Altamont Free Concert

Definition

The Altamont Free Concert was a music festival held on December 6, 1969, in Altamont, California, featuring iconic bands like The Rolling Stones and Jefferson Airplane. It is often remembered for the violence that occurred during the event, which marked a significant moment in the evolution of youth culture and highlighted the widening generation gap between young people and their parents during the late 1960s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Altamont Free Concert was organized by The Rolling Stones as a response to the success of the Woodstock festival, aiming to create a similar gathering but with a more chaotic outcome.
2. The event took place at the Altamont Speedway and was intended to be a free concert; however, it ended in tragedy with multiple incidents of violence, including the death of a concertgoer who was stabbed by Hells Angels security members.
3. The violent events at Altamont starkly contrasted with the peaceful ideals promoted by earlier festivals like Woodstock, marking a turning point in public perception of the counterculture movement.
4. The Altamont Free Concert is often viewed as emblematic of the decline of the 1960s counterculture and the disillusionment many young people felt as the era progressed.
5. In the aftermath of Altamont, there was a significant media backlash against rock concerts and large gatherings, which contributed to a sense of disillusionment within youth culture.

Review Questions

• How did the events at Altamont Free Concert reflect the changing dynamics between youth culture and mainstream society during the late 1960s?
  • The Altamont Free Concert showcased a significant shift in youth culture's relationship with mainstream society. Initially celebrated as a symbol of peace and love, events like Woodstock fostered a sense of community among young people. However, the violence at Altamont illustrated growing tensions and disillusionment within the counterculture movement, as attendees faced dangers from both external societal pressures and internal conflicts within their own community.
• Discuss how the Altamont Free Concert served as a turning point in perceptions of the counterculture movement compared to earlier festivals like Woodstock.
  • The Altamont Free Concert marked a critical turning point in how the counterculture movement was perceived. Unlike Woodstock, which became an emblem of unity and peace among young people, Altamont revealed darker realities such as violence and chaos. This shift caused many to question whether the ideals of love and harmony could truly manifest within such large gatherings. The contrasting outcomes between these two events highlighted an increasing sense of vulnerability within the counterculture as it faced backlash from broader society.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Altamont Free Concert on future music festivals and youth gatherings in America.
  • The aftermath of the Altamont Free Concert had lasting effects on future music festivals and youth gatherings across America. The violence that erupted led to heightened security measures at subsequent events and fostered greater scrutiny from law enforcement and media. This shift altered how organizers approached large gatherings, often prioritizing safety over free-spirited ideals. Additionally, Altamont contributed to a growing disenchantment among youth regarding their movement's capabilities to enact change, leading to a more cautious approach toward collective experiences in music and culture.

Related terms

Woodstock:

A legendary music festival held in August 1969 that became a symbol of the counterculture movement, celebrated for its peaceful atmosphere and unity among attendees.

Counterculture:

A social movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a rejection of traditional values and norms, promoting alternative lifestyles, artistic expression, and anti-establishment sentiments.

Hippie Movement: A cultural phenomenon of the 1960s that embraced peace, love, and communal living, often associated with psychedelic music, drug use, and anti-war protests.