Full Interview: Arlo Guthrie Looks Back on Woodstock, 50 Years Later | NBC New York

[@silkycaterwaul3897]

Arlo , I was at the original Woodstock. When you came on stage the first thing you said was " I'm DRUNK !!! " All 100,000 of us gave you a standing ovation . I will NEVER forget it, as long as I live!

[@larrytate5605]

Arlo is the kind of guy who makes the world a better place, a true member of the Woodstock nation,... what a great human being, we want you around forever, and you will be. much love, dave in NC:)

[@tomcampbell9645]

Well said, and so true !

[@kellyrodewald4075]

Arlo is the real deal. no pretense, just a sweet loving guy. The original flower child. Hope to meet in heaven

[@dorothydeese759]

I was blessed to attend a few of Arlo's concerts in the 60s and 70s. He has aged well like a fine wine. God bless you Arlo ❤️

[@joannehack7588]

Agreed

[@bermudaguy5003]

I love seeing you again Arlo in this interview after all of these years. Your song Coming into Los "Angeleeze" has always been one of the top songs I liked. What a fantastic time that was! Thanks Arlo!

[@knowshet313]

Thank you Arlo Guthrie! Love you man!

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Wonderful interview with a great guy.

[@wendythompson9390]

RUNNIN DOWN THE ROAD has always been one of my favorite songs. Saw Arlo in 1974. Have listened for many years an old hippie too. W

[@jcripp7974]

Doesnt get much purer than Arlo Guthrie. Truth, Spirit, Intellect. True artist

[@rachaelmorgan4025]

Of course he is his DADDY'S SON

[@freddozier1782]

I saw Arlo in concert in Woodstock...Illinois. At the Woodstock Opera House.

[@josiebeaudoin8440]

I love you, Arlo! I was born in Massachusetts, raised in Montana, and singing Arlo music everywhere! I recognized the church right away, coz I've been there, when I was there you'd just acquired it, and I also got to eat at the Restaurant (even though Alice didn't own it anymore). Just a 'next generation' hippie kid....

[@eliothorowitz5627]

The very first concert I saw was Arlo Guthrie and Harry Chapin in Central Park...it warms my heart to see how Arlo has maintained his principles.

[@Michael69]

It's cool, isn't it? He's still very much the same person he was then!

[@eliothorowitz5627]

@wavygr Maybe he had some of that "brown acid".

[@giseles4224]

As you grow older if you do become a conservative you have common sense. Churchill (paraphrased)

[@giseles4224]

@wavygr Arlo me be like Dennis Miller in that he likes Trump at times.

[@chrishayworth282]

@wavygr does his politics make any real difference to his life or his music? What business is it of any one elses who he votes for. Me and my dad vote the same way every 20 years but we are still father and son.

[@warplanner8852]

The delightful young man who was so wonderfully irreverent back in 1969 is as delightful as an elderly codger these days. Thanks, Arlo! We had different politics but shared the same spirit. God bless you!

[@robertbigler7743]

Arlo is a conservative Republican.

[@warplanner8852]

@@robertbigler7743 actually, he is. Not necessarily arch conservative but one who will have a lucid conversation with you.

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

@@robertbigler7743 he is an independent now because he caught so much flack.

[@FILIPFROMSALMO]

Very sweet, beautiful man and well done interview. Thank you so much

[@SandsMemphis]

Hey Arlo. Hasta la prorxima.

[@alyssakeezer8681]

I love Arlo, he’s the original hippie. I was lucky to see him live in 2016or so. So glad I got to see him ❤

[@howardtaylor9114]

I just enjoyed one of his songs, but I nearly didn't watch this video. I'm so glad I did. What a lovely bloke Arlo is! As others have said, someone who makes the world a better place. I saw the Alice's Restaurant film a while back and didn't quite get it - Now looking forward to watching it again. I also didn't know that people play the song at Thanksgiving. We don't have Thanksgiving in the UK, though some have Harvest Festival. So next I'm off to listen to his Dad singing 'This land is our land' and search for any recordings of performances at Woodstock 2019. Thank you and Take Care Arlo.

[@Joseph55McBeth]

Cool dude. Alot of real world experience

[@jimfladwood4393]

Such an incredible man! His father would be so proud, what a blessing ☮️

[@688guy8]

"Did you think I was gonna hang myself for littering?" LOL!

[@gizmodude6250]

The comment he made about common sense was brilliant 👍

[@gingerdezelich2155]

Graduated HS and my parents allowed me to go to Woodstock. It was a great experience, great music, great people. Something I’ll never forget.

