I was at this festival . Wolfman Jack was the MC and heilcopters were flying everywhere . we were told they were filming it for Midnight Special but I heard latter that most of the film was not usable because of nudity or drug use and so on . So if it was ever shown I did not see it bur I did experience it . Hard to believe .
Greatest time of my life. We walked into the local steakhouse and there was a naked hippie with just an apron on who asked me how I wanted my steak that they were free. We left immediately. I can't remember much about the festival for some reason I do remember it was very hot but I helped pic up a guy who was ice cold. He had overdosed.
i was 16, with 7 people in a 64 catalina 2+2. we had no provisions except pot, orange barrell and mini whites. oh, and 2 cases of large mouth mickeys beer w/ no cooler or ice. while riding the orange barrell, i found myself backstage with lynard skynard preforming. i only remember that cuz they were escorting me out and threatend to call my parents. i broke loose and made it to the crowd. after that BLANK until i got home to my thoroughly pissed off ma & pa.
I turned 23 on July 20th, 1974 and I distinctly remember the temperature was 107 degrees. This pale skin has never been so tan. Beside great music, it was fun just to walk around and people watch. I got a kick out of the near ready to give birth pregnant mom walking around naked from the waist up. I probably would have too, just to keep comfortable. My husband and I brought my 14 year old brother, he was staying with us. He remembers more than we do. LOL.
@bluerivergirl Yes, you're right about the 107 degrees, girl. I can still hear and see in my mind a guy having a conversation with another about the heat as I was walking by them, and the number I heard was 108. It was sick. I'm from Arizona, 108 isn't uncommon in June thru Sept. It doesn't have the humidity that Sedalia did, but it still is hard for me to take. But THAT 108, even tho I was only 19 and in fantastic shape...it about put me over the edge. That scene would kick my ass now!
A friend of mine's father (now deceased) was a photographer who took literally thousands of photos of the event. We used to sneak some looks through them. I asked both him and his brother what happened to them and they say they don't know but suspect their stepmother tossed them after he passed away. Most of the people I camped with are still my very good friends to this day, including my girlfriend of the time. I was just 17 and had just graduated high school in Sedalia.
@sp600jx21This is the first of 2 replies regarding your post) Oh man....I would KILL for those photos! Yeah, if the widow tossed 'em, that really isn't that uncommon. Once people pass on, sometimes their spouses just want to get rid of anything that reminds them of their pain. Plus, the festival in '74 probably meant very little to his wife..perhaps she felt like the rest of Sedalia and hated anything associated with it. Who could blame them, the town was misled by the promotors. (see post #2)
@naderchaser (Post 2 of 2). Regarding photos from '74, I have often wondered if I were to put an ad in the Kansas City and Sedalia papers asking for OMF photos, I could buy some. As you know, the years are cranking by. That event meant too too much to me to forget it. BTW-look at the vid above from .24 thru .26 sec. The photog was trying to capture the topless girl behind me, but luckily got me and my bud walking by left to right. I'm shirtless-long hair!! Amazingly, still have the grey shorts!
I still say they should have made it an annual event!. According to weather data from Whiteman Air Force Base (20 miles west and home of the B2 bomber) On July 19th low temp was 73.0 high was 99.0, on the 20th L77.0 H 98.1, and on the 21st L 73.9 H 105.1. It sure felt hotter though, and of course the temps could be slightly different between Sedalia and WAFB but I can't imagine it could be too much difference. I camped out there starting the previous weekend. A lot of fun and great memories.
Well, if it hadn't been for the topless woman the photographer was trying to shoot in the background, you wouldn't be able to get a PERFECT VIEW of me walking with my buddy Bob Harbold from left to right at 25-26 seconds! I'm the guy with long hair and Bob's got the white big-brimmed hat on. Hey BOB...are you out there dude?? I'd love to have that zero-fat content body I used to have. Wouldn't we all!! lol. When I found this clip online a year ago..I about fell off of my chair. Joel in Tucson
This was a great event. The bands were unbelievable! My friend, Sue, her 13 year old sister and I drove up for this from Dallas. Sue bought a new 1975 Monte Carlo for the trip. Just three young ladies heading up for a fun weekend. It was great fun. We pitched a tent on the fair grounds & had our ice chests and grocery bags full & ready for the party! We enjoyed this so much. We took showers every day & watched all the crazy people party! We come back here every time we hear the songs! Loved It!
I also had a fab time.Hitch-hiked there n back.It was very hot.I remember people selling an icecube for a quarter.Seen so many great bands,.was there for 3 days..went there with nothing ,got there and didn,t have to want for anything.Most of the people I encountered were friendly n giving .,high n free n just didn,t give a chit about nothing but a ""great"" time.Saturday night was the best "live" with WolfmanJack.
Personally I had a GREAT time. So did everyone I know who was there. Sure it was hot but we would have been just as hot if we had stayed home. From Thursday, when we arrived ,until it was all over it was a BLAST
It sure looks like me at 1:51 behind the lady in red. Thanks for posting this video
@joenealsmith I wouldn't either, Joenealsmith. I wouldn't either. I'm almost 56, and truly....with all the incredible things that I've experienced...I'd have to say that "Sedalia" would be in the top 3 or 5. Something about it...I'm actually just flat-out "proud" to have participated. And I'll bet I'm not the only one who would describe their feelings about it in that manner. I swear, I feel a kind of "kinship" with the other 200 thousand that were there! Weird, huh? Joel in Tucson
I was there as well. Remember the drug tunnel (a bridge, under it were all the drug dealers) Remember the police were told just to keep anyone from killing anyone.
