Digest

This podcast episode delves into the infamous Altamont Free Concert, a disastrous event that took place in 1969, exploring the planning process, the chaotic atmosphere, and the tragic death of Meredith Hunter. The episode begins by examining the origins of the concert, highlighting the Rolling Stones' desire to thank their American fans and the organizers' lack of planning and structure. The episode then recounts the challenges faced by the organizers in finding a suitable venue, including the denial of permits for Golden Gate Park and the high price demanded by Sears Point Raceway. The episode then describes the organizers' last-minute decision to hold the concert at Altamont Speedway, a remote racetrack in Livermore, California, highlighting the lack of infrastructure and the potential for chaos. The episode then explores the controversial decision to hire the Hells Angels as security for the concert, examining the gang's reputation for violence and the rationale behind the organizers' choice. The episode then follows Meredith Hunter's journey to the concert, highlighting his excitement and his sister's concerns about his safety as a black man in a potentially hostile environment. The episode then describes the events of December 6, 1969, as Meredith Hunter and his girlfriend, Patty, arrive at Altamont Speedway, highlighting the massive traffic jam, the lack of amenities, and the growing tension in the crowd. The episode then details the chaotic conditions at Altamont, including the lack of parking, food, and sanitation facilities, and describes the poorly constructed stage and the escalating violence. The episode then recounts the escalating violence at the concert, including the attacks on Mick Jagger, Marty Ballon, and other concertgoers, highlighting the Hells Angels' aggressive behavior and the band's inability to control the situation. The episode then describes the tragic death of Meredith Hunter, culminating in his stabbing by a Hells Angel, exploring the events leading up to the murder, the aftermath, and the ongoing debate about the incident. The episode then examines the aftermath of the Altamont Free Concert, including the Rolling Stones' hasty departure, the cleanup efforts, and the lasting impact of the event on the music industry and the counterculture movement. The episode then transitions to the hosts' regular segment, "What are you even doing right now?", where they share listener stories about their current activities, including a scare actor working at a haunted house and a pregnant woman enjoying a McDonald's Diet Coke. The hosts continue discussing listener stories, focusing on a listener's experience with a wrong McDonald's order and their unexpected enjoyment of a sundae. The conversation delves into the addictive nature of fast food and the specific appeal of a McDonald's Diet Coke. The hosts then announce the end of the episode and their upcoming vacation, expressing excitement for their break and wishing their listeners a happy vacation as well.

Outlines

00:01:00

The Altamont Free Concert: A Night of Chaos and Tragedy

This chapter delves into the infamous Altamont Free Concert, a disastrous event that took place in 1969. It explores the planning process, the chaotic atmosphere, and the tragic death of Meredith Hunter, a young black man who was stabbed by a member of the Hells Angels.

00:18:54

The Altamont Free Concert: A Turning Point in the Counterculture Movement

This chapter examines the Altamont Free Concert as a turning point in the counterculture movement, highlighting the contrast between the event's intended message of peace and love and the violence that unfolded. It explores the impact of the event on the counterculture movement and its legacy.

00:21:04

Meredith Hunter: A Life Cut Short

This chapter focuses on Meredith Hunter, the victim of the Altamont tragedy. It details his difficult childhood, his love for music, and his decision to attend the concert.

00:23:24

The Origins of Altamont

This chapter examines the origins of the Altamont Free Concert, highlighting the Rolling Stones' desire to thank their American fans and the organizers' lack of planning and structure.

00:28:06

The Search for a Venue

This chapter recounts the challenges faced by the organizers in finding a suitable venue for the concert, including the denial of permits for Golden Gate Park and the high price demanded by Sears Point Raceway.

00:30:16

The Choice of Altamont Speedway

This chapter describes the organizers' last-minute decision to hold the concert at Altamont Speedway, a remote racetrack in Livermore, California. It highlights the lack of infrastructure and the potential for chaos.

00:33:18

The Hells Angels: Security or Disaster?

