December 10, 2007 – Led Zeppelin reunite after 19 years at London’s O2 Arena.  Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones are joined on stage by John Bonham’s son, Jason, at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert. More than one million people register for fewer than 20,000 available tickets.  With proceeds going to Ertegun’s charity, the cost … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 10 in Classic Rock →

November 25, 1976 – The Band film their final performance on Thanksgiving Day at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.  Director Martin Scorsese makes it a documentary called The Last Waltz.  The show also features guest stars  Bob Dylan, Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Neil Diamond, Bobby Charles, The Staple Singers, and Eric Clapton. It is generally hailed as one … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 25 in Classic Rock →

September 22, 1985 – The first Farm Aid benefit concert is held at the Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois to help American farmers.  Organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young, the event draws over 80,000 people, raises over $9 million and features The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Foreigner, Don … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 22 in Classic Rock →

August 2, 1973 – Robert Zimmerman legally changes his name to Bob Dylan. His biographer Mark Epstein says, “He was a great fan of Matt Dillon, the sheriff of the television series Gunsmoke. In 1958, he confided to his high school sweetheart that he planned to devote his life to music, adding that ‘I know what I’m going … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 2 in Classic Rock →

July 28, 1973 –  Outdrawing the previous Woodstock concert by almost two to one, more than 600,000 people sardine themselves into the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Raceway for the single-day festival, Summer Jam.  Only three groups play – The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead and The Band.  One out of every 350 people living in America at the … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 28 in Classic Rock →

July 5, 1968 – Creedence Clearwater Revival release their self-titled debut album. It goes on to sell one million copies in the U.S. July 5, 1995 – More than 100 Grateful Dead fans are injured, some seriously, at a Missouri campground when a balcony they crowded onto to escape the rain collapses, police say. More than 4,000 Deadheads … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 5 in Classic Rock →

April 19, 2014 – Stephen Pearcy leaves Ratt after performing with them for 30 years. He later rejoins. April 19, 1980 – R.E.M. performs their first concert as R.E.M. at the 11:11 Koffee Club in Athens, GA in front of about 150 people. The show ends around 2AM when police close it down due to the venue being … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 19 in Classic Rock →

March 4, 1966 – John Lennon makes a statement that The Beatles are “more popular than Jesus Christ” in The London Evening Standard. The remark initially makes no impact in England, but months later Southern Christian groups in the U.S. become outraged, organizing protests and burning Beatles records. Lennon later apologizes. 10 Easiest Rock Love Songs to Learn on Guitar Classic … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 4 in Classic Rock →

November 4, 1977 – The Last Waltz, director Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed documentary of The Band’s star-studded last concert, premieres in New York City, featuring Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, The Staple Singers, Dr. John, and more. Classic Rock Birthdays November 4, 1956 – James Honeyman-Scott, guitar (Pretenders) (d. 1982)November 4, 1954 – Chris Difford, guitar, vocals (Squeeze)November 4, 1956 – Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Charles Rudes), … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 4 in Classic Rock →

May 26, 2000 – Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee begins a five day jail sentence for violating his parole by drinking alcohol.  A Malibu judge extends Lee’s probation until May 26, 2003, reinstates random drug testing and orders him to enroll in Alcoholics Anonymous. May 26, 1994 – Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie Presley in the Dominican Republic. The couple divorce in 1995. May 26, 1973 – Deep Purple release … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 26 in Classic Rock →

Once Were Brothers, the new documentary about Robbie Robertson and The Band, has been released for at-home on-demand viewing ahead of schedule. The film had a limited theatrical release prior to the closure of cinemas across the country. As of today, April 3rd, it is now available on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play and Canada’s … Continue reading The Band Documentary Released for On-Demand Viewing Ahead of Schedule →

I recently saw Once We Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, in a theater, and given the givens, I hope it will be placed on one of the TV streaming services soon.  I know it’s due to air on Canada’s Crave network but not sure when. I feel funny writing a blog without first … Continue reading Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band — Truth Or Whitewash? →