The Last Great Rock Festival: My Journey Through the Isle of Wight

In the summer of 1970, the Isle of Wight Rock Festival became a beacon of music and peace, a pivotal moment in the history of rock and roll. As a young man, this festival perfectly captured the essence of the 'Summer of Love' era. Let me share my experience and recollections from this epic event.

Beginning of the Festival: A Labor of Love

Back then, the summer of 1970 was the last 'Summer of Love.' The influx of hippies traveling Europe would diminish after that. The era of 'peace and love' began to crumble with the Manson family murders, the shootings at Kent State, and the winding down of the Vietnam War. I was at Temple University studying party planning and trying to avoid the army. A charter flight from the university to London excited me, but it was under the cloud of potential customs searches. We were prepared with joints and pills, ready for a 'groovy' time. Upon arriving in London, I struck my tent in the middle of a field destined to be packed with thousands of hippies.

A Stunning Encounter: Ricky Farr, Festival Producer

Diving into the festival preparations, I found myself helping construct the corrugated iron fence. One day, a large man with long blonde hair and a stunning black Jaguar 420 pulled up near me. He introduced himself as Ricky Farr, the festival producer. His need for paint prompted a pleasant journey to Freshwater and Shanklin, where I acquired gallons of paint and brushes. Ricky then tasked me with a special assignment — to paint the dreadful fence with positive and attractive designs, distributing tickets in the process. The festival was remarkable, filled with vibrant colors and sounds, and it went beyond my expectations.

Meeting Iconic Artists: A Musical Journey

The highlight of my time at the festival was working closely with many legendary artists. Jim Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, The Moody Blues, and others all left indelible impressions. Joni Mitchell played 'Woodstock' even as a hippie disrupted her performance, leading to an international incident. Jim Morrison, jet-lagged but full of energy, stretched out backstage, and I offered him a drink, becoming friends for a short time. Jimi Hendrix, legendary and impressive, needed no special assistance from me. The quiet introspection of Mitch Ryder provided a poignant reminder of youthful innocence.

Conclusion: The Aftermath and Reflection

From Joni Mitchell's emotive performance to David Bromberg's unexpected set, the 1970 Isle of Wight Rock Festival was a melting pot of music, arts, and human connections. The festival, once considered a commercial enterprise, eventually turned into a free event, symbolizing the unity and spirit of the hippie movement. While the festival ended ceremoniously with Richie Havens' rendition of 'Here Comes the Sun,' the lasting impact of the event remains in the hearts and memories of those who were there. Today, the legacy of the 1970 Isle of Wight Rock Festival lives on in the numerous music festivals across the globe, but none captures the same open spirit and collective energy.