I still live in Sedalia. I wish it was an annual event. We went out the weekend before and set up camp on the west end of the fairgrounds. The only way we survived the heat because a certain teacher worked for the ice house in the summer and he made sure we had ice. Thanks Coach. The cops have been pricks ever since though.
It was the promoters and the city that failed. There wasn't food or water, they didn't keep the portajohns clean, they didn't care. People that are hungry and thirsty will and do get desperate. Thankfully common Sedalians stepped up and provided what they could. Yeah, rednecks helping hippies, it really happened. Most people weren't as redneck as they appeared at that time. A girlfriend's dad who used to jerk me around by my hair became a damn good friend of mine.
@bilwne2 You're right, the promotors blew it. They sold the Sedalia City Council on the lie that it was a "blues / folk" festival, and would draw only 50K people, tops! You mentioned the "porta-pottys." I can attest, on day two (Sat. morning) I attempted to enter a porta-potty. Ladies, cover your eyes...I swear, I saw "stuff" piled 2 feet higher than the toilet seat. Yes....2 feet! I about threw up. I turned around...and made a bee-line for a farmer's corn field. I felt sorry for the ladies.
@sp600jx21 Hey, since you still live in Sedalia, you would probably know about some old abandoned rock quarry where a thousand of us went swimming on Sat. I heard it was so deep that the big cranes used to dig the quarry were just left down there...no way to get 'em out. I remember how good the water felt, but little bass kept biting me, and those hurt! Tell me, where was that place, and is it still around like it was back in '74. Oh God, I just HAVE to get back to Sedalia and spend some time.
@naderchaser That was the Howard Quarry just west of town on Hwy 50, totally off limits for about 30 years now. Divers have been down in it and no cranes, just some vehicles that were run off the cliffs over the years along with some old quarry equipment. And yes those pesky fish. Saw a skinny dippin girl come out of the water like a bullet with a bloody nipple, said a fish got her! She put her top on and went back in. The last day was the hottest, 105.
@sp600jx21 Thanks so much for the reply! As I've stated on my many posts in here lately, that event was a HUGE thing in my life..from many different mental viewpoints. Even today at almost 56, I get the grins. So, when you are kind enough to answer some of those questions that I wrote here recently...it provides kind of a "closure" to those questions. For example, 'cause of you, I now know that quarry's name and loosely where it was, in the event I get back to Sedalia. Which I will. FOR SURE.
@sp600jx21 See what I mean - those fish that were biting us swimmers hard! The gal "sped out of the water like a bullet with a BLOODY NIPPLE??" Then put her shirt on and went back in swimming?? How cool is that? Yeah, I always did love those gals with tough nipples.
I was too leery to swim totally nude at that quarry. Laugh if you want, but I always worried that a hungry snapping turtle would make off with my "minnow". I kept my boxer shorts on. Also, 3 of us jumped off @70ft. cliffs at once!
@naderchaser I never jumped off the cliffs, but I saw a guy ride a bike off the one to the west side of the ramp. Didn't work out to well for him but hey, not every idea conceived while drunk turns out as planned!
And just for the record, it WAS a bunch of sleezy trash that invaded people's lawns and used people's garden hoses for showers. You gotta understand, once word got out around the bible belt how big this was becoming, this event swelled with a lot of sleezy, often dangerous criminal-type white trash. I was there Fri. thru Sun. By Sunday afternoon, after everyone had been up and partying for 3 days, the affair took on an evil aire. Scooter-trash types were picking fights, and it got ugly.
we were living in Homer Il when the concert was held! My husband , too was 19 that summer. He has told me that he could never imagine me there, not my kind of place HOWEVER, he knows me and music and said it would have been the concert of my life,! LOL I am thinking THAT was the Stones 1994, 5 rows back!
If you find the temp, post it. His friend wore underwear only for 3 days! He said heat and toilets were the biggest downers, musici was incredible!
@dancyn29 You know, I really am going to try and track down the weather conditions for that weekend...then post it here. If you read a post from either today or yesterday in here...from some guy to me, it sounds like he may still live there. He stated that the last day was 105. I have no reason to doubt it....but I think that 105 may be a little bit understated. I'll find out. There are bound to be meteorological archives available. Your hubby may be right, it was a tuff place to be a woman at.
To greedlz: We should "all" write an apology?? Ummm, 'scuse me....this event was something like 35 YEARS AGO?? If your city council or the fairground committee or whomever isn't letting you have live rock shows at the fairgrounds now....and they're blaming a weekend event 35 damn years ago....then it's time you folks spend a little less time rockin' and a little more time working to vote out the creeps that still have your town hamstrung. Good God...trying to still blame "us". Way to go, dude.
u think every one of you should write an apology to the city of Sedalia. being 21 in a band and the only way to watch good live music is to drive an hour is just stupid when we could be using the fairgrounds for more events like this.
you fuckers fucked up our town now they rarely let us have any fun its like were all grounded for life cus some hippies couldn't keep to themselves and know when they had a good thing and respect. i have nothing agaisnt hippes just the dirty bastids that decided to sleep in peoples yards and steal.
