Days of Rage: The Rolling Stones' Road to Altamont

Days of Rage: The Rolling Stones' Road to Altamont is a documentary film released in 2020 that recounts the infamous Altamont Free Concert, also known as the Rolling Stones concert of 1969, and its aftermath.

The documentary is narrated by Michael Lydon, a music journalist who was present at the concert, and features interviews with other eyewitnesses, including Sam Culter and Ronnie Schneider, who worked with the Stones at the time. The film also includes archival footage of the concert, as well as news reports and interviews with law enforcement officials.

The Altamont Free Concert, which took place on December 6, 1969, was supposed to be a celebration of the counterculture movement and a showcase for some of the biggest rock acts of the day, including the Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, and the Grateful Dead. However, the concert was marred by violence, chaos, and tragedy. The filmmakers explore how the surging anti-establishment sentiment of the era, fueled by events like the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, contributed to the festival's collapse.

The documentary sets the stage for the concert by delving into the counterculture of the 1960s and the political climate of the time. The film also explores the emergence of the Rolling Stones as one of the leading rock bands of the era, and their collaboration with filmmaker brothers Albert and David Maysles on the documentary film Gimme Shelter, which chronicled the Stones' 1969 U.S. tour leading up to the Altamont concert.

Days of Rage from the Rolling Stones concert features interviews with the concertgoers, law enforcement personnel, and members of the bands who played at the concert. They recall in vivid detail the overwhelming sense of danger and impending disaster that hung over the event from the very beginning. The film also traces the events of the concert, including the violent clash between the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, who were hired as security for the concert, and the concertgoers.

The climax of the film is the tragic death of 18-year-old Meredith Hunter. Hunter was stabbed to death by a Hells Angel during the Rolling Stones' performance of "Under My Thumb." The film examines the aftermath of Hunter's death and the legal proceedings that followed. The filmmakers argue that the Altamont Free Concert was not only a seminal moment in rock history but also a symbol of the decline of the hope and idealism of the counterculture.

Days of Rage is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds new light on the Altamont Free Concert and its place in the history of the 1960s. Through its unique blend of archival footage and contemporary interviews, the film provides a compelling look at the impact of the counterculture movement and the Rolling Stones' role in shaping it.

Overall, the movie is a must-watch for music lovers, especially those interested in the history of rock and roll. It not only explores the events that led to the tragic events at Altamont but also delves deeper into the social and political issues that were at the forefront of the era. Days of Rage: The Rolling Stones' Road to Altamont is a poignant tribute to the spirit of the generation that gave rise to the counterculture movement and the music that defined it.