On this day in 1968, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham performed their last concert as ‘The New Yardbirds’ at Liverpool University. Following this performance, they officially adopted the name Led Zeppelin, marking the birth of one of the greatest rock bands in history. The group would go on to redefine rock music with their pioneering sound, blending hard rock, blues, and folk influences. Led Zeppelin’s influence would extend far beyond their era, and their debut album, released just months later, would change the course of rock history.
In 1987, INXS released their breakthrough album ‘Kick,’ which propelled the Australian band to international fame. The album spawned four U.S. Top 10 singles: “New Sensation,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “Devil Inside,” and “Need You Tonight,” with the latter reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. ‘Kick’ showcased Michael Hutchence’s charismatic presence and the band’s ability to craft infectious rock anthems with a mix of funk and new wave influences. The success of ‘Kick’ cemented INXS as one of the biggest bands of the late 1980s, and its songs remain iconic hits to this day.
And in 1993, Pearl Jam released their second studio album, ‘Vs,’ the highly anticipated follow-up to their massively successful debut album ‘Ten.’ ‘Vs’ debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and set a record for the most copies of an album sold in its first week of release at the time. The LP features tracks like “Daughter,” “Dissident,” “Go,” and “Animal,” and further established Pearl Jam as one of the leading bands of the 1990s grunge movement. The raw energy and emotional depth of ‘Vs’ reflected Pearl Jam’s evolution as a band, with frontman Eddie Vedder delivering powerful lyrics that tackled issues of identity, fame, and social justice.
OCTOBER 19TH IN ROCK HISTORY
- 1979: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their third studio album, ‘Damn the Torpedoes,’ which became a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like “Refugee” and “Don’t Do Me Like That.”
- 1998: Matchbox Twenty released their second studio album, ‘Mad Season,’ which featured the hit single “Bent” and solidified the band’s presence in the late ‘90s and early 2000s rock scene.
- 2004: Green Day released their critically acclaimed rock opera ‘American Idiot,’ which would become one of the defining albums of the 2000s, earning widespread praise and multiple Grammy Awards.
WORLD HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 19, 2024
Ancient History
On October 19, 202 BC, the Battle of Zama was fought between the forces of Rome and Carthage, marking the end of the Second Punic War. Roman general Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal, securing Rome’s dominance in the Mediterranean and laying the groundwork for the Roman Empire’s expansion.
Modern History
On October 19, 1781, the Siege of Yorktown ended with the surrender of British General Lord Cornwallis to George Washington, effectively bringing an end to the American Revolutionary War. The victory at Yorktown paved the way for the signing of the Treaty of Paris and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.
Weird news and random factoids
1. Weird news: A man set the world record for running a marathon dressed as a vegetable
In 2017, Andrew Lawrence from the UK set a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run while dressed as a vegetable. He completed the London Marathon while wearing a full carrot costume, finishing in 3 hours and 49 minutes. His costume was so large and heavy that he had to adjust his stride to avoid tripping. This unusual race was part of a campaign to raise awareness for healthy eating. Lawrence’s record remains a quirky footnote in marathon history, showing that people are willing to go to great lengths to stand out at races.
2. The Pacific Ocean contains more than 25,000 islands
The Pacific Ocean is home to more islands than any other ocean in the world, with over 25,000 islands scattered throughout its vast waters. This includes well-known island nations such as Fiji, Tahiti, and Hawaii, as well as thousands of smaller, uninhabited isles. Many of these islands are formed by volcanic activity or coral reefs and are home to some of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. The diverse cultures and languages found across the Pacific islands also make this region incredibly rich in human history, offering a treasure trove of natural beauty and exploration.
