Beatles and the Festival scene

[stubby]

Although the Beatles made an early decision not to tour and play live, I was wondering if they gave any thoughts to playing the big festivals (e.g., Woodstock) that took place in the late 60s. Surely they must have been approached to do so. Any insights/comments on this?

[jimk]

Woodstock took place in August of '69. Abbey Road came out on Oct. 1, '69 in the US. It was the last LP recorded by the Beatles. Let It Be was released in the US in 1970. I don't think there was any chance that the Beatles even would have even remotely considered playing Woodstock. It was too late.

JimK

[stubby]

'Scuse me for the chronology. But were there any major festivals earlier they may have considered/been approached for?

[jimk]

Two of the most famous that I can think of before Woodstock were the Monterrey Pop Festival (June 16-18, 1967). The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper that summer. And as you recall were decidedly not touring.

Newport Folk Festival. Bob Dylan was actually booed at that one (July 25, 1965) for plugging in. Nope, I don't think that was a candidate, either.

It would appear that the big rock festival scene came along much too late for the Beatles.

JimK

[stubby]

Maybe the Beatles could have gone acoustic at Newport! That would've taken the heat off Dylan perhaps.

[Backpages66]

I believe The Beatles were on the board of directors for the Monterey Pop Festival, and it was Macca who recommended they have Jimi Hendrix perform. Since all these festivals of the 60's were after they decided to stop touring, they wanted nothing to do with live performances.

[beatlefreak]

It's been reported that Michael Lang, one of the Woodstock promoters, called Apple in early 1969 and spoke with John. He offered any sum of money if the Beatles would put in an appearance at the festival. Lennon told Lang that he couldn't guarantee that the Beatles would play, but offered the services of the Plastic Ono Band. Lang let the matter quietly drop.

[JakeK]

Apparently, according to Keith Richards, Bill Wyman or someone, all four Beatles were at the Isle of Wight show (can't remember which one), and wanted to jam with Eric Clapton, but decided against it.

[kiramdear]

Where was the Live Peace In Toronto 1969 recorded, what kind of venue? That was John's first big show in years.

[beatlefreak]

It was held at the Varsity Stadium and was attended by 20,000 people.

http://beatles.ncf.ca/live_peace_in_toronto_p1.html