December 6, 1969
Altamont Speedway,
Tracy, California
“Why are we fighting? … We need an ambulance.”—Mick Jagger from the stage.
It started out to be a kind of “Woodstock West.” People wanted to continue the wave of magic that started at the music and art fair in Bethel, New York, three months earlier. It turned out to be a symbol of the death of the ’60s. The peace and love movement that started out so hopefully came crashing down on that December day in the Alameda County area formerly referred to as The Summit. The Rolling Stones were one of the biggest bands in the world. They were making news for charging outrageous ticket prices during their U.S. tour (they ranged from $3 to $8 apiece). They decided to add one free show to the end of their tour. But things were not right from the beginning.
The Location
A free show was initially planned at San Jose State University, including The Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. The school had just hosted a three-day festival with 52 bands. The city of San Jose informed the concert organizers they would not be welcome at their facility. Attention shifted to Golden Gate Park as the setting and Jefferson Airplane were added to the bill. The San Francisco 49ers had a game scheduled that day. Permits from the city were denied. The Altamont Speedway outside of Tracy, California, was secured, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Santana, and The Flying Burrito Brothers were added to the lineup.