3. Weird news: A man broke into an escape room and couldn’t escape
In 2019, a man in Vancouver, Canada, broke into an escape room facility with the intent to rob it, but ironically got stuck inside. Unable to solve the puzzles that would unlock the doors, he was forced to call the police to come rescue him. When officers arrived, they found the man trapped inside one of the rooms, completely baffled by the game’s riddles. He was arrested on the spot, and the story quickly went viral, becoming a comedic reminder that escape rooms are meant to challenge even the best puzzle solvers—not would-be thieves.
4. Some snails can sleep for up to three years
Certain species of snails can enter a state of hibernation that lasts up to three years, allowing them to survive extreme conditions like drought or cold weather. During this period, the snail’s metabolism slows to a near halt, and it seals itself inside its shell with a layer of mucus to retain moisture. This ability helps snails survive in harsh environments, where food and water may be scarce for long periods. Once conditions improve, the snail can awaken and resume its normal activities, making this one of the most impressive survival strategies in the animal kingdom.
5. Weird news: A man trained his fish to drive
In 2021, researchers in Israel trained goldfish to “drive” a small robotic vehicle by swimming in specific directions. The fish were placed in a tank mounted on wheels, and sensors detected which way they were swimming. By moving towards targets placed outside the tank, the fish learned to control the vehicle and navigate it around obstacles. This unusual experiment was part of a study to understand how animals navigate unfamiliar environments. The fish’s surprising ability to control the vehicle opened up new discussions about animal cognition and problem-solving skills, showing that even fish can learn complex tasks.
6. A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance
Flamingos are known for their striking pink feathers and social nature, and their collective noun is equally colorful: a group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance.” This fitting name reflects the birds’ vibrant appearance and their tendency to gather in large, flashy groups. Flamingos often live in colonies that can number in the thousands, and their pink coloration comes from the pigments in the algae and crustaceans they eat. These social birds are also known for their coordinated movements and the way they stand on one leg—making them one of the most recognizable and distinctive birds in the world.
7. Weird news: A cat inherited a $12 million fortune
In 2011, a stray cat named Tommaso inherited a staggering $12 million after his wealthy owner passed away in Italy. The elderly woman had no living relatives and chose to leave her entire fortune to her beloved feline companion. To ensure Tommaso’s care, the money was placed in a trust, managed by the woman’s nurse. The story shocked many and reignited debates about eccentric wills and animal inheritance. Tommaso’s luxurious lifestyle made him one of the richest pets in the world, showing that some animals really do live in the lap of luxury.
8. The shortest commercial flight lasts just 57 seconds
The world’s shortest commercial flight operates between the Scottish islands of Westray and Papa Westray, covering just 1.7 miles. The flight, run by Loganair, takes only 57 seconds to complete, though it can stretch to two minutes depending on wind conditions. This quick hop across the water is a vital transportation link for residents of the islands, but it has also become a popular tourist attraction for those wanting to experience the briefest flight. The airline has been running this route for decades, and the journey is considered one of the most unique travel experiences in the world.
9. Weird news: A man survived two skydiving accidents
Michael Holmes, a British skydiver, survived not one, but two near-fatal skydiving accidents. In 2006, Holmes’ parachute failed to deploy properly, sending him plummeting to the ground at over 100 miles per hour. Incredibly, he survived the fall with relatively minor injuries. Remarkably, just two years later, he had another close call when his parachute malfunctioned again. Despite these brushes with death, Holmes continued skydiving, attributing his survival to a combination of luck and proper training. His story remains a testament to both the dangers of extreme sports and the resilience of the human body.
10. A jellyfish is biologically immortal
The Turritopsis dohrnii, often called the “immortal jellyfish,” has the ability to revert its cells to an earlier stage of development, effectively restarting its life cycle. When the jellyfish is injured, stressed, or aging, it undergoes a process called transdifferentiation, which allows its cells to transform into new types of cells, essentially making it biologically immortal. Although they can still be eaten by predators, this remarkable ability allows Turritopsis dohrnii to potentially live forever in ideal conditions. Scientists are studying this jellyfish in hopes of unlocking new insights into the aging process and regenerative medicine.
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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