Anybody visit the Winnabago that had the little side window with the scales set up so you knew you were getting your moneysworth. And the crazy bastards in the infield who were jumping large roadbikes off the roof of that building? I hitchhiked up from Hurst, Texas and had a blast all the way there and back. I also can't really remember who I heard play. The crowd was way bigger than the organizers had planned for. It was kind of a mess. And my god it was hot.
Well, my mind is, once again, completely blown!! I swear to the Good Lord on a stack of Bibles that I am 99% certain that I am the tall guy with the "shag" haircut and grey football shorts on that is closest to the camera from 25 to 27 seconds! What are to odds of that? Hell, I was just bored and decided to surf on into U-Tube this morning. Once I did, I had something tug at me to try the Ozark Music Festival. It's not like I think about it very often, as it was so long ago. But, there I am. WOW
@naderchaser Make that ONE HUNDRED PERCENT CERTAIN that I'm the guy who you see walking next to the dude in the white hat from .24 thru .26 seconds. You can't see my face at all....but that's me with the long hair which begins to curl a bit once it hits that length. I was 19 yrs old...6ft. 4in and about 190 lbs. Now I'm 56 and 250lbs. Hmmmm. Believe it or not, I still have those old grey football shorts. Can't get in 'em, though. lol.
Oh, how could I forget to add this: TWICE in one night, while stumbling around in the dark while stoned on weed, whiskey and black beauties....I tripped and fell over 2 differnt couples having sex right out under the stars. I remember one couple never even broke their stride, and the other didn't seem to notice it that much. Ahhh, to be young and horny like that again. Wait...hey I'm only 54, and I still feel like that!! There was record heat during the days, but when the sun set it was PARTY!!
I was there- from chicago,, had 2 buddies and lost them there, never did find them. I am going to post on one of ther web sites.. I could write a book,,
I loved the showers too. the mud runs, the bus with the free food , potatoes and small bits of ham-- thank god
I was there too from Rockford Il. 17 at the time and don't remember half the bands that played. What a blast I went with 350 bucks ate a hot dog and went home broke.
I was there too, as a 19yr. old. You went there with $350 bucks? Dude, that was like $1000 today. I drove my '64 Fairlane 2dr. with a couple buds from Nebr. Still, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most incredible experiences in my very active life. But let's be honest...I'm in darn good shape now, but if I went there and did those 3 days exactly like I did 'em then...it would certainly hospitalize me, if not outright KILL me! Can I get a witness?? lol. Joel in Tucson
@naderchaser now that's a trip...I just was looking for memories and saw your post. I was there with a couple of guys and their sister....I was 19....drove down from Omaha. Small world!
i was there. i was 14 yrs old. hot hot hot. naked women.drugs everywhere. first time i ever heard of areosmith and skynard. 3 days ill never forget. it was part of history.....closest thing to woodstock im sure.....
I want with three friends from Michigan. The heat was horrible. We stayed until the end and were thrown out by the cops at about 5 a.m. Monday morning. They woke us with lights and billy clubs. People left all their gear and had to just jump in cars and run for it. I do have photos. It was one festival I had no fun at what so ever. It seemed more like survival then fun even with all the parties going on. The water holes and people just trying to cool off any way they could.
Thanks for sharing this video. I was there with my roommate - we drove up from Atlanta - and it was one of the best times of my young life. I remember how hot it was, but since we were from Atlanta we were already used to it so it didn't bother us too much. Happy days!
My husband was there and I am looking because he found the festival on Wikapedia! Kind of says, if you remember much of it, YOU WEREN'T THERE!! LOL
Totally remembers the tunnel of drugs and how awesome Skynyrd was!
A bunch of people from our small town went but most never saw each other or if they did, they don't remember it! They stayed so F'd up and that it was as HOT as anything he couls ever remember, even our trip to Cabo San Lucas in July!!
@dancyn29 I remember the tunnel and Skynard kicking ass too! What small town did you guys come from?
And isn't it amazing that almost everybody who weighs in here about that festival remarks about the heat? You know, I'm from Arizona..and can damn well take the heat. But that weekend in Sedalia...that was something else. I would LOVE to get ahold of an old Sedalia weather forecast and see what it was. I overheard one guy say (in '74) that he heard it was 108. Maybe I'll get an old forecast.
I was there and as a young man I had never seen so many topless young women in my life! The community showers, which were like a mens locker room shower, were unbelivable with girls showering next to guys in the open!
I too remember it as being a drug fest with way to many people passed out on Qualudes. The music was unbelivable and we stayed till the last act, America I think it was, played.
@Longmiestr I do remember topless gals near the showers. And I'd forgotten about the showers becoming "co-ed". No big deal. Hell...we were all hot and getting funky. I don't mind showering with the ladies. For sure, I don't think ANYBODY that was showering...men or women...were thinking sexually at that point. It was SURVIVAL!! Now I DID feel really sorry for the gals who had to use a potty. Those porta-pottys were MAXXED out by the end of day one. As I guy, I just used the cornfields.
Great Concert, I was 15 yrs. old, went with 2 older brothers and a friend, had to have a note from my Dad to stay out after curfew, I still have my whole ticket, and a tee shirt(with a few holes in it), I am 51 yrs old now, but still remember some of it, Does anybody still remember the tunnel of drugs?And it was the hottest place I have ever been, we bought a block of ice and took turns laying in the trunk of the car with it,Bought a slice of watermelon for 50 cents and it was the best.
