If I could choose any decade to have been born into, I’d definitely choose the 50’s. And my birthplace would preferably have been the US. That way, I could have been in my teenage years for the Woodstock Festival. (Yes, I have put extensive thought into this matter)
For those of you who don’t know, Woodstock was probably the greatest music festival EVER, with over 500,000 in attendance, and over 30 performers. It took place in August of 1969, at the small town of Bethel, New York, on Max Yasgur’s dairy farm. The festival was largely organised by Michael Lang; at the time, being 25 years old. After investing millions of dollars, in the festival’s organisation, the Woodstock Ventures was forced to relocate the concert, and, after much debate, voted to make the festival a free event due to a greatly increased number of attendees making their way towards the small town. The Woodstock Music & Art Fair, promised “3 days of peace & music”, and most would say, it delivered. In many accounts of the festival, it’s clear that it was truly an incredible place have been. For a great look at the Woodstock atmosphere, watch Taking Woodstock. I’d also recommend reading The Road to Woodstock, Michael Lang’s autobiography for his account of the organisational side of the festival, but also to learn the story of a very interesting and inspirational man.
So basically, the fact is, that it makes me desperately sad that there’s no event like this in the present day. Which is why sometimes I wish I’d been born in a different era. Of course, there are many reasons why I love living at this time, too, but I’ll bet I’m not alone in sometimes wishing I’d been born in a completely different time and place.
