We wanted to look at each festival to find out the positives and the negatives and how each one went down and why!
And so it’s back to 1969 we go and the first Woodstock Festival….
Woodstock 1969: peace, love and covered in shit
Woodstock 1969, officially known as the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, remains an iconic symbol of the 1960s counterculture and the hippie movement. Held from August 15 to 18, 1969, the festival took place on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York, about 43 miles southwest of Woodstock, New York. The location was not the original choice; organizers Michael Lang, John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, and Artie Kornfeld initially planned for the event to be in Woodstock itself, but various logistical issues led them to Max Yasgur’s 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel.
The Organisers and the festival Execution
The festival was the brainchild (or brain fart) of four young men with little experience in organising such large-scale events. Michael Lang, a music promoter, had previously organized the Miami Pop Festival. John Roberts and Joel Rosenman were entrepreneurs and budding media moguls who teamed up with Lang and Artie Kornfeld, a Capitol Records executive. Despite their inexperience, their vision of a festival that combined music with peace and love resonated with the spirit of the times.
Attendance and Financials
Originally, the organisers expected about 50,000 attendees. However, as word spread, an estimated 400,000 people descended on Bethel. The massive turnout overwhelmed the facilities and led to the event being declared a free festival when the fences were knocked down by the crowd. Of the hundreds of thousands who attended, only about 186,000 tickets were sold, each priced at $18 in advance and $24 at the gate. Despite the overwhelming attendance, the festival initially was a financial disaster, leaving the organizers in significant debt. The subsequent sales of the documentary film and soundtrack album eventually helped the organisers recoup their losses and even make a profit. You can watch the movie on some streamers or on DVD.
Performers and Reception
The lineup at Woodstock featured an impressive array of artists who would go on to become legendary in rock and roll history:
- **Friday, August 15**: Richie Havens, Swami Satchidananda, Sweetwater, Bert Sommer, Tim Hardin, Ravi Shankar, Melanie, Arlo Guthrie, and Joan Baez.
- **Saturday, August 16**: Quill, Country Joe McDonald, John Sebastian, Keef Hartley Band, Santana, Incredible String Band, Canned Heat, Mountain, Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, Sly and the Family Stone, The Who, and Jefferson Airplane.
- **Sunday, August 17**: Joe Cocker, Country Joe and the Fish, Ten Years After, The Band, Johnny Winter, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
- **Monday, August 18**: Sha Na Na and Jimi Hendrix.
The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive, despite the chaotic conditions. Performances like Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," Santana’s electrifying set, and Joe Cocker’s soulful "With a Little Help from My Friends" became historic moments, deeply resonating with the audience and symbolising the festival's message of peace and music.
A soundtrack of the festival is available on Vinyl and CD
Conditions and Atmosphere
The sheer number of attendees led to significant logistical challenges. The festival site quickly turned into a quagmire due to rain, with muddy conditions prevailing throughout the event. Food, water, and sanitary facilities were severely inadequate for the massive crowd, leading to health and safety concerns. Despite these hardships, the atmosphere remained remarkably peaceful and communal. Attendees shared food, helped each other through the mud, and celebrated together, embodying the festival’s ethos of peace and love.
Crime, Injuries, and Deaths
Given the vast number of people, there were remarkably few incidents of violence. However, the festival was not without its problems. Two fatalities occurred: one from a drug overdose and another from a tractor accident. There were numerous minor injuries, largely due to the challenging conditions and the sheer density of the crowd. Drug use was rampant, which led to some medical emergencies, but the free clinic set up on-site helped manage these issues.
1969 Legacy
Woodstock 1969 stands as a landmark event in music history, capturing the spirit of an era and demonstrating the power of music to bring people together. Despite the initial financial setbacks and logistical nightmares, the festival's cultural impact was immeasurable. It remains a testament to the ideals of the 1960s, symbolising a generation's quest for peace, love, and music.
Click to watch footage from the concert
Woodstock 1994: peace, posers and hard drugs
Woodstock 1994, often referred to as "Woodstock '94," marked the 25th anniversary of the original 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, one of the most iconic music festivals in history. Held from August 12-14, 1994, in Saugerties, New York, Woodstock '94 aimed to revive the spirit of peace, love, and music that characterized the original event while appealing to a new generation of music lovers. Despite its very commercial nature, the festival managed to capture some of the essence of the original Woodstock, albeit with its unique set of challenges and controversies.