I also was there this video must be towards the end I remember many more people. I remember the water holes. That when ever people would walk by about 20 people bombarded them with water. What fun. Also I remember I was in town when Ted Nugent came on. We could here him way in town. Great memories
This is a reply to everyone...ditto!!! I survived the Fest and had SO much fun. I too never saw all the nudity and stuff, but I didn't look 4 it. I remember WELL the tunnel, with guys sitting on the wall that separated in and out. We got there Thurs night, found a parking spot and got IN the Fairgrnds at 5AM Friday. What a strange wonderful wkend, wouldn't do it again but glad I went. What a piece of history, THANX 4 posting this! btw-Wkikpedia has good acct of it but I NEVER felt in danger.
@TulsaLaniB Lani, I was a 19 yr old college frosh...drove down from s.e. Nebraska. You said you don't remember it being dangerous. It really got downright dangerous (I felt) on Sunday..when folks were trying to wind it down and get out of there. Naturally, so many were still on a 3 day drunk, coupled with speed and coke...and no sleep...and then the biker gangs were running wild. I played college football and was in shape. Yet, I really felt uncomfortable on Sun. Glad to get out. Joel in Tucson
@TulsaLaniB Hi again, Lani..Joel in Tucson here. You know, there didn't seem to be all kinds of outright nudity, but I saw some. Perhaps the threat of sunburn from that blazing sun kept it at bay. But I DO remember on Sat. nite, I tripped over two separate couples having sex as I made my way to my campsite. Neither couple even noticed me, and I fell flat on my face one time! I was a horny 19yr old, and fantasized of all kinds of loose girls being there...but as always, it was just not that way.
@naderchaser Hey Joel....SORRY I haven't replied, I need to check this Inbox more often! I created a page for this on Facebook last winter, so go check it out. It's fun seeing people give their accounts of everything. Thanks for the input, & life is that way....it depends on what side of the room you're standing on, as to what you remember about any situation. I'm glad we all made it out okay, and can tell our story of our experiences that weekend. Take care man, and stay cool in Tucson!
@TulsaLaniB And howdy once again from a year later now, from a fellow Ozark Music Festival camper to another! I decided to drop in here again to see myself in this video one more time. I'm the shirtless guy from about :24 thru :26 seconds. Lani, I have yet to see your Facebook page about this event, my apologies...but tonite's the night that I will! Oh...can you believe how long ago that really was? But thank the good Lord I'm still in good health and don't feel differently from that time.
anyone remember the tunnel under the race track or the crowd panic during REO's set? I was there for 4 days. It was one of the most surreal events of my life. I was so stoned most of the time, I can't remember most of it. HOT, HOT!
@tomsgonebad Hey Tom, I was there for REO's set, but can't remember anything about the crowd panicking. What day did they play, do you remember" Was it at night? And yeah, SURREAL would be the summary word of note. Does anybody remember swimming in the rock quarry somewhere near town? I haven't been back to Sedalia since that time. I would LOVE to see it again. I wonder if that old abandoned quarry is still around and the same? After 36yrs....I doubt it. But....you never know. Joel in Tucson
@naderchaser Hi, Joel, I'll tell you anything I can, but you have to call me. I am a painfully slow typist. I went swimming at the quarry after the festival, by the way. My email is tommy197328711@yahoo.com Email me and I will send you my phone number.
I was at this festival . Wolfman Jack was the MC and heilcopters were flying everywhere . we were told they were filming it for Midnight Special but I heard latter that most of the film was not usable because of nudity or drug use and so on . So if it was ever shown I did not see it bur I did experience it . Hard to believe .
doubletee1214 15 hours ago
Some one told me music was on the Midnight Special.Anyone ever seen it?
wavygr 2 months ago
Greatest time of my life. We walked into the local steakhouse and there was a naked hippie with just an apron on who asked me how I wanted my steak that they were free. We left immediately. I can't remember much about the festival for some reason I do remember it was very hot but I helped pic up a guy who was ice cold. He had overdosed.
wavygr 2 months ago
i was 16, with 7 people in a 64 catalina 2+2. we had no provisions except pot, orange barrell and mini whites. oh, and 2 cases of large mouth mickeys beer w/ no cooler or ice. while riding the orange barrell, i found myself backstage with lynard skynard preforming. i only remember that cuz they were escorting me out and threatend to call my parents. i broke loose and made it to the crowd. after that BLANK until i got home to my thoroughly pissed off ma & pa.
whiskyboy58 11 months ago
I turned 23 on July 20th, 1974 and I distinctly remember the temperature was 107 degrees. This pale skin has never been so tan. Beside great music, it was fun just to walk around and people watch. I got a kick out of the near ready to give birth pregnant mom walking around naked from the waist up. I probably would have too, just to keep comfortable. My husband and I brought my 14 year old brother, he was staying with us. He remembers more than we do. LOL.
bluerivergirl 1 year ago
@bluerivergirl Yes, you're right about the 107 degrees, girl. I can still hear and see in my mind a guy having a conversation with another about the heat as I was walking by them, and the number I heard was 108. It was sick. I'm from Arizona, 108 isn't uncommon in June thru Sept. It doesn't have the humidity that Sedalia did, but it still is hard for me to take. But THAT 108, even tho I was only 19 and in fantastic shape...it about put me over the edge. That scene would kick my ass now!
