Ongoing History of New Music: Episode 60 - "Mind-Blowing Facts About Music (2024 Edition)"
Host: Alan Cross
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Podcast Series: Ongoing History of New Music
Produced by: Curiouscast
Introduction
In the 60th episode of Ongoing History of New Music, host Alan Cross embarks on his annual "data dump," presenting "60 Mind-Blowing Facts About Music in 60 Minutes." This episode serves as a comprehensive collection of intriguing, obscure, and sometimes bizarre facts about the music industry, spanning various genres, artists, and historical moments. Alan's meticulous research and passion for music history shine through as he shares these captivating tidbits.
The Annual Data Dump: Unveiling the Universe of Music Facts
Alan Cross begins the episode by explaining his process of accumulating vast amounts of information throughout the year, much of which doesn't find its way into regular programming. This episode is his way of sharing these hidden gems with listeners.
Key Quote:
"I keep thinking, well, I don't need this now, but what if I do in the future and I can't find that little nugget of information again."
— Alan Cross [01:11]
Highlights from the First Half (Facts 1-30)
-
Kanye West's Malibu Bomb Shelter:
In 2024, Kanye West's peculiar decision to remodel his Malibu mansion into a World War I-style bomb shelter sparked much debate. He fired his project manager for refusing to undertake the dangerous transformation.
— Alan Cross [04:01] -
Billy Joel's Generosity Linked to Richard Lewis:
After comedian Richard Lewis's passing, it was revealed that the "old friend" mentioned in Billy Joel's "My Life" was, in fact, Lewis. Additionally, Joel never sells front-row tickets, instead gifting them to fans who might otherwise have missed out.
— Alan Cross [05:10] -
Dolly Parton's Secret Contributions:
Dolly Parton funded the creation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series through her production company. Interestingly, she and actress Sarah Michelle Gellar share the same birthday, and Dolly once lost a Dolly Parton lookalike contest.
— Alan Cross [06:40] -
Motley Crue's Baghdad Concert Plans:
Nikki Sixx disclosed that Motley Crue had covert negotiations with the U.S. State Department to perform for troops in Baghdad during the Iraq war—plans that ultimately never materialized.
— Alan Cross [07:22] -
Selena Gomez's Justin-Free Crews:
Post-breakup with Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez mandated that no crew members on her projects be named Justin, ensuring any existing Justins adopted new names for the duration.
— Alan Cross [07:45] -
Robbie Williams' Tour Tattoo Artist:
British pop star Robbie Williams included a tattoo artist, Otis, on his tours to get spontaneous ink inspired by live performances.
— Alan Cross [08:08] -
Johnny Rotten and Devo's Proposed Collaboration:
Richard Branson contemplated adding Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols to Devo to boost their European appeal, a plan that never came to fruition.
— Alan Cross [08:30] -
David Bowie's Dance Lessons from Dr. Crusher:
In the credits of Labyrinth, Bowie's choreographer was none other than Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation), who taught him dance moves for the Goblin King role.
— Alan Cross [09:00] -
Capitol Records Building's Morse Code Light:
The iconic Capitol Records building in Los Angeles has been blinking out Morse code messages into the Hollywood sky since 1956, adding a unique architectural feature.
— Alan Cross [09:45] -
Norway's Electric Car Revolution Influenced by A-ha:
The Norwegian government's push towards electric vehicles was significantly influenced by the band A-ha's activism and the actions of Prime Minister Gro Brundtland, who championed a green future in 1983.
— Alan Cross [10:20] -
Cambodia's Ban on Musical Horns:
To reduce traffic jams caused by drivers dancing to car horns, Cambodia's Prime Minister banned musical horns on all vehicles.
— Alan Cross [11:00] -
Chechnya's Music Tempo Restrictions:
In April 2024, Chechnya enforced a decree that all music must adhere to tempos between 80 and 115 beats per minute to align with cultural and mental rhythms.
— Alan Cross [11:30] -
Kraftwerk's Bee Gees-Branded Drum Machine:
During the mid-1970s, Kraftwerk utilized a toy drum machine adorned with the Bee Gees logo, blending cutting-edge synth technology with playful branding.
