Are you one of those people who are convinced they should have been born in a different era? Personally, I would have loved to have been alive during the ‘60s with its amazing music and incredible fashion sense. It would have also been amazing to score a Woodstock ticket in 1969. Although it has been five decades since the end of the Woodstock era, we cannot deny that its legacy lives on. Take a look at these images that will make you wish you were around back then. The festival served as a cultural landmark that truly captured the free-spirited nature and sense of freedom the youth embodied in those days. It was on August 15, 1969, that nearly 400,000 people got together to celebrate three days of love, peace, freedom, music, and community. famous music, 9, original Woodstock ticket, music, festival
You’ll Wish It Was 1969 After Seeing These Woodstock Photos
Chilling Out
If you were lucky enough to attend the festival, you would have seen people resting in strange positions and places. It was a fully outdoor festival, which meant attendees camped out for its duration. Take a look at this guy who found the perfect spot to doze off between these two cars. Although it does not seem like the safest place to rest, the cowboy did not seem to mind! He probably thought the car was not going anywhere, so what else to do but relax and take it easy?
Chilling Out
The Challenge Of Getting There
First things first, of course: transportation. To get into the event, you would have to join tens of thousands of other people who flocked to Bethel, New York. The roads looked like parking lots! It is not surprising to hear that people decided to simply go on foot. The roads eventually closed down, which meant some people did not even get to the road leading to the festival. On stage, Arlo Guthrie announced, “The New York State Thruway is closed, man”. As a matter of fact, it remained open the whole time, although the state police had to shut the Harriman and Newburgh exits to stop more people from going to the Woodstock Festival.
The Challenge Of Getting There
The Legendary Jimi Hendrix
Festivalgoers had to wait three whole days before Jimi Hendrix finally came on stage. Without a doubt, his rendition of Star Spangled Banner became so legendary that many associate it with the festival. The band he performed with at Woodstock was a temporary crew. This was because the usual band broke up before the festival, so he needed to find people right away. That was how he ended up playing with Gypsy Suns and Rainbows. Can you believe it was actually the time they played for a huge crowd together?
The Legendary Jimi Hendrix
Janis Joplin Stayed
Janis Joplin was also at Woodstock. She received $7,500 for her set! Most people remember her appearance for her performance of “Piece of My Heart”. Aside from this, she also belted out several other songs during the second day. The whole band had been flown into the venue via helicopter. The other members remember how she told them to play like it was any other gig. When the show ended, she stuck around at Woodstock to enjoy the rest of the festival with the festivalgoers!
Janis Joplin Stayed
A Surprise John Sebastian Set
John Sebastian’s Woodstock performance was not actually scheduled, but it was still unforgettable. He went there to watch the festival but agreed when the organizers asked him to perform as an acoustic guitar player. Overall, he played three unreleased songs on top of two others. What an icon!
A Surprise John Sebastian Set
Bigger Than They Thought
It was difficult to come up with a venue that was fitting for the festival that could also fit all of the expected attendees. In the beginning, the plan was to hold it in the summer arts colony called Woodstock, which was a favorite of many musicians. However, the first festival location was Wallkill, New York. When the locals found out how big it was going to be, they expressed objections to it. After this, they moved the event to a farmland in Bethel. Despite the planning, they were not prepared for the 400,000 attendees that ended up coming. They only had 50,000 people in mind! The event exceeded expectations in terms of both the activity and the guests. As a matter of fact, Governor Rockefeller considered sending the National Guard for crowd control help. Sullivan County even declared a state of emergency!
Bigger Than They Thought
No Place For Discrimination
Discrimination had no place at Woodstock. Anyone could come regardless of their race, gender, and age. Parents brought their kids with them. This little one looked particularly excited to be there! How adorable is that? Children did not only attend the festival, but some babies were actually born there and then. Whoa.
No Place For Discrimination
Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Speech
Sri Swami Satchidananda, the renowned spiritual master, kickstarted the festival with an impressive speech. There were 400,000 people around to listen to him talk about the energy and power of sound, which he said governs the universe. According to him, it was stronger than anything in the world.
Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Speech
The Place To Be
Daisies, tie-dye clothes, and hippiedom are some things that are representative of Woodstock, which many consider the major cultural event of the ‘60s. It was simply the place to be. All the teenagers wanted to spend time with their friends and lovers, be free, and enjoy the amazing music. We have to admit the prospect sounds just as appealing today as it did then!