[@lstrusowski4170]

THANK YOU, ARLO! I GRADUATED IN 1969 FROM HIGH SCHOOL! WASNT ALLOWED TO GO TO WOODSTOCK, BUT KNEW ALL ABOUT IT AND EVERY WORD TO EVERY SONG! I KNEW WHO EVERY ARTIST WAS AND THEIR SONGS, AND WORDS! MY KIDS GREW UP ON THAT MUSIC, AND STILL LOVE AND YOUR WORDS AND MUSIC IN THEIR 30’s! THEY LOVE FOLK AND ROCK FROM MY DAYS! AND, THEY THANK ME SO MUCH FOR PLAYING IT IN OUR HOME ALL THE TIME! I SEND THEM NEW SONGS A COUPLE OF DAYS A WEEK ON IPADS! I LOVE YOU A LOT, AS A HUMAN, AND AS A MUSICIAN AND POET! I HOPE SOME DAY I CAN MEET YOU AND JUST GIVE YOU A BIG OLD HUG, AS A GIRL WHO HAD A VERY ABUSIVE CHILDHOOD AND TEEN LIFE, AND YOURS AND OTHERS MUSIC KEPT ME ALIVE AND OUT OF TROUBLE, IM SURE! I ALWAYS SANG AND STILL DO ALL OF THE SONGS FROM THEN! HAD A TRANSISTOR RADIO UNDER MY PILLOW PLAYING MUSIC EVERY NIGHT! I TOLD MY KIDS TO PLAY IT WHEN I AM DYING! SERIOUSLY! PETER, PAUL, AND MARY’S THERE IS LOVE WAS PLAYED BY BY BROTHER IN LAW ON HIS GUITAR BEAUTIFULLY DURING MY WEDDING CEREMONY! YOU ALL GAVE US THE BEST MUSIC TIMES AND MEMORIES ANYONE HAS EVER HAD IN HISTORY! I SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH, AGAIN! GOD BLESS YOU, ARLO GUTHRIE, AND YOUR FAMILY! IM SO SINCERELY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSSES IN YOUR FAMILY! 🕊❤️🙂🌼🙏🏻✝️🇺🇸✌️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@FILIPFROMSALMO]

beautiful words, thank you

[@JeffGR4]

@ 02:48 - I'm sure we can all agree, that men first walking on the Moon - a month before the _Woodstock_ music festival - was another one of those rare times that you knew was historic, yet wasn't a disaster. Side note: My Dad loved playing his 1949 _Epiphone Broadway_ guitar (sunburst finish) and singing Arlo Guthrie's music.

[@stevemason5173]

WOW... It's been approximately 55 years ago when I saw Alice's Restraunt, and became acquainted with Arlo Guthrie. The movie is still as good as it was in 1969. I was 15 years when I saw it at the drive in movie theatre, a month away from turning 16. I had already bought a 68 Mustang GT and just days away from getting my tempoary drivers license. Then I could have taken my drivers education course and been legal in a few more months. It didn't happen that way. I got pulled over leaving the drive in and got a ticket for driving with no license, my car impounded, I got arrested, and friends had to call their parents to get them at the police station. We all got into big trouble. They were citied with crufew violations and pay fines. I had to pay a "BIG" fine and had to wait another whole year to get my legal license. The judge suspended my license that I didn't even have yet. I was robbed from the excitement of driving my shinny new hot Mustang legal like. That judge was a pure "DICK"... This movie has always reminded me of that night. A warm and sincere "THANK YOU" Arlo. Always thought he was a great and down to earth guy, and still do. Much respect and admiration to and for him!!!

[@guzmanperez1109]

Hats off to Arlo. Should run for president; for everybodys sake.

[@tomcedergren2032]

Amen. Country Joe for VP

[@Peppers19781978]

It depends on if you agree with his views which have been all over the place in his later years. Endorsed Democrat McGovern in the 80s but then later in life shockingly endorsed White Nationalist darling Ron Paul, gushing so much praise for Paul and then backed Bernie Sanders, even praised Trump during his campaign. He was a Republican for many years, now is a Independent.

[@TheRemyRomano]

He sure is right about that. There are a lot of people who claim to have been at Woodstock, and some of them are not even old enough. 😮 It is truly amazing what they have built out there at Bethel Woods. This was undeniably the site of something truly remarkable. Now overtaken by the NYU campus, Gerdes Folk City was located at 11 W. 4th St and was where Bob Dylan and many others performed in Greenwich Village.

[@GerynSloane]

I never pretended I was at Woodstock ,tho I'm well old enough to have been, and its something I'll always wish i could have attended...but I am SO of that era and I've loved Arlo for all this time, I couldn't help but feel the happiness and joy and great music he has had a hand in. Thank you Arlo. ♥

[@tomcedergren2032]

A personal hero. Heroic person to me. National treasure.

[@todd3205]

Man, the old boy looks great, and sharp as a tack. i have always regretted only being 14 at the time, so i wasn't there. A couple years later........

[@budderkupp1282]

I was 14 as well..and too young to go.

[@HamiltonRb]

I was 17, and even though two from my school went to Woodstock, I didn’t have the funds to go. It was always on my bucket list to go to the site, and last summer my son and I were on a driving trip coming back to Toronto from NYC, and I asked him would he be into taking a side trip and go to the site. We went to the museum, stood where the stage was and looked up at the crowd that was long gone. There were others there as well, and I had goosebumps. Went to Live Aid in 85, but always regretted not going to Woodstock at the time, but at least I got to see the site.

