About Monterey Pop

Directed by D.A. Pennebaker, Monterey Pop is an American documentary film that gives a riveting account of the iconic Monterey Pop Festival of 1967. The film captures a definitive moment in the world of rock 'n' roll, marking the beginning of the 'Summer of Love'. With immersive performances and interviews, the film makes the viewers feel the significance of this crucial event in music history.

Making / Production

Monterey Pop was notably one of the first concert films ever made. D.A. Pennebaker used innovative techniques to capture the performances, the audience, and the overall atmosphere. His guerrilla filmmaking style, where he used hand-held cameras and natural light, conveyed an unprecedented authenticity that set the style for future concert films. The film was made with a crew of seven cameramen, including Richard Leacock and Albert Maysles, who captured about 60 hours of footage.

Actors

• Jimmi Hendrix: Playing himself, he's seen giving one of his most rousing performances, even setting his guitar on fire during 'Wild Thing'.
• Janis Joplin: Also playing herself, she delivers such an emotional and powerful rendition of 'Ball and Chain' that it reportedly led her to land a contract with Columbia Records.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Monterey Pop" is remembered for being the first major American appearances by Jimi Hendrix and The Who.
• The film also shows legendary Ravi Shankar's extended evening raga that famously received a standing ovation from the audience.
• A re-mastered Blu-ray version of the film was released in 2017.

Awards

Even though Monterey Pop did not receive any formal awards, it went on to achieve historical value and significant regard within the music and film industry.

Quotes

• "It's a very happy festival... I find it very groovy." - John Phillips
• "Like we're in it for the music...it can be never more than that." - Paul McCartney

Music, Soundtrack

• The performances captured in the film are some of the most influential in rock 'n' roll history, including Jimi Hendrix's 'Wild Thing' and 'Foxy Lady' and Janis Joplin's 'Ball and Chain'.
• Ravi Shankar's 'Dhun (Dadra and Fast Teental)' is also a notable inclusion.