The Place To Be
Buses And Caravans Aplenty
There were caravans and abandoned buses scattered across the festival grounds. This served as the ideal escape from reality or the opportunity to enjoy a little privacy!
Buses And Caravans Aplenty
Shopping Galore
There were also makeshift shops that sold crafts, clothes, and drug paraphernalia. It only boosted the aural and visual fest Woodstock had to offer. These are still common sights at music concerts and festivals, of course. During the festival itself, many people left with tie-dye shirts on their backs! If people came without a change of clothes, they had nothing to worry about.
Shopping Galore
Odd Sleeping Arrangements
With all the people, music, and psychedelic drugs at their disposal, it is only natural for the attendees to get tired every now and then. If the car hoods are all taken, how about a motorcycle? Another iconic Woodstock experience would be the odd sleeping spots!
Odd Sleeping Arrangements
Choose Your Own Adventure
If you ask us, both “Gentle Path High Way” and “Groovy Way” sound appealing. The latter makes us think of bell bottom jeans and afros, while the former brings images of the green countryside to mind. Isn’t it amazing to think that it was possible for attendees to explore the “Groovy Way”? We’re jealous!
Choose Your Own Adventure
The Birth Of Jam Sessions
Many people consider the festival to be the birthplace of what we now know as the American drum circle. This refers to a group of people coming together to play music together. Perhaps you know it better as a “jam session”. The music being played influenced everyone to create their own music and make instruments with whatever they had. Attendees jammed with their friends and strangers alike. It was easy to join in on the fun and make amazing music together!
The Birth Of Jam Sessions
Setting Up The Sound System
Bill Hanley was the person in charge of the sound engineering at Woodstock. According to him, the event was very successful. He created custom speaker columns and placed arrays on the high towers. The arrangement was meant to entertain only 150,000 people. As we already know, the crowd that came was much bigger than they originally anticipated. Nonetheless, the sound system was perfect.
Setting Up The Sound System
A Truly Unique Experience
Don’t you feel a tinge of jealousy whenever you hear what it was like to go to Woodstock? We are sure all the attendees consider it a special moment in their life. What we would give to see all the people wearing colorful clothing, donning bead necklaces, and celebrating love!
A Truly Unique Experience
Fun In The Sun
Like previously mentioned, many parents brought their little ones along. Aside from the music, they had a blast feeling the sun on their skin!
Fun In The Sun
Families Celebrating Peace, Love, Music
This dad is probably the coolest parent anyone ever had! We bet your father never brought you to music festivals or let you hop on psychedelic school buses. The family decided it was time to take a break from the activities and enjoy a picnic in the meantime. Look at them resting on the sleeping bags and chugging 7up on this grassy field.
Families Celebrating Peace, Love, Music
Latin Rock At Woodstock
Carlos Santana, together with his band brought Latin Rock to the festival. The audience members adored them. During an interview with Rolling Stone, he said, “So I said, ‘Hey, I think I’ll take some psychedelics, and by the time I’m coming down, it’ll be time to go onstage and I’ll feel fine.’ But when I was peaking around two o’clock, somebody said, ‘If you don’t go right now, you’re not gonna go on.’” These are some of the most unforgettable moments of the festival. Everyone had a blast listening to Carlos Santana on the guitar and David Brown on the bass. What a treat!
Latin Rock At Woodstock
Love Makes The World Go ‘Round
Sharing was another big thing at Woodstock, which made sense considering the values it upheld. Everyone shared their food because there was not enough to go around. There were far too many people, which led to the food shortage. It was a good thing that people were celebrating love! Many volunteered to feed everyone on the festival grounds.
Love Makes The World Go ‘Round
More Amazing Performances
There were many musical acts over the course of those three days. Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Who were among those who performed! Do you think any other festival will live up to the expectations Woodstock set? We doubt it.
More Amazing Performances
Lending A Hand To Those In Need
As we have said, love was in the air during the three-day event. People did not hesitate to help each other out when necessary. Aside from the music, it is this sense of community that separates Woodstock from any 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 of getting around the venue, psychedelic vans were perfect for events like this one. Not only were they comfortable, but they also offered a great way to view what was happening on stage. Of course, people could choose to sleep inside the van while they waited for the next musical act. We have to say that this sounds more appealing than a motorcycle or the hood of a car! There is also something incredibly appealing about the hippieness of this arrangement.
