Jimi Hendrix Closes Woodstock With A Memorable Performance – August 18, 1969
Bethel, N.Y. – August 16: Huge Crowd At Rock Festival
Air view shows part of crowd Friday which converged on Bethel, N.Y., for rock festival there. More than 200,00 persons are estimated to be present. photo A.P.
While the attendance numbers have been in dispute, there probably were close to a half million people who attended The Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The concert began on August 15, 1969, and by the time it was over on Monday, August 18, it is estimated that less than 200,000 people remained to see the conclusion.
The final act was Jimi Hendrix. Those who stayed through the previous days of torrential rain and mud that the rain produced, saw an electrifying performance. The remaining audience was greeted at 8:30 a.m. and Hendrix played for the next two hours. Towards the end of his show, in the middle of a medley Hendrix, launched into this.
Even if it does sound like a lot of noise, you cannot help but be captivated by what Hendrix did. I have never liked Jimi Hendrix’s music, but in the context of making a protest against the Vietnam War, this rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is a classic. Many in the audience were stunned as Hendrix recreated the sounds of war through his guitar.
Contrary to popular belief, it was not the first time Hendrix performed the Star Spangled Banner live, but the 29th.
It has been reported that many who stayed for Hendrix on Monday morning began to leave during his show. Apparently a lot of people just wanted to get a glimpse of Hendrix and left during the lengthy performance.
When my wife was growing up in L.A., she saw Hendrix on the same bill with the Cowsills. Odd line-up.
Never read that they played on the same bill. Looked it up in the archives of LA Times and could not find a mention or ad. Was she going because she wanted to see Hendrix or the Cowsills?
When Hendrix was trying to grow his audience in the U.S.A. it ranks up there as strange a pairing as Hendrix opening for the Monkees in 1967. After a couple of dates touring with the Monkees in New York City, tour promoter Dick Clark remembered Hendrix manager Chas Chandler was upset with the reception Jimi was receiving. In what may be among the greatest understatements of all-time Clark said, “Chas met me in the hotel and said, ‘what are we going to do? This is not a compatible combining of talents.’”
It was some kind of an all-star line-up, probably at Knotts Berry Farm. There were other bands/singers on the bill. She was there partly to see everybody, partly for the experience.