naderchaser 10 months ago
A friend of mine's father (now deceased) was a photographer who took literally thousands of photos of the event. We used to sneak some looks through them. I asked both him and his brother what happened to them and they say they don't know but suspect their stepmother tossed them after he passed away. Most of the people I camped with are still my very good friends to this day, including my girlfriend of the time. I was just 17 and had just graduated high school in Sedalia.
sp600jx21 1 year ago
@sp600jx21This is the first of 2 replies regarding your post) Oh man....I would KILL for those photos! Yeah, if the widow tossed 'em, that really isn't that uncommon. Once people pass on, sometimes their spouses just want to get rid of anything that reminds them of their pain. Plus, the festival in '74 probably meant very little to his wife..perhaps she felt like the rest of Sedalia and hated anything associated with it. Who could blame them, the town was misled by the promotors. (see post #2)
naderchaser 1 year ago
@naderchaser (Post 2 of 2). Regarding photos from '74, I have often wondered if I were to put an ad in the Kansas City and Sedalia papers asking for OMF photos, I could buy some. As you know, the years are cranking by. That event meant too too much to me to forget it. BTW-look at the vid above from .24 thru .26 sec. The photog was trying to capture the topless girl behind me, but luckily got me and my bud walking by left to right. I'm shirtless-long hair!! Amazingly, still have the grey shorts!
naderchaser 1 year ago
I still say they should have made it an annual event!. According to weather data from Whiteman Air Force Base (20 miles west and home of the B2 bomber) On July 19th low temp was 73.0 high was 99.0, on the 20th L77.0 H 98.1, and on the 21st L 73.9 H 105.1. It sure felt hotter though, and of course the temps could be slightly different between Sedalia and WAFB but I can't imagine it could be too much difference. I camped out there starting the previous weekend. A lot of fun and great memories.
sp600jx21 1 year ago
Well, if it hadn't been for the topless woman the photographer was trying to shoot in the background, you wouldn't be able to get a PERFECT VIEW of me walking with my buddy Bob Harbold from left to right at 25-26 seconds! I'm the guy with long hair and Bob's got the white big-brimmed hat on. Hey BOB...are you out there dude?? I'd love to have that zero-fat content body I used to have. Wouldn't we all!! lol. When I found this clip online a year ago..I about fell off of my chair. Joel in Tucson
naderchaser 1 year ago
I was enlightened..:-) That was a BLAST...and I was 19..;-)
RiverRat99 1 year ago
This was a great event. The bands were unbelievable! My friend, Sue, her 13 year old sister and I drove up for this from Dallas. Sue bought a new 1975 Monte Carlo for the trip. Just three young ladies heading up for a fun weekend. It was great fun. We pitched a tent on the fair grounds & had our ice chests and grocery bags full & ready for the party! We enjoyed this so much. We took showers every day & watched all the crazy people party! We come back here every time we hear the songs! Loved It!
WatsonElla 1 year ago
I also had a fab time.Hitch-hiked there n back.It was very hot.I remember people selling an icecube for a quarter.Seen so many great bands,.was there for 3 days..went there with nothing ,got there and didn,t have to want for anything.Most of the people I encountered were friendly n giving .,high n free n just didn,t give a chit about nothing but a ""great"" time.Saturday night was the best "live" with WolfmanJack.
1gramwizbeth 1 year ago
Personally I had a GREAT time. So did everyone I know who was there. Sure it was hot but we would have been just as hot if we had stayed home. From Thursday, when we arrived ,until it was all over it was a BLAST
It sure looks like me at 1:51 behind the lady in red. Thanks for posting this video
crazyeddieseals 1 year ago
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crazyeddieseals 1 year ago
is this the only footage from the festival?
BuddyWillis 1 year ago
It was hot. It was miserable. They sold ice for outrageous prices. I could go on and on. But I wouldn't trade that weekend for ANYTHING! WOW!
joenealsmith 1 year ago 2
@joenealsmith I could not say it better. Perfect!
billysings 1 year ago
@joenealsmith I wouldn't either, Joenealsmith. I wouldn't either. I'm almost 56, and truly....with all the incredible things that I've experienced...I'd have to say that "Sedalia" would be in the top 3 or 5. Something about it...I'm actually just flat-out "proud" to have participated. And I'll bet I'm not the only one who would describe their feelings about it in that manner. I swear, I feel a kind of "kinship" with the other 200 thousand that were there! Weird, huh? Joel in Tucson
naderchaser 1 year ago
i was there and am still alive ,.. FTW , long live rock
vietvet52 1 year ago
I was there as well. Remember the drug tunnel (a bridge, under it were all the drug dealers) Remember the police were told just to keep anyone from killing anyone.
