by Gary Brand, Kingston, Pa

The summer of ‘69 boasted many rock festivals. Being rustics, we three bought tickets early and showed up at the Spectrum two hours early, expecting large crowds. We hiked directly to our nosebleed seats. The first band was Al Kooper Big Band; Kooper fresh from BS&T. The place was empty, so we moved to the front rows and spread out. Next was Buddy Guy Blues Band with an excellent set. After a slight intermission and the place still empty, Jethro Tull played with recent addition Martin Barre replacing Mick Abrahams. They were followed up by Led Zeppelin, and to our amazement the place was still almost empty. Zeppelin was like nothing we had ever heard, their album doing them no justice. The headliner was Johnny Winter who also amazed us.

We left thinking maybe these performers could become famous someday. Of course, the irony is that Buddy Guy never received the acclaim he so deserved.