February 14, 1970 – The Who play a legendary concert at Leeds University in England which will become the Live at Leeds LP.  The album has been cited by critics and fans as the best live rock recording of all time. February 14, 1992 – Vince Neil is fired from Mötley Crüe and the band releases a statement saying he’s left … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 14 in Classic Rock →

February 13, 1970 – Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album is released in the U.K., although it doesn’t come out in the U.S. until June.  The album was recorded in just 12 hours, and has since been credited as one of the most influential albums of all time in heavy metal music. February 13, 2005 – Led Zeppelin are … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 13 in Classic Rock →

February 9, 2010 – Ringo Starr is awarded the 2,401st star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame during a ceremony that marked the 50th anniversary of the attraction. The Beatles were given a star in 1998. Those by Starr’s side for the unveiling included his wife, the actress Barbara Bach; musicians Joe Walsh and Ben Harper; music producer … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 9 in Classic Rock →

January 13, 2003 – Pete Townshend of The Who is arrested on suspicion of downloading child porn. Police officers impound seven computers, but after a four-month investigation, he is cleared of all charges. He claimed he was doing research while writing his autobiography and says he was sexually abused as a child himself. January 13, 1968 – Johnny Cash plays two … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 13 in Classic Rock →

January 4, 1970 – Keith Moon’s chauffeur and bodyguard is accidentally killed when Moon runs over him trying to escape a band of skinheads at a local pub. Boland was in front of the car fighting off the unruly bar patrons when Moon got behind the wheel of the Bentley, not knowing the crowd had pushed Boland underneath … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 4 in Classic Rock →

December 22, 1987 – Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue is pronounced “dead on arrival” in an ambulance when his heart stops beating for two minutes. Sixx is given two shots of adrenaline in his chest, which revives him. In his book, The Heroin Diaries, Sixx says, “I ripped out my tubes and staggered in just my leather pants … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 22 in Classic Rock →

December 11, 1968 – Filming begins on The Rolling Stones‘ Rock And Roll Circus movie. Conceived by Mick Jagger, the event was comprised of two concerts on a circus stage and included such acts as John Lennon and his fiancée Yoko Ono performing as part of a supergroup called The Dirty Mac, along with Eric … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 11 in Classic Rock →

December 7, 2000 – The 31st annual Kennedy Center Honors salutes Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who.  Also feted are Morgan Freeman, George Jones, Barbra Streisand and Twyla Tharp.  Rob Thomas, Dave Grohl and Chris Cornell honor them with a live performance. December 7, 1964 – Brian Wilson suffers a nervous breakdown on a flight from Los Angeles to Houston. … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 7 in Classic Rock →

December 3, 1979 – Eleven fans are trampled to death at a Who concert at the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati.  Another 26 fans are injured.  At 7:05, after the Who had finished their sound check, a paltry 5 of the Coliseum’s 134 doors were opened, because only nine ticket takers had been hired.  The Coliseum said enlisting ushers would be … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 3 in Classic Rock →

November 28, 1974 – John Lennon makes his last ever concert appearance when he joins Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Lennon performs three songs: “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” and “I Saw Her Standing There.”  Lennon had lost a bet to Elton, who guaranteed … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 28 in Classic Rock →

November 21, 1991 – Aerosmith is the first rock band to make a guest appearance on The Simpsons when they perform “Walk This Way” at Moe’s Tavern. November 21, 1980 – Don Henley is arrested after paramedics are called to his home in Los Angeles to revive a naked 16-year old girl who is suffering from a … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 21 in Classic Rock →

November 20, 1973 – Sometime during the Who‘s show, Keith Moon downs a pile of horse tranquilizers handed to him by an audience member, and chases them with a bottle of brandy. Evidently mumbling something to the effect of “I can take it, I’m Keith ‘F***ing’ Moon.” He ends up passing out and is in a near-coma when taken to … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 20 in Classic Rock →