Woodstock, the three-day music festival held in August 1969, remains an iconic event in music history. Over 150 musicians performed for hundreds of thousands of attendees, creating a cultural moment that resonated far beyond the confines of Yasgur’s farm. While the haze of drugs and alcohol may have obscured some memories, many artists still hold vivid recollections of their Woodstock experience. This article explores the perspectives of 15 rock acts who graced the Woodstock stage, offering a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and lasting impact of this legendary festival.
Arlo Guthrie’s Woodstock Haze
Arlo Guthrie, son of folk legend Woody Guthrie, humorously summed up the experience of many attendees: “I remember gettin’ there, but I don’t remember leavin’.” While this statement was mostly in jest, it highlights the surreal atmosphere of Woodstock. Guthrie also acknowledged the historical significance of the event, noting the shared awareness among participants that they were witnessing something extraordinary. He told Smithsonian magazine in 2009, “It was plainly evident from the size of the crowd and the overwhelming factors like weather, roads and food that we were in the middle of a disaster. And we knew that it was historic in proportion.”
Joan Baez: The Outsider’s Perspective
Folk singer Joan Baez, already a prominent figure in the music scene, found Woodstock to be a unique experience. She described the scene to Rolling Stone as “crazy,” recalling the mud, the informal atmosphere, and the overall sense of significance. Baez’s political activism and sober lifestyle set her apart from many of her fellow performers, making her an “outsider” at the festival. She recounted her interactions with Janis Joplin and her awareness of her distinct position within the Woodstock community.
Santana’s Launchpad to Fame
For Santana, Woodstock marked their first performance outside of San Francisco. Percussionist Michael Carabello described the pre-festival atmosphere as a vibrant jam session, with various bands sharing their music. Woodstock served as a crucial stepping stone for Santana, propelling them to national recognition. Keyboardist Gregg Rolie succinctly stated the impact of the festival: “If you played at Woodstock, you had a career.”
Mountain’s Culinary Advantage
Leslie West of Mountain remembered Woodstock for a more mundane reason: food. He recounted the scarcity of provisions and his band’s fortunate access to barbecued chickens, a luxury in the chaotic environment. This anecdote highlights the logistical challenges of hosting such a massive event.
The Grateful Dead’s Disappointment
Despite the cultural impact of Woodstock, Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart expressed dissatisfaction with their own performance. Hart acknowledged the exceptional performances of other artists like Carlos Santana, Sly Stone, and Jimi Hendrix, while lamenting their own missed opportunity. Weir echoed this sentiment, describing it as “probably the worst set we’ve ever performed.”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Late-Night Set
Creedence Clearwater Revival faced multiple setbacks at Woodstock, including travel delays and a late-night time slot following the Grateful Dead’s extended set. John Fogerty recalled playing to a sleeping audience, a disheartening experience for the band. Drummer Doug Clifford, however, maintained a more pragmatic perspective, viewing it as “another walk in the park.”
The Who’s Technical Difficulties
Roger Daltrey considered Woodstock to be one of the Who’s worst performances, citing equipment problems and the overwhelming volume on stage. Pete Townshend shared a similar dislike for the experience, describing the chaotic environment and his accidental LSD trip.
Jefferson Airplane’s Mixed Emotions
Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane highlighted the sense of community and shared identity among the attendees. He described the feeling of belonging and the realization of a national identity for the counterculture movement. However, singer Grace Slick had a less positive recollection, focusing on the logistical difficulties and lack of comfort.
Country Joe and the Fish’s Transformative Experience
For Country Joe McDonald, Woodstock marked a turning point in his career. The festival, along with the subsequent documentary film, brought him widespread recognition and changed the trajectory of his musical journey. Guitarist Barry “The Fish” Melton described their appearance in the film as the “best paying minute” of his life.
The Band’s Hometown Performance
As local residents, the Band had a unique connection to Woodstock. However, Robbie Robertson described the experience as somewhat awkward, noting the disconnect between their intimate performance style and the vast audience. They opted for a more subtle approach, eschewing the typical crowd interaction of other performers.
Johnny Winter’s Muddy Memory
Johnny Winter’s primary memory of Woodstock was the mud. However, he also recalled the large, enthusiastic crowd and the favorable weather during his Sunday night performance.
Sly and the Family Stone’s Triumph
Sly Stone confidently declared his Woodstock performance as a triumph. He recalled the challenges of performing after Janis Joplin and amidst a rainstorm, but ultimately expressed pride in their set.
Blood, Sweat and Tears’ Peaceful Observation
David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears emphasized the peaceful nature of Woodstock, despite the challenging conditions. He marveled at the lack of violence and the overall spirit of cooperation among the attendees. Bandmate Steve Katz, however, found the experience less enjoyable, citing the distance from the audience and the resulting lack of intimacy.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Early Performance
Woodstock marked only the second performance for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Graham Nash felt their set was subpar, while Stephen Stills reflected on the irony of the peaceful gathering amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War.
Sha Na Na’s Youthful Experience
Sha Na Na, the only doo-wop revival group at Woodstock, had a memorable experience. Singer Henry Gross, the youngest performer at the festival, recalled socializing with Jimi Hendrix and Jerry Garcia, highlighting the surreal atmosphere and camaraderie among the musicians.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Music and Community
Woodstock 1969 remains a pivotal event in music history, remembered for its iconic performances, challenging conditions, and enduring message of peace and community. The reflections of these 15 artists offer a unique perspective on the festival, revealing the diverse experiences and lasting impact of this cultural phenomenon.
FAQs
Q: What were the dates of the Woodstock festival?
A: Woodstock took place from August 15th to 18th, 1969.
Q: How many people attended Woodstock?
A: Estimates vary, but hundreds of thousands of people attended Woodstock.
Q: What were the main challenges faced by performers at Woodstock?
A: Performers faced challenges such as equipment problems, difficult weather conditions, logistical issues, and playing to large, sometimes exhausted crowds.
Q: What is the lasting legacy of Woodstock?
A: Woodstock is remembered as a landmark event in music and counterculture history, symbolizing peace, community, and the power of music.
We encourage readers to share their own questions and perspectives on Woodstock in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation and celebrate the enduring legacy of this iconic festival.
