Woodstock (the original one) was held from August 15-18, 1969, in Bethel, NY on a 600-acre farm. It was originally scheduled until the 17th but the concert ended up spilling over into the 18th due to rain. Over 100,000 tickets were sold prior to the event but they became unnecessary when 500,000 people swarmed the farm to listen to both popular and upcoming acts of the day. It is one of the most pivotal points in music history. 32 acts performed for the half a million people that showed up. It was truly 3 days of peace and music...and a lot of rain.
A few fun facts:
-Originally, only 50,000 people were expected to attend. After the sale of 186,000 pre-sale tickets, only 200,000 people were expected and the venue had to be moved to the 600-acre farm. The event eventually became free for those who hadn't purchased tickets yet due to numbers and organizers deciding to cut the fence the night before the concert due to last minute venue changes.
-Creedence Clearwater Revival was the first famous band to sign on and after they did, more of the big name acts signed on. However, CCR is a little bitter about their experience since they were given a 3:30 am slot and excluded from the Woodstock movie.
-Joan Baez was 6 months pregnant during her performance.
-The Jeff Beck Group was purposely disbanded before Woodstock so the band wouldn't be preserved.
-The Doors cancelled at the last moment because they thought it would be a second rate version of the Monterey Pop Festival, but later regretted the decision.
-On August 17, Sullivan County declared a state of emergency due to the influx of people for the concert. 10,000 National Guard Troops were almost called in to patrol the event.
So prepare yourself for a remembrance of Woodstock for the whole month of August!
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