Woodstock 1999

Woodstock 1999 was the second rock concert (after Woodstock 1994) that attempted to emulate the success of the original Woodstock concert of 1969. Like the previous concerts with the same name, it was held in upstate New York, this time near Superfund site.

Public water fountains were available, but many were destroyed and others were guarded by "mud people", who would throw mud at anyone wishing to access the available water.

Poor sanitation and security, the lack of available water, and 31-degree heat (88 F) led to a dangerous concert environment. Recognizing the dangerous situation, many water and food vendors requested permission to sell their goods at cost, but the Woodstock organizers refused, recognizing that granting this permission would represent lost profits. Were violence to break out, the vendors rather than the concert organizers were at risk.

The promoters of the event may have anticipated some degree of rioting and chaos, as they described the site as "defensible" and proudly described the a 12-foot plywood and steel fence surrounded by a ring of barbed-wire fence intended to keep out gate-crashers. More likely, they simply recognized that any rock concert produces dangerous situations and that precautionary measures are always essential. About 500 New York state policemen were hired for security, as well.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers was the final act of the concert. Violence had already broken out at the concert by this point, and the band was criticized for "playing the fiddle while Rome burned". In defense, many argued that they could not have done anything to stop the situation, and would disappoint fans (and renege on their contract) by refusing to play.

In what news reports described as a "riot", fences were torn down and burned, ATM machines were tipped over and broken into, and vendor booths were looted, turned over, and set on fire. MTV, which had been providing live coverage, removed its entire crew. MTV host Kurt Loder was quoted in the July 27, 1999 USA Today:

"It was dangerous to be around. The whole scene was scary. There were just waves of hatred bouncing around the place, (...) It was clear we had to get out of there. It was like a concentration camp. To get in, you get frisked to make sure you're not bringing in any water or food that would prevent you from buying from their outrageously priced booths. You wallow around in garbage and human waste. There was a palpable mood of anger."

Police later reported that at least four rapes had occurred during the concert. Seven arrests were made on the final night of the concert and, afterward, police reviewed video footage, hoping to identify and hold accountable looters who, amid the chaos, had not been arrested.