1968 Conqueror of American Rock - Chapter 189



Only Noblemtl

189. Again, Summer of ’69 (13)

In Korea, a country with a conscription system, soldiers are generally called up for training for a certain period of time according to their rank after being discharged from the military.

In the United States, which has a volunteer military system, some soldiers are assigned to the reserves after discharge, but some can enlist as ‘reserves’ without going through active duty from the beginning. They are called up and serve for about 30 days a year, faithfully working their main jobs during normal times and receiving training during weekends, vacations, and holiday seasons.

That’s why there’s even a joke calling them weekend warriors.

In addition, US soldiers can freely move between active duty and reserve duty, and the ranks promoted to reserve duty are also valid in active duty.

The current combined size of the reserve forces and defense forces is said to be approximately 860,000, so it is indeed the United States.

“I heard that your unit at Fort Drum recently had a New York National Guard training exercise. Oh, the National Guard is a kind of reserve force. Well, the commander was the deputy commander of the Vietnam Military Assistance Command and retired.”

“If it was the Vietnam Military Assistance Command… it would have been under General Frank Abrams?”

“That’s right. You guys watched the USO Show and the CW Show in Saigon back then, haha. What a coincidence, huh?”

When I first fell into the past, why did it have to be 1968, a time when things were extremely difficult? I would rather have gone back to the 1950s, when the US 8th Army show was in full swing. Then I could have made a lot of money. I also thought, why did I have to come back to the end of the world?

But there was always a reason why God gave me a second chance.

The fading US 8th Army show was actually an opportunity for me. I met Kevin, Jake, and got to know the deputy commander of the US Forces in Korea. I met Michael Wynn at a regular audition, went to Vietnam for a consolation performance, and even got to meet General Frank Abrams.

Jake’s father is now the commander of US forces in Korea, and General Frank Abrams is serving in the reserves in California after his discharge.

But the connection with the general extended to the New York National Guard. At this point, we could be called a military band.

“But Jake, even if we are close, wouldn’t it be a problem for the National Guard to act privately?”

Kevin was the type of person who would always point out any part that might be even the slightest bit problematic.

“Yes, Kevin. It’s true that the National Guard can be a problem when they’re on the move. But they’re reservists. When they’re not on training or called up, they’re civilians. So they’re volunteering. They have their own civilian firearms licenses. If they can prove their identity, occupation, and criminal record under federal and state law, they should be able to get approved.”

There was no way I didn’t know Kevin’s personality. Jake explained the reasons in a way that made sense to his brother. From what I heard, there was nothing wrong with it.

“Won’t people feel intimidated if they carry weapons?”

“Hey, this is my opinion. You have to control a lot of people, and you never know what variables might arise. Of course, you can’t make people feel scared, and you can’t use weapons. But just in case, I think it’s right to carry a gun. Besides, they’re people who have been formally trained in the military. They’ll never make a mistake or use it emotionally.”

“James is right, Kevin. I know this because I’m a former military man. They’re more trustworthy than most private security agencies.”

Kevin rested his chin on his hand and thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Okay, let’s do that. I’ll make sure they’re as comfortable as possible, with everything from shelters to food, drinks, and lodging.”

“Brother, we need to print 50,000 T-shirts as usual, and also make volunteer hats and uniforms.”

“I’ll do that. I don’t know how to thank Jake’s brother.”

“I will go to New York and visit you, and I will also visit the National Guard and say hello.”

Jake did a great job this time too.

Thanks, Jake.

I will repay this favor for the rest of my life.

* * *

Altamont Speedway.

Originally, this place was mostly a wasteland, although there were some fields with grass and weeds growing there.

In 1966, Dick Carter contracted with a motor show company to build a race track in a part of the area. That’s how it got its name: Speedway.

The Woodstock business decided to use the current unused racetrack office as its headquarters. It was Michael Lang’s way of putting an office as close to the festival as possible.

“Hmm······ It was nice to have a motel in ’69, even though it was a bit shabby, but I guess we need to put in a bed here right away.”

“Are you going to sleep in a place like this?”

Michael was a hippie who naturally had to live on the spot, while John Scher was a businessman who had to sleep in hotels.

“You stay at a nearby hotel. I’m more of a field person, so I’ll take responsibility for this place.”

“Instead, I will get the best office furniture and supplies, bedding, and catering······.”

“You don’t have to spend money. Just go with the cheapest one. You’re just going to use it once and throw it away anyway.”

Looking at Michael Lang’s usual attire, it wouldn’t be strange at all for him to sleep in a tent like a hippie. John Scher smiled faintly at his easygoingness.

It’s been a busy few days here.

Desks, chairs, office supplies, telephones, and bedding have arrived. The restaurant in the stadium has been cleaned, and a cook and kitchen assistant have been hired to work for two months.

Even though it was only going to be used for two months, John Scher did his best to make sure the on-site staff could work in the most comfortable conditions possible. He didn’t spare any money in investing in the production headquarters because they would make a lot of money.

While the headquarters was being set up, Michael and John went to the window and continued their conversation.

“We’re going to set up a stage at the auto racetrack over there. Of course, it won’t be one of those crappy plywood stages that the Rolling Stones used to do, haha.”

