Marc Bolan 1968
Sitting cross-legged on a flat bed truck, Marc warbles Tolkein-like fairy tales of elves, magicians and romany soup as half of Tyrannosaurus Rex. The setting is a cold stubble field, near Godshill (where the ley lines meet) to a hippie throng gathered for a now legendary one day event. The first great UK rock festival.
Click Here to read about the 1968 Isle of Wight Festival
Bob Dylan 1969
The most famous recluse in the world is tempted out of retirement to head up a three day event at Woodside Bay, and amazes everyone with his short hair, baggy white suit and country ways. He blinks shyly at the massive crowd, acts bashful and polite, and sings his heart out, backed by the brilliance of the Band.
Click Here to read about the 1969 Isle of Wight Festival
Jimi Hendrix 1970
The highlight of the biggest ever live music event seen in the UK, at East Afton Farm, Jimi comes on round midnight to give everything he has left to give. It is his last major performance – within three weeks he is dead. Opening with a distorted version of ‘God Save The Queen’, he looks troubled, but sings and plays with a savage grace. Someone sets the stage on fire after his set, like a wake for the 1960s.
Click Here to read about the 1970 Isle of Wight FestivalClick Here for details from the modern Isle of Wight Festivals 2002-2009