I was an innocent 18 year old at the Isle of Wight in 1970. I don't remember helicopters. What I do remember was that there were lots of people on the hill (known as "Desolation Row") overlooking the festival site. They wanted the festival to become "Free" and I think they'd tried to break down the fences a bit earlier. The organisers, and those who'd paid for their tickets, didn't like the fact that these guys weren't prepared to pay their three quid (about $5) but were happy to share the music. There had been growing tension over the previous hours. I think Joni's comments came as she started her set and were aimed at what had been happening and not at the way people were treating her personally. I do remember being moved by what Joni had to say. It still makes the hairs on my neck stand up when I listen to the recording.
Incidentally, a few hours earlier I'd been given a press pass by a hack who was leaving early. This got me between the two security fences. The real advantage to me was not the superstars that I could meet, but the chance to buy food without queuing for an hour. I got myself some fish and chips then turned round to see... Joni. I gave her a chip - don't remember if I offered or she asked. I still tell the "Joni ate my chips" story to anyone who'll listen - and you're the latest :o) Happy New Year Phil (in England) -----Original Message----- From: Jerry Notaro [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: 07 January 2002 19:14 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > hello to all in joniland ! i believe the concert being referred to at which > joni reprimanded the crowd was the isle of wright festival. i have the > video, and though it has been a while since i've veiwed it, i recollect > that the crowd was being quite rowdy. they were making so much noise and > being sooooo rude that joni got very upset and told them off. ( i will say > the first time i watched it i could believe the crowd wasn't paying attention > to our joan ! go figure...) such a group obviously didn't deserven her > presence ! i hope that answers the question. later... It has been reported on this list by someone who attended the Isle of Wright concert that the crowd was not unruly, or inattentive, as Joni had thought, but that a helicopter was hovering above photographing the event and the audience was disturbed by the noise. Jerry
