Remembering the dangers of rock and roll: Toward a historical narrative of the rock festival

Journal/Book: Crit Stud Media Comm. 2000; 17: 5105 Backlick Rd, #E, Annandale, VA 22003, USA. Natl Communication Assoc. 86-102.

Abstract: This essay argues that Michael Wadleigh's documentary Woodstock (1970) and Albert and David Maysles's Gimme Shelter (1970) help trace a historical narrative which potentially chronicles the hazardous ''effects'' of rock music This narrative helps explain how contemporary attacks on rock music might continue to resonate with the larger public. Like a conspirator, ''the music'' in these films is largely invisible yet its pernicious effects are made clear. D. A. Pennebaker's Monterey Pop (1968) is offered as a palliative which subverts the assumptions of this narrative, making its music highly visible while not exploiting representations of the audience, lit doing so, Monterey Pop exposes the conspiracy logic of the narrative.

Note: Article Schowalter DF, Indiana Univ, Dept Commun & Culture, Bloomington,IN 47405 USA

Zurück | Weiter