Break Stuff Woodstock 99: A Festival Marred by Violence and Insecurity

The 1999 Woodstock festival, held at a decommissioned Air Force base in upstate New York, was meant to be a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the iconic music festival. However, it turned out to be a chaotic and violent event that left a lasting impact on its attendees.

One of the main reasons for the chaos was the lack of effective security measures. Many of the security guards hired for the festival were fired before it even started because they were intimidating other guards. Those who remained were housed in dilapidated conditions, which led to some trashing the accommodation. The 'Peace Patrol', a security force established for the festival, comprised individuals who did not have a strong track record.

The result was a lack of respect for others and an environment that encouraged people to act out. Many attendees felt comfortable taking over and not respecting other people's space. The predominantly white male audience, along with the predominantly white male lineup featuring bands like Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, and Jewel, contributed to this atmosphere.

The festival was plagued by violent and misogynistic behavior long before any band took the stage. The media quickly blamed the nu-metal bands on the lineup, particularly Limp Bizkit, for inciting the violence. However, it was clear that the problem went beyond just the music.

The site of the festival, a flat open space with no shade or trees, made it difficult for attendees to cope with the burning July heat. The oppressive conditions and poor facilities further exacerbated the situation.

As music journalist Steven Hyden told RNZ Music, 'People showed up wanting to act a certain way, and no one was going to stop them.' The festival was later dubbed 'The day the '90s died.'

In conclusion, Woodstock 99 was a disastrous event that was marred by violence, insecurity, and poor planning. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proper security measures and consideration for attendees' well-being at music festivals.

Break stuff woodstock 99