Summer Jam, Watkins Glen 1973
The Summer Jam rock festival in 1973 held the record in the Guinness Book of World Records at one point for "largest audience at a pop festival." 600,000 people attended, far more than Woodstock. Some historians claim that it was the largest gathering of people in the history of the United States.
It was held on August 28, 1973 at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Raceway in upstate New York. The rural roads were soon clogged with people coming to the festival.
There were only three headliner bands: the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, and The Band. The festival was scheduled for one day, but thousands showed up the day before.
Like most rock festivals at the time, hippies and others shed their clothes to beat the heat, like the ones above who seem to be in an above-ground pool.
Unlike some other rock festivals, there were no major problems, despite the crowds. Yes, it rained and there was lots of mud. No doubt the short duration helped – people could put up with inconveniences for one day. All three bands played for hours, and everyone had a good time. Above, some people dancing in the mud, including one very naked guy.
4 comments:
The only smart one in that clip is the naked dude. His clothes stayed clean - if not dry.
So. Much. Mud.
If you think that's a lot of mud, wait till you see my next rock festival post. It's about Woodstock '94, which became known as Mudstock.
Great men!
Post a Comment