Younger Enthusiast, I cannot overemphasize how unprofessional the past was. In 2016, putting on a concert is a science, literally: people have written dissertations on the subject. (Okay, it’s a soft science.) But in 1973–and this picture is from the Watkins Glen Festival on 7/27/73*–no one knew what they were doing, ever.
The promoter of the show (Bill Graham) wanted to protect the band from numbskulls; he just didn’t know how. The high stage is only half the equation. You also need a moat filled with enormous security guards. Otherwise, as pictured, there will be boosting.
OR
At least two people in this photo are using cell phones.
OR
99% of being a Rock Star was enjoyable, but this bullshit? Here’s the analogy: one of you breaking in to my home while I wrote. Keith Richards was completely right to whack anyone who got onstage with his Telecaster.
Speaking of Rock Stars: the Dead’s crew were probably a little rough with the guys, less so with the girls, but if you pulled this shit on Led Zeppelin then you’d be dead.
OR
Thanks for the help, Number 12.
*Wait, this might be RFK. I don’t give a shit. It’s definitely ’73. Listen to the Watkins Gen soundcheck.
What is the woman standing holding? Is she Donna or an attractive groupie?
That is a very un-Donna-like pose, and I’m not getting a Godchaux vibe from her, so I’ll say “not Mrs. Donna Jean.”
(I thought it was her for a while, too.)
Is she waving a makeshift flag or is the sheet affixed to the scaffolding and it just looks like she is because of the angle? Dunno.
I think it’s not-Donna-fox-with-flag.
Also, maestro sideways vibrola on Bobby’s SG. I’d never seen — or at least noticed — that before.
sheets, flags, & whatnot seemed to be a thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGxFSYwQFS8
Can we talk about Phil’s hat?
You think giant sombreros are born that way?
The 70’s!
Those were the days.
…..finally have an excuse to pull this out of the vault.