Nalora 1 year ago
I still live in Sedalia. I wish it was an annual event. We went out the weekend before and set up camp on the west end of the fairgrounds. The only way we survived the heat because a certain teacher worked for the ice house in the summer and he made sure we had ice. Thanks Coach. The cops have been pricks ever since though.
sp600jx21 2 years ago
It was the promoters and the city that failed. There wasn't food or water, they didn't keep the portajohns clean, they didn't care. People that are hungry and thirsty will and do get desperate. Thankfully common Sedalians stepped up and provided what they could. Yeah, rednecks helping hippies, it really happened. Most people weren't as redneck as they appeared at that time. A girlfriend's dad who used to jerk me around by my hair became a damn good friend of mine.
bilwne2 1 year ago
@bilwne2 You're right, the promotors blew it. They sold the Sedalia City Council on the lie that it was a "blues / folk" festival, and would draw only 50K people, tops! You mentioned the "porta-pottys." I can attest, on day two (Sat. morning) I attempted to enter a porta-potty. Ladies, cover your eyes...I swear, I saw "stuff" piled 2 feet higher than the toilet seat. Yes....2 feet! I about threw up. I turned around...and made a bee-line for a farmer's corn field. I felt sorry for the ladies.
naderchaser 1 year ago
@sp600jx21 Hey, since you still live in Sedalia, you would probably know about some old abandoned rock quarry where a thousand of us went swimming on Sat. I heard it was so deep that the big cranes used to dig the quarry were just left down there...no way to get 'em out. I remember how good the water felt, but little bass kept biting me, and those hurt! Tell me, where was that place, and is it still around like it was back in '74. Oh God, I just HAVE to get back to Sedalia and spend some time.
naderchaser 1 year ago
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mlemons40 1 year ago
@naderchaser That was the Howard Quarry just west of town on Hwy 50, totally off limits for about 30 years now. Divers have been down in it and no cranes, just some vehicles that were run off the cliffs over the years along with some old quarry equipment. And yes those pesky fish. Saw a skinny dippin girl come out of the water like a bullet with a bloody nipple, said a fish got her! She put her top on and went back in. The last day was the hottest, 105.
sp600jx21 1 year ago
@sp600jx21 Thanks so much for the reply! As I've stated on my many posts in here lately, that event was a HUGE thing in my life..from many different mental viewpoints. Even today at almost 56, I get the grins. So, when you are kind enough to answer some of those questions that I wrote here recently...it provides kind of a "closure" to those questions. For example, 'cause of you, I now know that quarry's name and loosely where it was, in the event I get back to Sedalia. Which I will. FOR SURE.
naderchaser 1 year ago
@sp600jx21 See what I mean - those fish that were biting us swimmers hard! The gal "sped out of the water like a bullet with a BLOODY NIPPLE??" Then put her shirt on and went back in swimming?? How cool is that? Yeah, I always did love those gals with tough nipples.
I was too leery to swim totally nude at that quarry. Laugh if you want, but I always worried that a hungry snapping turtle would make off with my "minnow". I kept my boxer shorts on. Also, 3 of us jumped off @70ft. cliffs at once!
naderchaser 1 year ago
@naderchaser I never jumped off the cliffs, but I saw a guy ride a bike off the one to the west side of the ramp. Didn't work out to well for him but hey, not every idea conceived while drunk turns out as planned!
sp600jx21 1 year ago
And just for the record, it WAS a bunch of sleezy trash that invaded people's lawns and used people's garden hoses for showers. You gotta understand, once word got out around the bible belt how big this was becoming, this event swelled with a lot of sleezy, often dangerous criminal-type white trash. I was there Fri. thru Sun. By Sunday afternoon, after everyone had been up and partying for 3 days, the affair took on an evil aire. Scooter-trash types were picking fights, and it got ugly.
naderchaser 2 years ago
@naderchaser
thanks for the response!!!
we were living in Homer Il when the concert was held! My husband , too was 19 that summer. He has told me that he could never imagine me there, not my kind of place HOWEVER, he knows me and music and said it would have been the concert of my life,! LOL I am thinking THAT was the Stones 1994, 5 rows back!
If you find the temp, post it. His friend wore underwear only for 3 days! He said heat and toilets were the biggest downers, musici was incredible!
dancyn29 1 year ago
@dancyn29 You know, I really am going to try and track down the weather conditions for that weekend...then post it here. If you read a post from either today or yesterday in here...from some guy to me, it sounds like he may still live there. He stated that the last day was 105. I have no reason to doubt it....but I think that 105 may be a little bit understated. I'll find out. There are bound to be meteorological archives available. Your hubby may be right, it was a tuff place to be a woman at.
naderchaser 1 year ago
To greedlz: We should "all" write an apology?? Ummm, 'scuse me....this event was something like 35 YEARS AGO?? If your city council or the fairground committee or whomever isn't letting you have live rock shows at the fairgrounds now....and they're blaming a weekend event 35 damn years ago....then it's time you folks spend a little less time rockin' and a little more time working to vote out the creeps that still have your town hamstrung. Good God...trying to still blame "us". Way to go, dude.
naderchaser 2 years ago
u think every one of you should write an apology to the city of Sedalia. being 21 in a band and the only way to watch good live music is to drive an hour is just stupid when we could be using the fairgrounds for more events like this.
greedlz 2 years ago
you fuckers fucked up our town now they rarely let us have any fun its like were all grounded for life cus some hippies couldn't keep to themselves and know when they had a good thing and respect. i have nothing agaisnt hippes just the dirty bastids that decided to sleep in peoples yards and steal.
greedlz 2 years ago
Anybody visit the Winnabago that had the little side window with the scales set up so you knew you were getting your moneysworth. And the crazy bastards in the infield who were jumping large roadbikes off the roof of that building? I hitchhiked up from Hurst, Texas and had a blast all the way there and back. I also can't really remember who I heard play. The crowd was way bigger than the organizers had planned for. It was kind of a mess. And my god it was hot.