Atop The Roof Of The Vans
Anything Goes
Generally, people are free to wear whatever they want to music festivals. While most people at Woodstock opted for the tie-dye look, some took the opportunity to stand out and send a message. Do you think he was under the influence of drugs at the time? Who knows what message this fellow wants to say, although we have to admit we are impressed by his creativity and dedication.
Anything Goes
Hugs For All
As another morning was breaking out on the festival grounds, a photographer snapped this photo. It shows a couple locked in an embrace as they share a single blanket. They were far from being the only ones huddling for warmth during Woodstock! The sleeping arrangements during the event were truly something else.
Hugs For All
One For The History Books
On August 15, 1969, more than 400,000 people gathered to celebrate three days of music, peace, and love.
One For The History Books
Unforgettable Music
It was truly an event that one will never forget. Of course, talented musicians like Janis Joplin, The Who, Santana, Jimmy Hendrix, and Joan Baez made it all the more special.
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
Although most people look back at Woodstock and realize they need to enhance their fashion sense, the biggest takeaway we got was how inclusive and communal the concert was. The 400,000 attendees had to eat, and so they did! (with lots of help)
Time For Chow
Come Rain or Shine
No matter the weather, Woodstock was happening. If it happened to rain, then it rained! The event was rain or shine, so the people partied even when the heavens opened up and the storm came!
Come Rain Or Shine
Dreamer
Why not catch a nap on your friend’s car while you wait in line? Sounds like a great idea to us! For those who didn’t come with tents, this was the next best thing. Although we have to admit, it couldn’t have been very comfortable!
Dreamer
Stay Flexible!
Yoga was a big hit during the 1960s and especially among the Woodstock attendees. Those who knew some poses held makeshift yoga seminars right in the middle of the event…too cool!
Stay Flexible
Welcome To The Club
Woodstock is known for the peaceful atmosphere and the friendliness of the people who went. They came together and became one at an important time in U.S. history. Can you believe that not one fight took place? Amazing!
Welcome To The Club
Janis Joplin Of Course
Janis Joplin sure was one talented lady. She was one of the headliners for Woodstock! On Saturday night she played until 2 AM, the crowd’s hearts and souls in the palm of her hand the entire time. Since going solo, this was her biggest show.
Janis Joplin Of Course
I’m in the Band
Although there was an admission fee to enter, the organizers soon gave up when the masses and masses of people kept coming. The happy people flooded the campgrounds, and the organizers knew there was no point in trying to limit the number of attendees.
I’m In The Band
Writing the Next Big Hit
Tim Hardin performed on Day 3 at Woodstock, though his performance is rarely talked about. He is a lesser-known folk artist who only had one big hit under his belt, “If I Were a Carpenter”. Lucky for him, fans loved it just as much as they did on the radio!
Writing The Next Big Hit
My Bubbles
Max Yasgur, the farmer who owned the land that Woodstock happened on, was moved to tears by the festival. He was famously quoted saying, “If we join them, we can turn those adversities that are the problems of America today into a hope for a brighter and more peaceful future.” This guy saved Woodstock by allowing it to happen in the first place!
My Bubbles
Helping One Another
The ‘flower child’ movement was mainly opposed to the Vietnam war. Many people attended Woodstock to show solidarity and peacefulness to oppose the awful events that were happening. People here are helping one another do henna tattoos, a popular body art during the festival.
Helping One Another
Extra Extra Read All About It
Since the Internet didn’t exist back then, people got their news via newspapers and magazines. They wanted to keep up with the news while at the festival and this was how they did it!
Extra Extra Read All About It
Fashionista
As you know, styles always come back. The same can be said about the style during the ’60s. The outfits and hairstyles this couple is sporting could definitely be seen on the streets today.
Fashionista
Goth before Goth
Try to find someone dressed in all black during Woodstock…it’s pretty difficult! This picture is truly remarkable since this woman did the impossible and did what no other attendee did…wore all black!
Goth before Goth
Melanie Sings ‘Candles in the Rain’
In this photo, Melanie Schekeryk is performing “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” and it was quite the hit! Can you believe she is still performing today and has been since 1967?? This singer is unstoppable!
