Act #23 Country Joe and the Fish Sunday, August 17, 1969... 6:30 P.M.
Note: How lucky was Joe to miss the most God-awful Lightning Storm took control and nothing was dry anywhere and many went to their Cars if they were close by... I heard later that the Wind was blowing at 40mph and there was stuff flying around everywhere. All the equipment was covered with Plastic and a couple of hardy Souls were trying to keep it from tearing off... some turned on some recorded Music but you could not really hear it. At 6:30ish, the Sun broke through and everyone felt a sign of relief because it certainly could have been worse.
Lang and Team decided they were going all through the Night! It was almost 7 when one of the Drummers came out and banged away with Cow Bells clanging and the Crowds began to move back into position
Country Joe and the Fish Woodstock Setlist Live
My Take:
Country Joe McDonald appeared as his Drummer had been banging for a while and greated the Crowd... they started with "Rock and Soul Music" and things appeared to be moving out in the Croud and those who had hid away were returning to the Mud. The Set was ok but I never really got in it until...
They compensated for some musical deficiencies with high energy and a strong stage presence. Their performance was characterized by "lust for life," which contributed to their appeal during the psychedelic era.
They engaged the Crowd with his Anti-war Anthem, "The 'Fish' Cheer/I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin-to-Die Rag." This performance was iconic, capturing the spirit of the Era and resonating with the Crowd who joined in the chant, transforming the song into a rallying cry against the Vietnam War.
The Crowd Noise factor was a 5 to 7.
Country Joe and the Fish Musical Bio
Country Joe and the Fish was an influential American Psychedelic Rock Band formed in Berkeley, California, in 1965. The Band played a significant role in the San Francisco Music Scene during the mid- to late 1960s and became known for their Politically charged Lyrics that addressed issues like Anti-war protests, Free Love, and recreational Drug use.
The Band was founded by Country Joe McDonald and Barry "The Fish" Melton. Their Music combined elements of Psychedelia and Electronic Music, characterized by innovative Guitar Melodies and Organ-driven Instruments, which contributed to the development of Acid Rock. They initially gained attention with two self-produced EPs before signing with Vanguard Records in 1966.
Their debut album, Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967), is considered one of the definitive Psychedelic Albums of the era, featuring the Single "Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine". Their second Album, I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die (1967), included the iconic anti-Vietnam War song "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag," which became one of their Signature Tunes.
Country Joe and the Fish are remembered for their pivotal performance at Woodstock in 1969, where they performed the famous "Fish Cheer" and "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag". Despite disbanding in 1970, the Band's Music and Political messages left a lasting Legacy, influencing both the Counterculture movement and the Psychedelic Rock Genre. Members of the Band, including Country Joe McDonald, continued to have Solo Careers and occasionally reunited for Performances.