Cantrememberjack 2 years ago
Well, my mind is, once again, completely blown!! I swear to the Good Lord on a stack of Bibles that I am 99% certain that I am the tall guy with the "shag" haircut and grey football shorts on that is closest to the camera from 25 to 27 seconds! What are to odds of that? Hell, I was just bored and decided to surf on into U-Tube this morning. Once I did, I had something tug at me to try the Ozark Music Festival. It's not like I think about it very often, as it was so long ago. But, there I am. WOW
naderchaser 2 years ago
@naderchaser Make that ONE HUNDRED PERCENT CERTAIN that I'm the guy who you see walking next to the dude in the white hat from .24 thru .26 seconds. You can't see my face at all....but that's me with the long hair which begins to curl a bit once it hits that length. I was 19 yrs old...6ft. 4in and about 190 lbs. Now I'm 56 and 250lbs. Hmmmm. Believe it or not, I still have those old grey football shorts. Can't get in 'em, though. lol.
naderchaser 1 year ago
Oh, how could I forget to add this: TWICE in one night, while stumbling around in the dark while stoned on weed, whiskey and black beauties....I tripped and fell over 2 differnt couples having sex right out under the stars. I remember one couple never even broke their stride, and the other didn't seem to notice it that much. Ahhh, to be young and horny like that again. Wait...hey I'm only 54, and I still feel like that!! There was record heat during the days, but when the sun set it was PARTY!!
naderchaser 2 years ago
I was there- from chicago,, had 2 buddies and lost them there, never did find them. I am going to post on one of ther web sites.. I could write a book,,
I loved the showers too. the mud runs, the bus with the free food , potatoes and small bits of ham-- thank god
harvey2228 2 years ago
i heared Bings got robbed of all its alchahol and cigaretts in 15 minits!
theace10025 2 years ago
I was there too from Rockford Il. 17 at the time and don't remember half the bands that played. What a blast I went with 350 bucks ate a hot dog and went home broke.
phnxbyrd 2 years ago
I was there too, as a 19yr. old. You went there with $350 bucks? Dude, that was like $1000 today. I drove my '64 Fairlane 2dr. with a couple buds from Nebr. Still, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most incredible experiences in my very active life. But let's be honest...I'm in darn good shape now, but if I went there and did those 3 days exactly like I did 'em then...it would certainly hospitalize me, if not outright KILL me! Can I get a witness?? lol. Joel in Tucson
naderchaser 2 years ago
@naderchaser now that's a trip...I just was looking for memories and saw your post. I was there with a couple of guys and their sister....I was 19....drove down from Omaha. Small world!
RiverRat99 1 year ago
i was there. i was 14 yrs old. hot hot hot. naked women.drugs everywhere. first time i ever heard of areosmith and skynard. 3 days ill never forget. it was part of history.....closest thing to woodstock im sure.....
hateangie 2 years ago
I want with three friends from Michigan. The heat was horrible. We stayed until the end and were thrown out by the cops at about 5 a.m. Monday morning. They woke us with lights and billy clubs. People left all their gear and had to just jump in cars and run for it. I do have photos. It was one festival I had no fun at what so ever. It seemed more like survival then fun even with all the parties going on. The water holes and people just trying to cool off any way they could.
wasthere1 2 years ago 2
Thanks for sharing this video. I was there with my roommate - we drove up from Atlanta - and it was one of the best times of my young life. I remember how hot it was, but since we were from Atlanta we were already used to it so it didn't bother us too much. Happy days!
dacomer 2 years ago
My husband was there and I am looking because he found the festival on Wikapedia! Kind of says, if you remember much of it, YOU WEREN'T THERE!! LOL
Totally remembers the tunnel of drugs and how awesome Skynyrd was!
A bunch of people from our small town went but most never saw each other or if they did, they don't remember it! They stayed so F'd up and that it was as HOT as anything he couls ever remember, even our trip to Cabo San Lucas in July!!
dancyn29 2 years ago
um that would be could w/a "d"
dancyn29 2 years ago
@dancyn29 I remember the tunnel and Skynard kicking ass too! What small town did you guys come from?
And isn't it amazing that almost everybody who weighs in here about that festival remarks about the heat? You know, I'm from Arizona..and can damn well take the heat. But that weekend in Sedalia...that was something else. I would LOVE to get ahold of an old Sedalia weather forecast and see what it was. I overheard one guy say (in '74) that he heard it was 108. Maybe I'll get an old forecast.
naderchaser 1 year ago
I was there and as a young man I had never seen so many topless young women in my life! The community showers, which were like a mens locker room shower, were unbelivable with girls showering next to guys in the open!
I too remember it as being a drug fest with way to many people passed out on Qualudes. The music was unbelivable and we stayed till the last act, America I think it was, played.
