The Altamont Free Concert: A Dark Chapter in Rock History
The Altamont Free Concert held on December 6, 1969, was a music festival that became notorious for violence and chaos, marking a significant moment in the history of rock music. Organized by the Rolling Stones as a counterpoint to the Woodstock Festival earlier that year, it was intended to be a free concert at the Altamont Speedway in Northern California.
Location and Setup
The concert took place at the Altamont Speedway, and the venue was hastily prepared with minimal security and planning. This unpreparedness contributed significantly to the chaotic atmosphere on the day of the event.
Hells Angels Security
The Rolling Stones hired the Hells Angels motorcycle gang to provide security for the event, paying them with beer. This decision was ill-advised and contributed to the violent and chaotic environment. The Hells Angels were known for their tough and often violent behavior, which only exacerbated the situation.
Violence and Chaos
The concert was marked by numerous violent incidents. Attendees were reportedly aggressive, and fights broke out frequently. The security provided by the Hells Angels only escalated the situation, responding violently to perceived threats. One of the most notorious incidents was the death of Meredith Hunter, a young man who was fatally stabbed in front of the stage during the Rolling Stones' performance, reportedly for allegedly brandishing a gun.
This shocking event was captured on film and contributed to the festival's grim legacy. Despite performances from notable artists like the Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, Crosby Stills Nash Young, the overall atmosphere was tense and chaotic. The concert ended prematurely due to the violence.
Additional Issues
Other problems plagued the event, including a lack of lighting and bathroom facilities, freezing temperatures at night, and a poor sound system by modern standards. In addition to these issues, deaths from traffic accidents and drug overdoses further marred the experience for many attendees.
Many travelers had to endure a long, cold journey to and from the event, with some people attending in altered states due to the use of dangerous drugs, including barbiturates, PCP, and other substances. The combination of these factors created an atmosphere of chaos and danger that went beyond what the organizers had anticipated.
The Altamont Free Concert is often viewed as a tragic end to the idealism of the 1960s counterculture movement, symbolizing the darker side of the era's music festivals and the loss of innocence in the rock and roll scene.
As such, it serves as a cautionary tale for those who seek to replicate the anarchic energy and unregulated nature of such events, highlighting the importance of careful planning and security measures in large-scale public gatherings.