Yes, I was there with the Crisis Team, from the Family of Woodstock organization. I can tell you that a "Love In" this was not. An ecstasy laden rave with George Clinton, food that no one could afford, a lack of sanitary facilities, total disorganization of the tent area, children separated from parents, heat stroke..and that was the good parts.

I was lucky; I had housing, indoor plumbing, free access to most areas, all the food and water that I could want, and a central place to re-organize. As a member of the crisis team my job was to intervene and assist when needed in whatever capacity was required. Most often this was to comfort some kid who was lost from his group, or to provide a resource for someone who was injured or not handling their trip well.

It was going okay, albeit all the problems until the last night. The Red Hit Chili Peppers were on and someone had passed out candles to hundreds of the kids that were gathered. The concert area was strewn with paper garbage ( services had broken down by the second day) and some of the kids started these massive bonfires with the garbage. One thing led to the other and things started to burn..I mean everything. The Chili Peppers were ushered offstage, the lights went out, the speaker towers were toppled by the kids, and anything that could burn was already burning. Innocent peoples cars were overturned and torched, and the vendor areas were ransacked and destroyed. Being on the crisis team meant that I was able to go to a secure area "behind the lines" while National Guard Troops were called in with full riot gear and tear gas. The medical team had created a triage area in a firehouse ( Woodstock 99 took place in Rome, NY on an old air force base that was being dismantled) and I was part of that team.

Thankfully that triage area was not utilized as the troops were able to get the kids under control with little injury to either party.

What a mess! But, if given the chance would I do it all over again? You bet your ass I would! I hope they do have another festival and that they contact me once again to participate. I would in a heartbeat!