July 20, 1986 – Van Halen manager Ed Leffler is beaten up at a Dallas hotel by an unknown assailant. July 20, 1975 – The Born To Run tour kicks off at The Palace Theatre in Providence, RI.  This is also the live debut of Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven) as a member of Bruce Springsteen‘s E Street Band. July 20, 1999 – The Ramones make their … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 20 in Classic Rock →

February 23, 2000 – Carlos Santana ties Michael Jackson‘s 1983 record for the most Grammys won in a single year, including Album of the Year for his album Supernatural, and Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Smooth,” his collaboration with Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20.  Supernatural sells 30 million records worldwide. Classic Rock Birthdays February 23, 1952 – Brad … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 23 in Classic Rock →

January 18, 1991 – The second Rock in Rio festival kicks off the first of ten days in Rio de Janeiro. Artists include Santana, Guns N’ Roses, INXS, Billy Idol, Judas Priest, Faith No More, Queensrÿche and Sepultura. January 18, 1991 – Three fans are crushed to death at an AC/DC concert in Salt Lake City. Unaware of the … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 18 in Classic Rock →

December 6, 1968 – The Rolling Stones release their ninth American studio album Beggars Banquet.  It includes the tracks “Street Fighting Man” and “Sympathy For The Devil.” December 6, 1969 – The Rolling Stones play a free festival at Altamont in California, along with Jefferson Airplane, Santana, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 6 in Classic Rock →

September 4, 2000 – Greg Allman is arrested in back-to-back incidents in Florida. In the first incident, police clock Allman’s Trans Am at 85 mph in a 45-mph zone.  He is given a ticket for speeding and one for his expired license.  He is then arrested about 4 hours later when his car is seen weaving across the highway. Police say … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 4 in Classic Rock →

August 30, 1965 – Bob Dylan releases his sixth studio album, Highway 61 Revisited. It is Dylan’s first mostly electric album, and receives much critical acclaim and platinum status. August 30, 1969 – The second Isle Of Wight Festival takes place in front of 150,000 people over a 3-day period. Acts include Bob Dylan, The Band, Joe Cocker, Free, The Moody … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 30 in Classic Rock →

August 17, 1991 – AC/DC headline the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington in the U.K. with a strong bill – Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Queensrÿche and The Black Crowes. August 17, 1985 – ZZ Top headline the Monster of Rock festival at Castle Donington in the U.K. Their bill includes Marillion, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Ratt and Magnum. August 17, 2012 – The members of … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 17 in Classic Rock →

Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution is a traveling exhibit now on display at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library.  I was invited to attend the opening ceremony in which there was a panel discussion about Bill’s early years and some of the more memorable moments and concerts he promoted.  Many of … Continue reading Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution →

Santana will head out on a 32-date tour this summer along with Earth, Wind & Fire. The Miraculous Supernatural 2020 tour will kick off June 19th in Chula Vista, CA and wrap up August 29th in Tampa, FL. In addition to dates across the U.S, the tour will make stops in 2 Canadian cities. See … Continue reading Santana Announces 2020 Summer Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire →

Ringo Starr and his All Starr band are heading back out on the road in 2020. The drummer announced a 15 city, 20 concert tour launching on May 29th at the Casino Rama in Ontario and finishing up on June 28th at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. The tour will feature a number … Continue reading Ringo Starr Announces 2020 Tour →