March 18, 1978 – An estimated 350,000 rock fans attend the largest festival of the 70’s, California Jam II in Ontario, California. Performers include Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Foreigner, Santana, Heart, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush and Rubicon, featuring a young Jack Blades. March 18, 1975 – The Who’s Tommy premieres in New York. March 18, 2002 – The Ramones and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are among those inducted into the … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 18 in Classic Rock →

February 28, 1987 –  Eddie Van Halen makes an appearance on Saturday Night Live, which is being hosted by his then-wife Valerie Bertinelli. He plays alongside G.E. Smith and the SNL house band for an instrumental number called “Stompin’ 8H.” Bluesman Robert Cray is the musical guest. February 28, 1972 – George Harrison and his wife Pattie Boyd Harrison are injured in … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 28 in Classic Rock →

February 27, 1970 – Jefferson Airplane is fined $1,000 for for singing profanity while on stage in Oklahoma City. The ordinance prohibiting obscene language was drawn up a year earlier when Jim Morrison of The Doors allegedly exposed himself at a concert. February 27, 1977 – Keith Richards is arrested and charged with “possession of … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 27 in Classic Rock →

February 5, 2006 – The Rolling Stones play three songs during the half-time show of Super Bowl XL in Detroit.   The songs are “Start Me Up,” “Rough Justice” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” During “Start Me Up” the line “you make a dead man come” is censored. February 5, 2015 – INXS guitarist Tim Farriss says he may never play … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 5 in Classic Rock →

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 →

January 17, 1990 – The Fifth Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City.  Inductees include The Kinks (inducted by Graham Nash), Simon & Garfunkel (inducted by James Taylor), and The Who (inducted by U2). January 17, 1996 – The 11th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City.  Inductees include David Bowie (inducted … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 17 in Classic Rock →

January 15, 1977 – David Bowie releases Low. Co-produced with Tony Visconti, it’s the first of three albums produced with the help of Brian Eno. January 15, 2010 -Jimmy Page is awarded the first ever Pathways to Peace Award by the United Nations. “Although this award has my name on it, this is a tribute to the power of music and … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 15 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 →

December 19, 1975 – Ronnie Wood officially leaves The Faces, leaving him free to join The Rolling Stones months later. Classic Rock Birthdays December 19, 1944 – Alvin Lee (born Graham Anthony Barnes), guitar, vocals (Ten Years After) (d. 2013)December 19, 1957 – Doug Johnson, keyboards (Loverboy)December 19, 1944 – Zal Yanovsky, guitar, vocals (The Lovin’ Spoonful) (d. 2002) Backstage Access:Alvin Lee, Finally Going Home Rock … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 19 in Classic Rock →

December 18, 1983 – Keith Richards marries model and actress Patti Hansen in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Mick Jagger is Richards’ best man. December 18, 1988 – Mike Peters of The Alarm has his eyes burnt by spotlights during a show in Chester, England. He regains his sight two weeks later. December 18, 2000 – Bob Geldof is granted custody of … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 18 in Classic Rock →

December 12, 2003 – Mick Jagger becomes a Sir after being knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Jagger’s 92-year-old father is at the Palace to see his son receive the award. “The thing about honors is that you should never ask for them, and you should never really expect them, but I think you should accept them if … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 12 in Classic Rock →

December 11, 1968 – Filming begins on The Rolling Stones‘ Rock And Roll Circus movie. Conceived by Mick Jagger, the event was comprised of two concerts on a circus stage and included such acts as John Lennon and his fiancée Yoko Ono performing as part of a supergroup called The Dirty Mac, along with Eric … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 11 in Classic Rock →