🦇 Ozzy's Bat-tered Reputation: The Night he Beheaded a Bat on Stage

Howdy History Nerds,

Welcome back to another edition of the LOL History Newsletter. We’ve been having a blast writing these every week for you, so please make sure to respond to these emails with some feedback (even if it’s negative)! There was so much that happened this week in history we had a hard time narrowing it down, so strap in for a good one. Before we get into it…

Did You Know? In 1964, the world's largest cheese was produced weighing in at 34,591 pounds. This cheese took 170,000 quarts of milk which took 16,000 cows to produce.

During Your History Lesson You’ll Learn About:

• King Louis XVI Loses His Head

• The First Beer Canned in History

• Ted Bundy: A Killer’s Last Stand

• Ozzy's Wild Bite: The Night He Bit the Head off a Bat

When Louis XVI Took ‘Off With His Head’ Literally

On January 21, 1793, Louis XVI of France met the sharp edge of history when he was guillotined in Paris, convicted of "high treason" by the new French Parliament. His downfall wasn’t immediate. The French Revolution, beginning in 1789, shook the nation. Citizens, fed up with high taxes, bread shortages, and Louis’ indecision, had enough. In 1791, Louis tried to flee to Austria but was caught and labeled a traitor. His trial was swift, with the Convention nationale declaring him too dangerous. The guillotine, known for its "equal justice," awaited him at the Place de la Révolution.

Louis XVI reportedly showed dignity as he climbed the scaffold, though the crowd was less forgiving, cheering for the end of monarchy. His execution marked not just the end of a king, but a powerful shift in authority to the people. The French Revolution continued to reshape history, fueling debates about justice, liberty, and the fragility of power. Louis’ downfall serves as a stark reminder of how rapidly the tides of revolution can sweep away even the most established rulers.

The Birth of the Canned Revolution in 1935

On this day, January 24 in 1935, the Krueger Brewing Company in Newark, New Jersey, forever changed the way Americans drank beer by introducing the first canned beer. They called it "Krueger's Finest Beer," and this wasn't just a gimmick; it was a response to the need for a more convenient and hygienic way to enjoy beer, especially in the post-Prohibition era. And obviously it helped quench people’s thirst, in the best way possible.

Krueger worked with the American Can Company, which had been experimenting with canning beer since 1909 but needed a brewer to make it a reality. The use of cans promised a clean, fresh product, sealed away from the elements and potential contamination that glass bottles were more susceptible to.

When they tested the market in Richmond, Virginia, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with 91% of the tasters giving it a thumbs up. This approval was huge and lead to a nationwide launch. People appreciated not just the taste but also the convenience - no more need for a bottle opener, and easy to store and transport.

By the end of 1935, sales of canned beer had soared, showing that America loves their beer. However, this wasn't just about selling beer; it was about changing consumer behavior and setting new standards for beverage packaging. The success of canned beer paved the way for further innovations in canning technology, influencing not just beer but the entire beverage industry.

Ted Bundy: A Killer’s Last Stand

Ted Bundy was one of America's most notorious serial killers, responsible for at least 30 murders, though many believe the actual number was much higher. He was charming, smart, and handsome, which made it easy for him to lure his victims. Bundy confessed to his crimes before his execution, but his stories were inconsistent. His killing spree in the 1970s left the nation horrified, and the true extent of his crimes is still debated.

Bundy’s arrest wasn’t easy. He was caught multiple times, escaped prison twice, and even convinced some people of his innocence while on death row. Despite his attempts to delay his fate and manipulate the media, he was eventually sentenced to death. Throughout his trial, he tried to portray himself as a tragic character, but he was ultimately a criminal who couldn't escape justice.

On January 24, 1989, Bundy was executed at 42 years old. Despite years of delaying tactics, his execution marked the end of one of the most chilling chapters in American criminal history. Bundy’s legacy remains one of fear and tragedy, and his attempt to justify his actions until the end did nothing to change the brutal reality of his crimes.

Ozzy's Bat-tered Reputation: The Night he Beheaded a Bat on Stage

On January 20, 1982, Osbourne surprised the world in a way that nobody’s ever seen before and likely will never see again. At Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa, during his "Diary of a Madman" tour, a fan threw what Ozzy thought was a rubber bat onto the stage. You all know the story, this madman went full on psycho-mode and bit the head off that poor bat. PETA would be disappointed, because the bat wasn’t rubber, it was real.

The taste was far from what he expected, leading to a mix of shock and disgust on his face as he spat out the bat. The audience was just as stunned, watching this unexpected turn of events. After this bizarre moment, Ozzy was rushed to Broadlawns Medical Center for rabies shots, where doctors probably just as confused as literally everyone else. Ozzy infamously said the bat tasted like chicken, but not in a good way.

This incident made Ozzy Osbourne famous in a whole new way, overshadowing his music with stories of wildlife on stage. It turned into one of the most legendary tales in rock history, leading to stricter security at concerts to avoid more animal surprises. The Des Moines show became famous not just for the tunes but for this wild, unexpected moment that turned a regular concert into a biology lesson.

Trivia Time

In every issue of LOL History, we take a break from sharing historical events to bring you a quirky trivia section. Get ready to challenge your brain and impress your friends with some seriously weird knowledge