Act #10 Country Joe McDonaldSaturday, August 16, 1969... 2:20 p.m.

Country Joe McDonald Woodstock Setlist Live

My Take:

With a full, Sunny day, the Performance began with McDonald leading the Crowd in the "Fish Cheer," which involved spelling out an expletive, a bold and audacious move that engaged the Crowd. The Song's humor and poignant commentary on the Vietnam War struck a Chord with the Crowd, leading to an electrifying sing-along that became an iconic moment of the Festival.

The Audience rose to their feet and joined in the Chant, starting with the opening expletive and continuing through to the song's poignant finale, "Whoopee! We're all going to die."

The rest of the Set was really not my cup O' Tea... sorry Joe. but most of the Crowd I could see were stoned and went wild when he yelled out "Give me an F"... the Crowd Noise Factor rated 4 to 6.

Country Joe McDonald Bio

Joseph Allen "Country Joe" McDonald, born on January 1, 1942, in Washington, D.C., is a prominent American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist of the 1960s psychedelic rock band Country Joe and the Fish. Growing up in El Monte, California, McDonald showed musical talent early on, becoming the student conductor of his high school marching band. After a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, he began his music career in the early 1960s, busking on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, California.

In 1965, McDonald co-founded Country Joe and the Fish with Barry Melton. The band became a significant part of the San Francisco music scene, known for their eclectic performances and politically charged lyrics. They gained fame for their iconic song "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag," a satirical protest anthem about the Vietnam War, which became a defining piece of the counterculture movement. The song's famous call-and-response "Fish Cheer" evolved into a more provocative version during live performances, reflecting the band's irreverent style.

Country Joe and the Fish performed at major events, including the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and the Woodstock Festival in 1969, where McDonald unexpectedly took the stage solo, further solidifying his legacy. The band released several albums, with their music characterized by innovative guitar work and a blend of psychedelia and folk influences. Despite lineup changes, McDonald remained a constant presence until the band's disbandment in the early 1970s.

After the band's peak, McDonald embarked on a solo career, releasing over 30 albums and continuing to engage in political activism, particularly regarding veterans' issues and anti-war movements. He has been an outspoken advocate for Vietnam veterans and has participated in various demonstrations and benefit concerts.His commitment to social causes has been a hallmark of his career, and he has often used his music to address pressing political issues. McDonald remains active in music and activism, reflecting on his contributions to peace and social justice throughout his career