What Bands Played At Woodstock 99

Woodstock '99. This leads to beyond the news reports and documentaries focusing on the negative aspects, lies the core of any music festival: the music itself. The name itself conjures up images of a music festival gone horribly wrong. While the original Woodstock in 1969 became a symbol of peace, love, and music, its 1999 reincarnation is remembered for its heat, chaos, and ultimately, its descent into violence. A diverse lineup of bands representing the late 90s musical landscape took to the stage, some delivering memorable performances while others were simply caught in the crossfire of the event's unraveling.

The festival, held at the former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, aimed to recapture the spirit of the original Woodstock for a new generation. In practice, it featured a mix of genres, from hard rock and nu-metal to hip-hop and alternative rock, reflecting the popular music of the time. Even so, the event's organization and atmosphere fostered an environment ripe for disaster, overshadowing the musical performances.

The Lineup: A Who's Who of Late 90s Music

Woodstock '99 boasted a massive lineup, spread across multiple stages over three days. Some of the biggest names in music at the time graced the stages, along with up-and-coming acts eager to make their mark. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key performers:

Friday, July 23rd:

• Rage Against the Machine: Arguably one of the most anticipated acts, Rage Against the Machine brought their politically charged lyrics and explosive energy to the main stage. Their performance was as intense as ever, fueling the already frenzied crowd.
• Korn: Riding high on the nu-metal wave, Korn delivered a high-octane set filled with their signature angst and heavy riffs.
• Bush: Gavin Rossdale and Bush brought their post-grunge sound to the festival, performing hits like "Glycerine" and "Machinehead."
• James Brown: The "Godfather of Soul" himself graced the stage, bringing a touch of funk and soul to the predominantly rock-oriented lineup.
• Live: Ed Kowalczyk and Live performed their blend of alternative rock, including their hit "Lightning Crashes."
• Buckcherry: Known for their raunchy rock anthems, Buckcherry delivered a high-energy performance.
• Gomez: This British indie rock band brought their unique sound to the festival.
• The Chemical Brothers: Electronic music was represented by The Chemical Brothers, who delivered a pulsating DJ set.
• Jamiroquai: Jay Kay and Jamiroquai brought their funky, disco-infused sound to the Woodstock stage.
• Lit: Known for their hit "My Own Worst Enemy," Lit provided a dose of pop-punk energy.

Saturday, July 24th:

• Metallica: One of the biggest metal bands in the world, Metallica delivered a thunderous performance, playing hits from their extensive catalog.
• Kid Rock: Kid Rock's set was a blend of rock, rap, and country, reflecting his unique musical style. His performance, however, was controversial, contributing to the escalating chaos.
• Limp Bizkit: Limp Bizkit's performance is perhaps one of the most infamous of the entire festival. Fred Durst's aggressive stage presence and the band's hard-hitting nu-metal sound whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Their rendition of "Break Stuff" seemed to encourage the destructive behavior that was already brewing.
• Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Red Hot Chili Peppers closed out Saturday night with a high-energy set, playing their signature funk-rock anthems.
• The Offspring: The Offspring brought their SoCal punk rock energy to the festival.
• Everlast: Known for his blend of hip-hop and blues, Everlast delivered a powerful performance.
• Sheryl Crow: Sheryl Crow brought a touch of country-tinged rock to the lineup.
• DMX: DMX delivered a raw and energetic hip-hop performance.
• George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars: The legendary George Clinton brought his psychedelic funk to the stage.
• Rancid: Rancid delivered a high-octane set of punk rock anthems.

Sunday, July 25th:

• Red Hot Chili Peppers: Returning for a second performance, the Red Hot Chili Peppers closed out the festival. Their set was intended to be a celebratory conclusion, but the events that transpired throughout the day cast a dark shadow over their performance.
• Megadeth: Another metal giant, Megadeth delivered a powerful set of thrash metal classics.
• Counting Crows: Counting Crows provided a more mellow set of alternative rock.
• Will Smith: Will Smith, at the height of his Fresh Prince fame, brought a family-friendly hip-hop set to the festival.
• Wyclef Jean: Wyclef Jean delivered a vibrant and engaging performance, showcasing his diverse musical talents.
• Moby: Moby brought his electronic music to the final day of the festival.
• Jewel: Jewel's set offered a moment of calm amidst the chaos, with her acoustic-driven songs.
• Collective Soul: Collective Soul performed their brand of post-grunge alternative rock.

This is not an exhaustive list, as Woodstock '99 featured dozens of other artists across various stages. On the flip side, it highlights the diverse range of musical talent that was present at the festival.

The Underlying Issues: More Than Just Music

While the bands provided the soundtrack, several factors contributed to the disastrous atmosphere of Woodstock '99. Understanding these issues is crucial to understanding why the festival is remembered so negatively.

