John Sebastion Saturday, August 16, 1969... 3:10 p.m.

John Sebastian Woodstock Setlist Live

My Take:

Note: I was working with Butch backstage and all I heard was his non-professional, Stoned Voice, and did not go up to see him.

Sebastian was not originally scheduled to perform at Woodstock. He arrived at the Festival and Volunteered to help backstage. Eventually, he was asked to take the Stage during the rain delay when t needed someone to entertain the audience with an acoustic set. He described the experience as both hilarious and chaotic, noting that he was "as stoned as everybody else" when he performed. Despite the challenging conditions, including rain and mud, he recalled that the sun came out just as he finished playing, which added to the surreal nature of the event.

In hindsight, Sebastian has expressed that he considers his performance one of his "lousiest." (and it was, indeed!)... a lot of it had to be that he tripped some acid before borrowing a Guitar.

He felt that the improvisational nature of the event, combined with his own state of mind, detracted from the quality of his performance. He humorously reflected on his attire, a tie-dyed outfit, and how he has spent years living down that choice of clothing.

His last 2 Songs were Lovin' Spoonful... "Darlin' Be Home Soon" and "Younger Generation" and, at least, they were tolerable... The Crowd Noise Factor was a 1.

I guess, some Fans appreciated the spontaneity and rawness of the moment, while others believe that his Woodstock appearance may have hindered his Solo Career. Discussions backstage indicated to me that while his Music has left a lasting impact, his performance itself is often viewed through a lens of nostalgia and mixed feelings about its execution.

John Sebastian Musical Bio

John Sebastian, born John Benson Sebastian on March 17, 1944, in Greenwich Village, New York City, is an influential American songwriter, musician, and singer. He is best known as a founding member of The Lovin' Spoonful, a band that played a significant role in the mid-1960s rock revolution and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

He grew up in a creative environment; his father was a classical harmonica player, and his mother was a radio program writer. This upbringing exposed him to various artists, including Burl Ives and Woody Guthrie, and fostered his interest in music. He became a prominent figure in the folk music revival of the late 1950s and early 1960s, performing with the Even Dozen Jug Band and working as a session musician with artists like Bob Dylan.

The Lovin' Spoonful, formed with guitarist Zal Yanovsky, bassist Steve Boone, and drummer Joe Butler, achieved great success with hits like "Do You Believe in Magic," "Daydream," and "Summer in the City." The band's music blended elements of blues, country, folk, and jug band music, contributing to the American pop music landscape of the time.

After leaving The Lovin' Spoonful in 1968, Sebastian pursued a solo career, highlighted by his unscheduled performance at Woodstock in 1969. He also achieved solo success with the theme song "Welcome Back" for the TV show "Welcome Back, Kotter," which became a chart-topping hit in 1976.

Throughout his career, Sebastian has remained active in music, collaborating with various artists and supporting social and environmental causes. He continues to perform and contribute to the American Music Scene and is celebrated for his contributions to rock and folk music.