Longmiestr 2 years ago
@Longmiestr I do remember topless gals near the showers. And I'd forgotten about the showers becoming "co-ed". No big deal. Hell...we were all hot and getting funky. I don't mind showering with the ladies. For sure, I don't think ANYBODY that was showering...men or women...were thinking sexually at that point. It was SURVIVAL!! Now I DID feel really sorry for the gals who had to use a potty. Those porta-pottys were MAXXED out by the end of day one. As I guy, I just used the cornfields.
naderchaser 1 year ago
that was excellent. even without sound.
let's see........ Joe Walsh, Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, smokin' opium from a hollowed out apple, fricken' Wolfman Jack.... it's so HARD TO REMEMBER.....
July 19, 20, 21, 1974.
MarshallAmpsKickAss 2 years ago
Great Concert, I was 15 yrs. old, went with 2 older brothers and a friend, had to have a note from my Dad to stay out after curfew, I still have my whole ticket, and a tee shirt(with a few holes in it), I am 51 yrs old now, but still remember some of it, Does anybody still remember the tunnel of drugs?And it was the hottest place I have ever been, we bought a block of ice and took turns laying in the trunk of the car with it,Bought a slice of watermelon for 50 cents and it was the best.
Ardoyoutoo 2 years ago
@Ardoyoutoo Tunnel of drugs....I remember it fondly....that's all I better say...oh, and the open showers...YEEHAW...:-)
RiverRat99 1 year ago
I also was there this video must be towards the end I remember many more people. I remember the water holes. That when ever people would walk by about 20 people bombarded them with water. What fun. Also I remember I was in town when Ted Nugent came on. We could here him way in town. Great memories
shortyboo57 2 years ago
This is a reply to everyone...ditto!!! I survived the Fest and had SO much fun. I too never saw all the nudity and stuff, but I didn't look 4 it. I remember WELL the tunnel, with guys sitting on the wall that separated in and out. We got there Thurs night, found a parking spot and got IN the Fairgrnds at 5AM Friday. What a strange wonderful wkend, wouldn't do it again but glad I went. What a piece of history, THANX 4 posting this! btw-Wkikpedia has good acct of it but I NEVER felt in danger.
TulsaLaniB 2 years ago
@TulsaLaniB Lani, I was a 19 yr old college frosh...drove down from s.e. Nebraska. You said you don't remember it being dangerous. It really got downright dangerous (I felt) on Sunday..when folks were trying to wind it down and get out of there. Naturally, so many were still on a 3 day drunk, coupled with speed and coke...and no sleep...and then the biker gangs were running wild. I played college football and was in shape. Yet, I really felt uncomfortable on Sun. Glad to get out. Joel in Tucson
naderchaser 1 year ago
@TulsaLaniB Hi again, Lani..Joel in Tucson here. You know, there didn't seem to be all kinds of outright nudity, but I saw some. Perhaps the threat of sunburn from that blazing sun kept it at bay. But I DO remember on Sat. nite, I tripped over two separate couples having sex as I made my way to my campsite. Neither couple even noticed me, and I fell flat on my face one time! I was a horny 19yr old, and fantasized of all kinds of loose girls being there...but as always, it was just not that way.
naderchaser 1 year ago
@naderchaser Hey Joel....SORRY I haven't replied, I need to check this Inbox more often! I created a page for this on Facebook last winter, so go check it out. It's fun seeing people give their accounts of everything. Thanks for the input, & life is that way....it depends on what side of the room you're standing on, as to what you remember about any situation. I'm glad we all made it out okay, and can tell our story of our experiences that weekend. Take care man, and stay cool in Tucson!
TulsaLaniB 10 months ago
@TulsaLaniB And howdy once again from a year later now, from a fellow Ozark Music Festival camper to another! I decided to drop in here again to see myself in this video one more time. I'm the shirtless guy from about :24 thru :26 seconds. Lani, I have yet to see your Facebook page about this event, my apologies...but tonite's the night that I will! Oh...can you believe how long ago that really was? But thank the good Lord I'm still in good health and don't feel differently from that time.
WickedTornado 2 months ago
Great footage that brings back memories
Thanks for sharing!
BigDaddy1122 2 years ago
everyone looked mellow in my areas
SkipSoCA 3 years ago
anyone remember the tunnel under the race track or the crowd panic during REO's set? I was there for 4 days. It was one of the most surreal events of my life. I was so stoned most of the time, I can't remember most of it. HOT, HOT!
tomsgonebad 3 years ago
@tomsgonebad Hey Tom, I was there for REO's set, but can't remember anything about the crowd panicking. What day did they play, do you remember" Was it at night? And yeah, SURREAL would be the summary word of note. Does anybody remember swimming in the rock quarry somewhere near town? I haven't been back to Sedalia since that time. I would LOVE to see it again. I wonder if that old abandoned quarry is still around and the same? After 36yrs....I doubt it. But....you never know. Joel in Tucson
naderchaser 1 year ago
@naderchaser Hi, Joel, I'll tell you anything I can, but you have to call me. I am a painfully slow typist. I went swimming at the quarry after the festival, by the way. My email is tommy197328711@yahoo.com Email me and I will send you my phone number.
tomsgonebad 1 year ago
Great to see this video.. what memories.. a great hot weekend for sure!
rosegardenfae 3 years ago
Man that was a hot weekend. I still have my entry button, Thanks for posting
DogbarkMusic 3 years ago
This is great. I was there. Best concert of my life!
cowball1 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this. Very rare and interesting footage!
samstokes80 3 years ago
Awesome piece of history!
stinkyedwards 3 years ago