On this day in 1969, Rod Stewart joined Faces, formerly known as Small Faces, replacing vocalist Steve Marriott. Marriott had left the group to form Humble Pie with guitarist Peter Frampton. Stewart’s addition to the band marked a new chapter for Faces, as his raspy, soulful voice became a defining feature of their sound. Along with guitarist Ronnie Wood, Stewart helped transform Faces into one of the most beloved British rock bands of the early 1970s, known for their rollicking performances and hits like “Stay With Me” and “Ooh La La.” Stewart’s time with Faces would also launch his solo career, making him one of the most iconic voices in rock history.
In 1985, The Cult released their second studio album, ‘Love,’ which proved to be the band’s commercial breakthrough. The album blended gothic rock with hard rock and post-punk influences, establishing The Cult as a major force in the alternative rock scene. ‘Love’ featured the single “She Sells Sanctuary,” a song that became an enduring anthem of the era, with its atmospheric guitars and hypnotic rhythm. The success of ‘Love’ helped propel The Cult to international fame and set the stage for their evolution into a harder-edged rock sound in the late 1980s.
And in 1994, after a fourteen-year breakup, The Eagles released the single “Get Over It,” signaling their long-awaited reunion. Written by bandmates Don Henley and Glenn Frey, “Get Over It” was the first new material from the band since their 1980 split, and it carried a fiery, no-nonsense attitude. The song was featured on their live album ‘Hell Freezes Over,’ which was named after a joke the band had made about when they would reunite. The album and subsequent tour were massively successful, reminding fans of the Eagles’ enduring appeal and their unparalleled ability to blend rock, country, and folk influences into timeless hits.
OCTOBER 18TH IN ROCK HISTORY
- 1974: Al Green, one of the most successful soul singers of the era, was assaulted by his girlfriend, who then took her own life. The incident led Green to reconsider his career and begin his journey into the ministry, eventually becoming a pastor and gospel singer.
- 1988: UB40 topped the Billboard Hot 100 with their cover of The Temptations’ hit “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” further solidifying their position as one of the most popular reggae bands in the world.
- 1991: Nirvana’s album ‘Nevermind’ hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking a turning point in rock history and cementing grunge as the defining sound of the early 1990s.
.’
WORLD HISTORY FOR OCTOBER 18, 2024
Ancient History
On October 18, 1009, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, one of the holiest sites in Christianity, was partially destroyed by the orders of Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah. This act shocked the Christian world and led to tensions that would contribute to the later Crusades.
Modern History
On October 18, 1867, the United States formally took possession of Alaska after purchasing it from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal that was initially ridiculed as “Seward’s Folly.” Alaska would later prove to be a valuable acquisition, rich in natural resources such as gold and oil.
Weird news and random factoids
1. Weird news: A man built a real-life “Noah’s Ark”
In 2020, a Dutch carpenter named Johan Huibers built a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark based on the measurements given in the Bible. This massive vessel, made of wood, stretches 410 feet long and weighs about 2,500 tons. Huibers built the ark over a span of four years as a tourist attraction. Complete with wooden animals and an interior designed to replicate the story, the Ark has drawn visitors from around the world. Though it’s not meant to sail, Huibers once considered floating it to Israel as a symbolic gesture.
2. Lobsters can theoretically live forever
Lobsters have a unique biological trait that allows them to continuously produce new cells, avoiding the normal aging process. This is thanks to an enzyme called telomerase, which repairs DNA, effectively preventing the cellular damage that leads to aging in other organisms. In theory, lobsters could live indefinitely, barring predation, disease, or injury. However, they eventually grow too large for their shells, and molting becomes physically taxing, leading to death. Some lobsters have been found to live for over 100 years, and scientists continue to study their aging process for potential medical breakthroughs.
