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 8, 1994 – Nirvana perform their final concert in the U.S. at the Seattle Center Arena. They tour for about two more months in Europe prior to Kurt Cobain’s death. January 8, 1979 – The Canadian Government name Rush the country’s official Ambassadors of Music. The honor comes with a plaque that reads, “We wish to recognize the international aspect … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 8 in Classic Rock →

November 14, 1983 –  Michael Jackson’s 14-minute film Thriller debuts to a private audience at the Metro Crest Theater in Los Angeles. Directed by John Landis, the short film will become the most popular video in MTV history when the network begins airing it in December. Many of Jackson’s famous friends show up at the premiere, … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 14 in Classic Rock →

September 29, 1989 – Bruce Springsteen and a few of his bodyguards stop for a beer at Matt’s Saloon in Prescott, AZ on a motorcycle ride.  The small town quickly figures out Springsteen is there and packs the saloon when he agrees to jam with the house band for an hour. He also makes a generous $100,000 donation to a barmaid … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 29 in Classic Rock →

September 9, 1971 – John Lennon releases his second solo album Imagine. The title track becomes his signature song and the album goes on to sell over 2 million copies in the U.S. September 9, 1992 – The 9th annual MTV Video Music Awards do not disappoint.  Van Halen wins Video of the Year for “Right Now,” Howard Stern appears as … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 9 in Classic Rock →

August 31, 2012 – Eddie Van Halen undergoes emergency surgery for “a severe bout of diverticulitis” causing Van Halen to reschedule a tour of Japan slated for November. August 31, 1976 – George Harrison is found guilty of “subconscious plagiarism” when Bright Tunes Music Corporation sues him, claiming that he plagiarized “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons for his song “My Sweet Lord.” The case … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 31 in Classic Rock →

July 29, 1974 – Neil Peart officially joins Rush, replacing John Rutsey, who leaves the band due to health problems and creative differences.  Peart has to learn the band’s entire live repertoire in only two weeks, as their American debut is on August 11 in Pittsburgh, opening for Manfred Mann and Uriah Heep. July 29, 2015 – The Eagles play their … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 29 in Classic Rock →

June 25, 2010 – Rush receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Musicians Institute.  They are inducted by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan and Donna Halper, a former music director at Cleveland’s WMMS-FM who was among the first to champion the band on their debut album. June 25, 2004 – After a final encore … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 25 in Classic Rock →

June 10, 2010 – Slash is tackled by a fan in Milan while playing the classic solo in the middle of “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. He handles it perfectly and even continues the song after changing guitars. He says, “What’d I say? Rowdy crowd for sure. But amazing! The guy who nailed me didn’t take … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 10 in Classic Rock →

May 11, 1974 – Led Zeppelin attend an Elvis Presley concert in LA and spend over two hours backstage after the show with Elvis.  Too bad no one recorded that meeting! May 11, 1972 – John Lennon claims he is under FBI surveillance on an appearance on the Dick Cavett Show.  Lennon’s visa had been revoked in March and deportation … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 11 in Classic Rock →

April 21, 1990 –Van Halen christen the opening night of their Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with a live performance.  Sammy Hagar would eventually buy out the rest of the band due to the club’s early financial failure.  In later years, Cabo Wabo becomes a huge success. April 21, 2005 – Alex Lifeson of Rush pleads no contest to a … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 21 in Classic Rock →

March 12, 2010 – Over 160 people are arrested and eight people are hospitalized when fans try to gain free entrance at a Metallica show in Colombia. 1,500 policeman and several tanks were brought in to manage the riot.  Inside the venue, the concert went on as planned. March 12, 2007 – Van Halen are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 12 in Classic Rock →