On Netflix at the moment is the hugely popular 3 part documentary surrounding the Woodstock festival in 1999. It has gripped audiences immediately and it is a hot topic on social media as well as being a talking point amongst friends. So what is it all about? Like newbettingsites.uk the festival might have been alien to many people and it has shone a light on how bad this festival was.
History
As many will be aware Woodstock was not thought up in 1999. In fact, there had been two before. One in 1969, which is the original and most famous for its peace and love message, especially in the midst of the Vietnam War, and the reboot in 1994 which was a pure wash-out festival but one with some of the best bands of the time.
1999 idea
It was mooted that the festival needed another reboot and organisers set to it. Again able to book the best bands of the late 90s and attracting a lot of attention with a young audience. However, it was clear that the main organisers had different ideas. With Micheal Lang, the original Woodstock organiser still hoping for the spirit of 69 and his co-organiser John Scher who was more focused on making money.
It was doomed from the start. With the festival taking place at an old air force base it did not scream “Peace and Love”. However, it went ahead and thousands of people descended onto Rome, New York.
What were the main issues?
The whole festival was a shambles from top to bottom. It was as if a 10-year-old had organised it. There was a severe lack of security, not enough medical assistance, no protection from the sun (it was blistering on the Saturday), prices were extortionate and the organisers were blissfully unaware of major issues.
America in the late 90s was not like it is now where it was very much party animals, frat house boys and had no issues sexualising women, especially the young men in America. With a lack of security, there were many problems with men thinking they could do what they wanted to a woman and not face any repercussions. Again, this was not the late 60s like Lang had anticipated it to go like again.
The music
Although the bands that were booked were excellent for the time and put on some awesome sets, it was very nu-metal based. For those that do not know nu-metal, it is angry and about rebelling against the people. This came to a head on the Saturday when Limp Bizkit played and really riled the crowd up. Korn the night before had a similar effect.
However, no blame can be put on the bands. They were booked to play and they put on one hell of a show.
How it all kicked off?
There were grumblings all weekend amongst the crowd as they felt like they were not looked after. With litter everywhere, inadequate washing and toilet facilities they were starting to get annoyed.
On the Sunday, prices were being increased and there was not enough water for people in the hot sun. When the Red Hot Chilli Peppers played Under the Bridge, candles were handed out like Woodstock 69. However, after the set had finished the crowd decided to set off fires and riot after a weekend of annoyance.
With previous incidents such as stealing a vehicle, throwing objects at acts, attacking a sound tower and ripping down art, this was the big final act for festival goers.
It is a shocking documentary and one that needs to be watched on Netflix.