I remember Sundays at Speedway Meadows

01/17/09 - posted by W. M.

I spent nearly every Sunday at Speedway Meadows or the Polo Fields for the music concerts/anti-war rallies during the 60's and early 70's. A vast array of talented people in bands known as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin with Big Brother & the Holding Company, Moby Grape, Blue Cheer, etc. filled each days bill along with other colorful and talented lesser known bands. A few names I remember are: Frumius Bandersnatch, Flaming Groovies, Country Weather, and AUM. There was always a large crowd of at least a few thousand - many thousand people and I can't help but think that the foot traffic through the Sunset and Richmond Districts after these shows were over may have generated some interesting stories (or perhaps even problems) from the residents of the neighborhoods at that time. Did anyone have any experiences, good or bad, with these "hippies" (and I say that with great respect) and want to share them here?