It’s rare that a live album becomes a driving force in a band’s career, but these rock albums all generated either hits, sales, or artistic recognition that changed the arc of the bands’ popularity and influence. In several cases, the bands/artists had not even been well-known in the U.S. prior to their live releases.  Although … Continue reading 12 Most Influential Live Classic Rock Albums →

June 29, 1995 – The first TV commercial of Ringo Starr‘s career airs for Pizza Hut, as does a similar spot by the newly-reformed Monkees. June 29, 2000 – Vandals break into tombs containing the remains of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. Van Zant’s casket had been removed from its tomb but did not appear to have been opened. A plastic bag … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 29 in Classic Rock →

April 22, 1976 – Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi debut their Blues Brothers act on Saturday Night Live. They play a cover of “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave, who they used as the basis for their characters. April 22, 1993 – The Who’s Tommy premieres on Broadway where it is performed 899 times until … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 22 in Classic Rock →

January 6, 1976 – Peter Frampton releases one of the biggest double live albums in history, Frampton Comes Alive! The album goes on to sell over 11 million copies in the U.S. January 6, 1993 – Bill Wyman formally exits the Rolling Stones after 31 years. He is replaced on the road by touring bassist Darryl Jones. January 6, 2001 – Pink Floyd guitarist David … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 6 in Classic Rock →

October 10, 1975 – Deep Purple release Come Taste the Band, their only studio album to feature guitarist Tommy Bolin.  The album is also the final of three albums to feature Glenn Hughes on bass and a pre-Whitesnake David Coverdale on lead vocals. October 10, 1995 – Peter Frampton releases Frampton Comes Alive II, the long-awaited sequel to his record-setting live album released in 1976. October 10, 1969 … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 10 in Classic Rock →

September 8, 1994 – Aerosmith win Video of the Year for “Cryin’” at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.  This marks the first appearance of Alicia Silverstone in a band video, and she goes on to appear in two other Aerosmith videos.  This is also the year when Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley open … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 8 in Classic Rock →

July 24, 1977 – Led Zeppelin perform their final concert in the U.S. in Oakland, CA. Rick Derringer and fellow Birmingham, England friends Judas Priest are the opening acts. July 24, 1967 – Encouraged by Pattie Harrison, The Beatles and their partners – minus Ringo and Maureen Starkey, whose second child Jason had been born … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 24 in Classic Rock →

Ringo Starr will have a little help from his friends as he celebrates his 80th birthday virtually today. The Beatles drummer will be joined by former bandmate Paul McCartney, the Eagles’ Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper and Dave Grohl, Gary Clark Jr., and Sheila E. for a YouTube streamcast beginning at 8pm ET Tuesday … Continue reading Ringo Starr to Celebrate 80th Birthday with Virtual Concert Featuring Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh and More →

Peter Frampton has canceled his upcoming tour of the UK and Europe due to COVID-19. The legendary guitarist announced the news on Twitter Tuesday, apologizing to fans and saying he “couldn’t be more disappointed”.  Ticketholders are advised to be in touch with their point of purchase to receive a refund. The run of dates, scheduled … Continue reading Peter Frampton Cancels EU/UK Farewell Tour →

Peter Frampton will release his memoir, Do You Feel Like I Do? on October 20th. The guitarist has teamed up with journalist Alan Light to co-write the book. “This is my journey,” Frampton,70, said in a statement. “All I ever wanted to do was play guitar and it’s taken me many different places – physically … Continue reading Peter Frampton Announces New Memoir ‘Do You Feel Like I Do?’ →