This chapter explores the controversial decision to hire the Hells Angels as security for the concert. It examines the gang's reputation for violence and the rationale behind the organizers' choice.

00:34:39

Meredith Hunter's Journey to Altamont

This chapter follows Meredith Hunter's journey to the concert, highlighting his excitement and his sister's concerns about his safety as a black man in a potentially hostile environment.

00:40:10

The Day of the Concert

This chapter describes the events of December 6, 1969, as Meredith Hunter and his girlfriend, Patty, arrive at Altamont Speedway. It highlights the massive traffic jam, the lack of amenities, and the growing tension in the crowd.

00:44:19

The Violence Escalates

This chapter details the chaotic conditions at Altamont, including the lack of parking, food, and sanitation facilities. It also describes the poorly constructed stage and the escalating violence.

00:50:06

The Tragedy of Meredith Hunter

This chapter recounts the escalating violence at the concert, including the attacks on Mick Jagger, Marty Ballon, and other concertgoers. It highlights the Hells Angels' aggressive behavior and the band's inability to control the situation.

01:03:05

The Aftermath and Legacy

This chapter describes the tragic death of Meredith Hunter, culminating in his stabbing by a Hells Angel. It explores the events leading up to the murder, the aftermath, and the ongoing debate about the incident.

01:08:30

What are you even doing right now?

This chapter examines the aftermath of the Altamont Free Concert, including the Rolling Stones' hasty departure, the cleanup efforts, and the lasting impact of the event on the music industry and the counterculture movement.

01:10:11

Listener Stories and Fast Food Delights

This chapter features the hosts' regular segment, "What are you even doing right now?", where they share listener stories about their current activities, including a scare actor working at a haunted house and a pregnant woman enjoying a McDonald's Diet Coke. The hosts continue discussing listener stories, focusing on a listener's experience with a wrong McDonald's order and their unexpected enjoyment of a sundae. The conversation delves into the addictive nature of fast food and the specific appeal of a McDonald's Diet Coke.

01:13:41

Vacation Time!

This chapter concludes the episode with the hosts announcing their upcoming vacation, expressing excitement for their break and wishing their listeners a happy vacation as well.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the main factors that contributed to the chaos and violence at the Altamont Free Concert?

  The lack of planning and structure, the choice of a remote and unsuitable venue, the hiring of the Hells Angels as security, and the presence of drugs and alcohol in the crowd all contributed to the disastrous events at Altamont.

• Why is the death of Meredith Hunter considered a significant event in the history of the counterculture movement?

  Hunter's death, a young black man killed by a white gang member at a concert celebrating peace and love, exposed the dark underbelly of the counterculture movement and highlighted the issue of systemic racism.

• How did the Rolling Stones' involvement in the Altamont Free Concert impact the band's image and legacy?

  The Altamont tragedy tarnished the Rolling Stones' image, casting a shadow over their reputation for rebelliousness and rock and roll excess. The event also served as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked chaos and the need for responsible planning and security at large-scale events.

• What was the Altamont Free Concert and what happened there?

  The Altamont Free Concert was a music festival held in December 1969, intended to be a counter-cultural event similar to Woodstock. However, it turned into a chaotic and violent affair, culminating in the death of Meredith Hunter at the hands of a Hells Angels member.

• What impact did the Altamont Free Concert have on those present?

  The event left a lasting impact on those who attended, many of whom were traumatized by the violence they witnessed. It also served as a stark reminder that peace and love are not always achievable, especially in large crowds.

• What are some of the listener stories shared in the "What are you even doing right now?" segment?

  The segment features stories from listeners about their current activities, including a scare actor working at a haunted house, a pregnant woman enjoying a McDonald's Diet Coke, and a listener who received a wrong McDonald's order but enjoyed the unexpected sundae.

• What is the specific appeal of a McDonald's Diet Coke?

  The hosts discuss the unique appeal of a McDonald's Diet Coke, highlighting its taste and association with drive-through experiences. They also acknowledge the addictive nature of fast food and the comfort it can provide.

Show Notes