Are you one of those people who feel that they were meant to be born in a different era? Personally, with its great music and incredible sense of fashion, I would have preferred to have been alive during the ’60s. Winning a Woodstock ticket in 1969 would have been incredible. While five decades have passed since the Woodstock era ended, we can not deny that its legend continues. Take a look at these pictures that will make you wish back then that you were alive. The festival served as a cultural icon that really captured in those days the free-spirited nature and sense of liberation that the youth embodied. Nearly 400,000 people came together to celebrate three days of love, harmony, democracy, culture and community on August 15, 1969, popular music, 9, original Woodstock ticket, music, festival.
You’ll Wish It Was 1969 After Seeing These Woodstock Photos
Chilling Out
You would have seen people resting in odd positions and locations if you were lucky enough to attend the festival. It was a fully outdoor festival, meaning that for its duration, attendees camped out. Take a look at this guy who has found the ideal spot between these two cars to doze off. Although it doesn’t seem to be the best place to rest, it did not seem to mind the cowboy! He obviously didn’t think the car would go anywhere, so what else to do but relax and take it easy?
Chilling Out
The Challenge Of Getting There
First of all, naturally: transport. You will have to join tens of thousands of other people who flocked to Bethel, New York, to get into the action. The roads seemed to be parking lots! It is not shocking to learn that individuals have chosen to go on foot. The roads gradually closed down, which meant that some people did not even access the path leading to the festival. On stage, “The New York State Thruway is closed, man,” Arlo Guthrie declared. It stayed open all the time, as a matter of fact, although the state police had to close down the exits from Harriman and Newburgh to deter more people from going to the Woodstock Festival.
The Challenge Of Getting There
The Legendary Jimi Hendrix
Festivalgoers had to wait three days before Jimi Hendrix finally arrived at the venue. His Star-Spangled Banner appearance has undoubtedly become so legendary that many associate the festival with it. The band he played with was a temporary crew at Woodstock. Because before the festival, the regular band broke down, so he wanted to find people immediately. So he eventually played with Rainbows and Gypsy Suns. Can you believe it was actually the time they played for a vast crowd together?
The Legendary Jimi Hendrix
Janis Joplin Stayed
Janis Joplin was at Woodstock as well. For her set, she got 7,500 dollars! Most people remember her presence because of her “Piece of My Heart” performance. Aside from this on the second day, she also belted out some other tracks. The entire band was flown by helicopter into the venue. The other members recall how she told them to perform every other gig as it was. When the show finished, she stayed around at Woodstock to spend the rest of the event with the festivalgoers!
Janis Joplin Stayed
A Surprise John Sebastian Set
John Sebastian’s Woodstock appearance was not planned, but it was still legendary. He went there just to see the festivals but accepted when he was invited to perform as an acoustic guitarist by the organizers. Overall, on top of two others, he played three unreleased tracks. And what an icon!
A Surprise John Sebastian Set
Bigger Than They Thought
It was hard to come up with a venue appropriate for the festival that could also accommodate all of the planned attendees. In the beginning, the idea was to keep it, in the summer arts colony called Woodstock, which was a favorite of many musicians. Wallkill, New York, was the first festival venue, however. They expressed objections to it when the locals found out how big it was going to be. After that, they relocated the event to Bethel’s farmland. Despite the preparation, they were not prepared for the 400,000 visitors that ended up coming. They had just 50,000 individuals in mind! In regards to both the operation and the visitors, the event met expectations. Governor Rockefeller proposed sending the National Guard for crowd control assistance. The county of Sullivan has also declared a state of emergency!
Bigger Than They Thought
No Place For Discrimination
At Woodstock, prejudice had no room. Anyone, regardless of their ethnicity, gender and age, may come. The parents took their children with them. This little one looked particularly excited about being there! How cute is that? Not only did children attend the festival, but there were actually several babies born there and then. Whoa.
No Place For Discrimination
Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Speech
The revered spiritual master, Sri Swami Satchidananda, kickstarted the festival with an impressive speech. There were 400,000 people around to hear him talk about the energy and strength of sound that the world is ruled by, he said. It was better than anything in the universe, according to him.
Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Speech
The Place To Be
Most items that are representative of Woodstock are daisies, tie-dye clothing, and hippiedom, which many consider the significant cultural phenomenon of the 1960s. It was clearly the place to be. All the teenagers wanted to spend time, be happy and enjoy the great music with their friends and lovers. We have to admit that today the prospect sounds just as enticing as it did then!
The Place To Be
Buses And Caravans Aplenty
Scattered around the festival grounds were caravans and empty buses. It acted as the perfect escape from reality or the chance to enjoy a little privacy!
Buses And Caravans Aplenty
Shopping Galore
There were also makeshift stores selling crafts, clothing, and paraphernalia for drugs. The aural and visual fest that Woodstock had to bring was just boosted. At music concerts and festivals, these are still famous sights, of course. Several people left with tie-dye shirts on their backs during the festival itself! They had little to think about when folks come without a change of clothes.
