September 3, 1982 – The first US Festival commences in San Bernardino, California and features Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, The Cars, the Talking Heads, The Kinks, the Ramones, B52’s, The English Beat, Gang Of Four, The Grateful Dead, Pat Benatar and Jackson Browne. Apple Computers co-founder Steven Wozniak bankrolls the festival and loses about $12 … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 3 in Classic Rock →

August 19, 1972 – The Midnight Special TV show debuts on NBC.  The first airing is a 90-minute special encouraging young people to vote in the upcoming presidential election with War performing “Slippin’ Into Darkness.”  The next year it launches as a regular show with announcer Wolfman Jack. August 19, 2005 – A bronze statue of the late Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 19 in Classic Rock →

February 6, 2001 – Guitarist Don Felder is fired from The Eagles. He would later launch a $50 million lawsuit against drummer Don Henley and guitarist Glen Frey, alleging wrongful termination and breach of contract and fiduciary duty. Both parties settled out-of-court for an undisclosed amount.   Folder is a co-writer along with Frey and Henley … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 6 in Classic Rock →

January 27, 1980 – AC/DC play their last show, a makeup date on the Highway To Hell tour, with lead singer Bon Scott.  The show is held at the Gaumont theater in Southampton, England. Scott would die on February 19. January 27, 1997 – At the 24th annual American Music Awards, Pat Boone and Alice Cooper present Mötley Crüe the award … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 27 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 →

July 17, 1979 – Gary Moore leaves Thin Lizzy for the final time to support his solo career, with the blessing of Phil Lynott.  He is replaced by Midge Ure. July 17, 1994 – Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss raid a Kiss convention in Michigan to reclaim their Kiss costumes that were stolen more than a decade ago. July 17, … Continue reading CDJ Today: July 17 in Classic Rock →

A statue honoring Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott was unveiled in West Bromwhich, England this past weekend. The monument was erected in the town where Lynott was born on what would have been the late singer’s 72nd birthday. The Lynott sculpture was crowd-funded by Thin Lizzy fans from around the world. Another statue honoring Lynott … Continue reading Phil Lynott Statue Unveiled in Town Where Thin Lizzy Frontman was Born →

A new feature documentary on Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott is due out in cinemas this fall. Phil Lynott: Songs for While I’m Away tells the story of how a young black boy from working class 1950’s Dublin became Ireland’s greatest rock star. The film features interviews with U2’s Adam Clayton, Metallica’s James Hatfield, Huey … Continue reading Watch the Trailer for the New Phil Lynott Documentary →

On paper, it seems strange that some groups can keep touring with no original members. But, many of those groups have members that have played with their respective bands for decades and seemingly have become so entrenched that fans don’t realize or care. See what you think as you look at this list of classic … Continue reading 10 Classic Rock Bands with No Original Members →

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has caved to pressure from Motörhead fans and has updated the 2020 ballot. There was an uproar from fans and surviving band members last week when the nominations were announced for the class of 2020 and Motörhead’s drummer Mikkey Dee and guitarist Phil Campbell were not included in … Continue reading Rock Hall Caves to Fan Pressure and Updates 2020 Ballot →

Nominees for the 2020 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame were announced Tuesday. The sixteen nominees include the Doobie Brothers, Judas Priest, Motörhead, Todd Rundgren, Thin Lizzy, T. Rex, Pat Benatar, Depeche Mode, Soundgarden, Dave Matthews Band, MC5, Whitney Houston, Kraft Werk, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G, and Rufus Featuring Chaka … Continue reading Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2020 Nominees →

While most classic rock fans have more than just a passing acquaintance with the music of Thin Lizzy (and certainly anyone who listens to classic rock radio is well familiar with their hit song “The Boys are Back in Town”), there’s no doubt the band has never truly received the recognition they deserve in North … Continue reading How Thin Lizzy Finally Built Themselves a Reputation →