Today marks the end of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Billed as “ An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music,” the three days festival was held from August 15 – August 18, 1969 at Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, New York. (that’s right – Woodstock did not actually take place in Woodstock, but in a town roughly 43 miles southwest of Woodstock) Featuring some of the greatest acts in music, Jimi Hendrix closed down the festival on day three. Enjoy a video of his now legendary performance of the Star Spangled Banner.
The festival is remembered not only for its great music, but also because it featured a huge crowd with relatively little to no violence. The lack of violence is even more incredible in light of the rain, electrical issues and the food and water shortages. Some consider the concert an anomaly that marked the end of the “Summer of Love” era begun at Monterrey Pop in 1967. In the months following Woodstock, violence would erupt at a Rolling Stones concert staffed by the Hells Angels and John Lennon would tell his generation what they already knew….that the “dream” held dear by hippies from Haight Ashbury to Woodstock, NY was in effect over.
[Image via Sobrephotos]
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