The Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour culminated in a disastrous free concert at Altamont Speedway, outside San Francisco, which turned into a chaotic and deadly event. The concert, meant to be a West Coast equivalent of Woodstock, featured performances by various bands, including Jefferson Airplane, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Santana. However, the event was marred by the presence of the Hells Angels as security and a large portion of the crowd under the influence of drugs. The tensions boiled over during the Stones' set, resulting in the tragic death of Meredith Hunter, who was stabbed by the Hells Angels after attempting to approach the stage. The Altamont concert marked the end of the peace and love era of the 1960s.
Gimme Shelter
The Altamont Free Concert, a pivotal event in the 1960s counterculture, was marked by violence and tragedy when the Hells Angels clashed with the Love Generation, resulting in a devastating loss of innocence and a stark contrast to the decade's initial ideals.
