Amid rumours that it may be resurrected, the organisers of Woodstock are set to mark the event’s 40th anniversary with an extensive new documentary.
Taking place on a farm in upstate New York, Woodstock was transformed from a free show featuring some hip bands into one of the most important modern cultural events. The festival somehow acted as a conduit for free-thinkers across America, who gathered for a few days in the sun and by all accounts had a great time.
The festival had a massive impact on youth culture, helping to inspire the vegetarian cause, the burgeoning feminist cause and the civil rights movement. Along the way it found room for a star-studded bill which contained some of the top acts of the time.
Stand out performances from the weekend included Sly And The Family Stone, Joni Mitchell, The Who and of course Jimi Hendrix. The guitarist’s rendering of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ has gone down in history as a pivotal rock moment.
Now fans who didn’t make the event can enjoy those performances as never before. A massive new director’s cut of the celebrated movie based on the festival is due for release, featuring over two hours of bonus footage including several never seen before performances. Five of the acts now included, Paul Butterfield, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Grateful Dead, Johnny Winter and Mountain have never appeared in any film version of Woodstock.
Fully restored and with crystal clear sound, the forthcoming DVD will come equipped with a brand-new 50 minute documentary ‘The ’60s and the Woodstock Generation’.
‘Woodstock – 3 Days of Peace And Music’ is due for release on June 15th.