Melanie Sings Candles In The Rain
Fortune Teller
Fortune tellers were apparently a big deal during Woodstock. We’re not sure we would take advice from a hippie wearing that sort of trippy dress, but then again, it’s Woodstock!
Fortune Teller
Fresh From the Farm
We’re not sure who brought the cow, where it came from, or why they’re milking it, but we do know one thing for sure. Everything goes when it comes to Woodstock, so this picture shouldn’t be too surprising!
Fresh From The Farm
Fuller House
We know it’s hard to picture 400,00 people (the number of people who attended Woodstock), so try to think about it like this. Some math whiz figured out that if you line up blue jeans equal to the number of attendees, you would end up with 10 million yards of fabric!
Fuller House
Jimi Hendrix Sings
Over 30 iconic artists performed at Woodstock, but no one was as impressive as the one and only Jimi Hendrix. He fully embraced his ability to please everyone in the crowd, the power of the moment, and of course, the 60’s.
Jimi Hendrix Sings
2017 or 1969?
Man is this couple too cool! We could easily see them in 2019 at a festival like Coachella. Her Bohemian style dress and his cut off jean shorts will never go out of style. Oh, and how could we forget her bleached beach waves and his fabulous afro!
2017 Or 1969?
Rain Dance Man
When the started pouring down, the audience came together and performed a rain dance to try and halt the rain. They were obviously not successful as it kept on coming, but it’s the thought that counts!
Rain Dance Man
Twist and Shout
Even though the rain dance didn’t work, helping a friend dry his clothes always did! The only way to truly get things nice and dry was the old trick…twist and shout! Oh, and we’re not talking about the coveted dance move.
Twist And Shout
Raindrops On My Head
The rain became quite normal for the crowd. They started to become used to it, and even enjoy the cool drops. This woman seems to not even notice the weather anymore.
Raindrops On My Head
No Fences
Can you believe that only 100,000 people were expected at Woodstock? The number tripled and resources soon became scarce. Organizers decided to cut all of the fences surrounding the event, and that’s when the numbers of attendees skyrocketed.
No Fences
Mister Garcia
Jerry Garcia, singer-songwriter and guitarist, posed for a nice photo just before the amazing Grateful Dead took the stage. His glasses, long hair and beard just scream Woodstock.
Mister Garcia
Just Dance
No matter where you looked, everyone at Woodstock was smiling, dancing, and singing. The music was rushing through their bodies and their souls couldn’t help but be joyous.
Just Dance
Kids Entertainment
This picture may seem completely unrealistic, but believe it or not – it’s real! Parents who attended Woodstock with their young kids would gather in different areas of the festival to watch a free puppet show. With all due respect, they needed to keep the young ones happy and entertained one way or another. Despite this being a festival for adults by now we’ve very well realized they had no shame in tagging their children along too.
Kids Entertainment
Monkey Business
The security at Woodstock was pretty chilled, which means that people were able to sneak in anything and everything…including an adorable pet monkey. It’s pretty hard to control a crowd of people that amounts to roughly half a million people, so with all the groovy shenanigans that went on who knows what other animals could have been smuggled in.
Monkey Business
No AC? No Problem!
After all these images, it’s pretty clear there were tons of people that attended Woodstock. This meant that naturally, traffic into the venue was quite unbearable and at times at a complete standstill. Additionally, back in the 60s, not all vehicles had air conditioners so you can only imagine how unpleasant it must have been sitting and waiting in a hot car. This is why these two took it upon themselves to make the most of it and sit in the hood of their car.
No AC? No Problem!
Fashion Forward
During the 60s, fashion was a huge deal and people wanted to make a statement with their clothes. It was a time where clothing trends represented a sense of freedom. Ladies wore tight, bell-bottom jeans with a cute little crop top. Casual dressing was not just for the women but the men too. So Woodstock was the best place for folks to express themselves through their unconventional fashion choices.
Fashion Forward
Instant Gratification
This photo is one of the best ones taken at Woodstock and was able to portray the pure happiness that people were feeling on that weekend. From huge grins to peace signs, Woodstock during the 60s was full of absolute joy and a vibe that you could only understand if you were really there. Every single person that attended the festival reported that they had indeed had the best time of their lives and were looking forward to another one.