Shopping Galore
Odd Sleeping Arrangements
It is only normal for the attendees to get tired now and then, with all the people, music, and psychedelic drugs at their disposal. If all the hoods are removed from the vehicle, how about a motorcycle? The odd sleeping spots will be another classic Woodstock experience!
Odd Sleeping Arrangements
Choose Your Own Adventure
“Both “Gentle Path High Way” and “Groovy Way” sound promising if you ask us. The latter makes us think of afros and bell-bottom pants, while the former brings to mind photos of the lush countryside. Isn’t it cool to think that the “Groovy Way” was possible for attendees to explore? We’re jealous!
Choose Your Own Adventure
The Birth Of Jam Sessions
Many people consider the festival to be the birthplace of what we all know as the American drum circle. This applies to a group of individuals coming together to play music collectively. You know it better maybe as a “jam session”. The songs being played inspired everyone to create their music and make instruments with whatever they had. The attendees were packed with friends and strangers alike. Joining in on the fun and making incredible music together was fast!
The Birth Of Jam Sessions
Setting Up The Sound System
The person in charge of sound engineering at Woodstock was Bill Hanley. The event was excellent, according to him. He built custom speaker columns and installed arrays on the high towers. The arrangement was only planned to entertain 150,000 individuals. The crowd that came was, as we all know, much larger than they had initially expected. The sound system was nevertheless adequate.
Setting Up The Sound System
A Truly Unique Experience
Whenever you hear what it was like to go to Woodstock, don’t you get a tinge of jealousy? We are confident that all the participants consider it a remarkable moment in their lives. What we’d give to see all the people wearing vibrant dresses, bead necklaces, and love celebration!
A Truly Unique Experience
Fun In The Sun
As mentioned before many parents have taken their little kids along with them. They had a blast, apart from the music, enjoying the sun on their faces!
Fun In The Sun
Families Celebrating Peace, Love, Music
This father is definitely the coolest dad anybody has ever had! We bet you’ve never been taken to music festivals by your father or let you ride on psychedelic school buses. In the meantime, the family agreed it was time to take a break from the events and enjoy a picnic. Look at them lying on the sleeping bags on this grassy field and chugging 7up.
Families Celebrating Peace, Love, Music
Latin Rock At Woodstock
Latin Rock was brought to the festival by Carlos Santana and his band. The audience members adored them. “He said during a Rolling Stone interview, “So I said, ‘Oh, I guess I’m going to take some psychedelics, and by the time I come down, it’s going to be time to go on stage, and I’m going to feel great.’ But when I peaked about two o’clock, someone said If you don’t go right now, you’re not going to go on.'” These are some of the festival’s most memorable moments. All had a blast listening on guitar to Carlos Santana and on bass to David Brown. And what a treat!
Latin Rock At Woodstock
Love Makes The World Go ‘Round
At Woodstock, sharing was another major trend, which made sense given the ideals it upheld. Since there was not enough to go around, everyone shared their food. There were far too many people, contributing to a lack of food. The fact that people were celebrating love was a positive thing! Most volunteered on the festival grounds to feed everyone.
Love Makes The World Go ‘Round
More Amazing Performances
During those three days, there were several musical acts. Clearwater Revival of Creedence and The Who were among those who performed! Do you believe every other festival will live up to the Woodstock collection of expectations? We doubt that.
More Amazing Performances
Lending A Hand To Those In Need
As we said during the three-day affair, love was in the air. People did not hesitate when needed to help each other out. It is this sense of community apart from the music that distinguishes Woodstock from every music festival that came before and after it.
Lending A Hand To Those In Need
Atop The Roof Of The Vans
Aside from being the stylish way to get around the venue, for events like this one, psychedelic vans were great. They were not only relaxed, but they also had a great way to see what was going on stage. Of course, while they waited for the next musical act, individuals might choose to sleep inside the van. It sounds more enticing than a motorcycle or the hood of a car, we must admit! There is also something incredibly appealing about this arrangement’s happiness.
Atop The Roof Of The Vans
Anything Goes
Usually, individuals are free to wear whatever they want to music festivals. While most people at Woodstock chose the tie-dye look, some took the chance to stand out and send a message. Do you think that at the time, he was under the influence of drugs? Who knows what message this guy wants to say, even though we have to admit that his imagination and commitment inspire us.
Anything Goes
Hugs For All
A photographer took this shot as another morning was breaking out on the festival grounds. As they share a single blanket, it shows a couple locked in an embrace. They were far from being the only ones huddling during Woodstock for comfort! During the case, the sleeping conditions were absolutely something else.
Hugs For All
One For The History Books
More than 400,000 people gathered to celebrate three days of music, harmony, and love on August 15, 1969.
One For The History Books
Unforgettable Music
Indeed, it was an experience that one would never forget. Of course, it was made all the more unique by talented musicians including Janis Joplin, The Who, Santana, Jimmy Hendrix, and Joan Baez.
Unforgettable Music
Intimate Hideaways
Although we would trade anything to listen to those performances, our favorite part of the festival might just be the moments of intimacy shared by the festivalgoers!
