From seeing 32 best-known musicians of the day and half a million people in attendance to an eponymous Oscar-winning documentary made on it, the Woodstock music festival of 1969 created history. We are now waiting to see if the 2019 anniversary edition is going to be as big! By Rashima Nagpal
Did you know that back in 1969, some musicians who were to perform (like rock band Iron Butterfly) couldn’t even make it to the venue of the Woodstock Festival? That’s how crazy the roads of New York were on August 15th that year. In what was initially thought of as a festival for around 50,000 people grew to see an audience of around 500,000. The hippie culture in America was gaining momentum, and at the time, Woodstock Festival only served as a catalyst.
Fondly remembered as “three days of music and peace”, the Woodstock Festival became a landmark event in America’s history of pop culture. It went on from August 15-18, 1969, at late farmer Max Yasgur’s 600 acres of farmland in the town of Bethel, New York. Despite many a setback due to the unprecedented number of people that showed up (including around 70 lawsuits and over $1 million dollars of debt in the face of the organisers), the festival’s lively spirit left an everlasting mark.
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These are some of the reasons why the world is looking forward to the rumoured grand comeback in 2019. As it’s being talked about, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Eminem are some of the names that are likely to perform. The leaked flyers hint towards 6+ stages, 35,000+ people, Woodstock legends and more, with a lineup that centres around classics, pop, rock, hip hop, latin, country, and EDM. More artistes such as Daft Punk, Swedish House Mafia, deadmau5, Skrillex, Steve Aoki, and The Chainsmokers are likely also in talks to be a part of Woodstock 2019.
Original founder Michael Lang recently confirmed there are “definite plans” for Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary and that he is “indeed” excited about what’s to come. But confirmed official announcements are yet to come. Here’s looking forward to another spirited Woodstock, hopefully with better management.
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