Yasgurs farm became a muddy mass of people as the rain fell throughout the days of the festival. Along with the pouring rain and the resulting mud, there were numerous other things to deplore about the concert in Bethel. Three people died, two of which were caused by an overdose of drugs. Over 400 youths had reportedly suffered from "bad trips" caused by low-grade LSD, which was being openly peddled at $6 per capsule. On the other hand, three babies were born, there were no rapes, no assaults, no robberies, not even one fight was reported ("Tired Rock" 2). This theme of peace prevailed at the concert, and was later remembered to be the single thing that set Woodstock apart from the rest of the concerts, making it the most successful and the most remembered. The Bethel scene demonstrated more clearly than ever before the pervasiveness of a national drug culture. At least 90 percent of those present at the festival were smoking marijuana. In addition, narcotics of all kind and description, from hash and acid, to speed and horse, were freely available ("Peace Mecca" 3). Woodstock was said to be the "greatest group of musicians ever assembled". In total, 28 world-famous musicians gathered to play at this festival. Among them were acts such as the Grateful Dead, The Who, Janis Joplin and the Creedence Clearwater Revival. The festival began Shakoor 6on the afternoon of August 15th, with a performance by Joan Baez. She set the mood for the rest of the musicians who were to play over the next few days. The music continued throughout the weekend and finally ended with Hendrix giving a "psychedelic" performance of the Star-Spangled Banner. Considering the diversity of the bands, the musicians dealt well with one another, and many became friends. Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane commented on the harmony between the groups playing at Woodstock: "It brought everyone down to a common reality. That was the most ...