Intimate Hideaways
Time For Chow
The biggest takeaway we got was how inclusive and communal the concert was. Although most people look back at Woodstock and realize they need to better their sense of fashion. The 400,000 people in attendance had to eat, and so they did! (with plenty of assistance)
Time For Chow
Come Rain or Shine
Woodstock was happening no matter the weather. If it started raining, then it rained! The festival was rain or shine. The people continued the party even when the skies opened up, and the storm came!
Come Rain Or Shine
Dreamer
Waiting in line? Then why not take a nap on your friend’s car? Sounds like a brilliant idea to us! This was the next greatest thing for those who didn’t bring their tents even though we must admit that it couldn’t have been quite comfortable!
Dreamer
Stay Flexible!
During the 1960s, and particularly among the Woodstock participants, yoga was a major hit. Right in the middle of the gathering, those who knew some poses held makeshift yoga seminars… too cool!
Stay Flexible
Welcome To The Club
Woodstock is famous for the friendly environment and friendliness of the people who have come here. At a significant time in U.S. history, they got together and became one. Can you believe not one fight has taken place? Fantastic!
Welcome To The Club
Janis Joplin Of Course
Janis Joplin was undoubtedly a talented lady. She was one of Woodstock’s headliners! Janis performed until 2 AM on Saturday, the crowd’s hearts and souls in the palm of her hand the whole time. This was her biggest performance since going solo.
Janis Joplin Of Course
I’m in the Band
While there was an entrance fee to enter, as the masses and masses of people kept coming, the organizers pretty much gave up. The happy people were flooding the campgrounds, and the organizers realized there was no point in trying to reduce the number of participants.
I’m In The Band
Writing the Next Big Hit
On Day 3 at Woodstock, Tim Hardin performed, though his performance is rarely talked about. He is a lesser-known folk artist who only had one major hit, “If I Were a Carpenter,” under his belt. Lucky for him the fans were just as fond of it as they were on the radio!
Writing The Next Big Hit
My Bubbles
The farmer who owned the land on which Woodstock took place, Max Yasgur, was moved to tears by the festival. He was famously quoted saying, “If we join them, we can turn those adversities that are America’s problems today into a vision for a brighter and more peaceful future.” This guy saved Woodstock by first and foremost allowing it to happen!
My Bubbles
Helping One Another
The ‘flower child’ movement was an opposition to the war in Vietnam. Many people came to Woodstock to express unity and harmony to condemn the horrific events that were happening. People here support each other to do henna tattoos during the festival, a typical body art.
Helping One Another
Extra Extra Read All About It
Since there was no Internet back then, people received their news from newspapers and magazines. While at the festival, they decided to keep up with the news and this was how they did it!
Extra Extra Read All About It
Fashionista
Styles still come back, as you know. The same can be said of the style during the sixties. The dresses and hairstyles this pair is wearing may certainly be still seen on the streets today.
Fashionista
Goth before Goth
During Woodstock, trying to find someone dressed in all black is pretty hard! This image is truly unique because this woman did the unthinkable and did what no other participant did… all black!
Goth before Goth
Melanie Sings ‘Candles in the Rain’
Melanie Schekeryk is performing “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” in this photograph, and it was quite a success! Can you believe that she continues to perform today and has been since 1967?? This singer is unstoppable!
Melanie Sings Candles In The Rain
Fortune Teller
During Woodstock, fortune tellers were evidently a big deal. We’re not sure we’d get advice from a hippie wearing a trippy dress like that, but then again it’s Woodstock!
Fortune Teller
Fresh From the Farm
We’re not certain who owned the cow, where it came from, or why it was milked, but there’s one thing we do know for sure. When it comes to Woodstock, everything goes together, so this photo shouldn’t be too shocking!
Fresh From The Farm
Fuller House
We know 400,00 people (the number of people who attended Woodstock) are difficult to imagine, so try to think about it like this. Any math whiz figures out that if you line up blue jeans equal to the number of participants, you will end up with a fabric of 10 million yards!
Fuller House
Jimi Hendrix Sings
In Woodstock, over 30 legendary artists performed, but no one was as spectacular as the one and only Jimi Hendrix. He completely embraced his desire to please everyone in the crowd, the power of the moment, and the power of the sixties, of course.
Jimi Hendrix Sings
2017 or 1969?
This couple is too cool! We could easily imagine them at a festival like Coachella in 2019. Her Bohemian style outfit and his cut off denim shorts will never go out of style. Oh, and how could we forget her bleached hair and his fabulous afro!
2017 Or 1969?
Rain Dance Man
As it began to pour down, the crowd gathered together and performed a rain dance to try to avoid the rain. They were obviously not as successful as it kept on coming, but it’s the thought that counts!
Rain Dance Man
Twist and Shout
Although the rain dance did not work, it still helped a friend dry his clothing! The only way to make things very clean and dry was the old trick… twist and scream! Yeah, and we’re not talking about this famous dance step.
Twist And Shout