Richie Havens, "Freedom," WOODSTOCK Opening Act, Aug. 15, 1969

[appalachiablue]

Last edited Sat Aug 17, 2019, 10:19 PM - Edit history (1)

Havens was asked to perform 1st at Woodstock with an acoustic number which he did with "Freedom" (Motherless Child) the version he wrote.

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[Hulk]

1. Another great. Damn, those were some powerful days back then!

Went to see this saint in Portland, Oregon about 15 years ago with an old friend of mine. It was during the Iraq invasion, and W with Darth's hand up his butt was calling lying to the world about WMD's that never existed. Richie started out his show by expressing his anger at what our government was doing, and the waste of American blood and treasure for this fabricated lie. My friend got up and walked out. I stayed, because I agreed with everything Richie Havens was saying. Haven't spoken to or seen my friend since. Guess that's what happens when you are blinded and join a cult.

Richie died a few years ago, but his music and message live on forever.

[appalachiablue]

2. Glad you enjoyed seeing him & sorry about the friend. I caught

Havens years back too and it was super- what an artist and opener for this historic event.

[BigmanPigman]

3. I have read and listened to various musicians' experiences at Woodstock

and they certainly vary. Cosby said it was great. Roger Daltry said Keith and John got lost for a day as they partied and camped out with hippies. He said Pete did NOT hit Abbie Hoffman with his guitar (if he did he would've killed him) and just shoved him off the stage. Bob Weir was pissed off at the rain and getting electrocuted and their shitty set. Fogerty was pissed off that the Dead was tripping and Creedence couldn't go on until 2 AM so their set sucked.

[appalachiablue]

4. In that atmosphere and with all the people and personalities

I can believe the experiences and accounts varied widely. Given the crowd size, mishaps and length of the event especially. Besides, no fun if there aren't some funny stories! Hit Abby Hoffman w/ a guitar, ha, ha- hope not!