Location and Organisation
Woodstock '94 was held on Winston Farm, a 840-acre site in Saugerties, New York, approximately 100 miles north of New York City. This location was chosen for its vast open space, which was necessary to accommodate the large crowds expected. The festival was organised by Michael Lang, who was also one of the original Woodstock organisers , alongside co-promoters John Scher and Ossie Kilkenny. They faced the daunting task of balancing the nostalgic ideals of the original Woodstock with the realities of a large-scale commercial event in the 1990s.
Attendance and Financials
An estimated 350,000 people attended Woodstock '94. Interestingly, only about 164,000 tickets were sold, as many attendees managed to breach the fences and gain entry without paying. Tickets were priced at around $135 each, and despite the influx of gate-crashers, the organizers reportedly grossed approximately $30 million from ticket sales alone. However, the overall profit margins were diminished by the high costs of organizing such a massive event, including artist fees, security, sanitation, and infrastructure.
Musical Lineup and Fan Response
A heavy but balanced lineup mixing new bands with acts from Woodstock 69. Woodstock '94 featured an eclectic lineup that spanned multiple genres, reflecting the diverse musical tastes of the early '90s. Some of the notable performers included:
- **Aerosmith**
- **Nine Inch Nails**
- **Metallica**
- **Red Hot Chili Peppers**
- **Green Day**
- **Crosby, Stills & Nash**
- **Joe Cocker**
- **Blind Melon**
- **The Cranberries**
- **Bob Dylan**
- **Santana**
- **Peter Gabriel**
- **Sheryl Crow**
The fans' responses were enthusiastic, with many performances becoming legendary. Green Day's set, for instance, was famously chaotic, culminating in a mud fight between the band and the audience. Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor emerged covered in mud, delivering a raw and powerful performance that resonated with the crowd. Aerosmith's and Metallica's sets were also highlights, showcasing their enduring appeal and solidifying their status as rock icons.
Conditions and Atmosphere
Woodstock '94 was characterized by both its vibrant atmosphere and challenging conditions. Much like the original Woodstock, the festival faced significant weather issues, with heavy rain turning the site into a muddy quagmire. This led to a mix of discomfort and communal bonding among attendees, reminiscent of the original festival's spirit of resilience and camaraderie.
The atmosphere was a blend of nostalgia and contemporary cultural elements, with a sense of unity prevailing despite the commercial underpinnings. Attendees embraced the muddy conditions, turning them into an integral part of the Woodstock '94 experience. The festival grounds were dotted with makeshift campsites, vibrant art installations, and spontaneous performances, creating a dynamic and immersive environment.
Crime, Injuries, and Deaths
Despite the overall positive atmosphere, Woodstock '94 was not without its darker moments. There were numerous reports of crime, including thefts, assaults, and drug-related incidents. The sheer size of the crowd made it difficult for security personnel to maintain control at all times. Injuries were also common, primarily due to the muddy and slippery conditions, as well as the exuberant behavior of the crowd.
Tragically, there were a few fatalities reported during the festival. At least two people died, one from a heroin overdose and another from complications related to a pre-existing medical condition. These incidents underscored the challenges of managing such a large and diverse gathering.
1994 then, a good time and good legacy?
Woodstock 1994, with its mix of triumphs and tribulations, stands as a significant chapter in the history of music festivals. While it struggled with commercialisation and logistical challenges, it succeeded in evoking the spirit of the original Woodstock for a new generation. The festival's eclectic lineup, memorable performances, and resilient atmosphere left an indelible mark on those who attended, ensuring its place in the annals of music history.
A worthy celebration of the ethos and dream that was Woodstock.
Click to watch Woodstock 94 movie
A highlight CD is available
Woodstock 1999: extortion, hate and fire
Woodstock 1999, often remembered as "the day the music died," was held from July 22-25, 1999, marking the 30th anniversary of the original 1969 Woodstock festival. While intended to celebrate peace, love, and music, Woodstock '99 instead became infamous for its logistical failures, exorbitant prices, and widespread chaos, culminating in violence and riots. Held at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York (fucking stupid location) the festival is often cited as an example of what can go wrong when commercial interests overshadow event planning and attendee well-being.
Location and Organisation
The festival was held at Griffiss Air Force Base, a decommissioned military installation in Rome, New York. This site was chosen for its vast, flat expanse, which was thought to be ideal for accommodating large crowds and multiple stages. However, the asphalt-heavy environment proved problematic, contributing to high temperatures and discomfort.
