On this day in 1976, Keith Moon played his last full concert with The Who at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. Known for his wild, unpredictable behavior and explosive drumming style, Moon’s performance that night would be his final official concert with the band. Although he would make a brief appearance with The Who in 1978 during a recording session at Shepperton Studios in England for their documentary “The Kids Are Alright,” this Toronto show marked the end of an era. Moon’s contributions to rock drumming were revolutionary, as he redefined the role of the drummer from timekeeper to chaotic, integral force in the band’s sound. His untimely death in September 1978, just weeks after the release of The Who’s album ‘Who Are You’, was a tragic loss for the band and the rock world at large. Moon’s legacy as one of the most influential and flamboyant drummers in rock history lives on.
In 1974, Queen released the single “Killer Queen” from their third album, ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. The song was a turning point for the band, as it became their first top-15 hit in the United States, peaking at No. 12. Written by Freddie Mercury, “Killer Queen” showcased the band’s eclectic blend of rock, glam, and vaudeville influences. Mercury’s playful and sophisticated lyrics, combined with Brian May’s guitar work, helped establish Queen as a unique force in the world of rock music. The song’s intricate arrangements and flamboyant delivery became hallmarks of the band’s signature style. ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ would propel Queen into the international spotlight, setting the stage for their dominance throughout the ’70s and ’80s, and “Killer Queen” remains one of their most beloved tracks to this day.
In 2006, Bob Seger performed the national anthem before the World Series game between the Detroit Tigers and the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. A proud Detroit native, Seger’s performance at the game was a memorable moment for both sports and music fans. Known for hits like “Night Moves” and “Old Time Rock and Roll,” Seger’s gravelly voice has been a defining element of American rock for decades. His appearance at the World Series represented not only his connection to his hometown of Detroit but also his enduring popularity and cultural relevance. Seger’s music, with its themes of working-class life and nostalgia, has made him a beloved figure in rock and roll, and his performance that night was a fitting tribute to the city that has always supported him.
OCTOBER 21ST IN ROCK HISTORY
1980: The Police released their third studio album, ‘Zenyatta Mondatta,’ which included the hit singles “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da.” The album solidified the band’s status as one of the top rock acts of the early 1980s, showcasing their ability to blend punk, reggae, and new wave influences into a commercially successful sound.
1995: Green Day performed their hit song “When I Come Around” at the MTV Europe Music Awards, cementing their place as one of the leading punk rock bands of the ’90s. The band’s rebellious energy and catchy melodies resonated with a generation of fans, helping to usher in a revival of punk rock’s popularity.
2013: Pearl Jam released their tenth studio album, ‘Lightning Bolt,’ which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album, featuring singles like “Sirens” and “Mind Your Manners,” demonstrated the band’s ability to remain relevant and evolve musically, more than two decades after their debut.
WORLD HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 21, 2024
Ancient History
On October 21, 1805, The Battle of Trafalgar took place during the Napoleonic Wars. Led by Admiral Horatio Nelson, the British Royal Navy decisively defeated the combined fleets of France and Spain, establishing Britain’s naval supremacy for the next century. Nelson’s leadership and strategy during the battle became legendary, and although he was mortally wounded, his victory at Trafalgar ensured that Britain would control the seas and prevent a Napoleonic invasion of the British Isles.
Modern History
On October 21, 1966, a devastating disaster struck the village of Aberfan in Wales when a coal waste tip collapsed, engulfing a local school and killing 144 people, most of them children. The tragedy shocked the world and led to major reforms in the mining industry. Aberfan remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of industrial neglect.
Weird news and random factoids
1. Weird news: A woman found a pearl in her oyster dinner
In 2020, a woman dining at a seafood restaurant in Washington, D.C., got more than she expected when she discovered a rare purple pearl inside her oyster. The pearl, estimated to be worth thousands of dollars, was a complete surprise and turned an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary find. While finding pearls in oysters is not unheard of, it’s rare to come across one in a restaurant meal. The woman chose to keep the pearl as a memento rather than sell it, making it a once-in-a-lifetime souvenir from her seafood feast.
2. Koalas sleep up to 22 hours a day
Koalas are one of the sleepiest animals on the planet, spending up to 22 hours a day resting. Their diet consists primarily of eucalyptus leaves, which are low in nutrition and difficult to digest. This means that koalas conserve energy by sleeping most of the time. The remaining two hours are spent eating, grooming, and moving between trees. Despite their adorable appearance, koalas are solitary creatures and prefer to avoid too much interaction, even with other koalas. Their extreme sleep habits and unique diet make them one of Australia’s most iconic and unusual marsupials.
