A recent Reddit thread on r/festivals sharply condemns John Scher, the Woodstock ’99 promoter spotlighted in the Netflix documentary Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99. Scher’s dismissive and problematic comments about crowd harassment—specifically regarding the treatment of women like Sheryl Crow—have ignited outrage given the festival’s dark legacy of widespread sexual assaults and violence.
Key points from the discussion include:
- Strong criticism of Scher’s victim-blaming stance, referencing his quote blaming women’s attire for the assaults.
- Calls for shared accountability with other organizers, especially Michael Lang, who also played a big role in the festival’s troubled execution.
- Concerns about Scher’s history as an East Coast promoter who should have been more responsible but instead appeared out-of-touch or exploitative.
- Broader frustration with festival promoters who often evade accountability for dangerous and poorly managed events.
- Some confusion in comments about Scher’s exact role but consensus that he symbolizes a capitalism-driven, soulless approach that fueled Woodstock ’99’s chaos.
This conversation highlights critical questions around festival management ethics and safety, underscoring the need for promoters who prioritize attendee well-being over profit. The Reddit thread echoes a widespread cultural reckoning with the failures of Woodstock ’99—both past and ongoing—and those responsible for allowing such a disaster to unfold.
For more insights:
- Netflix Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99 documentary coverage
- Woodstock ’99 – Wikipedia
- Analysis of Woodstock ’99 Promoters’ Failures (The Daily Beast)
Source: r/festivals