Woodstock '99 was organized by a team including Michael Lang, one of the original Woodstock organizers, and John Scher. Their goal was to recreate the magic of the original festival while modernizing it for a new generation. However, financial motivations appeared to take precedence, leading to numerous logistical oversights and cost-cutting measures that ultimately contributed to the festival's failure.
Attendance and Financials
Fleeced. Full-stop! Approximately 400,000 people attended Woodstock '99, with most of them paying for admission. Tickets were priced at around $150, with additional fees for parking and camping, bringing the total cost for many attendees to over $200. The organizers grossed millions of dollars from ticket sales, sponsorships, and concessions, but the exact profit margin remains unclear due to the high costs associated with managing the chaos that ensued.
Prices of Food and Water
One of the major points of contention at Woodstock '99 was the exorbitant prices of food and water. Bottled water was sold for $4, and food prices were similarly inflated. This led to widespread frustration and anger among attendees, who were already dealing with sweltering heat and limited access to free water. The high prices were seen as a blatant attempt to exploit festival-goers, and the resulting discontent contributed to the volatile atmosphere.
Musical Lineup and Fan Response
Woodstock '99 featured a diverse lineup of artists spanning various genres, including rock, metal, hip-hop, and electronic music. Some of the notable performers included:
- **Korn**
- **Bush**
- **Kid Rock**
- **Sheryl Crow**
- **DMX**
- **Limp Bizkit**
- **Rage Against the Machine**
- **Metallica**
- **Alanis Morissette**
- **Red Hot Chilli Peppers**
The fan response to the music was intense and often frenzied. Bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit delivered high-energy performances that fueled the already amped-up crowd. Limp Bizkit's set, in particular, is often cited as a turning point, with their performance of "Break Stuff" coinciding with outbreaks of violence and destruction. Rage Against the Machine's politically charged performance, complete with flag-burning, further intensified the crowd's emotions.
Conditions and Atmosphere
The conditions at Woodstock '99 were far from ideal. The combination of high temperatures, lack of shade, and insufficient sanitation facilities created a harsh environment. The festival grounds, covered in asphalt and devoid of grass, exacerbated the heat, leading to widespread dehydration and discomfort.
A large portion of the attendees were male frat boys. Angry, horny and unable to hold their beer. Females were treated as sex objects and the usual Woodstock nudity took a seedy, dark turn. Well done guys. Assholes.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as the festival progressed. Reports of sexual assaults, thefts, and vandalism began to surface, and the overall mood shifted from festive to hostile. The lack of adequate security and medical facilities only worsened the situation, leaving many attendees feeling unsafe and unprotected.
Crime, Injuries, and Deaths
Crime and violence were rampant at Woodstock '99. There were numerous reports of sexual assaults, with the exact number likely underreported. The lack of security presence and the chaotic environment made it difficult to address these incidents effectively.
Injuries were also widespread, ranging from heat exhaustion and dehydration to more severe injuries caused by the violence. At least four rapes were reported, and there were multiple accounts of groping and harassment. Tragically, three people died during the festival, including one from a heat-related illness.
Fires and Rioting
The festival's culmination on Sunday night saw the most significant outbreak of violence. After the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Fire," attendees, already incensed by the conditions and treatment, began setting fires across the festival grounds. Vendor booths, trailers, and even parts of the infrastructure were torched.
The riots quickly escalated, with looting and vandalism spreading throughout the site. ATMs were smashed, and sound towers were toppled. The few security personnel present were overwhelmed, and it took hours for law enforcement to regain control. The aftermath of the riots left a scene of devastation and chaos, tarnishing the legacy of the Woodstock brand.
Footage of most of the bands is on YouTube
A soundtrack CD is available with highlights
Stupid question; 1999 a good legacy?!
Woodstock 1999 stands as a cautionary tale in the annals of music festival history. What was intended to be a celebration of peace, love, and music instead became a symbol of chaos, greed, and violence. The festival's failure was due to a combination of poor planning, inadequate security, and a blatant disregard for the well-being of attendees. While the music itself provided some memorable moments, the overall experience left a lasting negative impression, serving as a stark contrast to the original Woodstock's ideals.
And so, there you have it. 3 festivals, 3 examples of how not to run a show. It’s a shame some lessons have not be learned by the organisers of today’s festivals. As for another Woodstock? Well it has been discussed several times especially to celebrate the 50th anniversary but with such a poor track record, who would risk it again? Never say never. Only time will tell.
As for the legacy. Heck many people have fond memories so there ya go. You had to be there man!
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