The Woodstock Channel is coming to Sirius XM Radio in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair held at Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York in 1969.
Launching on Friday, August 14th at 12pm ET and airing through Sunday, August 16th on Deep Tracks (Sirius channel 16 and XM channel 40), The Woodstock Channel will feature music, interviews and memories from the artists who were there at the historical music festival, including Graham Nash, Leslie West, Arlo Guthrie, The Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Joe Cocker.
Sirius XM listeners will hear the music in the exact order that they performed at the festival each day - starting with Richie Havens and ending with Jimi Hendrix.
The Woodstock Channel will also feature complete performances from Santana, Janis Joplin, Sly & The Family Stone, Johnny Winter and Jefferson Airplane as they happened at the original 1969 festival.
Listeners will also hear content from Woodstock - 40 Years On: Back To Yasgur's Farm, the new 6-CD boxed set to be released on August 11, featuring the most comprehensive collection of artists that performed at the original festival, showcasing 38 previously unreleased recordings, including Grateful Dead, The Who, Country Joe & The Fish and others.
Additionally, The Woodstock Channel will include exclusive interviews with the stars and filmmakers of "Taking Woodstock," the new comedy about a man who inadvertently played a role in making Woodstock into the famed happening it was.
Stars Demetri Martin (pictured above at a screening of "Taking Woodstock"), Eugene Levy, Emile Hirsch and Liev Schreiber, Oscar -winning director/producer Ang Lee and screenwriter/producer James Schamus will each share personal stories about making the movie.
The limited-run channel will also feature tracks from the "Taking Woodstock" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, set to be released on August 25th by Rhino Entertainment. The movie itself opens in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 26th and nationwide on Friday, August 28th.
Sirius XM listeners will hear the music in the exact order that they performed at the festival each day - starting with Richie Havens and ending with Jimi Hendrix.
The Woodstock Channel will also feature complete performances from Santana, Janis Joplin, Sly & The Family Stone, Johnny Winter and Jefferson Airplane as they happened at the original 1969 festival.
Listeners will also hear content from Woodstock - 40 Years On: Back To Yasgur's Farm, the new 6-CD boxed set to be released on August 11, featuring the most comprehensive collection of artists that performed at the original festival, showcasing 38 previously unreleased recordings, including Grateful Dead, The Who, Country Joe & The Fish and others.
Additionally, The Woodstock Channel will include exclusive interviews with the stars and filmmakers of "Taking Woodstock," the new comedy about a man who inadvertently played a role in making Woodstock into the famed happening it was. Stars Demetri Martin (pictured above at a screening of "Taking Woodstock"), Eugene Levy, Emile Hirsch and Liev Schreiber, Oscar -winning director/producer Ang Lee and screenwriter/producer James Schamus will each share personal stories about making the movie.
The limited-run channel will also feature tracks from the "Taking Woodstock" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, set to be released on August 25th by Rhino Entertainment. The movie itself opens in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 26th and nationwide on Friday, August 28th.
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This is an excellent example of what they should be doing -- a special-interest channel that's broader than a single artist, lasts for a reasonable period of time (two days is perfect), and is located on a channel that has a format appropriate to it.
Nice job, Sirius XM.
Don't take the brown acid.
"The forgotten secret of Woodstock is that it kind of sucked." http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13302-woodstock-40-years-on-back-to-yasgurs-farm/
xcountry is 100% correct here. one of the few times i'll give praise to the management.
LAME
Yes, I agree with poster #1. Short and to the point! I also think it is time to ditch Elvis and any other single artist channels.
I agree with the first two posters.
Probably someone who is from XM's idea, if anyone is even left?
BTW. I miss the FUCK out of XCountry. Outlaw is garbage compared.
I agree with the first three posters. This type of programming is innovative, unique, and separates Sirius/Xm from the competition. Now if they would only apply this kind of thinking to ALL THE PROGRAMMING.
It is time to get rid of morning zoos, talking over the music, unneccessary channel identifications, and shallow playlists. We have enough mediocrity in the world these days. Come on, Sirius/XM -if you want subscribers.... you'll get them in droves IF you give us the quality content that we are begging for. You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose. What the hell are you waiting for?
I have created a channel like this on Slacker.com . Thank god i don't have to hear those Siriusfm Dj's anymore .
I really wish they'd set aside a "special event" channel instead of replacing another one (especially Deep Tracks!), but this does sound pretty cool nonetheless.
Now that Zellner went to Clear Channel where he belongs, hopefully these kinds of things will replace the month-long single artist garbage.
y'all could not be more correct.
What "they" are waiting for is for us subscribers who give a damn to go away and be replaced by "sheeple". Then it will be basically "McSiriusFM".
The same all over, standardized,prepackaged for the masses with no soul.
