1998 – Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer narrowly escapes serious injury when his Ferrari convertible catches on fire at a gas station.  He is admitted to the hospital with second-degree burns on his arms and hands.  The Ferrari is destroyed. Top 20 Classic Rock Drummers Still Drumming Classic Rock Birthdays July 15, 1956 – Joe Satriani, guitar (Satriani, Chickenfoot, G3) July 15, 1966 – Jason … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 15 in Classic Rock →

July 13, 1984 – For the first and only time, Eddie Van Halen performs “Beat It” live in concert with Michael Jackson, at The Jacksons concert at Texas Stadium in Dallas. Jackson screams, “You got it, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie!” July 13, 1984 – The Live Aid concerts take place in London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium.  The concerts are … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 13 in Classic Rock →

April 23, 2003 – Twisted Sister announce their reformation for their first tour in 16 years.  The following month they kick off the tour on USO military bases in South Korea. April 23, 1963  – Bob Dylan performs his first major solo concert in New York City. Classic Rock Birthdays April 23, 1960 – Steve Clark, guitarist (Def Leppard) … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 23 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 →

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the list of nominees for induction into the Hall in 2022. The list features a number of acts who were previously nominated but didn’t make the cut such as Judas Priest, the New York Dolls and Pat Benatar as well as several first time nominees including … Continue reading Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2022 Nominees →

February 3, 1969 – The Beatles hire Allen Klein as their new manager, following the death of Brian Epstein. Klein got his start working for Sam Cooke and Bobby Darin, with whom he gained a reputation for being ruthless on behalf of artists whose royalties were being hidden through accounting tricks. This endeared him to the Rolling Stones, … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 3 in Classic Rock →

Looking back at some of the people who shaped our musical life that are no longer with us. Here are the rockers we lost in 2021. Mick Bolton Died January 1, 2021Keyboardist for Mott the Hoople Gerry Marsden September 24, 1942 – January 3, 2021Leader of Gerry and the Pacemakers Michael Fonfara August 11, 1946 … Continue reading Remembering Rockers We Lost in 2021 →