20 STORIES FOR 20 YEARS

Eddie Wilson's Radio Connections

It's because of radio that I got connected to Bethel Woods, even before Bethel Woods was here, this being Sullivan County where Woodstock actually happened. I was on 98.3 WSUL, and the radio station had done a promotion at that time for an anniversary event in 1994. Even though it wasn't anything official, I think locals tried to have something happen, and ‘Bethel 94’ as it was called was kind of on, off, on, off. But it still drew thousands of people. I went there with my girlfriend (before she was my wife) and we saw some acts that were there. And strangely enough, there had been some wet weather. My then-girlfriend and I were standing on an incline right next to each other, and all of a sudden she's on the ground because it was slippery. So that was a Bethel experience for sure.

We walked to the site from a coworker's house about two miles away down the same road as Hector's. We were younger then, so we could do that, no big deal. I do remember a tie-dye T-shirt that was out that said, ‘Bethel 94 canceled due to lack of brains,’ and on the back, it said ‘Bethel 94: It's on, it's off. It's on, it's off.’

I think there were one or two other anniversary events that followed. That ’94 was a big one because I did hear reports of 10,000 or so, maybe up to 40,000 over the course of the weekend that had shown up. That's my first connection to the site, having seen it then as just an open field.

I'm a Blondie fan from the beginning, and before their 2017 concert at Bethel Woods I got a hold of the record company, and we got some CDs to give away on the air, to promote the show. In so doing, was able to secure an interview with the drummer, Clem Burke, who has unfortunately passed. From that interview, he realized how much of a fan I was. And he says, ‘Well, you should come backstage after the show. We're just going to be packing up and going to Boston in the middle of the night anyway, so it's not a big deal.’ So after the show, I got to go into the room where it seemed like every band member of Blondie was talking to a few people, the most informal thing that I had ever encountered. Usually with meeting bands, it's quick in-out: picture, boom, shake hand, and you're done.

I was in the room for about 30, 45 minutes waiting to talk to Debbie Harry, of course. Finally, she was about to leave the room. And I thought, I have to do something or this is over, it’s not going to happen. It seemed like the room went silent as soon as I said, “Excuse me, Debbie,” and she turned, and everything got quiet and it seemed like slow motion, Debbie turning around towards me saying “Yes?”, as if to say, “Who are you and why are you talking to me?” And I was just spewing, saying, “Big fan, we've been playing your music” and this and that.
“Can I bother you for an autograph? Can I get a photo?”
“Well, I'm not really taking pictures, but I'll give you an autograph.” So she signed, and I got a hug. The autograph is framed and it’s hanging in my office.

I must have gone to over 150 shows at Bethel Woods because of the radio connection. I've surrendered my paper tickets to have them live in perpetuity at Bethel Woods. The first one was the Goo Goo Dolls in August of 2006. Elton John was a big one in 2011. The Eagles in 2013. Foreigner was great for me, they were here twice. There was a meet and greet with them. Then a couple different areas of music that I like: the Temptations and the Four Tops were one, Tony Bennett, Donna Summer, even Ronnie Spector and Dion. I lost track after counting the ticket stubs, but I think since 2021 when it resumed again, it must have been between 6 and 10 a season. And that ties into some interviews that I was able to do with Bethel Woods’ help. Carlos Santana was a highlight, and more recently, Nancy Wilson of Heart.

I was fortunate to be here and doing the radio in 2019 when the 50th anniversary of Woodstock came around. And since we were the local heritage station, and we played classic hits, and that covers the 60s time period, we went out to seek memories. I must have recorded 25 people who had a Woodstock memory, which we ran throughout the month of August of 2019, and they've been sent over to The Museum at Bethel Woods to be part of the Oral History collection.

It was amazing how people remembered what they were doing in 1969. I spoke to at least one or two individuals about the medical component that went into play, and who knew how to drive where to get there, and someone else who has passed related a story about working for the phone company, setting up lines, and having loads of change. I did hear quite a few different little anecdotes and stories and how supplies were being sent out there and rerouting, going around, if you know, if you knew the way, or where you had to leave your car and walk from to get there.

Bethel Woods itself is truly a gem. The way it was done, manicured to the point of immaculate and impeccable, the aesthetics of it. It's a wonderful place to enjoy. Different types of music and some warm weather...it's a great place to be.