October 31, 1963 – While Ed Sullivan and his wife Sylvia are passing through London’s Heathrow Airport, they serendipitously witness Beatlemania when a crowd rushes an arriving plane. Sullivan thinks the travelers must be royalty, but, when he asks a member of the adoring crowd who they are, he finds out it is a band. … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 31 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 26, 2003 – Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden is arrested after hitting a parking attendant with his car at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, N.Y., where the band is performing that night. McBrain was asked for his backstage credentials by the parking attendant, and when the attendant couldn’t see them clearly he asked to view them again.  Instead, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 26 in Classic Rock →

May 25, 1978 – Keith Moon of the Who, performs for the last time with the band at a secret concert for fan club members at London’s Shepperton Film Studios.  The show was a mini-concert for their career-spanning documentary The Kids Are Alright.  The band had been off the road for nearly two years, and gave a solid but stilted performance.  Keith … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 25 in Classic Rock →

January 19, 1994 – The Ninth Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City. Inductees include The Animals, The Band, Duane Eddy, The Grateful Dead, Elton John, John Lennon, Bob Marley, and Rod Stewart.  Stewart can’t make it there due to the massive earthquake that hit LA that week, and … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 19 in Classic Rock →

November 18, 1993 – Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is arrested in the New Orleans French Quarter outside the Blue Crystal, a punk rock bar, for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace.  Apparently, there was a bar fight with a waiter and Vedder’s friend, Chicago White Sox pitcher and Cy Young award winner, Jack McDowell, was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital. … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 18 in Classic Rock →

May 27, 1988 – The first U.S. Monsters of Rock tour kicks off with a 3-night stand at the Alpine Valley Music Theater in Wisconsin.  On the bill in this order are Kingdom Come, Metallica, Dokken, Scorpions and Van Halen as the headliners.  The tour lasts for two months. May 27, 1994 – After 14 years apart, The Eagles reunite for their “Hell Freezes Over” … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 27 in Classic Rock →

April 28, 2014 – Scorpions drummer James Kottak is sentenced to one month in a Dubai jail for being intoxicated and drinking without a license, flipping off passengers on his flight from Russia, and allegedly exposing himself.  He is also convicted of insulting Islam. Kottak spent time in prison, forcing the Scorpions to find a fill-in … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 28 in Classic Rock →

January 11, 1985 – The first Rock in Rio festival kicks off in Rio de Janeiro. The 10-day festival features Queen, AC/DC, Yes, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, The Scorpions and Whitesnake. About 1.4 million people attend the shows. January 11, 2004 – Ted Nugent needs 40 stitches in his leg after a chainsaw accident occurs while filming his reality TV show, Surviving Nugent: The Ted … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 11 in Classic Rock →

January 10, 1964 – The Beatles release their first U.S. album Introducing… The Beatles on Vee-Jay records. The release comes only 10 days before Capitol’s Meet the Beatles! hits the shelves. January 10, 1995 – Rory Gallagher plays his last concert in severe pain, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Five months later he dies of complications from a liver transplant.  Due to … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 10 in Classic Rock →

Whitesnake will no longer be hitting the road with the Scorpions for their US and Canadian tour beginning this month due to David Coverdale’s persisting health issues. Coverdale issued a statement on Whitesnake’s official website explaining that he is continuing to receive treatment for an upper respiratory infection that has affected his ability to perform. … Continue reading Whitesnake Drops Out of Tour with Scorpions Due to David Coverdale’s Health →

Scorpions celebrated the release of their 19th studio album Rock Believer this week with the premiere of a new music video for the track “When You Know (Where You Come From)”. The release follows the official music video for the album’s first single “Peacemaker” late last year and the album’s title track last month. Watch … Continue reading Scorpions Release New Album, New Music Video for ‘When You Know (Where You Come From)’ →