The Road to Woodstock

The Road to Woodstock

One of the culture-changing events of the 20th century, Woodstock continues to prompt books exploring the phenomenon, so Michael Lang, who originated the idea of "three days of peace and music," weighs in with his ultimate insider's account of what happened. Lang opens with biographical details that explain his position in what was known as the counterculture, growing up in New York, running a head shop in Florida, and producing 1968's Miami Pop Festival. The rest, a look at how Woodstock almost didn't happen, a day-by-day account of the music and mud, and its sad aftermath, makes for a gripping read. Co-writer Holly George-Warren employs interviews and previously published reminiscences, not only those involved with the festival's production but also musicians such as Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Pete Townshend, and Jimi Hendrix, plus scenesters in attendance such as Abbie Hoffman, Wavy Gravy, and Greil Marcus, in weaving together Lang's narrative. The result is a colorful diary that drops you in the middle of a muddy field with nearly half a million acid-tinged hippies and leaves you yearning for simpler, more hopeful times.