Instant Gratification
Two Hours Of Down Time
For those who wanted to rest or get some good sleep while at Woodstock, it wasn’t exactly the simplest thing. Plus those who were unlucky enough to not have any form of shelter had to make do with what they had around them. Regardless of the hour, the music keeps playing for a continuous 48 hours, from Saturday noon through to midday on Monday. There was however 2 hours of silence so you needed to choose wisely…
Two Hours Of Down Time
Inside The Fisheye Teepee
Fish-eye photos were quite rare during the days of Woodstock. However, these lucky fellas were the only ones to own a fish-eye teepee and beautifully captured their experience. They smartly placed the camera on the ground right in the middle of their teepee and ta-da this was their end result. Truly mesmerizing, don’t you think?
Screenshot 17
Far Out Cruising
Sometimes we really wish that the style from the 60s still existed, especially when you see photos like the one below. The hair, the jacket the motorbike- its all just so…groovy and harmonious. But what we do know is that the world really became a better place after Woodstock.
Far Out Cruising
The Less Groovy Side of Things
Sadly not all was swell and dandy at the three-day festival. There were just some accidents that were bound to happen at some stage, especially with such a large crowd of people all in one place. Unfortnly, a lot of people got hurt, but on the plus side, the people at the festival were all full of love and kindness. So no matter where or when at least one person was willing to stop and help when needed.
The Less Groovy Side Of Things
The Flute
As we’ve seen by now, people really got creative when it came to keeping themselves entertained. For example, this woman wanted to keep the rhythm going in between the different sets and musicians. Her entire character truly captures the pure joy all these folks felt while having the absolute best time.
The Flute
Joe Cocker
English singer who was known for his bold voice, Joe Cocker performed on the very last day of the concert. Back then he was actually part of the band called The Grease Band, but many have said that his four-hour performance was one of the most memorable of the entire festival. Although he wasn’t exactly the biggest star back then, his electric energy really took the people by storm.
Joe Cocker
Medical Emergencies
With an enormous event with approximately half a million people, injures and minor casualties were bound to happen. Below, we can certainly see how things may have got a bit out of hand during some parts of the weekend. Helicopters needed to fly in several times with emergency supplies, but likely for them at the end of the festival, no one was heavily injured.
Medical Emergencies
Woodstock Designed
If there had to be a symbolic pattern that needed to represent Woodstock, it would without a doubt be tapestries. Don’t you agree? And more recent years many young people and college students love to hang very similar tapestries in their rooms. It’s like a symbol of freedom, love, and a spontaneous summer from the 60s. Some art pieces are truly timeless.
Woodstock Designed
Sleeping Like The Dead
We understand that finding a good place to have some rest may have been somewhat difficult, which is why some folks decided that camping out in the cemetery would be absolutely perfect. While this may not have been the most ethical thing to do, it certainly did keep everyone happy which was what the festival was aimed to do, right?
Sleeping Like The Dead
Free Of Charge
In this day and age, it’s virtually impossible to find a concert or festival that is completely free. Tickets are generally sold out well in advance, which is exactly what happened in the 60s with Woodstock. As a matter of fact, Woodstock organizers sold 186,000 tickets before the main event happened, nonetheless word spread like wildfire that nobody was checking tickets at the gates. So more and more people turned up and this picture is the end result.
Free Of Charge
Hang Out & Chill!
Since this was a 3 full day festival and some people attended Woodstock spontaneously, they needed to wash their clothes at some point. Here we see a picture of people who had just washed their clothes and hung them up near the tents to air dry overnight. Although there were many people who actually opted to go without clothes, these people seemed to be more level-headed.
Hang Out & Chill!
Keeping Themselves Entertained
Out of all the pictures we’ve listed, this is by far one of the most interesting. Now we know what can happen when a bunch of young people getaway for 3 days and are “unsupervised”….well let’s just say things can get a little out of hand. We’ve all been there at least once, right? Well, these fellas sure made the most of the time while their heads were up in the clouds. According to them you only live once, so why not?
Screenshot 4
Max To The Rescue
Just before Woodstock was about to take place the organizers found themselves in quite a predicament after their initial location had sadly fallen through. However, fortunately, this amazing couple stepped up to the plate. Max Yasgur heard about the organizers’ struggles and offered to help. He and his wife owned a 600-acre farm, which they offered to host the festival on. Obviously, they asked to be compensated $50,000 for the use of the farm for the three-day event. Once the festival was in full swing, Max made his way on stage, where he was heavily applauded by all.
Max To The Rescue