Exclusive Shindig! Qobuz playlist #24: High Times In The Sun & Rain – British Rock Festivals Circa 1968-72

We’re very excited to be media partners with the truly unique online streaming platform and download store Qobuz. This month, the 24th of our monthly bespoke playlists, which take in all manner of genres and sub-genres, scenes and beyond, then and now, looks back to that wonderful five year era of British festivals

Play here or use the scrollable frame with track list below. You can sign up for a free trial today. Plans start from £10.83 per month. For more on Qobuz read our interview with MD Dan Mackta here

Whilst the “flower-children” in the USA had sunshine and good vibes at Monterey Pop (with just a bit of rain thrown in one morning) the soon to follow British festival equivalents were often marred by rain and mud – which did little to dissuade displays of public nudity and general freaking out.

As the all-dayers and pop showcases of the mid- to late ’60s gave way to fully fledged festivals on the back of Woodstock, the second Isle Of Wight festival in 1970 pulled in 600,000 to 700,000 stoned hippys. This was a notably bigger gathering than the 500,000 crowd that made the era changing pilgrimage to upstate New York the previous year. Of course, most British festivals were nowhere nearly as big, but they all shared one thing in common: a love of underground music and freedom.

This 85-track playlist focuses on that pivotal five years from 1968 to 1972, a period in which pop and psychedelic music morphed into something more progressive. Whilst there are featured tracks from headline acts Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Traffic, The Moody Blues, Faces, and a few other big names, more attention is given to the smaller second and third tier bands that frequented the festival circuit.

 Throw on that old great coat, liberally sprinkle yourself in patchouli oil, gather your “stash” and lie down in a field – even if only in your imagination. It’s time for Hawkwind, Gong, Skin Alley, Pink Fairies, Quintessence, Mighty Baby, and a veritable cast of “heads” – all who will offer escape from the Conservative norms and conventions these people so detested well over 50 years ago.