The '94 version of Livestock blew fans away, almost literally. Utah's largest music event of the year was more than a concert, it was truly a festival of music and rock culture.
Fans who braved the 102-degree heat on the grass of the Utah State Fairpark were treated to eight hours of classic music from true legends of rock, but the weather proved to be more than anybody bargained for.By the time headlining Doobie Brothers took the stage, a storm front was moving through the area, bringing giant gusts of wind and lightning. As the Doobies played giant hits such as "Listen to The Music" and "Jesus is Just Alright," the roof was literally raised, in the form of a massive tarp that covered the stage. Zealous fans in the crowd grabbed the tarp as it flapped above their heads, and because part of the tarp was still attached to the stage frame, the giant structure began to rock. Even at a concert, this wasn't the kind of rock the Doobies were hoping to achieve and the show was temporarily stopped.
Providing excitement wasn't new for members of the audience. They had been doing it throughout the day. Thousands of gallons of water were sprayed onto the crowd by security, providing some relief from the staggering heat produced by the hordes of crowded people and the desert-like conditions. All this water sprayed on grass and dirt produced large mud pits. Friends wrestled in it while strangers playfully kicked it at each other. While the bands played, dancing became mud-moshing.
Crowd surfing was a popular sport, as was hoisting women atop shoulders for a better view. Those not wishing to fight the masses in front had plenty of room to sit in the back on blankets and relax while the tunes of yesteryear wafted through the crowd.
The music was great and the reason that all these people had gathered in the first place. The morning started with a disappointing announcement: Foreigner, headlining with The Doobie Brothers, would not be performing. According to a statement by Livestock officials, singer Lou Gramm had been diagnosed with strep throat. Doctors advised him that singing could cause him throat damage. Fans were offered a refund until 12:30, but most stayed to enjoy the day.
Iron Butterfly started things off in grand style. The fact that a band such as this was opening the show speaks of its overall strength. Original members Ron Bushy and Lee Dorman were on hand along with relatively new and talented keyboardist Derek Hilland. Iron Butterfly was the band that made it necessary to use the term `platinum' in the music industry. Their 1968 release In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida sold eight million first-year copies, outgrowing the "gold disc" that was then awarded. Their performance was polished and fun, especially on "Vida," which was wildly appreciated by the crowd. Iron Butterfly will be featured at the Woodstock reunion later this month in New York.
Rare Earth played next and delivered just what the fans expected. Possibly the least recognized of the day's performers, the band still had numerous loyalists singing along to classics such as "Get Ready" and "Hey Big Brother."
BTO has played at Livestock for each of the last three years and seems to enjoy it more every time. The band has two of the most recognizable songs on radio and received a lively reponse to both "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" and "Taking Care of Business."
As the band members played these and other hits, they appeared to enjoy the day more than anybody at the entire Fairpark.
Blue Oyster Cult pulled out its hit list as well, playing expertly and with energy. The crowd may have reached its frenzy-peak of the dayduring BOC's "Don't Fear the Reaper."
As the sun was covered by threatening clouds and distant flashes of lightning, Livestock looked as though it might be over, but the Doobie Brothers' double drummer attack could not be stopped. Their list of hits was long and the crowd sang along to much of their set.
Even the youngest in the crowd, many of whom weren't even born when the Doobies were cranking out the hits, knew almost every word. After a long day of weather exposure and firehose water, the Doobies had the crowd celebrating their 20 years of hits, and even the aforementioned roof-raising and wind gusts couldn't stop the fun. After 90 minutes of the Doobies, the wind helped usher out the crowd and Utah's most enjoyable day of music was over.