The trouble-plagued Woodstock ‘99 festival is the focus of a new Netflix documentary headed to our screens. The film will recount the extreme highs and lows of the four-day event during which over 90 bands performed; Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morissette, Elvis Costello, Rage Against the Machine, Korn, Metallica and Willie Nelson all among the extensive list. 

However, it wasn’t the stack of epic performances that landed this particular event – intended to celebrate 30 years since the triumph of peace and love that was Woodstock ‘69 – in the history books. Woodstock ’99 drew more than almost half a million people over four days in July of 1999 and is instead it is remembered for being a perfect storm of extreme weather, inflated prices and overcrowding that descended into fire and chaos. 

This clip below really sums up the moment, with Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire” in homage to his iconic appearance at the original Woodstock. But by the time they played the song in their set, members of the crowd had begun starting fires with candles handed out for a candlelight vigil intended during “Under The Bridge.” Anthony Kedis clarified in his 2004 biography, Scar Tissue that the song was in no way meant to encourage the crowd.

Red Hot Chili Peppers | “Fire” [Woodstock ‘99] 

According to Spin, the upcoming docuseries will explore “the real story behind how three days of peace, love and music went down in flames.” Featuring unseen archival footage and testimonials from people who were working behind the scenes during the fateful event. 

UK company Raw, who were behind the recent Netflix documentary Don’t F*ck with Cats, have started production on the series. A release date is yet to be announced. 

Watch the Chili’s entire infamous set (featuring a butt naked Flea) below:

Red Hot Chili Peppers | Woodstock 99 [Full Concert]

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