October 4, 1986

What's the frequency, Kenneth?!?!

On October 4, 1986, while walking along Park Ave in Manhattan, Dan Rather was punched from behind by a man who demanded to  know "Kenneth, what is the frequency?" A second assailant chased and beat him. As the assailant pummeled and kicked Rather, he kept  repeating the question. Rather's description of the  bizarre crime led some to doubt the veracity of his account although the doorman and building supervisor who rescued Rather fully confirmed his version of events. 

8 years later, REM released the song, "What's the frequency, Kenneth?" that was inspired by this rather strange attack.