From June 16-18, 1967, the Monterey International Pop Festival was held in California. The festival was the first major appearance for many to-be iconic artists, including the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
It was a focal point of counterculture and regarded as the beginning of the "Summer of Love" - with hippies and flower children.
Over 30 performers played for free. Monterey would set the bar for future festivals, including Woodstock, two years later.
Monterey was 56 years ago.
One of its promoters was John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas. The festival board included Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson. Janice Joplin and The Who also saw their first significant American performances.
There were over 200,000 in attendance across the 3-day event. Ticket prices ranged from $3.50 to $6.50.
The lineup included The Byrds, Grateful Dead, Simon and Garfunkel, The Steve Miller Band, Canned Heat, The Mamas and The Papas, Jefferson Airplane, Moby Grape, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Booker T. & the M.G.s and Buffalo Springfield.
Phillps penned "If You're Going to San Francisco’ (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" to promote the event. (Stairway to 11 06/16/23) Remembering the Monterey International Pop Festival of June 1967 (stairwayto11.com)
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