21 Woodstock photos that will take you back to 1969

9/16/2020

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Culture Story: 21 Woodstock photos that will take you back to 1969

In August of 1969, the most famous music festival in American history occurred near Bethel, New York. It was a really remarkable event that changed everything. I picked the best 21 Woodstock photos and some fascinating facts about the festival! Keep on reading…

If you like history like I do, check out these articles on QuizzClub:

#1 That’s how it started

The music festival now known as Woodstock was originally conceived by Michael Lang, Artie Kornfeld, Joel Rosenman, and John P. Roberts. They were a group of promoters and entrepreneurs who formed Woodstock Ventures and envisioned a large music festival somewhere in New York.

Initially, they had difficulty finding a suitable venue, as more than one community rejected their offer. After considerable searching, they were introduced to Max Yasgur, a dairy farmer. He agreed to allow them to hold the concert on his land.

#2 Tickets for Woodstock

Tickets for the concert cost $18 in advance and were to be $24 at the gate. In today’s currency, This is approximately $120 and $160. Would you go to Woodstock at this price? The tickets were sold in record stores in the New York City area or could be purchased by mail.

#3 The first days of Woodstock

Thousands upon thousands of people began to arrive on Wednesday and Thursday, quickly overwhelming the concert organizers. They were forced to allow people in for free because there were no ticket booths or fences to keep them out.

#4 Food and drinks

Food and water supplies quickly became a major issue as the crowd continued to swell. Far more people had arrived than the promoters were planning. All those attending were forced to find food wherever they could. Some had brought food and water with them and shared it with those in need. The grocery stores and restaurants in nearby Bethel quickly ran out of food as well.

#5 Personal hygiene

A nearby pond, known as Filippina Pond, became a popular spot for bathing.

#6 Music at the festival

The concert itself is nearly unrivaled in the annals of music history. 32 acts took the stage over the course of four days. Amongst those who performed were some of the most legendary names in popular music:

Ravi Shankar
Janis Joplin
The Who
Jimi Hendrix and many others.

Hendrix played for 2 hours. The highlight of his performance was a stunning rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” which has become one of the defining sounds of the decade.

#7 Diversity of the public

The crown on Woodstock included an incredibly diverse group of people, from a wide range of backgrounds. Many were anti-war protesting hippies while others were Vietnam veterans. African-American civil rights activists, LGBT activists, anti-government protesters, pro-government protesters were there. Yet, still, others simply came to hear the great music and incredible performers.

Enjoy some more photos that transfer the unspeakable Woodstock atmosphere

Culture Story: woodstock 1969 photos where was woodstock held in 1969 Bethel New York Michael Lang Artie Kornfeld Joel Rosenman John P Roberts Woodstock Ventures

Despite the wide range of people and the miserable conditions, there were very few reported incidents of violence. There were also two births reported during the event.

What do you think of Woodstock? Would you like to visit the festival if you could? Or maybe you belong to the “Woodstock Nation”? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Don’t forget to show these amusing photos of Woodstock on Facebook!

#Culture #History #Society #funny #music #photography

What are your thoughts on this subject?

23 Comments

Paula Salem

As a gift for my 60th birthday which is August 16 my son gave me a framed ticket and an actual photograph taken from Woodstock. I love it!

ninakamwene

I came to America 8-28-1970 otherwise I would have been there. Peace.

Bernice Sartori

I was 15, living in NJ, and was determined to be there. My Mom was equally determined that I would NOT. She won. I eventually forgave her😎

joemule

I went to Woodstock, 1 month before starting a 50+ year career in Broadcasting. It was a fitting send off and a time that I remember (kind'a) well. Remember what they say..."If you can remember Woodstock, you weren't there!".

Brooks Roll

I was in Vietnam and couldn’t make it.

Chris Nunez

Went still have two tickets sat sun, after fri it became a free concert.Don’t have vivid memories if you catch my drift. Might try to see if 2 tickets are worth anything.

mxfob

I still have my tickets. There was no one collecting. A tremendous weekend

L Lh Adams

I was old enough to go,but was in Texas,and working.

Audrey

Awwww.... Those Were The Days🤗..

Patricia Petroff Sines

Brooks Roll, thank you for being there 🇺🇸

Chris Garrett-Petts

Wish I'd been there. I was on this survey crew, summer job, over on the West coast. Not nice people then, getting yelled at every day I seem to recall

Anita Clark Morton

I wish I COULD have gone. But I was only 13 at the time and living in Western Canada

Raymond Cardona

I vaguely remember Woodstock as I was still quite young in 1969 Bonnie

Grant McIntosh

I was at the IoW festival that year, watching Bob Dylan.

Chris Hall

Bernice Sartori, Not Flemington was it?

Chris Oosthuysen

Groovy baby

Peter Miller

Santana, Jimi Hendrix, CSN&Y, The Who, all icons of that time. A magic experience. I still have the triple LP set which was released here in South Africa.