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Did The Who Play at Woodstock?

Published in Music Festivals 1 min read

Yes, The Who absolutely played at Woodstock, delivering one of the festival's most memorable and enduring performances. Despite significant scheduling challenges, the iconic British rock band graced the legendary stage.

The Who's Woodstock Performance Details

Originally slated for a prime spot on Saturday night, The Who's performance was delayed considerably.

  • Scheduled Slot: They were booked as the second-to-last act for Saturday night, August 16, 1969, on Day 2 of the festival, preceding Jefferson Airplane.
  • Actual Performance Time: Due to the festival's notorious scheduling issues and extensive delays, The Who didn't take the stage until approximately 5 AM on Sunday morning, August 17, 1969.
  • Setlist Highlight: Their set famously included a live rendition of their entire "Tommy" rock opera, a groundbreaking performance that captivated the weary but dedicated crowd. This epic set cemented their place in Woodstock history, even with the late start.

The band's appearance, though far from their intended slot, became a defining moment of the historic event, showcasing their raw energy and musical prowess to hundreds of thousands of attendees.