3. Weird news: A man tried to rob a bank using an avocado
In 2019, a man in Israel attempted to rob two banks armed with an avocado. He entered the bank holding the fruit, painted black to look like a grenade, and threatened to detonate it unless he was given money. His unusual weapon choice surprisingly worked at two separate branches, where he managed to steal thousands of dollars. The police eventually caught him after recognizing him from security footage. The story made headlines for the sheer absurdity of his method, proving that even the most unconventional tactics can momentarily succeed.
4. Flamingos bend their legs at the ankle, not the knee
Contrary to popular belief, flamingos don’t bend their legs at the knee when standing on one leg; they actually bend them at the ankle. What looks like a flamingo’s knee is actually its ankle joint, while its true knees are hidden closer to the body, often under feathers. Flamingos have long, slender legs that allow them to wade into deep water while searching for food, and their unique leg structure helps them balance while standing still for long periods. This surprising fact is just one of many unusual traits these birds possess.
5. Weird news: A woman woke up with a foreign accent after surgery
In 2016, a woman in Texas woke up from jaw surgery and discovered she had developed a thick British accent. She had never visited the UK, yet her speech suddenly took on a completely different accent overnight. The woman was diagnosed with Foreign Accent Syndrome, a rare condition that can occur after brain injuries, strokes, or surgeries, altering a person’s speech pattern. Only about 100 cases have been documented worldwide. While the condition is not well understood, it can last for months or years, leaving patients baffled by their new way of speaking.
6. Venus flytraps can “count”
The Venus flytrap, a carnivorous plant, has an incredible ability to count. It only closes its trap on prey after two hairs inside the trap are touched within 20 seconds of each other. The first touch primes the trap, and the second confirms that an insect is inside, triggering the closure. This counting mechanism helps the plant avoid wasting energy on false alarms, such as raindrops or debris. Once closed, it continues counting—requiring five more touches to trigger digestion. This highly specialized adaptation helps the plant maximize its chances of catching and digesting prey.
7. Weird news: A man survived a fall into a volcano crater
In 2021, a hiker in Hawaii fell into the Kīlauea volcano’s crater after climbing over a safety railing to get a closer look. Amazingly, the man survived the 70-foot fall into the dormant volcano. Rescue teams were able to reach him after a few hours, and despite the dangerous situation, he only suffered minor injuries. Authorities issued warnings to visitors to avoid getting too close to the crater edges, emphasizing the dangers of venturing beyond safety barriers. The man’s lucky escape became one of the year’s most bizarre survival stories.
8. The shortest war in history lasted just 38 minutes
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought on August 27, 1896, holds the record for the shortest war in history, lasting only 38 minutes. The conflict erupted after the Sultan of Zanzibar refused to step down when the British demanded it. The British fleet began bombarding the Sultan’s palace, and within minutes, most of his forces had either fled or surrendered. The Sultan himself escaped, but his reign was effectively over in less than an hour. This brief but decisive battle marked the end of Zanzibar’s independence and its submission to British control.
9. Weird news: A man ate 30,000 Big Macs
A Wisconsin man named Don Gorske holds the world record for eating the most Big Macs—an impressive 30,000 as of 2018. Gorske has been eating the McDonald’s signature sandwich nearly every day since 1972. He meticulously keeps track of each burger, documenting his meals in notebooks and keeping every Big Mac carton. Despite his unusual diet, Gorske claims to be in good health, even having appeared in the documentary Super Size Me. His dedication to Big Macs has earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records and recognition as a McDonald’s superfan.
10. Wombat poop is cube-shaped
Wombats, native to Australia, have a unique distinction in the animal kingdom: their poop is cube-shaped. This unusual feature allows the poop to stay in place, preventing it from rolling away, which is helpful for marking territory. The cube shape is a result of their digestive process, where the intestines stretch at varying rates to create the distinct shape. Scientists have studied wombat poop to understand its mechanics and how it could potentially inspire new industrial designs. It’s just one more oddity that sets wombats apart from other 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.
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!
