In the summer of 1969, the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival made history with its star-studded lineup, including John Lennon, Chuck Berry, and Alice Cooper. But it was Cooper’s infamous act of throwing a live chicken into the audience that has become the stuff of rock and roll legend.
The new documentary, ‘Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World’, takes viewers back to that wild night in Toronto, where over 20,000 fans gathered to witness some of the biggest names in music. The film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Brent Wilson, captures the mayhem and chaos that ensued, as well as the cultural significance of the event.
Cooper, known for his shock rock performances, was scheduled to perform alongside legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and The Doors. But it was his decision to toss a live chicken into the crowd that stole the show. The bird, which had been thrown on stage by a fan, couldn’t fly and ended up being torn apart by the audience. Cooper, who claims he thought the chicken could fly, was horrified by the incident and has since apologized for it.
The documentary features never-before-seen footage of the festival, including Cooper’s performance and the aftermath of the chicken incident. It also includes interviews with musicians who were there, as well as fans who witnessed the chaos firsthand.
But the film goes beyond just the shock value of Cooper’s stunt. It delves into the cultural impact of the festival, which took place just months after Woodstock and during a time of political and social upheaval. The concert was a symbol of rebellion and freedom, and the documentary explores how it influenced the music industry and the counterculture movement.
Director Brent Wilson says, “Revival69 is not just about a chicken being thrown into an audience. It’s about a moment in time that captured the spirit of rock and roll and the power of music to bring people together.”
The documentary is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and will be available for streaming later this year. It promises to be a must-watch for music fans and anyone interested in the cultural impact of the 1960s. As for Cooper, he may have regretted his decision to throw that chicken, but it’s a moment that will forever be etched in rock and roll history.
