On this day in 1973, Billy Joel released his first major hit and one of his most iconic songs, “Piano Man.” The title track from his second studio album, “Piano Man” tells the story of Joel’s early days playing in a bar, capturing the lives of the patrons through heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. The song’s storytelling and relatable themes resonated with audiences, cementing “Piano Man” as Joel’s signature song and laying the foundation for his remarkable career. Today, it remains a beloved anthem that has become synonymous with Joel’s legacy as one of rock’s greatest singer-songwriters.
In 1978, The Police released their debut album, ‘Outlandos d’Amour,’ which loosely translates from French to “Outlaws of Love.” The album quickly gained attention, thanks to hit singles like “Roxanne,” “Can’t Stand Losing You,” and “So Lonely.” ‘Outlandos d’Amour’ showcased the band’s unique blend of punk, reggae, and rock, setting them apart in the late 1970s music scene. Sting’s distinct vocals, Andy Summers’ innovative guitar work, and Stewart Copeland’s energetic drumming made The Police one of the most influential bands of their era, and their debut remains a cornerstone of their discography.
And in 1979, AC/DC performed the second of three sold-out shows at London’s Hammersmith Odeon with Def Leppard as the opening act. These concerts took place during AC/DC’s rise to international fame, driven by albums like ‘Highway to Hell.’ Their electrifying performances and high-energy stage presence captivated audiences and solidified their reputation as one of rock’s greatest live acts. Sharing the stage with Def Leppard, who would soon become rock icons themselves, made these shows legendary moments in the history of both bands..
NOVEMBER 2ND IN ROCK HISTORY
1970: George Harrison released “My Sweet Lord,” the first solo single by a member of The Beatles to top charts worldwide. The song, a spiritual reflection, became an international hit and a milestone in Harrison’s solo career.
1993: Pearl Jam released their second studio album, ‘Vs.,’ which set a record for the most copies sold in its first week. The album, featuring hits like “Daughter” and “Animal,” solidified Pearl Jam’s place in the grunge movement.
2004: U2 released “Vertigo,” the lead single from their album ‘How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.’ The song was a commercial hit and won three Grammy Awards, marking another success for the band.
HISTORY FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2024
Ancient History
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted as the 39th and 40th U.S. states, marking a significant expansion of the United States.
Modern History
On November 2, 1947, Howard Hughes flew the Spruce Goose, the largest flying boat ever built, for the first and only time. The flight of this massive aircraft became legendary, and it remains one of the most famous test flights in aviation history.
Weird news and random factoids
1. Weird news: A man holds the record for eating 30,000 Big Macs
Don Gorske from Wisconsin holds the Guinness World Record for eating the most Big Macs. Since 1972, Gorske has eaten at least one Big Mac almost every day, totaling over 30,000 sandwiches. He meticulously tracks his consumption, saving every Big Mac carton and recording his meals in notebooks. Despite his unusual diet, Gorske claims to be in good health. His record-breaking feat has made him a local legend and a favorite among McDonald’s fans worldwide, and he continues to enjoy his daily Big Mac, often sharing updates on his journey to a bigger record.
2. Giraffes hum at night to communicate
Scientists recently discovered that giraffes communicate by humming at very low frequencies, especially during the night. These hums are almost inaudible to the human ear and likely help giraffes stay connected with each other in the dark when visibility is low. This finding was surprising, as giraffes were previously thought to be largely silent animals. The discovery adds to the mystery of giraffe social behavior and highlights that even animals considered quiet may use subtle forms of communication that we are just beginning to understand.
3. Weird news: A man attempted to live like a goat
In 2016, a man named Thomas Thwaites spent three days living among goats in the Swiss Alps. He used prosthetic limbs designed to mimic goat legs and wore a helmet that allowed him to eat grass. Thwaites conducted this experiment to understand animal behavior and documented his experience in a book, GoatMan: How I Took a Holiday from Being Human. His unusual journey gained media attention for its dedication to “becoming” a goat, and he was even awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for his efforts. Thwaites’ project explored the boundaries of empathy and human curiosity.
