Woodstock Jam Collective

Lore & Background

Jimi Hendrix closed the festival after significant delays caused by sporadic rain and scheduling issues. The source notes that many in the audience had departed during his performance, having waited solely for a glimpse of him. This marked the conclusion of an event billed as 'an Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music' which attracted over 460,000 people. The performance occurred on Max Yasgur's dairy farm in Bethel, New York, situated 60 miles southwest of Woodstock. Despite the muddy conditions and reduced crowd size, Hendrix's set remained a defining moment for the counterculture of the 1960s.

In Their Own Story

On Monday morning, August 18, 1969, Jimi Hendrix finally took the stage at 8:30 AM following rain delays that plagued the festival. The atmosphere was starkly different from the peak attendance; while 450,000 people had gathered over the weekend, only about 30,000 remained for this closing performance. Many of those present had stayed specifically to catch a glimpse of Hendrix, though numerous others left during his set. The stage was set at the bottom of a natural bowl sloping down to Filippini Pond, which had become a popular skinny dipping destination. The weather remained overcast with sporadic rain, creating muddy roads and fields that challenged sanitation and first aid efforts throughout the weekend.

Reader's Guide

Attendees seeking the closing performance needed to know it occurred on Monday morning at 8:30 AM, significantly later than typical concert schedules due to delays. The location was Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York, where the stage faced Filippini Pond. Organizers had anticipated only 50,000 attendees, but over 460,000 arrived, leading to a massive traffic jam and inadequate facilities. While security was initially planned for 346 off-duty police officers, they withdrew due to moonlighting regulations, leaving personnel from Stewart Air Force Base to assist with order. The performance marked the end of a weekend where fences and ticket booths were never completed after early birds arrived overnight.

Did You Know?

• Jimi Hendrix took the stage at 8:30 AM on Monday morning after delays caused by rain.
• The audience had fallen to about 30,000 from an estimated peak of 450,000 by the time Hendrix performed.
• Many attendees left during Hendrix's performance, having waited specifically to catch a glimpse of him.
• Security officers were forced to withdraw when warned they were violating regulations against moonlighting.
• Sullivan County declared a state of emergency during the festival.