The Denver Pop Festival, held from June 27 to June 29, 1969, at Mile High Stadium, was a significant event in the history of music festivals. Although it was overshadowed by the iconic Woodstock Festival that took place two months later, the Denver Pop Festival had its own unique charm and impact. With an estimated attendance of 50,000 people, it showcased some of the most notable acts of the time, including the final performance of The Jimi Hendrix
Experience.
The Festival's Origins and Setting
The Denver Pop Festival was promoted by Barry Fey of Feyline, who had high expectations for the event. Unlike the free-form Woodstock, the Denver festival had the full support and resources of a major city, taking place in the well-equipped Mile High Stadium. This support was crucial in organizing a large-scale event that attracted a significant number of attendees. The festival was initially marketed as the "First Annual" Denver Pop Festival, indicating plans for future events, although it ultimately remained a one-time occurrence.
The festival's location in Denver provided a unique urban setting for a music festival, contrasting with the rural backdrop of Woodstock. This urban environment allowed for better infrastructure and amenities, making it a more organized event. Ticket prices were set at $6 per day or $15 for all three days, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Notable Performances and Innovations
One of the most memorable aspects of the Denver Pop Festival was the final performance of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. At the time, Hendrix was the highest-paid act in rock music, and his performance was a major draw for the festival. The festival also featured other prominent artists, including Frank Zappa, who is credited with inventing the audience wave during his set. Zappa engaged the audience by assigning different sections of the stadium to make odd sounds and gestures, creating a unique interactive experience.
The festival's lineup was diverse, featuring a mix of rock and pop acts that appealed to a broad audience. This diversity was a reflection of the changing musical landscape of the late 1960s, as festivals began to showcase a wider range of musical styles.
Legacy and Impact
Despite being overshadowed by Woodstock, the Denver Pop Festival left a lasting impact on the music festival scene. It demonstrated the potential for urban music festivals and highlighted the importance of city support in organizing large-scale events. The festival also marked a significant moment in music history with the final performance of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, adding to its historical significance.
The Denver Pop Festival remains a notable event in the history of music festivals, remembered for its unique setting, innovative performances, and the cultural shifts it represented during a transformative era in music.
