Forty-five years ago today, a small town in upstate New York was getting a "groovy" makeover thanks to the Woodstock Music and Art Fair--better known as simply: Woodstock...
1. Why did it happen? It was actually all supposed to be one big fundraiser to build a recording studio and rock-and-roll retreat, but getting people to pay for admission was quickly abandoned on day one.
2. Woodstock didn't happen at Woodstock--it all happened in Bethel, New York, thanks to farmer Max Yasgur, who stepped in to offer his alfalfa field for $75,000.
3. Who did and did not play? Led Zeppelin, The Doors, The Beatles--they all declined invites (it's been rumored that John Lennon blamed Nixon for not being able to attend!). Thirty-two acts were scheduled to play, but two never made it--one because they got stuck at New York's LaGuardia Airport!
4. Security was led by a guy known as Wavy Gravy, the fearless leader of a New Mexico commune known as the Hog Farm. He ran what he called "Please Force."
5. Coachella, SXSW, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo--just to name a few--all owe it to Woodstock...but they could only dream of the finale Jimi Hendrix gave to the crowd 45 years ago, which included his infamous rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner."
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