Ken Dunkin of The Current

Some say it's just an example of crass commercialism gone awry. Other say it's a way of honoring the spirit of the original festival. As Ken Dunkin says in this special preview, in it's own '90s way, this event was still Woodstock.

by Ken Dunkin
staff editor

Seeing the biggest bands in the world play live was one of the many fun things that happened at Woodstock 99. There was an independent film theater for movie lovers, a bicycle racing track, and interesting people in the crowd.

With a line-up that boasted Korn, Limp Bizkit, Metalica, DMX, and Rage Against the Machine it would have been tough for anyone to be disappointed in the music. Over 60 bands played in all with George Clinton and Parliament stealing the show. Their set Friday night spurred a half hour cheer for an encore. They were joined by Shock G/Humpty Hump from Digital Underground which added quite a bit of stage presence.

Overall, the attitude at Woodstock was different for the '99 crowd. What was once an easy going fun-loving show had turned into what many called Corpratestock. After an initial ticket cost of $150 the promoters of Woodstock gouged concertgoers. They charged $5 for a 12 oz. beer, $4 for a 12 oz. soda. Lack of competition and a rule restricting the concertgoers from bringing the beer and soda drove the prices up. Most alarming were the $10 purity and $4.50 hotdogs. Oscar-Meyer makes a great hot dog, but I could have bought 24 hot dogs for the price they were charging for one.

Woodstock is an experience that all music lovers should experience at least once in their lifetime. And with the tons of revenue they made, it is expected they will do the event every five years.