Post by puddy on Jun 2, 2008 11:06:54 GMT -5
In the mid-60's L.A.'s parks were host to Sunday Love-Ins and Be-Ins with free music and food. These gatherings would draw some fairly big crowds comprised of hippies, bikers, and curiosity seekers.
One of the largest groups that I saw in gathered those days got together to see Blue Cheer at Elysian Park situated near the LAPD Police Acadamy in L.A.
The warm up band was playing (I wish I could recall who it was) and it was a perfect day weather wise. We were looking forward to a great day and excited about seeing one of my favorite bands at the time.
As the time for Blue Cheer to start was drawing near the LAPD determined that the gathering was illegal and ordered through their bull horns that the crowd disband and go home. The cops who were dressed up in the popular garb of the day, helmets with full body shields, and the long, wood billy clubs were all lined up across the street facing us.
Before I knew what was happening they charged us. Everyone was sceaming and running and I turned to see what was happening but only saw a shiny, dark object flash in front of my face. The club struck me directly across the mouth and my head let out a loud bong sound and kept vibrating just like a bell. As I bent over with the blood flowing from my mouth I can vividly remember my teeth falling to the ground one by one.
There were several ambulance lined up but everyone refused to help me so I hitchhiked to the hospital where they stitched me up. Both lips were in pretty bad shape and all of my front teeth were shattered or gone.
Later the L.A. Free Press came to my house and interviewed us to write a story about another police riot and the victims.
We never got to see Blue Cheer and I was happy to see this forum and the success of the band after all these years.
I hope this story from an old hippie wasn't too boring for you and I'd love to hear from anyone that was there that day!
One of the largest groups that I saw in gathered those days got together to see Blue Cheer at Elysian Park situated near the LAPD Police Acadamy in L.A.
The warm up band was playing (I wish I could recall who it was) and it was a perfect day weather wise. We were looking forward to a great day and excited about seeing one of my favorite bands at the time.
As the time for Blue Cheer to start was drawing near the LAPD determined that the gathering was illegal and ordered through their bull horns that the crowd disband and go home. The cops who were dressed up in the popular garb of the day, helmets with full body shields, and the long, wood billy clubs were all lined up across the street facing us.
Before I knew what was happening they charged us. Everyone was sceaming and running and I turned to see what was happening but only saw a shiny, dark object flash in front of my face. The club struck me directly across the mouth and my head let out a loud bong sound and kept vibrating just like a bell. As I bent over with the blood flowing from my mouth I can vividly remember my teeth falling to the ground one by one.
There were several ambulance lined up but everyone refused to help me so I hitchhiked to the hospital where they stitched me up. Both lips were in pretty bad shape and all of my front teeth were shattered or gone.
Later the L.A. Free Press came to my house and interviewed us to write a story about another police riot and the victims.
We never got to see Blue Cheer and I was happy to see this forum and the success of the band after all these years.
I hope this story from an old hippie wasn't too boring for you and I'd love to hear from anyone that was there that day!