On this day in 1975, Queen released the legendary single “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the lead track from their fourth album, ‘A Night at the Opera.’ This groundbreaking song defied the conventions of pop and rock, blending opera, ballad, and hard rock in an epic six-minute arrangement. Written by Freddie Mercury, “Bohemian Rhapsody” became an instant classic and remained at the top of the U.K. charts for nine consecutive weeks. Its elaborate production, dramatic structure, and iconic music video helped “Bohemian Rhapsody” transcend genres, establishing it as one of the most innovative songs in rock history. Today, it remains a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite that has stood the test of time.
In 1998, KISS launched their ‘Psycho Circus’ tour with a Halloween show in Los Angeles. This tour marked a grand return for the original members—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—and featured elaborate, theatrical performances that brought their larger-than-life personas back to the stage. As an added Halloween treat, The Smashing Pumpkins opened the show, perfectly fitting the spooky theme of the evening. The Psycho Circus tour, with its blend of classic KISS theatrics and a Halloween launch, thrilled fans and underscored KISS’s status as one of the most theatrical acts in rock history.
And today, we celebrate the 63rd birthday of Larry Mullen Jr., the co-founder and drummer of U2. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Mullen’s steady, powerful drumming has been the backbone of U2’s sound since the band’s inception. From the anthemic beats of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” to the atmospheric grooves of “Where the Streets Have No Name,” Mullen’s contribution to U2’s success is immeasurable. His dedication to the band and unique approach to rhythm have helped U2 become one of the most successful and enduring rock bands of all time.
OCTOBER 31ST IN ROCK HISTORY
1964: The Supremes scored their second No.1 hit with “Baby Love,” which helped establish Motown as a powerhouse label in American music.
1981: The Rolling Stones released their live album ‘Still Life,’ which captured the energy of their American tour and included hits like “Under My Thumb” and “Time Is on My Side.”
2000: Linkin Park released their debut album, ‘Hybrid Theory,’ which would go on to become one of the best-selling albums of the decade, featuring hits like “In the End” and “Crawling.”
HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 31, 2024
Ancient History
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church in Germany, sparking the Protestant Reformation. This event led to a major transformation in Christianity and had a lasting impact on Western society and religion.
Modern History
On October 31, 1941, the Mount Rushmore monument in South Dakota was completed after 14 years of construction. Featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents, the monument has become one of the most iconic symbols of American history and culture.
Weird news and random factoids
1. Weird news: A man spent 24 hours in an inflatable Zorb ball on water
In 2021, an adventurous man attempted to set a world record by spending 24 hours floating in a giant inflatable Zorb ball on a lake in the UK. He was equipped with food, water, and a few safety items as he rolled across the water’s surface. Though challenging, he managed to stay inside the ball for the full day, with onlookers cheering him on from the shore. The unusual feat not only demonstrated endurance but also gained attention for being one of the strangest world record attempts that year.
2. Butterflies can remember being caterpillars
Despite undergoing a total transformation during metamorphosis, butterflies retain memories from their time as caterpillars. Scientists discovered that butterflies can recall certain scents and stimuli they were exposed to before pupation. This memory retention is fascinating, given that their brains and bodies go through extensive changes. The findings suggest that even through complete metamorphosis, neural connections related to memory can be preserved. The ability of butterflies to remember experiences from their caterpillar days has added a new layer of understanding to the complexities of insect development.
3. Weird news: A man used a jetpack to commute to work
In 2019, a man in Dubai made headlines by using a personal jetpack to travel from his home to his office. The high-tech jetpack allowed him to soar over traffic, cutting his commute down to just a few minutes. Video footage of his flight went viral, and the sight of someone using a jetpack for a daily commute captivated audiences worldwide. While jetpack commuting isn’t a reality for most people yet, this demonstration provided a glimpse into what future transportation might look like if personal flight technology becomes accessible.
4. Dogs can “catch” human yawns
Dogs have been shown to “catch” yawns from their owners and even from humans on TV. Studies reveal that dogs are more likely to yawn when they see a familiar person yawning, suggesting a level of empathy. This phenomenon, known as contagious yawning, is common in primates and humans but is rarely observed in other animals. The fact that dogs can catch yawns from humans hints at the depth of their social bonds and their sensitivity to human behaviors. It’s another example of how dogs have evolved to be in sync with humans.
5. Weird news: A hotel offers “digital detox” rooms with no internet or screens
In 2020, a hotel in Sweden introduced “digital detox” rooms, providing guests with a screen-free environment. The rooms have no Wi-Fi, no TVs, and even encourage guests to hand over their phones upon check-in. Instead, the rooms are equipped with books, puzzles, and meditation guides. The idea is to give guests a break from constant connectivity, helping them focus on relaxation and mindfulness. The concept quickly gained popularity, with many people welcoming the chance to “unplug” in a peaceful setting. The digital detox rooms became a hit for those looking to escape the digital world temporarily.
6. Cows get excited when they solve puzzles
Studies show that cows have cognitive abilities similar to those of certain mammals, and they experience excitement when solving puzzles or overcoming challenges. Researchers observed that cows exhibit signs of pleasure, such as increased heart rate and vocalizations, when they successfully complete tasks. This discovery suggests that cows enjoy mental stimulation and may even benefit from environments where they can engage with challenges. The findings contribute to the growing understanding of animal emotions, showing that cows are more intellectually capable and responsive than many people may assume.
7. Weird news: A man survived a fall into an active volcano crater
In 2021, a tourist in Hawaii was incredibly lucky to survive a fall into the Kīlauea volcano crater. He had climbed over a safety railing to get a closer look and lost his footing, falling 70 feet down. Rescue teams were able to pull him to safety, and he sustained only minor injuries. His survival story quickly spread online, highlighting the dangers of ignoring safety barriers in extreme environments. Authorities used the incident as a reminder to tourists to respect safety measures, especially in potentially hazardous locations.
8. Pigeons can tell time
Research has shown that pigeons are capable of recognizing patterns of time, allowing them to anticipate feeding times and other regular events. Pigeons possess an internal sense of timing, similar to circadian rhythms in humans, which helps them adapt to routines. In experiments, pigeons were able to distinguish between different time intervals, showing an ability to “tell time” in a way that is remarkable for birds. This time-tracking ability allows pigeons to thrive in urban environments, where adapting to human schedules and routines can be advantageous.
9. Weird news: A man created a flying bicycle
In 2019, a British inventor built a fully functional flying bicycle, which he demonstrated in a park. The bike, equipped with small propellers and controlled by a joystick, could lift off and hover several feet above the ground. The unusual contraption drew attention from locals and online viewers, with some comparing it to a scene from a sci-fi movie. While still experimental, the flying bike concept inspired ideas about new modes of transportation and garnered praise for its ingenuity. The inventor hopes to further develop the concept into a practical mode of transport.
10. Crows can hold grudges
Crows are known for their intelligence, and studies show that they can hold grudges against humans who treat them poorly. In experiments, crows remembered the faces of people who threatened them and later “warned” other crows to avoid these individuals. Crows’ ability to remember faces and communicate this knowledge to others shows advanced social intelligence. This trait has fascinated researchers, who believe it demonstrates how crows use memory and social learning to protect themselves from potential dangers, making them one of the most cognitively advanced bird species.
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!