4. The longest recorded echo lasted 75 seconds
The longest echo ever recorded took place in an underground oil storage tank in Scotland. Sound expert Trevor Cox fired a pistol blank inside the enormous chamber, capturing an echo that lasted 75 seconds as it bounced off the walls. The structure’s unique shape and materials created the perfect conditions for prolonged sound reflection, setting a world record. This extraordinary echo demonstrated the science of sound waves and how certain environments can produce unusual acoustic effects, and the record-breaking echo has since become a popular point of interest in sound studies.
5. Weird news: A man legally changed his name to “Darth Vader”
In 2015, a man in Ukraine legally changed his name to Darth Vader. He explained that he admired the strength and resilience of the Star Wars character. After changing his name, he even ran for office under his new identity, capturing local media attention and standing out among other candidates. The story amused Star Wars fans worldwide, who supported the idea of a real-life “Darth Vader” in politics. Though he didn’t win the election, his commitment to the iconic name brought a bit of humor and fanfare to the political landscape.
6. Birds in some cities build nests out of cigarette butts
In urban environments, some birds use cigarette butts to build their nests. Researchers believe that the nicotine in the butts acts as a natural insect repellent, keeping parasites away from their young. While this adaptation may benefit the birds, it also raises concerns about the effects of toxins in cigarette butts on the health of both adult birds and their offspring. The discovery shows how animals adapt to human-created environments in unexpected ways, turning waste into a potential survival tool, albeit one with possible long-term effects on their health.
7. Weird news: A town in Japan celebrates “Penis Festival”
Every spring, the town of Kawasaki in Japan celebrates Kanamara Matsuri, or the “Penis Festival,” to promote fertility and safe childbirth. The festival features giant phallic statues, decorations, and sweets in various shapes. Originally celebrated by local prostitutes to pray for protection against sexually transmitted infections, it has now become a popular event that attracts thousands of visitors. The festival is known for its light-hearted atmosphere, and attendees embrace the fun while respecting its traditional roots. It’s one of the most unique and widely recognized festivals in Japan, drawing curiosity from tourists worldwide.
8. Crows can remember human faces for years
Crows have impressive memories and can recognize and remember individual human faces for several years. Studies show that crows use this ability to identify people who pose a threat or offer food, and they even “warn” other crows about specific individuals. This advanced memory and social learning help them adapt to urban environments where they frequently encounter humans. Crows’ cognitive abilities and social structure make them one of the most intelligent bird species, and their talent for facial recognition has intrigued scientists studying animal memory and behavior.
9. Weird news: A man invented a bicycle-powered treehouse elevator
In 2018, a man in Oregon designed a bicycle-powered elevator to access his treehouse. The elevator is attached to the tree and uses pulleys, gears, and a bicycle seat to lift him up to his treetop home. He pedals to raise himself up and brakes to stop at the desired height. The invention gained attention for its ingenuity and eco-friendly design, providing an alternative to traditional ladders or stairs. The treehouse elevator became popular among DIY enthusiasts, inspiring others to think creatively about functional, off-the-grid living.
10. Sea otters have pockets in their fur
Sea otters have loose skin under their forearms that forms “pockets” where they can store food or tools, like rocks for cracking open shellfish. This allows them to keep their hands free while diving or swimming. These fur-lined pockets are particularly useful for storing multiple items as the otter hunts, making them one of the few animals known to use “pockets” in this way. The pockets also provide insulation, keeping the otter warm in cold waters. Sea otters’ unique adaptation adds to their reputation as one of the most resourceful and endearing marine animals.
Founded in 2019, Sophia’s Mission is a registered 501(c)3 organization committed to creating employment opportunities for Autistic individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans in the dynamic fields of audio, radio, and media. By partnering with NEWHD Media, Sophia’s Mission has become instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusivity across these industries.
This partnership is embodied in the iconic stations NEWHD New York, “Where Rock Lives,” NEWHD Los Angeles, “LA’s Rock and Pop,” and Veterans Classic Rock. Available on platforms like the NEWHD Radio App, Audacy, TuneIn, and Apple Music, these stations offer listeners a unique experience while providing job opportunities to individuals who face barriers in traditional job markets.
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