Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones, often dubbed the 'Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World,' have been a dominant force in the music industry for decades. Their music, style, and stage presence have set them apart as legends in rock history. In this article, we will uncover 15 fun facts about The Rolling Stones that even the biggest fans might find surprising. So, let's roll through the intriguing world of Mick, Keith, Charlie, and Ronnie with these fun facts.
Rolling Stones
1

The Rolling Stones formed in London in 1962, taking their name from Muddy Waters' song Rollin' Stone.

2

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have been friends since childhood, meeting again by chance at a train station in 1961.

3

The band’s first US tour in 1964 was not initially successful, with many fans being more familiar with The Beatles.

4

Art student John Pasche designed the Rolling Stones’ tongue and lips logo in 1970. Furthermore, it became one of the most recognizable logos in music.

5

'(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' was the band’s first US number one hit, released in 1965 and became a rock anthem.

6

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Rolling Stones in 1989.

7

Despite being one of the longest-running rock bands, The Rolling Stones have had only a few permanent members: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Charlie Watts.

8

The band’s 1972 tour in support of their album 'Exile on Main St.' is often referred to as the most debauched tour in rock history.

9

The Rolling Stones have released 30 studio albums, 33 live albums, and numerous compilations over their career.

10

The band’s concert in Hyde Park in 1969 was held just two days after founding member Brian Jones was found dead.

11

Mick Jagger met Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions. One notable instance was in 2003 when he was knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace for his contributions to music.

12

The Rolling Stones set a world record for the highest-grossing tour of all time with their 'A Bigger Bang Tour' from 2005 to 2007.

13

The band originally recorded their 1981 hit Start Me Up as a reggae song before reworking it into the rock version known today.

14

The Rolling Stones performed at the Altamont Free Concert in 1969, a tragic event that led to the death of a fan.

15

The Rolling Stones continue to tour and release new music, proving their lasting influence and resilience in the rock world.

Linkin Park

Linkin Park, the American rock band, is known for their innovative blend of alternative rock, nu-metal, and electronic elements. With their powerful lyrics and genre-defying sound, Linkin Park has become one of the most influential bands of the 21st century. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fun facts about Linkin Park that highlight their incredible journey and impact on the music industry. Let’s dive into these fun facts.
Linkin Park
1

 Linkin Park was formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The original lineup included Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Rob Bourdon. The band was initially called Xero before changing their name to Hybrid Theory and finally settling on Linkin Park.

2

 The band's name, Linkin Park, was inspired by Lincoln Park in Santa Monica, California. They changed the spelling to 'Linkin' to secure the domain name linkinpark.com for their website.

3

 Linkin Park's debut album, 'Hybrid Theory,' was released in 2000 and became one of the best-selling debut albums of the 21st century, with over 27 million copies sold worldwide.

4

 The album 'Hybrid Theory' includes some of the band's most iconic songs, such as 'In the End,' 'Crawling,' and 'One Step Closer.' 'In the End' became one of their biggest hits, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

5

 Chester Bennington joined Linkin Park as the lead vocalist in 1999, completing the band's classic lineup. His powerful and emotional vocals became a defining element of the band's sound.

6

 The band's second album, 'Meteora,' released in 2003, continued their success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and featuring hits like 'Numb,' 'Faint,' and 'Somewhere I Belong.'

7

 Linkin Park is known for their ability to blend genres, combining elements of rock, hip-hop, electronic, and metal. Mike Shinoda's role as both a rapper and a producer helped shape the band's unique sound.

8

 The band's 2007 album, 'Minutes to Midnight,' marked a shift in their sound, incorporating more alternative rock and less nu-metal elements. The album included hits like 'What I've Done' and 'Bleed It Out.'

9

 Linkin Park has won numerous awards throughout their career, including two Grammy Awards for Best Hard Rock Performance and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

10

 The band's song 'Numb/Encore,' a mashup with rapper Jay-Z, won a Grammy Award in 2006 and showcased their willingness to collaborate across genres.

11

 In addition to their music, Linkin Park is known for their charitable work. They founded the organization Music for Relief in 2005 to support disaster relief and environmental protection efforts.

12

 Linkin Park's 2010 album, 'A Thousand Suns,' explored themes of nuclear warfare and human rights, and it marked a further evolution in their sound, incorporating more electronic and experimental elements.

13

 Chester Bennington tragically passed away in July 2017, leaving a lasting impact on the music world and millions of fans. The band paid tribute to him with a memorial concert, 'Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington.'

14

 Despite the loss of their lead singer, Linkin Park's music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, and their influence on modern rock and alternative music is undeniable.

15

 Linkin Park has sold over 100 million records globally, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Their legacy as pioneers of the nu-metal genre and innovators in the music industry remains strong.

R. E. M.

  • Music
R.E.M., one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time, helped define the sound of the 1980s and 1990s. With their jangly guitars, enigmatic lyrics, and unique style, R.E.M. became a cornerstone of the college rock and alternative scenes. In this article, we’ll explore 15 fun facts about R.E.M. that highlight their groundbreaking career and lasting impact on music. Let’s dive into these fun facts.
R. E. M.
1

The band was formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, by lead vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry.

2

The band's name, R.E.M., was chosen randomly from a dictionary by Michael Stipe and stands for 'Rapid Eye Movement,' a stage of sleep.

3

R.E.M.'s debut single 'Radio Free Europe,' released in 1981, became a college radio hit and helped establish the band's presence in the alternative rock scene.

4

Their debut album, 'Murmur,' released in 1983, was critically acclaimed and was named Album of the Year by Rolling Stone, beating out more commercially successful albums by artists like Michael Jackson and U2.

5

The band's jangly guitar sound, often credited to Peter Buck, became a defining characteristic of the college rock genre and influenced many other alternative bands.

6

R.E.M.'s breakthrough album, 'Document,' released in 1987, included the hit single 'The One I Love,' which became the band's first top 10 hit in the United States.

7

The 1991 album 'Out of Time' brought R.E.M. into the mainstream with hits like 'Losing My Religion' and 'Shiny Happy People.' 'Losing My Religion' became one of the band's most iconic songs.

8

R.E.M. is known for their politically charged lyrics and activism, often addressing social issues such as environmentalism, human rights, and government policies.

9

The band's 1992 album 'Automatic for the People' is widely regarded as one of their best works, featuring the hit singles 'Everybody Hurts' and 'Man on the Moon.'

10

Drummer Bill Berry left the band in 1997 after suffering a brain aneurysm. R.E.M. continued as a trio and released several more albums, but Berry's departure marked a significant change in the band's dynamic.

11

The band was one of the first alternative bands to sign a major-label contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1988, a move that helped bring alternative rock into the mainstream.

12

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, recognized for their contributions to alternative rock and their influence on countless artists.

13

Michael Stipe is known for his distinctive vocal style and enigmatic lyrics, often leaving songs open to interpretation and adding to the band's mystique.

14

R.E.M. officially disbanded in 2011 after more than 30 years together, but their music continues to resonate with fans and influence new generations of musicians.

15

Despite their success, R.E.M. remained committed to their artistic integrity, often experimenting with different sounds and styles throughout their career, making them one of the most innovative bands of their time.