Michael Lang, a co-founder of Woodstock, wanted to resurrect the music festival in 1999 in an effort to recapture the spirit of the original, which took place in 1969. The three-day festival, however, rapidly turned chaotic as people looted and vandalised the neighbourhood. The three-part documentary series “Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99” on Netflix featured conversations with the festival organisers. Members of the organising crew Colin Speir and Lee Rosenblatt recalled their memories of the event. Let’s find out more information about the two, shall we?
Who Are Lee Rosenblatt and Colin Speir?
When preparations for Woodstock got underway, Colin and Lee were both in their 20s. Lee was the assistant site manager, and Colin was a member of the production crew. They were first thrilled to join the group. Lee believed they would be working with a sizable budget and the top experts in the industry, whilst Colin was enthused about working with Michael. They quickly realised that wasn’t the case, though, and that was the end of that.
On the programme, Colin spoke about learning that the planning committee was ostensibly trying to save money by taking shortcuts. Lee came to the realisation that it had started being about the concert-going experience when they said they had been advised that it was ultimately a business enterprise. The focus of Woodstock shifted to financial gain and spending reductions. Lee noted that because the food rights had been sold, the team was powerless to control prices, which resulted in price gouging.
By the second day, Colin started to hear reports of infrastructural failure and the appalling state of the portable toilets. Due to budget shortages, the sanitation and sewage departments were contracted out, and according to Lee, the subcontractors didn’t perform up to pace. The team had one last surprise in store because the show’s disorganisation was detracting from the viewing experience.
On the programme, Lee remembers hearing on the radio that a candlelight vigil would be held on the final day, at the end of the final act. He said right away that the fire marshall had not given his approval for such a thing. However, John Scher, the promoter, allegedly urged Lee to cease talking and change the radio station. The vigil proved to be a mistake since after the event, concertgoers started fires all over the venue, endangering everyone.
Where Are Lee Rosenblatt and Colin Speir Now?
The organising team eventually saw a decrease in looting, which allowed them to exhale with relief. Colin Speir claimed on the episode that Michael never spoke to the group or inquired about their well-being, giving the impression that he didn’t care. The next day, he said they were prohibited from speaking to the media by NDAs they had to sign. Since then, Colin has gone on with his life and is now a Canadian living in Vancouver. He’s wed to Michelle Thorne, and the two of them had a child in 2021.
Lee Rosenblatt started Preferred Touring Solutions, a touring and travel agency that works with high-profile ambassadors, Fortune 500 CEOs, and singers. His background helped him get on the advisory board of a Washington, DC-based “problem-solving” company. Lee later launched Lee Rosenblatt Advisory as well. He takes great delight in employing a novel method to resolve challenging issues. Lee, who is still believed to be in Pennsylvania, is adamant about advancing the causes of God, love, and peace.