My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark 450 - Only Judgments
Oct 17, 2024
The hosts dive into the chaotic events of the 1969 Altamont Free Concert, revealing the tumultuous atmosphere and societal tensions of the time. They dissect the controversial decision to hire Hells Angels as security, leading to violence and tragic consequences. Between these dark themes, there's delightful banter about personal journeys, autumn fashion, and life with cats. Their humorous reflections and listener anecdotes create a lively vibe, showcasing their unique chemistry throughout.
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Murdoch Hunter's Tragic Background
- Meredith "Murdoch" Hunter grew up in poverty with a mother who had schizophrenia and drifted into petty crime and drugs.
- Despite hardship, he loved music and chased major festivals, including Altamont on December 6, 1969.
Chaos From Lack Of Central Leadership
- The Altamont event was improvised with no single chain of command, causing logistics to collapse.
- Organizers set a date with weeks to spare and scrambled venues and resources, creating chaos.
Wrong Venue Multiplied Risks
- Altamont moved to Altamont Speedway with inadequate capacity and facilities for hundreds of thousands.
- The remote racetrack lacked infrastructure and had hosted only 6,000 people before.