40 Years Ago: Judas Priest's Underrated 'Defenders of the Faith'40 Years Ago: Judas Priest's Underrated 'Defenders of the Faith'This 1984 album was aptly titled, both then and now. Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
50 Years Ago: AC/DC and Journey Both Play Their First Concerts50 Years Ago: AC/DC and Journey Both Play Their First ConcertsSeems safe to say that no matter what happens this New Year's Eve in the world of classic rock, it won't measure up to Dec. 31, 1973.Matthew WilkeningMatthew Wilkening
50 Years Ago: Kiss' Gene Simmons First Sets His Hair on Fire50 Years Ago: Kiss' Gene Simmons First Sets His Hair on FireHe debuted this now-signature fireball-spewing trick during a performance of "Firehouse."Jeff GilesJeff Giles
Rock's Most Famous New Year's Eve ShowsRock's Most Famous New Year's Eve ShowsA look back at the most memorable debuts, eye-popping mishaps and touching goodbyes from concerts held on Dec. 31. Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
How Two Songs Propelled Bachman-Turner Overdrive's 'BTO II'How Two Songs Propelled Bachman-Turner Overdrive's 'BTO II'This second album contained the classics "Takin' Care of Business" and "Let It Ride."Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
Why the First Led Zeppelin U.S. Show Almost Never HappenedWhy the First Led Zeppelin U.S. Show Almost Never HappenedThey appeared first on a three-band bill that also featured Vanilla Fudge and Spirit.Matt WardlawMatt Wardlaw
When Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx Was Declared DeadWhen Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx Was Declared DeadThis band has had nine lives, and their bassist might have used up at least half of them.Annie ZaleskiAnnie Zaleski
When Parents Blamed Judas Priest For Fans' Suicide AttemptWhen Parents Blamed Judas Priest For Fans' Suicide AttemptA series of tragic events ultimately ended in a pair of deaths and an expensive, sensationalist trial.Jeff GilesJeff Giles
40 Years Ago: Van Halen's 'Jump' Video Points to End of an Era40 Years Ago: Van Halen's 'Jump' Video Points to End of an EraProducer Robert Lombard was abruptly fired before they completed the shoot.Jeff GilesJeff Giles
20 Years Ago: Peter Criss Leaves Kiss for the Last Time20 Years Ago: Peter Criss Leaves Kiss for the Last TimeFor all of their disagreements, he says he emerged in a far more stable financial place.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso