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 →

Former Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung revealed that he is putting the finishing touches on an album that he says is his last. “On this, my final album, I decided to write songs about my journey from humble beginnings in my basement on Chicago’s far-south side to the very top [of] my chosen profession,” the singer … Continue reading Former Styx Singer Dennis DeYoung Shares Details on Final Album →

September 20, 1976 – AC/DC release their third studio album Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. The album is later certified 6x Platinum and in addition to the title track, includes the songs “Big Balls” and “Problem Child.” Classic Rock Birthdays September 20, 1966 – Nuno Bettencourt, guitar (Extreme, Rihanna) September 20, 1967 – Matthew Nelson … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 20 in Classic Rock →

September 11, 2001 – Radio doesn’t play much music today as almost every station airs news feeds regarding the 9/11 tragedy.  The country collectively mourns our dead and injured, and also the loss of our American innocence. September 11, 2003 – Tommy Chong, one-half of the comedy team of Cheech and Chong, is sentenced to nine months in federal … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 11 in Classic Rock →

August 1, 1981 – MTV begins airing music videos with the legendary opening, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Rock & Roll.”  That’s followed by the now familiar power-chord-fueled guitar riff theme. The first ten videos are: The Buggles “Video Killed The Radio Star”, Pat Benatar “You Better Run”, Rod Stewart “She Won’t Dance With Me”, The Who “You Better You Bet”, … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 1 in Classic rock →

July 16, 1966 – The world’s first “supergroup” is forged when Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker form Cream.  Though they last only two years, Cream sells 15 million records. July 16, 1900 – The logo of the Victor Recording Company and later RCA Victor, is registered with the U.S. Patent Office. The logo features Nipper the dog looking into … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 16 in Classic Rock →

June 18, 1984 – Judas Priest fans take the song “Breaking The Law” to heart when they destroy over $250,000 worth of seat cushions at Madison Square Garden, causing the band to be banned – for life – from the venue. But, guitarist Glenn Tipton has been back.  He and K.K. Downing snuck in for a tennis match and … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 18 in Classic Rock →

February 18, 1974 – Kiss release their self-titled debut album on Casablanca Records. Warner Bros. dissolved their deal with the record label after the band refused to remove their makeup.  The album initially sold only 75,000 copies, although now it is certified Gold. February 18, 1969 – Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees marries pop star Lulu in Buckinghamshire, England. He … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 18 in Classic Rock →

In 2016, Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw took the stage with a group of the finest high-school-aged musicians in Ohio. Under the direction of conductor Liz Grossman, Shaw and the Cleveland-based Contemporary Youth Orchestra performed classic band and solo tracks from Shaw’s career including “Blue Collar Man,” “Girls With Guns,” and “Too Much Time On My … Continue reading Watch Tommy Shaw Perform This Styx Hit with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra →

“I look at Spotify. It’s not a great moneymaker, on the one hand. On the other hand, maybe it does help because you’re spreading the word wider. If there’s over a million people listening to a Styx song every day, that’s pretty great because that means they’re continuing to be the faithful fans, and we’re … Continue reading Mission Accomplished: Styx Launch New Album The Mission, Take Off on U.S. Tour →