• Heat and Hydration: The festival took place during a heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Attendees were packed tightly together, with little shade or relief from the sun. The cost of water inside the festival grounds was exorbitant, leading to widespread dehydration and frustration.
• Security and Crowd Control: Security was inadequate, with a lack of experienced personnel to manage the massive crowds. The atmosphere became increasingly unruly, with mosh pits and aggressive behavior escalating throughout the weekend.
• Limited Facilities: The festival grounds lacked sufficient sanitation facilities, leading to overflowing toilets and unsanitary conditions. This contributed to the overall sense of discomfort and discontent.
• Aggressive Music and Atmosphere: The predominantly hard rock and nu-metal lineup, while popular at the time, contributed to the aggressive atmosphere. The music, combined with the heat, overcrowding, and lack of resources, created a volatile environment.
• Exploitative Pricing: The high cost of food and water, coupled with the overall expense of attending the festival, created a sense of resentment among attendees. Many felt that they were being exploited.

The Descent into Chaos: A Turning Point

The negative atmosphere culminated in a series of events that solidified Woodstock '99's reputation as a disaster. Consider this: on Saturday night, during Limp Bizkit's performance, the crowd became increasingly agitated. The band's performance of "Break Stuff" seemed to encourage the destructive behavior that was already brewing.

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• Arson and Vandalism: On Sunday, as the festival was winding down, fires broke out in the crowd. Attendees tore down plywood from the sound tower and used it to fuel bonfires. Vandalism became widespread, with ATMs being smashed and vendor booths being looted.
• Sexual Assaults: Tragically, there were reports of sexual assaults occurring during the festival. The chaotic environment and lack of security made it difficult to prevent these incidents.
• The Red Hot Chili Peppers Controversy: As the Red Hot Chili Peppers took the stage to close out the festival, candles were distributed to the crowd as a symbol of peace. Even so, these candles were quickly used to fuel the fires, further escalating the chaos.

Beyond the Headlines: Memorable Performances

Despite the overwhelming negativity, some bands managed to deliver memorable performances that were not overshadowed by the chaos.

• Rage Against the Machine: Rage Against the Machine's politically charged performance was a highlight for many attendees. Their energy and intensity were undeniable, and their message resonated with the disillusioned youth.
• Metallica: Metallica's thunderous set was a crowd-pleaser, showcasing their classic metal anthems.
• James Brown: James Brown's performance was a welcome change of pace, bringing a touch of soul and funk to the rock-dominated lineup.
• The Chemical Brothers: The Chemical Brothers' electronic set provided a different kind of energy, offering a pulsating dance experience.

Even so, even these positive performances were ultimately tainted by the overall atmosphere of the festival.

Lessons Learned: A Cautionary Tale

Woodstock '99 serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proper planning, security, and crowd control at large-scale events. It highlights the dangers of exploiting attendees and the need to create a safe and comfortable environment. The festival's failure also underscores the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring the music and atmosphere to their needs.

In the years since Woodstock '99, there have been numerous documentaries and articles exploring the events that transpired. These accounts offer valuable insights into the factors that contributed to the disaster and the lessons that can be learned.

The Legacy: A Stain on the Woodstock Name

Woodstock '99 left a lasting stain on the Woodstock name. It shattered the idealistic image of the original festival and replaced it with a symbol of chaos and failure. In real terms, the event is a reminder that simply recreating the name and location of a legendary event is not enough to capture its spirit. It requires careful planning, a genuine understanding of the audience, and a commitment to creating a safe and positive experience.

While the music played a role, Woodstock '99 ultimately failed due to a confluence of factors, including poor organization, inadequate security, and a lack of consideration for the attendees' well-being. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked greed and negligence in the event planning industry.

Where Are They Now? A Brief Update on Some Key Performers

Many of the bands that played at Woodstock '99 have continued to have successful careers, while others have faded from the spotlight. Here's a brief update on some of the key performers:

• Rage Against the Machine: After a hiatus, Rage Against the Machine reunited in 2007 and continued to tour sporadically. Their politically charged message remains relevant today.
• Korn: Korn has remained a prominent force in the nu-metal scene, releasing numerous albums and touring extensively.
• Limp Bizkit: Limp Bizkit continues to tour and release music, although their popularity has waned since the late 90s.
• Metallica: Metallica remains one of the biggest metal bands in the world, selling out stadiums and releasing critically acclaimed albums.
• Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Red Hot Chili Peppers have continued to be a major force in rock music, releasing successful albums and touring worldwide.

The musical landscape has changed significantly since Woodstock '99, but the bands that played at the festival continue to hold a place in music history.

In Conclusion: Remembering the Music Amidst the Mayhem

Woodstock '99 was a complex and multifaceted event. While the chaos and negative aspects are often the focus, it helps to remember the music that was played. A diverse range of artists took to the stage, representing the sound of the late 90s. While some performances were overshadowed by the events that transpired, others remain memorable moments for those who attended.

Woodstock '99 serves as a reminder that music festivals are more than just about the music. Here's the thing — when these elements are lacking, the results can be disastrous. Which means they are about creating a community, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. What are your thoughts on the legacy of Woodstock '99 and its impact on the music festival industry?