— Alan Cross [12:10] -
Lady Gaga's Early Appearance on The Sopranos:
A young Lady Gaga made an appearance as one of AJ Soprano's friends in The Sopranos Season 6, showcasing her budding talent.
— Alan Cross [12:40] -
Sinead O'Connor's Family Ties:
Following Sinead O'Connor's death in July 2023, it was revealed that her nephew holds the position of registrar at Oxford University Tiddlywink.
— Alan Cross [13:00] -
Taylor Swift Tribute Acts:
Taylor Swift's immense popularity has given rise to lucrative tribute acts, with some performers earning up to US$18,000 per gig emulating her persona.
— Alan Cross [13:45] -
Paul McCartney's Macarita:
Sir Paul McCartney devised his own margarita recipe, the "Macarita," which features a fruitier profile and has received endorsements from fellow musicians like Liam Gallagher.
— Alan Cross [14:10] -
DJ Bella's 250-Hour DJ Set Record:
Nigerian DJ Bella set a world record in 2024 for the longest DJ set, spinning tunes continuously for 250 hours, equivalent to 11 days.
— Alan Cross [14:45] -
Unsolved Mystery at a Madison Record Store:
In September 1989, a human skeleton was discovered in a Madison, Wisconsin record store's chimney. Decades later, DNA testing identified the remains as Ronnie Joe Kirk, but his connection to the store remains a mystery.
— Alan Cross [15:10] -
Original Drummer of The Vapors Becomes Deputy Mayor:
The former drummer of The Vapors transitioned from music to politics, now serving as the deputy mayor of Guildford, England.
— Alan Cross [15:30]
Notable Quote:
"I love crazy rock and roll stories like that. We need more people like Billy Idol today."
— Alan Cross [07:20]
Highlights from the Second Half (Facts 31-60)
-
Robert Plant's Anti-"Stairway to Heaven" Campaign:
Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant paid an Oregon radio station to stop playing their iconic song "Stairway to Heaven" by pledging donations in exchange for its removal.
— Alan Cross [16:35] -
Flavor Flav's Crusade to Save Red Lobster:
In an unexpected turn, Flavor Flav spearheaded a campaign to rescue Red Lobster from financial distress, leveraging his massive fanbase to rally support.
— Alan Cross [17:00] -
Environmental Cost of Streaming "Despacito":
A study revealed that the energy consumed by 5 billion streams of "Despacito" could have heated 40,000 homes for an entire year, highlighting the environmental impact of digital streaming.
— Alan Cross [17:25] -
Joseph Williams' Multifaceted Career:
Joseph Williams, son of famed composer John Williams, not only leads Toto but also voices adult Simba in The Lion King and sings the Gummy Bears theme song.
— Alan Cross [17:50] -
John Williams' "Gilligan's Island" Theme Song Attempt:
Before his illustrious career, John Williams unsuccessfully tried to compose the theme for Gilligan's Island, resulting in the most criticized aspect of his early work.
— Alan Cross [18:10] -
Gary Kemp's Kidney Transplant:
Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet required a kidney transplant, which his brother, a bandmate, facilitated by donating from an unexpected third kidney.
— Alan Cross [18:30] -
Billy Idol's Tape Theft:
In a rebellious move fueled by heroin addiction, Billy Idol stole master tapes of his "Rebel Yell" album to pressure his record label into rectifying album artwork flaws.
— Alan Cross [18:50] -
Roger Daltrey's Flat Stomach Origins:
The Who's Roger Daltrey has maintained a remarkably flat stomach since childhood due to a surgical procedure to remove a swallowed nail, left with scar tissue from talcum powder use.
— Alan Cross [19:15] -
Big Mouth Billy Bass and Al Green's "Take Me to the River":
The animatronic fish, Big Mouth Billy Bass, generated significant royalties for Al Green by performing his song "Take Me to the River."
— Alan Cross [19:40] -
The Beatles' "Ticket to Ride" Misconception:
Contrary to popular belief, "Ticket to Ride" isn't about public transport but refers to a card used by prostitutes in Hamburg to prove they are disease-free.
— Alan Cross [20:05]
Selected Notable Quotes:
-
"Her production company funded the making of the Buffy the Vampire series."
