It’s time for another Woodstock

By Jon Chattman

Back in 1994, I opted not to go to the Woodstock reunion. I don’t remember why but pretty much it was because I was more concerned with how I was going to get there. Five years later when they did another reunion show and all hell broke loose (riots, fire, groping dopes), I wasn’t impressed with the lineup. Maybe it was because back then there were no meaning to most of the music. Zoom in now to present day…seven years removed from 9/11, a lame duck two-term jackass of a president mocking up the country, and two candidates running for his office and, well sorry, I’m not leaping for joy with anything either has to say as of now. Change. Yes. But how?

In any event, what all this rambling comes down to is I really think it’s time we had another Woodstock. Make it organic like the first one, not commercial like the others. Invite artists, use the Internet to get word out that it’s happening, and screw sponsors. That last line won’t ever happen. Ever. But seriously if ever there was a time to unite for something it’s now. There are so many artists now who have something to say. Plus, there’s a ton of new and old musicians who can move us with their music or at the very least, get us to rock, make, and trip out to. With that, I present my full roster for Woodstock ‘08 – something that should’ve happened, never did happen, but still could happen. Oh, f-it it ain’t happening but look at acts below and tell me in this summer of festivals that this wouldn’t have been incredibly kick ass – oh and keep in mind – this is a three-day festival in my head. Show opens with Richie Havens as always…


In no particular order (and please feel free to add your own by commenting), the wet dream performers are:
pearl jam
kings of leon
bob dylan
my morning jacket
neil young
beck
nas
james taylor
coldplay
the who
jay-z
carrie underwood
justin timberlake
the white stripes
joe cocker
kanye west
belle and sebastian
dixie chicks
stone temple pilots
black keys
mgmt
she & him
lil wayne
the beastie boys
green day
common
arcade fire
the shins
melissa etheridge
the virgins
crosby, stills and nash
wolf parade
deerhoof
death cab for cutie
lupe fiasco
ra ra riot
joan baez
red hot chili peppers
meiko
sugarland
conor oberst
the verve