A free Rolling Stones concert meant to be 'Woodstock West' descended into chaos, violence, and murder — ending the 1960s dream.
On December 6, 1969, approximately 300,000 people gathered at the Altamont Speedway outside Tracy, California, for a free rock concert headlined by the Rolling Stones. Many hoped it would recreate the peace and love of Woodstock, which had taken place just four months earlier. Instead, it became what Rolling Stone magazine called 'rock and roll's all-time worst day.'
The Hells Angels motorcycle club was hired to provide stage security — reportedly for just $500 worth of beer. The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane had recommended them, having used the Angels at prior events without incident. But the Angels spent the day drinking and grew increasingly violent, arming themselves with sawed-off pool cues and motorcycle chains.
The concert venue changed multiple times in just days. Originally planned for San Jose State, then Golden Gate Park, then Sears Point Raceway, the event was finally moved to Altamont Speedway just two days before the show. The hasty relocation created massive logistical problems, including a dangerously low stage at the bottom of a slope with no barriers.
During the Rolling Stones' headline performance, 18-year-old spectator Meredith Hunter was fatally stabbed near the stage. Three other deaths also occurred that day: two from a hit-and-run car crash and one from drowning in an irrigation canal. Scores more were injured, numerous cars were stolen, and extensive property damage occurred.
Jefferson Airplane's Marty Balin was knocked unconscious by a Hells Angel while trying to stop violence during his band's set. When guitarist Paul Kantner sarcastically thanked the Angels on mic, Angel Bill Fritsch grabbed another microphone and argued with him in front of the massive crowd.
The Grateful Dead, who were among the prime organizers of the festival, never even performed. Scheduled to play between Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and the Rolling Stones, they canceled shortly before their set after learning about the escalating violence, including the attack on Marty Balin.
Filmmakers Albert and David Maysles captured the chaos on camera, turning their footage into the landmark 1970 documentary 'Gimme Shelter.' The film preserved the violence and disorder for history, and the tragedy it documented came to symbolize the dark end of the 1960s counterculture era.
The Rolling Stones had organized the free concert partly in response to criticism that their 1969 U.S. tour ticket prices were too high. The Sears Point Raceway deal fell through when its owner demanded a $300,000 deposit and film distribution rights, forcing the last-minute scramble to Altamont.