There are certain moments in musical history when we wish we could say I was there (although not in some cases). Here is a list, in time order, of some of those events, the controversial, the groundbreaking, the political, the tragic, and the wonderful.
Jimi Hendrix
June 16, 1967 – Monterey Pop Festival, California
Hendrix was already popular in Europe but had yet to break through in his home country. His dynamic set at Monterey put that to rights. The festival was a huge success and presented an eclectic mix of music, which included The Who, Ravi Shankar, Grateful Dead, and Otis Redding. Hendrix performed his magic on ‘Hey Joe’, ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, and ‘Purple Haze’. It was his final song, ‘Wild Thing’ however, that literally set the place on fire. He had burned guitars on stage before but this occasion was captured on film and in photographs and it became his most iconic image. He kneeled over the Stratocaster, poured lighter fluid over it, set it alight, and then smashed it, throwing pieces into the crowd. Don’t try this at home.
Phil Ochs
August 27, 1968 – Democratic National Convention in Chicago
The 4-day convention attracted thousands of protestors to the city’s streets to demonstrate against the Vietnam War. Violence erupted between the demonstrators and the police and National Guard, involving baton charges and the use of tear gas. Phil Ochs gave the protestors a focal point when he performed his signature anti-war song, ‘I Ain’t Marchin’ Anymore’. His performance inspired hundreds of people in the crowd to hold up their draft cards and burn them. This act of defiance was caught on film. When the organizers of the protests, known as the Chicago Seven, were later put on trial for inciting to riot and conspiracy, Ochs was called as a witness. The defense wanted him to sing his anthem in court but the judge would not allow it. Instead, Ochs read out the lyrics.
The Doors
March 1, 1969 – Dinner Key Auditorium, Miami
By the time Jim Morrison got to the concert hall in Miami, he was drunk. The resulting gig was shambolic with Morrison ranting at the audience and abandoning songs. It was alleged by some eyewitnesses that he exposed himself briefly. There is no photographic evidence to support this. The warrant for his arrest was issued a few days later and he was charged with indecent exposure and profanity. Shows were cancelled and radio airplay lessened but the band started touring again in June. The trial took place in August 1970 and the plea was not guilty. Morrison was found guilty and returned to court in October for sentencing. He was given 6 months hard labor for the indecent exposure charge and 60 days hard labor for the profanity charge. His defense filed an appeal. Before the matter could be resolved, Morrison died in Paris in July 1971. Whether the exposure incident actually took place or not, it was clear that Morrison was frustrated at his sex symbol status and wanted to be taken seriously as a songwriter and poet. Miami was a low point in a brief but unforgettable career.
The Rolling Stones
December 6, 1969 – Altamont Speedway Free Festival, California
This concert came to symbolize the death of the optimistic spirit of the 1960s. The Stones headlined the show, which also featured Santana, Jefferson Airplane, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. They hired local members of the Hells Angels as security to guard the low stage. The bikers were paid in beer and many of them were drunk by the time the Stones started to perform. The peaceful gathering had deteriorated with fights breaking out between the Hells Angels and individuals in the crowd who were high. During ‘Sympathy for the Devil’, Mick Jagger stopped to appeal for calm. The tragedy took place when they performed ‘Under My Thumb’. 18-year-old Meredith Hunter got into a scuffle with some Angels when he attempted to go on stage. He pulled a gun and one of the Angels stabbed him and others kicked him where he lay. During the investigation into his death, it transpired that Hunter had been high. The Angel responsible for the stabbing pleaded self-defense and was acquitted. The Rolling Stones had finished their set, completely unaware of the death until afterwards. The incident was caught on camera and shown in the 1970 documentary, ‘Gimme Shelter’.
The Sex Pistols
June 4, 1976 – Lesser Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England
This gig is often cited as the catalyst for the local punk music scene that spread out into the rest of the UK and the world. There were only approximately 40 people watching in the small venue but some of those that were there that night were inspired to form their own bands. The Buzzcocks were there because two of their members organized the gig. Other fans said to be present include Morrissey (The Smiths), Mark E. Smith (the Fall), and future members of Joy Division. The Sex Pistols had formed in 1975 and they led the British punk revolution, shocking the general public with their clothes, swearing, and raw music. This was their first appearance in Manchester and they were asked back for a second gig at the hall the following month. The performance was re-staged in the 2002 film, ‘24 Hour Party People’. The gig is now part of punk mythology. A lot of spit has flown under the bridge since then.
Honorable Mentions
- The Beatles – January 30, 1969, Apple Studios Rooftop, London
- Brian May (of Queen) – June 3, 2002, Buckingham Palace Rooftop, London – Playing ‘God Save the Queen’ at Party in the Palace to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
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