— Alan Cross [06:40] -
"It was once again time to clean up the office with my annual massive data dump."
— Alan Cross [02:00]
Highlights from the Final Third (Facts 41-60)
-
Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant vs. "Stairway to Heaven":
Plant's unique approach to managing the song's airplay showcases the band's intricate relationship with their most famous tracks.
— Alan Cross [21:10] -
Balenciaga's Exorbitant Raver Wristbands:
Balenciaga introduced a faux distressed polyester wristband mimicking festival bands, selling for exorbitant prices up to $6,800 CAD, highlighting consumerism in music merchandise.
— Alan Cross [22:05] -
Elton John's Kneecap Necklace:
Celebrating his resilience, Elton John fashioned one of his replaced kneecaps into a necklace, symbolizing his enduring spirit in the music scene.
— Alan Cross [23:10] -
Vermont University's Weird Al Course:
Reflecting the cultural impact of novelty music, Vermont University offers a course titled "Weird Al and His Polkas," inspired by Harvard's curriculum on Taylor Swift.
— Alan Cross [25:40] -
The Worst Song Engineered by Science:
Scientists Vitaly Komar, Alex Milamed, and David Soldier collaborated to create a song deemed the worst in the world using AI and data on disliked musical elements, asserting that only 200 out of 8 billion might enjoy it.
— Alan Cross [26:10] -
Taylor Hawkins' Unfinished James Bond Theme:
Before his untimely death, Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters was collaborating on a James Bond theme, a project that eventually went to Billie Eilish.
— Alan Cross [24:50] -
Chechnya's Tempo-Locked Music Ban:
Further elaborating on Chechnya's strict musical regulations, Alan discusses the cultural implications and the impact on various music genres within the region.
— Alan Cross [11:30] -
Michael Jackson's Attempt to Buy Marvel Comics:
In the late 1990s, Michael Jackson sought to purchase Marvel Comics to secure the opportunity to play Spider-Man, demonstrating his interest in expanding his creative horizons.
— Alan Cross [22:30] -
Chevy Chase's Early Drumming Days:
Before his fame on SNL and in films, Chevy Chase was a drummer in a band that would eventually evolve into the renowned jazz-rock group Steely Dan.
— Alan Cross [23:00] -
Robert De Niro's Inspiration from Bruce Springsteen:
After witnessing Bruce Springsteen's impassioned performance, De Niro drew inspiration for the iconic "Are you talking to me?" scene in Taxi Driver, inadvertently influencing punk culture through Joe Strummer's adoption of the Mohawk hairstyle.
— Alan Cross [24:00] -
Eric Stefani and Tunde Adebimpe's Animation Careers:
Both musicians transitioned into animation, with Eric Stefani working on The Simpsons and Tunde Adebimpe gaining acclaim for his art, even catching David Bowie's attention.
— Alan Cross [26:40] -
Grateful Dead's Olympic Sponsorship:
In 1992, the Grateful Dead sponsored Lithuania's men's Olympic basketball team, contributing to their historic bronze medal victory against Russia.
— Alan Cross [27:00] -
Warren Cucurillo's Unconventional Path:
After being expelled from Duran Duran, Warren Cucurillo ventured into the adult entertainment industry, creating his own line of novelty products.
— Alan Cross [27:20] -
"Dildo" in Classical Music Terminology:
Tracing back to the 16th century, the term "dildo" was used as a filler word in classical compositions, serving a similar purpose to modern placeholders in songwriting.
— Alan Cross [27:40] -
Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary":
Hendrix penned "The Wind Cries Mary" after a domestic spat involving his girlfriend's lumpy mashed potatoes, showcasing his ability to convert personal turmoil into artistic expression.
— Alan Cross [28:00] -
Vegetarianism Among Young Cannibals Members:
All three members of the Fine Young Cannibals adhered to a vegetarian lifestyle, reflecting personal choices that influenced their public personas.
— Alan Cross [28:20] -
Keith Richards' Librarian Dreams:
Before becoming a legendary guitarist, Keith Richards aspired to be a librarian. His extensive book collections today are a testament to his enduring love for literature.