Agree with the above, but with all these special channels and not being put there, what's the point of the "Specials" channel?
This is excellent! This is what XM was all about, content like this, short period and to the point. They need to apply this across the board.
I agree it looks like they actually did this right for a change...
I agree too. I'm remembering how great the D-Day special was on Chan. 4. Even though my preference is slightly older music, I am eagerly looking forward to this.
One caution though, I understand that the brown acid is not particularly good, please be aware of that!
"It is time to get rid of morning zoos, talking over the music, unneccessary channel identifications, and shallow playlists. We have enough mediocrity in the world these days. Come on, Sirius/XM -if you want subscribers.... you'll get them in droves IF you give us the quality content that we are begging for. You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose. What the hell are you waiting for?"
I could not have said it better Steve O. Too bad the corporate suits at SirXM INC have no clue about how to program supposedly commercial free radio.
Todd
it's going to be exciting to hear howards thoughts on woodstock.everyone must be asking him about his memories of the weekend while he's on vacation.it still amazes me how the organizers stole the idea for a weekend festival from howards high school radio show.i remember it like yesterday he was interviewing his friend doctor steve about putting a weekend show together staring his band psycadelic bee.then robin said oh howard and fred said you're right howard and gary said yeah boss and artie said that was the best.
he's the best
I agree with the first post, also. One channel that could be on Sirius XM for a longer period of time ,however, is "The Beatles, Post Beatles" channel. This would include all the music from 1960 to the present with Paul McCartney's and Ringo Starr's latest albums as well as the work of John Lennon and George Harrison.
1969 was also the birth of progressive rock with the performance of King Crimson who made a breakthrough by playing the free concert in Hyde Park, London, staged by The Rolling Stones in July 1969 before 650,000 people. King Crimson’s music drew on a wide range of influences provided by all five group members, including Jimi Hendrix, romantic- and modernist-era classical music, folk, jazz, military music (partially inspired by McDonald’s stint as an army musician), ambient improvisation, Victoriana and British pop. All of this was executed with a precision and complexity previously unheard of in rock music.
This new channel just represents the music for which there is more than enough of, and is a commercial venture to push the same stuff over and over again.
But what about progressive rock which was born in 69?
Well speak about "sheeple" just look @ these comments
I agree = sheeple
I agree = sheeple
I agree = sheeple
sure your not all the same person using different user names?
Jim T:
I agree with your comment.
I agree too ! so cool this place is turning into DRC .
I so Agree !
Please bring back Lee Abrams....
All of you make me sick! When this company highlights a band or artist you dont like, you complain about them getting a dedicated channel, you complain whether its a day or a month. The point of this channel is to advertise the special blu-ray bundle and the new movie coming out in honor of woodstocks 40th.
I see many of you are not upset about this channel because its probably more age appropriate to yourself. I am personally bored with even more woodstock shit being forced on me. Put this borefest to rest already! They should delete that boring "deep tracks" altogether. Doesnt sirixm already have "slow folk" rock channels??
Hey man you're supposed to agree !
So, the fact that you personally are "bored with even more woodstock shit" means this channel shouldn't exist? I was a baby when Woodstock took place, don't really like the music, and probably won't listen. That does not make this a bad idea for a channel. Some are capable of seeing the potential value of something that does not suit our individual preferences.
Also, how is this being "forced on" you, and do you have any data on the audience size of "Deep Tracks" before suggesting that XM "delete that boring 'deep tracks' altogether"? Apparently not, because it was always one of XM's more popular channels, showing an average quarter hour of 8,000 listeners and a CUME of 215,500 in one Arbitron book.
Finally, what's with this generation-related slam about this channel being more "age appropriate to yourself" -- as if this is a bad thing? First of all, a lot of Sirius XM's revenue comes from people 40+, and, second, some younger people like older music. I see teenagers wearing Metallica shirts, and the members of that band are old enough to be their grandparents.
The only reason this channel is being dedicated to woodstock is for advertising purposes only. I have heard about woodstock all my life, I saw the movie, I own the music. Dont forget about when they tried to revive the spirit in the nineties. The first vw bus I owned was at woodstock. I am done with woodstock. If this idea wasnt driven by advertising, I would be slightly more excited. Woodstock has been forced on all of us, I was not refering to the sirius channel.
Deep tracks plays slow, boring music. I am a fan of deep classic rock, not deep classic folk rock. If I wanted to here this crap I would tune in "the bride" or "bluegrass junction". Everytime I tune in deep tracks, they are playing folk music or classic rock I hear on fm radio. I tried listening, but this, by any use of the term is not deep classic rock. Maybe I tune in at the wrong time. I will try again after this woodstock weekend.
