The iconic rooftop concert by The Beatles in 1969 is etched in rock history, but did you know they weren't the first to take their music to such heights? A lesser-known story unfolds with Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane, who, a year earlier, rocked the New York skies with their psychedelic sound.
On a chilly London day, The Beatles gave an impromptu performance on their rooftop, marking a historic moment before their disbandment. But across the pond, America's rock rebels were brewing their own revolution. The hippies, with their long hair and flared trousers, embodied a subculture rooted in grassroots politics and DIY music. Among them, Jefferson Airplane stood out, determined to bring their music directly to the people without selling out to the industry.
And here's where it gets intriguing: despite their anti-establishment stance, Jefferson Airplane signed a deal with RCA Victor, giving them a substantial budget for their rebellious endeavors. Their journey is filled with wild tales, like Grace Slick's infamous plan to dose President Nixon with LSD. But their rooftop performance in 1968 remains a lesser-known chapter.
Months before The Beatles' iconic rooftop gig, Jefferson Airplane took to the Schuyler Hotel rooftop in Manhattan. They played their song 'The House at Pooneil Corners' before the NYPD intervened. Grace Slick humorously recalled disturbing an entire neighborhood of office workers, leaving them puzzled about the source of the music. The band's inspiration came from none other than French New Wave filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, who filmed them for his documentary 'One AM', which never saw the light of day.
The performance eventually appeared in DA Pennebaker's 'One PM', but it had already been overshadowed by The Beatles' more famous rooftop show. Grace Slick, however, holds no grudges, recalling the 1968 incident fondly. She quips, "No one went to jail," hinting at the wildness of their untold stories.
This tale raises questions: Were The Beatles truly the pioneers of rooftop concerts? Did the lesser-known acts of the time receive the recognition they deserved? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's explore the untold stories of rock's golden era.
