In 69 I was a 16 year old in search of a deeper meaning of life. I walked in all the anti-war rallies and attended the war moratoriums. Lost a cousin in that war. I was experimenting with pot and acid in those days.
I was getting into the psyhcadelic music scene. From the summer of love in 67 to 69 , I started going to lots of concerts. I was enjoying the hippie culture scene.
In 69 when I heard about Woodstock, I said I have to get there. The line-up was incredible, many of my favorite bands were coming. I hitched a ride with 2 older friends and made the journey to Woodstock.
Day one , Friday arrived about midnite after sitting in hours of traffic and walking 10 miles. It was raining, we found a barn for shelter. Inside I was exposed to my first experience of "FREE LOVE".
Day two. Sat. ,I remember Creedence Clearwater, Santana, was sitting on the right side of the bowl. One of my hi-lites was being one of those people on the tower during Canned Heats performance. Actually saw a dude pissing off the tower right on people! At nite I moved to the left side looking at the stage (where the monument is today). Janis was fine, Sly really got the place hoppin, I danced to the music! I saw the Who close out the nite with an awesome show.
Day three, Sunday Lots of heavy downpours of rain, remember Joe cocker , I was covered in mud by now. Found a hippie camp with big bags of pot being shared, at leaset they said it was weed, it was very harsh!
Ten years after, Johnny Winter.....
Day four, Monday this was the first time I had eaten since Sat morn hog farm oats, I had a can of spagetti. Well I was waiting for my hero the whole weekend. I was afaid I missed Him but not to worry, I headed back to the stage, saw Sha Na Na and then my man Jimi came on. Oh yea!
The Experience blew me away. Actually Jimi called his band the Gypsy Sun and Rainbows (nothin but a band of gypsies) I'll never forget that show. This was my only chance to ever see Jimi Hendrix. I am so, glad I stayed till Monday to see him.
They have been calling me Purple Haze ever since! (Real name is Hayes) I left Woodstock with a better perspective on life. How to get thru tuff times how to share and care about people around me.
I left with the Woodstock Spirit, and I live it every day of my life.
I go back to Bethel every summer. starting with the 5th anniversary, the 10th, 15, and then the big one the 20th! that was awesome and still free, Since then I go back every year, so this will be my 24th trip back to the garden. Not alowed to camp their anymore, maybe on Yasgurs farm (Roy and Jeryls) or Hectors, but I will find a patch of land to rest on. I would love to go to the 40th anniv. show (Heros of Woodstock)
I originally did not want anything built on this land But now realize what they did is better than having an office building on the site.
So HEY ..Did I win a pair of tix for my story?
Thanks, Peace, Love , Music, TPH