Your reference to people wearing clothes with "older" bands on them is pointless. I see kids wearing misfits, metallica, floyd and so on. I make it a point to ask them what their favorite song is by that artist, most people dont have a fuckin' clue! Try it sometime. Very rarely will people know what they are advertising.
I whole heartedly agree ! f**king awsome !
On your first point, (advertising only), you're probably right, but so many things are essentially marketing hype that I guess it doesn't bother me that much. Certainly from this company, which has been hitting up its customers for more and more money while providing less value in terms of channel variety, this seems like a fairly benign attempt to raise cash, if that's what it is, but, if you don't like this because it's advertising, I accept that.
So, what it comes down to is that you don't like Woodstock anymore -- certainly nothing wrong with that -- and don't care for the music on Deep Tracks (I don't either). But why do people "make you sick" for saying this is a good idea for a two-day dedicated channel? Presumably, not everyone has the same tastes, and compared to the month-long, single-artist fiascos for which this company is famous, this is a lot better.
You're probably right that some kids wearing Metallica or Pink Floyd garb stole the shirt from their stoner dad's closet and can't tell "Another Brick in the Wall" from "Until It Sleeps," but this isn't always true, and the point is simply that not everyone person's taste in music can be summed up by generalizing based on his or her age.
Ref: "older bands" clothing:
"I make it a point to ask them what them what thier favorite song is by that artist, most people don't have a fuckin' clue!.."Very rarely will people know what they are advertising"
I'll be wearing my Steely Dan "Aja' "T" bought WAY BACK WHEN while at the Steely Dan concert in Atlanta,Ga this Saturday. If you're around, be sure to ask me about Steely Dan songs(please,please,please). There will be a bunch of "Dan Fans" there(chock full of "Boomers" as well as a mix of people who know good music when they hear it). Ditto for my Robert Cray "Take Your Shoes Off" tour "T". I can assure you I can tell you a shitload about either of those bands/individuals. Wore Robert Cray's "Should've Been Home"(an appropiate phrase if there ever has been one - for me anyway...) baseball cap while serving in Iraq back in '03-'04. Blended in nicely with my desert stuff. Got the picture to prove it.
Woodstock??1969??
Probably will give it a listen on the way to Atlanta this weekend.
I was 16 at the time and living in the south. Remember all about it and am glad for the ones lucky enough to attend. Went to the Carolina's version in August 1974 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Was stationed at Ft. Bragg with 90 days to go till I got out. Went with some buds. One hell of a concert/party I can tell you that. Shitload of big time bands played that gig. Do remember SOME of it........Was hotter than hell (August in Carolinas..DUH!!!!) Too bad there is not a video of that one. Got some Kodak Instamatic 110's pics in a box somewhere though. Anybody wanna share them?
Speaking of late 60's-early '70's..
That was when FM got away from dentist office and housewife music to the real shitkicking classic rock & roll. That truly made an impact on my life as far as radio is concerned and TO THIS DAY that is what I compare radio to. It is true, if you wern't around back then it is really hard to explain. That is why I am so pissed off with SiriusFM. SatRad started out like "Underground FM" and I was so damn estatic about it. After years of frustration because of how bad terra radio had become, I found myself being excited about LISTENING again. Then of course, we know the rest of the story.... It was good while it lasted.
INMHO SiriusFM should feature a no-shit "Underground FM" channel circa (1969 - 1975). Not this disjointed attempt that they feature on "Deep Tracks" Not one of their "DJ's" even comes close to emulating the style or programming of the folks back then. I know that there are capable people out there but so far, SiriusFM dosen't have the balls,inclination, or gumption to think past their terra-radio mindset.
Sincerely,
Recondo72
"Boomer" since 1953,56 years old and still kicking. 1 year left till I retire from Uncle Sugar's reserves!!! Active duty 1971-1974.
Take THAT you young whippersnappers!!(LOL)
I was not at Woodstock, but two weeks before Woodstock they had the 3-day Atlantic City Pop Festival, which I did attend with 2 friends for one day (Saturday), since AC is only 90 miles from home. It was packed with a couple hundred thousand. It's a shame how that festival is ignored simply because it didn't have anything to do with New York which thinks it's the hub of the world.
But at AC (held at the AC racetrack) they had the same acts that Woodstock had. That said, I appreciate Sirius for finally shaking up their insipid programming.
Probably I will record it because I like satrad better when I can fast forward through all the stuff I don't want to listen to. I hate listening live when I have to sit through a bunch of filler. Same with TV I guess.
I agree with the guy who said there is too much channel identification. On Sirius Pops after every other song they say "you are listening to Sirius Pops." No shit, sherlock.
Speaking of before Woodstock. I saw the program about Jimi Hendrix on DirecTV last week when he played the Montery Pop & Jazz festival(1968 if I'm not mistaken) Brought down the house. Was basically his debut return back to USA from England.
