To the 45th anniversary of the legendary festival: still unseen photos of Woodstock
Woodstock is not only one of the most famous music festivals of all time, but also one of the defining moments of the 1960s counterculture movement. See its new, hitherto unseen side.
What started as a free event for 50,000 people quickly grew into one of the most important music festivals in history. Woodstock has become a unified message of peace, love, openness and cultural expression. Rolling Stone's first photographer, Baron Woolman, was sent to Max Yasgur's farm in the Catskills, New York, to cover the festival. And now, 45 years later, he released a book with previously unpublished and unseen photographs of this mega-event.
(Total 20 photos)
1. “No one could have predicted Woodstock’s lingering cultural impact,” says Woolman, now 76.
2. "Yes, the bands there were first-class, and there were a lot of them."
3. “And the scenery…perfect for the photos. Serene rural atmosphere for relaxing with friends, for dancing and partying.
4. “But in a way, Woodstock has become more than just an open-air concert for all of us.”
5. Even though Woolman was sent to film what was happening on stage, he was more inspired by the hippie crowd than the performers.
6. “I ended up spending most of my time in the crowd because what was happening there was too interesting to ignore.”
7. His photographs, more dedicated to ordinary people than to musicians, give food for thought and offer us a glimpse into this legendary event from a hitherto unseen angle.
8. "In the 1960s, even at the end of this legendary time - in 69 - everything was different, the behavior of young people was new and unexpected."
9. “Besides, the 1960s were just wildly photogenic in every sense of the word… The changes that were happening in people’s minds were almost visual.”
10. “I want to say that it was impossible not to photograph all this.” Most of these pictures are published for the first time.
11. These photos perfectly captured the spirit of the time, the music, the drugs, the people, the simple hedonism, the lasting legacy of history's most famous festival.
12. Woolman's book also features a foreword by musician Carlos Santana and Woolman's interview with Woodstock creator Michael Lang, who shared personal experiences.
13. Also in the book there are review sheets, including frames that are not included in the book itself.
14. "It's a rare and amazing treat when photographers let us see their review sheets," says publisher Dave Brolan.
15. "Practically every shot is as good as the next, and we see Woodstock the way the Baron saw it, every incredible moment."
16. Woolman began the musical stage of his photography career in 1967 as the first photographer for the new Rolling Stone magazine.
17. He filmed a real explosion of 60s pop rock, including Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones, Who, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and many others.
18. "I consider myself a kind of spy ..." - says Baron Vulman.
19. “I feel best when I’m invisible and just watching…”
20. “I am a chameleon and I can adapt to the situation, and for me this is a gift given by nature. That is why, as a result of my work, you get honest photos.”
Keywords: Open air | Woodstock | Anniversary | Book | Festival