— Alan Cross [28:40] -
Ian Anderson's Salmon Farm Investments:
Jethro Tull's frontman, Ian Anderson, capitalized on early investments in salmon farming, blending his musical career with entrepreneurial ventures.
— Alan Cross [29:00] -
Music Festival Drug Smuggling Attempt:
Marshall Maddock and Harry Hewitson's failed attempt to smuggle ketamine into the Kremsfield Music Festival by hiding drugs in Kinder Eggs led to their arrest and imprisonment, underscoring the ongoing issues of drug trafficking in music events.
— Alan Cross [29:25] -
Elton John's Knee Cap Necklace:
Elton John transformed one of his replaced kneecaps into a unique necklace, blending his personal health struggles with his flamboyant style.
— Alan Cross [29:45] -
Mel Shacker's Amp-Powered Performance:
Grand Funk Railroad's bassist, Mel Shacker, drove his amplifier so vigorously during performances that roadies had to continuously replace blown tubes in real-time.
— Alan Cross [30:05] -
Vermont University's Unique Curriculum:
The introduction of a course on "Weird Al and His Polkas" at Vermont University exemplifies the academic world's embrace of unconventional musical influences.
— Alan Cross [30:30] -
Peter Capaldi's Punk Past:
The Twelfth Doctor from Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi, was part of a punk band named the Dreamboats alongside comedian Craig Ferguson, highlighting his diverse artistic endeavors.
— Alan Cross [30:50] -
Bruyard's Monotonous Album Titles:
Unlike Black Sabbath, the French metal musician Bruyard released six albums, all titled "Bruyard," with each song sharing the same name, challenging conventional album structuring.
— Alan Cross [31:15] -
Revival of Sancta Susanna Opera:
A controversial 1920s opera revival in Germany featured shocking performances, including naked nuns on roller skates and unsimulated sex acts, pushing the boundaries of modern theater.
— Alan Cross [31:40] -
Balenciaga's $5,300 Raver Wristbands:
Demonstrating the intersection of fashion and music culture, Balenciaga's high-priced faux festival wristbands cater to affluent consumers seeking exclusive merchandise.
— Alan Cross [32:05] -
Sale of Beyonce's Award Show Air:
A Toronto fan's attempt to sell air from the room where Beyonce performed at an award show exemplifies the extremes of celebrity memorabilia trading.
— Alan Cross [32:30] -
Matt Farley's Prolific "Poop and Fart" Songs:
Matt Farley, a songwriter with over 25,000 tracks, focuses exclusively on humorously themed songs about bodily functions, raising questions about artistic intent and monetization.
— Alan Cross [32:55] -
Suni and the Seven Princesses - South Korean Granny Rappers:
A unique group of elderly female rappers from Chilgok county, South Korea, combines traditional themes like picking chilies and watermelons with modern rap styles, challenging societal norms.
— Alan Cross [33:25] -
Scientifically Engineered Worst Song:
Scientists utilized data and AI to craft a song intentionally designed to be the worst, incorporating elements universally disliked in music. The result was deemed enjoyable by only about 200 out of 8 billion people.
— Alan Cross [33:50]
Selected Notable Quotes:
-
"Trust us on this."
— Alan Cross [Intro] -
"What you do with what you're about to hear is completely up to you. I'm setting this stuff free."
— Alan Cross [05:30] -
"Only about 200 of the 8 billion people on this planet would find their composition pleasurable."
— Alan Cross [33:50] -
"It's like oral waterboarding."
— Alan Cross [34:10]
Conclusion
Alan Cross wraps up the episode by reflecting on the vast array of unusual and fascinating facts shared, emphasizing his role in curating and disseminating this eclectic information. He invites listeners to engage with the content through podcasts, social media, and his newsletter, encouraging feedback and interaction.
Final Quote:
"Thanks for helping me purge my office and files for another year."
— Alan Cross [38:06]
Additional Resources
- Website: A Journal of Musical Things
- Other Podcast: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry
This episode of Ongoing History of New Music showcases Alan Cross's dedication to uncovering and sharing the lesser-known facets of music history. From artist anecdotes to bizarre industry facts, "60 Mind-Blowing Facts About Music (2024 Edition)" offers listeners an entertaining and informative journey through the multifaceted world of music.