Break Stuff: The Story of Woodstock '99

Luminary
Luminary
  • 3.5 (46)
  • Music History
  • Weekly Series

In 1999, a music festival took place in upstate New York that became a social experiment. There were riots, looting, and numerous assaults. And it was set to a soundtrack of the era’s most aggressive rock bands. Incredibly, it was the third iteration of Woodstock, a festival known for peace, love, and hippie idealism. But Woodstock ’99 revealed some hard truths behind the myths of the 1960s, and the danger that nostalgia can engender. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  1. Episode 1

    Just One of Those Days

    It’s the one thing people think they know about Woodstock 99 — Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit encouraged shirtless hooligans to “break stuff.” But is it possible that Limp Bizkit shoulders too much of the blame for the riots, violence, and mayhem at this misbegotten festival? It’s time to break down the band’s notorious performance like the nu-metal Zapruder film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Episode 2

    Woodstock's Willy Wonka

    No one person embodies the Woodstock brand more than Michael Lang, the cherubic-faced concert promoter who came to fame as one of the stars of Michael Wadleigh’s 1970 documentary Woodstock. He’s also a symbol of how the counterculture has been commodified as a reliable cash cow selling hippie nostalgia. It’s time to separate fact from mythology, and explore how the original Woodstock was in many ways as troubled as Woodstock 99. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Episode 3

    When in Rome

    The planning of Woodstock 99 was rife with tensions between the promoters and local officials in the small town of Rome, New York. But potential red flags portending trouble were overlooked in favor of the hope for what Woodstock could do for a community that was down on its luck.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Episode 4

    Friday

    The first official day of Woodstock 99 included performances by bands such as Korn, The Offspring, and Insane Clown Posse, who remember the festival as a harmless, but crazy experience. But that didn’t always translate to the people in the audience, some of whom were already succumbing to the festival’s dark undercurrents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Episode 5 • Subscribers Only

    5. Saturday

    A group of friends from Connecticut took a road trip to Woodstock 99 in search of music, adventure, and a great party. The most excited person in the group, a 24-year-old man named David DeRosia, wanted to be in the mosh pit for Metallica. But on Saturday night, his Woodstock 99 experience took a tragic turn.

  6. Episode 6 • Subscribers Only

    6. Savages

    In the aftermath of Woodstock 99, there were reports in the media about widespread sexual harassment and assaults. A combination of factors — including lax security and an environment that encouraged unbridled machismo — made the festival a dangerous place for women.

  7. Episode 7 • Subscribers Only

    7. Sunday

    At the end of Woodstock 99, the festival had descended into full-blown riots and hooliganism. Memorably, the Red Hot Chili Peppers concluded the festival by playing Hendrix’s “Fire,” inspiring scores of actual fires to be set all over the grounds. For those who were there, this nightmarish scenario remains unforgettable.

  8. Episode 8 • Subscribers Only

    8. Aftermath

    What can we learn from Woodstock 99? Two decades later, the festival is like a social experiment about how gathering in a large group can bring out the worst in people. Have contemporary music festivals learned the right lessons from this disaster?

  9. Season 1 Trailer

    Introducing Break Stuff: The Story of Woodstock '99

    A concert that claimed to be all about good music and good vibes ended with fires, riots, and assault. What went wrong? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. Bonus

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    Introducing The Lindsay Clancy Case, Understanding Postpartum Psychosis from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast The Lindsay Clancy case has captured the nation’s attention, causing heated debate in the national conversation. On January 24, 2023 Lindsay Clancy strangled her three children in her basement and then attempted suicide by jumping from a second-story window in her house. The resulting injuries left her paralyzed from the waist down. After 21 days of testimony from more than 80 witnesses, the jury was not able to reach a unanimous decision. Lindsay Clancy’s defense team has argued that she is not guilty by reason of insanity as she was experiencing postpartum psychosis, while the prosecution argued she committed premeditated first degree murder. Oprah is in Massachusetts for a wide-ranging conversation about the case with an audience including an exclusive interview with Meg Hamp, a nurse who worked alongside Lindsay for 7 years and testified at her trial - plus medical experts, legal scholars and women who have personally experienced postpartum psychosis. Their stories give us a rare, first-hand insight into what it is to experience this challenging mental health issue. Oprah will also talk with social critics who will share their opinions and she will hear speculation on many sides of the case. Oprah has hosted conversations on postpartum depression and psychosis for 40 years with the intention of providing a platform for a mature discussion. This podcast episode contains discussions of murder, suicide, and mental illness that may be upsetting to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

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See All Season 1 (10)

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3.5
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46 Ratings

About

In 1999, a music festival took place in upstate New York that became a social experiment. There were riots, looting, and numerous assaults. And it was set to a soundtrack of the era’s most aggressive rock bands. Incredibly, it was the third iteration of Woodstock, a festival known for peace, love, and hippie idealism. But Woodstock ’99 revealed some hard truths behind the myths of the 1960s, and the danger that nostalgia can engender. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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