Monterey International Pop Festival Tickets

The Monterey International Pop Festival was one of the most iconic music festivals in history. It was held over three days (June 16-18) in 1967, and marked a turning point for the American counterculture movement. The festival featured some of the era’s biggest names in music, including The Who, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Otis Redding. In many ways, it set the template for future music festivals.

Prior to Monterey, there had been no major music festivals in the United States. Woodstock, which would become the most famous festival of all time, was still two years away. Monterey established the idea of bringing together a diverse range of musical acts and creating a festival atmosphere for several days. It was also notable for its emphasis on multimedia – it was filmed and recorded, and this helped to spread the word about the event around the world.

One of the reasons why Monterey was so important was because it brought together different strands of the counterculture. The festival’s organizers were keen to present a diverse range of musical styles, from folk and rock to blues and soul. This reflected the wider social and political upheaval that was taking place in America at the time. Monterey was an opportunity for people from across the country to come together and share a sense of community.

Another crucial aspect of Monterey was the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd. Many people travelled long distances to attend the festival, and they arrived with high expectations and a desire to experience something new. For many, it was a transformative experience. As Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane put it, “I think we all knew that we were part of a very big, unique thing”.

In many ways, the legacy of Monterey has been felt across subsequent generations of music festivals. From Glastonbury to Coachella, festivals have sought to create a sense of community and connection through music. They have also continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of production and performance. Monterey was a trailblazer in this respect, and its influence is still felt today.

Ultimately, the Monterey International Pop Festival represented a moment of optimism and possibility. It was an expression of faith in the power of music to bring people together and inspire change. As festival-goer Richard Sheehan put it, “For one shining moment we all lived together”. That spirit of togetherness, creativity, and energy remains a core part of the modern music festival experience.