If everything related to money was handled by John Shea, then everything related to performance was Michael Lang’s job. The two of them divided up the work thoroughly into areas in which they could excel.

“John, have you decided on the ticket prices?”

“Okay. I’ve got everything planned out. Admission is $20 for three days, and on-site sales are $25.”

Michael was shocked. The ticket he had sold in ’69 was $18, and the door price was $24. For John Scher, who was quick to calculate money, the price was too low.

“Don’t worry, Michael. I’m the one. Tickets have to be cheap. That way, more people will come. But there are endless other revenue models.”

Michael, who knew John well, could easily have guessed that he would definitely sell something at the event and make a profit.

“We’ll probably sell something like cola, beer, or hot dogs······.”

“That’s the basics. We’ll also sell water.”

Michael looked blatantly surprised this time. Oh my god. Selling water······. You’re just going to sell the water that comes out when you turn on the tap for money?

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. Think about it. It’s already hot here, and by mid-August, this area will be scorching hot. Water is essential here to keep people from getting dehydrated. But where do they get water? Do you think people dying in the desert would pay for water or not?”

“Ha······. But still, this isn’t a desert. It’s a wasteland, though.”

“Yeah. I was a bit exaggerated with the desert metaphor. Anyway, it costs money to hire people to carry water and move it.”

Michael just nodded, because he had decided to leave the money entirely to John. Michael also disliked seriousness and complexity. Instead of just understanding, he decided to trust John.

“And I have this incredible revenue model that I think you’ll all be surprised about.”

“What is that?”

John Shea smiled meaningfully.

“Pay Per View system.”

* * *

“Sir, we need to increase the number of drinking fountains.”

“I’ve already installed quite a few, but more? Well, I guess it would be nice to make some money, hehe.”

“I hope there are as many as possible.”

“Since a large water pipe has been installed, it won’t be difficult to increase the number of drinking fountains. Wow, that’s amazing, amazing. How did you come up with all these ideas at such a young age?”

Mr. Jack Tyver worked hard with his men to install the drinking fountain.

In the summer of 1969, there was a lot of rain, but there was a shortage of water. In this era, America had drinking water from the tap. It took a permit from the public agency to bring in water pipes, and the construction required several excavators and many workers.

If I were to do this much construction for a single festival, everyone would call me crazy. But this place is now our company’s property. In order to continue hosting the event in the future, we spared no expense in building drinking fountains and sanitary facilities.

Mr. Elliot Tiber, who lives in Manhattan, came to Bethel almost every week without fail. He visited his parents, but more than anything, he was the president of the local merchants’ association. He visited the farm for the first time in a long while and was amazed at the changes.

“Oh my goodness. James, you’ve done such a great job of making Uncle Max’s farm. It’s really amazing. You’ve built public toilets all over the tent camp without damaging the environment at all, and there are countless drinking fountains.”

“This is all Uncle Jack’s work, haha.”

“He’s my father, but he’s the best at it, haha.”

Elliot went to a nearby fountain and drank some water.

“Wow, that’s refreshing. I can’t believe we can drink water outside like this. Even national parks need to learn this.”

He must have been thirsty, so he took a few more sips of water with his hand.

“Elliot, if I ask people to bring their own water bottles, would you bring them?”

“Well, some people bring it, and some don’t, right?”

Coming soon, coming soon.

Annie saw Elliot and ran towards him.

Hehehee.

“Elliot, it’s been a while!”

Annie got off her horse and greeted them cheerfully.

“Annie, I think you’re getting better at horseback riding. You’re really cool.”

“Hehehe, thank you. How have you been? Is there any news about my character······.”

The guy greeted me warmly, but then subtly revealed his true intentions.

“Yes. I made it with various expressions. I’ll show you the draft later at the motel.”

“Wow, really? This is exciting!”

There was something stuck around Annie’s neck as she was jumping around.

“You, what is that?”

“This? A water bottle.”

The water jug ​​Annie was carrying was a leather jug ​​that looked like it might have been made by nomads or Indians.

“Where did you get that?”

“Dakota made it for me. I could drink it while riding. I asked her to make it for me, and she’s making it for Angela too. Aren’t you jealous? Haha.”

Yeah, this is it!

This guy has a personality that is the opposite of mine, but he has always been my muse.

“Elliot, how about making a personal water bottle with a character on it? You can carry it around like an anime. Then you can enjoy the show while drinking water.”

“Wow, that’s a great idea. Of course, since it would have to be mass-produced, we can’t make it out of leather like that, but we could make it out of a clear plastic water bottle. We could attach a strap so you can wear it around your neck or shoulder.”

“But there are a lot of bands appearing, so it might be a bit unfair to only include our characters. It would be better to just include something like ‘Again, Summer of ‘69’······.”

“No, there is a way.”

“which······?”

“You can make character stickers for each artist. Then, you can buy stickers of the characters you support and put them on. You can even put on multiple stickers.”

In the past, when Annie would throw out one idea, Elliot would bite it and come up with more than ten ideas.

“Annie, you did it right this time too.”

Annie, who was filling a leather water bottle at the fountain, laughed like an idiot, not realizing that she had come up with a great idea.