Good documentary.
Some "southern" trivia:
Hendrix opened for "The Monkees" at The old coliseum on Independance Rd. in Charlotte,NC back in the day. Can you imagine that?? Wasn't there but have heard about it for years.
As posted I'll give "The Woodstock" channel a listen this weekend. Will hold off judgment till I give it a listen.
When sirixm devoted a week to the dave matthews band, everyone here shit themselves, anytime a new artist is promoted on sirixm (miley, jonahs bro's) everyone complains. I happen to think satrad is the perfect forum for any music artist to promote their projects. Sirixm has enough channels to accommodate any artist and their fans. I think this woodstock channel is a good thing due to the fact that it is part of american culture, I am just jaded by the constant advertising, like I said before, if this wasnt fueled by advertising, I would be much more excited. This is just another good idea brought on by someone outside of sirixm, it gives the execs another reason to pat themselves on the back.
RECONDO72, If I saw you, I would cheer. Its pretty obvious when someone is really a fan or they just liked the shirt. The point I was making was in reference to teens wearing band shirts they bought at a department store. Many of the top selling artists of the past have become nothing more than iconic logos to younger generations. I agree with your early fm, early satrad comparison. One of the reasons I hate fm is because it lost that programmed by the dj feel. Now days they just load that card and record their bumpers. Both siri and xm had a real grassroots feel, I have always said I dont mind dj's as long as they comment on the artists and they keep it to a minimum. Now, everything is pre recorded and never ending. Boring. BTW, Thank you for your service.
I'm listening to Woodstock righ now! It's great! Will worth the price of admission.
Nothing but a bunch of filthy hippies and wacko flower children shitting and pissing all over the place; I'm so sorry I couldn't be there when those animals left the place looking like ground zero.
As one of the producers of the movie, Woodstock, I got to see it all--and have tried to answer the eternal questions of "What makes Woodstock relevant today?. Today, in retrospect, Woodstock 1969 marked the first attempt at national community organizing. Its values included anti-Vietnam War, pro Civil Rights, pro Women's Rights, pro environmental change, pro sustainability, pro locovore, pro sustainable agriculture, pro-working together towards common goals, pro-peace, pro-music AND lyrics for each transmitted equal value. When we looked around, and beyond the lack of toilets, water, and food, we saw that there were many more of us than we could have ever imagined. Yes, we did comprise a "Nation", a "Generation", when you consider all who wanted to come and could not, all who heard of it and lived it through their spirits, all who came to the movie world-wide and sensed its messages. Luckily, we as filmmakers were organized, had a design for the film before we began the project, harnessed the most up-to-date technology to implement the concept, and had the strategies to ward off the extraordinary pressures Warner Brothers bombarded us with from the moment we had the film in the can. Had it not been for Bob Maurice, producer who recently passed, we could have been trampled by Warner Brothers' greed and total lack of understanding and appreciation at what we were trying to do: produce an historical document that would forever capture the essence of what transpired on those four days of peace and music.
Woodstock marked a high "coming-together" point of the decade that had experienced four assassinations, the bloody confrontations at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968, the tumultuous struggle for civil rights for blacks, the Voting Rights Act, the urban uprisings in Detroit, Watts, DC, and other cities, the success of the National Organization for Women, and other accomplishments. Woodstock's ideals would be quickly eradicated by the violent Altamont Festival months later where one person was stabbed on stage, by the Kent State Massacre in May of 1970.
Alas, at the time, there was no political infrastructure to implement the concepts and ideals that we had assembled and chronicled on Max Yasgur's farm. That is sometimes the by-product of being the first to try to community organize. Success does not come easily, or overnight.
Today, however, we can take pride in the fact that we--and the Woodstock Festival Producers (Mike Lang, Artie Kornfeld, John Roberts, and Joel Rosenman) were the first to plant the seedlings that are sprouting all over the country: through the 40 years. Because of the extraordinary success of the movie around the world, we have, in Barack Obama's election, brought maturity to many of the budding political and ideological sprouts we watered then. Everything takes more time than we want to give it. But the forces that miraculously converged in 1969 to create our Woodstock had a second coming---the 2008 elections where similar forces entwined to bring the country together and beyond the torment we had to endure over the past eight years. Look out at the vast tens of thousands of peoples who assembled in Washington for Obama's inauguration. "Not in my lifetime!" was heard coming from the lips and souls of so many of us. For this we should be thankful, and proud.
500,000 smelly, long haired sex maniacs cavorting naked all over this suckers farmland - scaring the shit out of the cows, sheep and goats. This wasn't a music festival........ this was a hedonistic orgy out in the boondocks by a bunch of slobs and assholes!
I saw this news items as I was traveling through New York this past week. This is a great idea..keep up the good work
Brian Callahan
Providence, RI