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. These 30 rock stars changed their name. How many can you guess? January 14, 1967 – The first “Human Be-In” takes place at San … 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, 2005 – Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil marries his girlfriend Lia Gerardini in Las Vegas. It’s Neil’s fourth marriage, and buddy MC Hammer performs the ceremony. The … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 9 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. Related: Original Aerosmith Touring Van Found in New England Woods November 6, 1968 – Head, a film by The Monkees, opens in … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 6 in Classic Rock →

July 27, 2010 – Growing Up Twisted, starring Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, premieres on the A&E Network.  The show also features Snider’s entire family – kids Jesse, Shane, Cody and Cheyenne, and wife Suzette. July 27, 1979 – Alice Cooper‘s Native American art store in Scottsdale, AZ is firebombed and he loses over $200,000 in artwork and jewelry.  Cooper … 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. Classic Rock Birthdays July 15, 1956 – Joe Satriani, guitar (Satriani, Chickenfoot, G3) July 15, 1966 – Jason Bonham, drums (Bonham, Sammy Hagar and The Circle) July … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 15 in Classic Rock →

July 13, 1984 – The Live Aid concerts take place in London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium.  The concerts are spearheaded by Bob Geldof to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Performers included U2, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Santana, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, Dire Straits, Queen, David Bowie, The Who, Elton John, Black … 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 →

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 →

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 →