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Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane Live at Altamont 1969 - 'Gimme Shelter' Performance Analysis

Venue: Altamont Motor Speedway Location: San Francisco, California, United States Date: December 1, 1969

In December 1969, Jefferson Airplane performed at the infamous Altamont Free Concert, a historic moment in rock history that was marred by chaos and violence, notably involving the Hells Angels as security. Leading up to this performance, the band released their celebrated album "Volunteers" in 1969, which reflected the era's counterculture and political sentiments. "Volunteers" featured the title track and notable songs such as "We Can Be Together," which emphasized themes of unity and rebellion. The Altamont concert, intended to be a free celebration of peace and music, ultimately highlighted the darker side of the 1960s counterculture movement. This performance is significant not just for its raw energy but also for its lasting impact on the music scene as it coincided with a turbulent transition for Jefferson Airplane, as they were moving away from the idealism of the 1960s toward a more complex musical and social landscape.

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