3. Weird news: A man ordered 50 pizzas to a neighbor’s house as revenge
In 2021, a man in the Netherlands found a creative way to get back at his noisy neighbors—by ordering 50 pizzas to be delivered to their house. The unsuspecting neighbors were confused when delivery after delivery arrived at their door, all unpaid for and unwanted. The man behind the prank was eventually caught and fined for harassment. This unusual form of revenge left both the neighbors and pizza delivery workers baffled. The story serves as a reminder that while pranks can be funny, they can also go a little too far.
4. The planet Uranus smells like rotten eggs
Astronomers discovered that the upper atmosphere of Uranus contains large amounts of hydrogen sulfide—the compound responsible for the smell of rotten eggs. This was confirmed in 2018 using data from the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii. While no one will ever get close enough to Uranus to smell it, this discovery provides insight into the planet’s composition and how it formed. The presence of hydrogen sulfide also distinguishes Uranus from other gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, which contain more ammonia in their upper atmospheres. This stinky fact adds to Uranus’s already quirky reputation.
5. Weird news: A man tried to board a plane with 35 lizards in his pants
In 2021, a man was caught attempting to smuggle 35 live lizards through airport security in Thailand by hiding them in his pants. The reptiles, including geckos and iguanas, were discovered when security officers noticed the man behaving suspiciously. Upon inspection, they found that his clothing was stuffed with wriggling creatures, which he had planned to sell illegally. The man was arrested, and the lizards were safely returned to authorities. The bizarre smuggling attempt made headlines for its sheer oddity and raised concerns about the illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia.
6. Bees can recognize human faces
Bees are incredibly intelligent creatures, capable of recognizing human faces. In experiments, scientists trained bees to associate specific human faces with sugary rewards. The bees learned to distinguish between different faces by processing visual information similarly to how humans do. While bees use this ability mainly for navigating and identifying flowers, their capacity to recognize faces highlights their advanced cognitive skills. These findings suggest that bee brains, despite being tiny, are surprisingly adept at complex tasks, including facial recognition, which is typically thought to require more advanced neurological systems.
7. Weird news: A town used “Baby Shark” to drive away homeless people
In 2019, the city of West Palm Beach, Florida, adopted a controversial tactic to prevent homeless people from sleeping in its parks: blasting the song “Baby Shark” on loop. The repetitive, catchy tune was played all night long in an attempt to deter people from camping out in the area. City officials claimed it was a temporary measure while they worked on a more permanent solution. The use of children’s music as a deterrent sparked public debate, with some criticizing it as cruel and ineffective, while others saw it as a quirky but harmless approach.
8. Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood
Octopuses are remarkable creatures with three hearts and blue blood. Two of their hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body. Their blood is blue because it contains copper-based hemocyanin instead of the iron-based hemoglobin found in humans. This copper compound is more efficient at transporting oxygen in cold and low-oxygen environments, making it ideal for life under the sea. Octopuses are also known for their intelligence, problem-solving skills, and ability to camouflage, adding to their mystique as some of the most fascinating animals in the ocean.
9. Weird news: A man legally changed his name to “Nobody” to run for office
In 2020, a man from Keene, New Hampshire, legally changed his name to “Nobody” and ran for mayor. His campaign slogan was “Nobody tells the truth, Nobody cares about you, and Nobody will fix the system!” Despite his unconventional approach, Nobody’s candidacy was a serious protest against government corruption and inefficiency. Although he didn’t win the election, his campaign attracted media attention and highlighted the lengths some individuals are willing to go to in order to make a political statement. His name change is now a permanent part of his unique identity.
10. Peanuts are not nuts—they’re legumes
Despite their name, peanuts aren’t technically nuts. They belong to the legume family, which includes beans, lentils, and peas. Unlike tree nuts such as almonds and walnuts, peanuts grow underground in pods. They form when the peanut plant’s flowers grow down into the soil, where the peanuts mature. This botanical distinction often surprises people, but it explains why peanuts share more characteristics with legumes than with tree nuts. Peanuts are rich in protein and used in a variety of dishes worldwide, making them one of the most popular and versatile foods, even if they’re not true nuts.
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.
You can support Sophia’s Mission by sharing their impactful journey and downloading the NEWHD Radio App to listen to NEWHD New York and NEWHD Los Angeles. Together, we can promote inclusivity in the audio industry. Plus, with seamless integration into Apple CarPlay, it’s easier than ever to enjoy great music while supporting an important cause. Let’s work together to amplify the voices that need to be heard!
