On this day in 1969, The Rolling Stones headlined the infamous Altamont Free Concert in Altamont, CA. Immortalized in the film “Gimme Shelter,” it’s a cautionary tale of what not to do when planning a large scale rock concert. Interestingly, the Hells Angels have always gotten blamed for the death of 18 year old Meredith Hunter, but while being far from “honorable,” the rest of the story rarely gets told.
As filmed accounts, eyewitnesses, and medical reports later prove, Hunter was high on amphetamines and carrying a revolver. Hells Angel, Alan Passaro, was later tried and acquitted for the stabbing of Meredith Hunter as all the evidence justified he acted in self defense.
Watch the footage and judge for yourself…
