September 7, 1968 – Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham make their live debut as Led Zeppelin (but are billed as The Yardbirds) at Gladsaxe Teen Club in a suburb on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark. Around 1,200 people attend the show. The band is later billed as “The New Yardbirds,” before choosing the … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 7 in Classic Rock →

This extraordinary film is a must see.  The trailer (you can watch it below) will immediately get you hooked. Laurel canyon, for those that don’t know, is a central thoroughfare that runs from the Sunset Strip up through the Hollywood Hills to Mulholland Drive and then down again, pouring out into the San Fernando Valley.  … Continue reading Echo In The Canyon – Mighty Big Echo! →

I was recently listening to my Tom Petty Mojo album, really digging it, and felt the need for more Tom Petty.  I was searching YouTube and came across a most incredible interview.  It’s not an interview really, just the meeting of two friends, Garry Shandling and Tom Petty.  It’s them just talking shop, but the … Continue reading Enjoying Tom Petty — More To Hear, More To Know! →

June 2, 1978 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers make their American television debut on The Midnight Special. June 2, 1989 – Bill Wyman (52) of the Rolling Stones secretly marries Mandy Smith (19). They had been dating since she was 13 and he was 47.  Just prior to the couple being divorced in 1993, things got even stranger when Wyman’s oldest … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 2 in Classic Rock →

May 17, 1963 – The first Monterey Folk Festival takes place over three days in Monterey, California. The festival features Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary and Jerry Garcia.  It is the precursor to the infamous 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. May 17, 1987 – Tom Petty and his family barely escape a fire that engulfs their home in Encino, CA and destroys everything.  It is … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 17 in Classic Rock →

A new video for “For Real”, the latest previously unreleased single from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, premiered today. The video was directed by Tom’s daughter, Adria Petty, and features archival footage and photos as well as intimate, behind-the-scenes moments of Tom and the band. Watch it now in the player below. “For Real” is … Continue reading Watch the New Video for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ “For Real” →

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 →

Iconic songwriter and ELO mastermind Jeff Lynne will be honored at the 36th annual ASCAP Pop Awards next month alongside punk/pop pioneers Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke of Blondie and pop/alternative phenomenon Billie Eilish. Lynne will be presented with the prestigious Founders award at the May 16th ceremony. ASCAP Chairman of the Board … Continue reading Jeff Lynne to Receive the Prestigious ASCAP Founders Award →

March 18, 1978 – An estimated 350,000 rock fans attend the largest festival of the 70’s, California Jam II in Ontario, California. Performers include Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Foreigner, Santana, Heart, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush and Rubicon, featuring a young Jack Blades. March 18, 2002 – The Ramones and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are among those inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 18 in Classic Rock →

February 23, 2000 – Carlos Santana ties Michael Jackson‘s 1983 record for the most Grammys won in a single year, including Album of the Year for his album Supernatural, and Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Smooth,” his collaboration with Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20.  Supernatural sells 30 million records worldwide. Classic Rock Birthdays February 23, 1952 – Brad … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 23 in Classic Rock →