Who didn't play at Woodstock?

Answer 1

In the same way that much of Woodstock has become myth or folk legend, the facts concerning which bands declined invitations to Woodstock and their reasons are just as difficult to ascertain particular facts. The Beatles declined an invitation as they had already stopped touring in Summer of 1966 and had not performed in public since, excepting the famous Rooftop Concert in January that year. The Beatles had become a 'studio band'. They were days from finishing their new album "Abbey Road", and regardless at that time, were nearing their inevitable break-up. Among the rumours are that Lennon refused to play unless Yoko's "Plastic Ono Band" were also accepted, or that Lennon, enthusiastic to perform failed to get the band together and offered Ono as a replacement. Jeff Beck Group were scheduled to play but were forced to cancel since the band broke up the week before. The Doors cancelled at the last minute because Jim Morrison didn't enjoy performing at large outdoor concerts. There are also rumours that he was paranoid about assasination attempts on his life. Bob Dylan backed out because, (as legend has it), his son became ill and he was unimpressed with throngs of "hippies gathering outside his house." Iron Butterfly supposedly demanded helicopters from a New York airport, access to stage on arrival and to be paid in full on completion. Apparently, the event organisers deemed their demands too excessive. Led Zeppelin reportedly refused "because at Woodstock we'd have just been another band." Lighthousedeclined because, reportedly they claimed it would be " a bad scene." Joni Mitchell was booked by her manager to attend the Dick Cavett Show instead. The Moody Blues had been double-booked for a concert in Paris. The Rolling Stonescould not have attended because Kieth Richards' wife had just given birth and Mick Jagger was in Australia filming "Ned Kelly". The Byrds were invited and declined, along with Frank Zappawho also claimed the band had been invited and refused.