https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/lifestyle/altamont-rolling-stones-50th-anniversary/
Thought this was a great article. It's fairly long but if you have time it certainly sheds new light on the murder. We are coming up on the 50th Anniversary of the show which was held on 12/6/69.
[Edited on 11/24/2019 by robslob]
Cool read, thanks much. Altamont is a very disturbing and compelling story, one of those strange onion layer mysteries that you can never quite find an answer that puts it to rest. Tonight Nov 23 on Coast to Coast the main guest is writer Saul Austerlitz, discussing his recent book "Just a Shot Away: Peace, Love, and Tragedy with the Rolling Stones at Altamont". Good reviews, here is a link to Goodreads on it: https://www.bing.com/search?q=saul%20austerlitz%20altamont&qs=n&form=QBRE&pc=U316&sp=-1&pq=&sc=0-0&sk=&cvid=C3C10D792EE348D889E1130F6AA84970
[Edited on 11/24/2019 by BrerRabbit]
Here's some perspective on the murder at Altamont from the article. Meredith Hunter took a break from the concert to go to his car with his girlfriend. He proceeded to procure a pistol from the car and she asked him why. "For protection" he said. Somewhat understandable considering the treatment described below of Hunter, a black man, by The Hell's Angels. It's not hard for me to believe that Hunter was being harassed by the Angels, particularly since he was there with his white girlfriend. Then again, returning to the show wielding a pistol in front of the Angels was obviously not a real intelligent decision. Hell's Angel Alan Passaro was exonerated as it was ruled self-defense.
From the article:
"Witnesses that day saw Hunter pushed, taunted and chased by members of the motorcycle gang. But not everyone has this view of Hunter's actions. Mickey Hart saw him as a threat, and the coroner's report would find methamphetamine in his system. "He was headed right toward Mick (Jagger) with his gun pointed,' Hart says. What Passaro did 'was really heroic in some ways, running toward somebody with a gun and confronting them.'
Eric Saarinen, another cameraman for the Maysleses, was stunned when he say the footage of Passaro working his way toward Hunter while everyone around him retreats from the gun. 'He was so cool and calm and collected,' says Saarinen. 'Every time Meredith was looking away in the opposite direction, he made an adjustment. He went down and got his knife. Then, when Meredith (swings the gun) around the second time, he goes out, takes two steps, and stabs him between the shoulder blades.' "
Rob, thanks for posting! This is an excellent read.
I have some video of Altamont when Jefferson Airplane was on stage. Everybody moved back from the stage when someone got on it, just can't see who it is. The Angels came up pretty quick and "handled" the situation. Only the drummer and bass player kept up a little beat while this was going on.
Thanks Rob-never read this perspective on the “murder”
If you want to read an excellent account of the Altamont concert for planning to execution I recommend this book
