August 18, 1969 – Jimi Hendrix closes out the Woodstock festival with a morning set that concludes with “Hey Joe,” one of the few times in his career that he played an encore. Surprisingly,  Hendrix was not supposed to be the final act. Woodstock organizer Michael Lang wanted Roy Rogers to come on after Hendrix and play “Happy Trails” but the … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 18 in Classic Rock →

July 23, 1994 – Frank Zappa fan John Scialli is rewarded after embarking on a quest to get Zappa recognized in space when a Czech astronomer at The International Astronomical Union names an asteroid in Mars’ orbit after Zappa, who had passed away from cancer the year before. The asteroid (actually a minor planet) is named Zappafrank. The official release says: Discovered … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 23 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 →

July 7, 1980 – Led Zeppelin play their last show with the four original members in  West Berlin. They close the set with a 17-minute version of “Whole Lotta Love.”  Unofficially, the band labeled it the “Cut The Waffle” tour. July 7, 1968 – The Yardbirds disband after a gig in Luton, England. Jimmy Page, with outstanding touring obligations for the Yardbirds, assembles … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 7 in Classic Rock →

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 →

There are tons of lists of the best rock drummers ever, but ours ranks the best drummers that are still playing. You may not be able to see them with their original bands, and it’s possible they may never play again live, but at least there is the potential to still witness their greatness.  It wasn’t … Continue reading Top 20 Classic Rock Drummers Still Drumming →

April 27, 1979 – Ozzy Osbourne is fired from Black Sabbath and replaced by  Ronnie James Dio.  Osbourne first reunites with the band at Live Aid in 1985 and then many times after. April 27, 2006 – Keith Richards falls out of a palm tree in Fiji, suffering a brain hemorrhage. Richards later undergoes cranial surgery in New Zealand. April 27, 2009 – Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 27 in Classic Rock →

April 18, 1993 – David Lee Roth is arrested in New York City for buying a $10 bag of marijuana. Roth’s offense had a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail and a $250 fine but was ultimately “adjourned pending dismissal,” meaning the charges would be wiped out if Roth stayed out of trouble for a year. April 18, 2015 – Lou Reed, Ringo … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 18 in Classic Rock →

A new documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy) about the making of the Beatles’ Let It Be album will be released in theatres this September. The film, according to a press release from Walt Disney Studios, “will showcase the warmth, camaraderie and humor” of the album’s recording, as well … Continue reading Peter Jackson’s Beatles Documentary is Coming to Theaters This September →

February 9, 2010 – Ringo Starr is awarded the 2,401st star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame during a ceremony that marked the 50th anniversary of the attraction. The Beatles were given a star in 1998. Those by Starr’s side for the unveiling included his wife, the actress Barbara Bach; musicians Joe Walsh and Ben Harper; music producer … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 9 in Classic Rock →