[@beckymcclure9189]

Me too...

[@johnmanrow2667]

Same here, being born in '55

[@GereDJ2]

When I was an FM, Rock DJ in Los Angeles, I was backstage at The Hollywood Bowl 1976 and Arlo had opened for The Grateful Dead. Had a chance to have a friendly conversation with him. I mentioned that I had been playing Guabi Guabi from his just released album "Amigo" . The song, a Zulu children's song, was sung in Zulu (Bantu) language and I asked him what it was saying, which he kindly explained, which I later mentioned on my show. July, 1976, I remember that show started about 4pm and went to well after midnight.

[@debradireen3625]

I loved Arlo and his dad Woody, they inspired me as a folk singer

[@XYZ-ib4go]

Love you, Arlo! You're a blessing to this world. Please come and play some concerts in Germany ❣

[@blessings2you435]

Arlo played the MN Zoo in 93. I grad hs in '70. Hadn't thought about Viet Nam, etc. for 2 decades. But his 🎶brought on weeping, healing & dance. I was transported back in time. God Bless U Arlo. Thank you, man. 🙏You transform us.🙏

[@arpadzigisfari5819]

I saw Arlo in concert about ten years ago. He is a gifted story teller. He told a story during the concert (not about Alice), and was mesmerizing.

[@raronson-bq4id]

Starting at 12:50: What he says about This Land is your Land is so brilliant, so genuine, so inspiring, so universal. Thank you!

[@hank6429]

Hello arlo I have always loved your music I have all your albums keep rocking 🎉

[@rkf2746]

I've never seen a celebrity be as engaging with an interviewer like Arlo is with this guy. Almost like just two guys having a beer and shooting the, breeze.

[@oscarzuluoneoscarsierra7034]

Thank you Arlo Guthrie🙏🏻💐 Thanks your Spirit, the Way you approach Life, your Music, your Lyrics, your singnig, Thanks a Lot🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊💐

[@johnmcclain3887]

I was ten when that went, and my older sister clued me in, I've followed Arlo and Pete all my life, through two decades as a Marine, raised two kids on it, His father, and of course shared with my wife, who's since passed, but not forgotten. I was a "wish I coulda's" but have enjoyed folk music all my life, and love the fact This Land has travelled all around the world. I've been in many ports all around, and enjoyed the people of every one. I've got an album on my ipod, for almost thirty years ago, barely still working, in my machine shop, and just heard "Alice's Restaurant" today. Thanks for some great memories, and music.

[@BrownsvilleNotification]

I liked Arlo when I watched the documentary and now seeing him all this time, what a genuine humble guy. I find myself watching the 69 documentary alot, just dreaming how amazing it must have to be there. I really liked how everyone was so nice to each other, wish we were like that now. This interview actually made me feel better about myself just listening to whatArlo had to say about his dad and his message.

[@demonrouge3338]

Yeah, I like that part a lot. I really needed to hear that. Peace.

[@shawncirignano4876]

Enjoying the interview. When I found the explosion I heard a half hour later was the eruption of Mount Saint Helen's I knew it was very historic, however I agree with Arlo, most of the time it's not that way . I enjoy his music.

[@oldchris3398]

Alice ( Brock) s Restaurant capo 2 ( D?) Not bar chord from fret 4(5)??? Thank You Woodrow and Arlo ( Arlee,NN) Guthrie.Old Chris a retired fiddler of Albuquerque NM

[@mccellen]

Arlo,,my favorite always..from when I heard him in Belle Isle as a child..with his Father, Woodie..

[@jimkennedy7050]

unbelievably cool and fun

[@maude2know4]

still the Arlo we love

[@timflynn2136]

I lived in Sebastian FL from 1992-1996. Arlo has a home on the Indian River in Roseland FL. About a 1/2 mile north of Sebastian. Occasionally I'd see him around town. You could tell he was home when his tourbus was at his home. Cool 👍

[@larryb6715]

Arlo is such an icon for the baby boomer generation, I love to hear his stories and hear him sing.

[@sharonklinger912]

Arlo what a great musician....you look just like your dad!! Take good care!

[@sherrybirchall8677]

Im so glad Arlo thought to include those of us who wanted to be at Woodstock, but couldn't, for one reason or another. For me , I was still in High School, and so, one year shy of being able to go. But I so wanted to go and, although I was not able to get there, I was there in spirit. ❤

[@1alphared]

Arlo is the finest story teller I have ever known.

[@HamiltonRb]

Arlo Guthrie, Dylan, Harry Chaplin, Don McLean and Leonard Cohen were all beautiful story tellers

[@tonym994]

I attended the 30th anniversary in Bethel. not the one everyone knows, because folks in Bethel don't own the 'Woodstock ventures' name .so they called it 'a Day in the Garden'',and about 9,000 people showed up, or something. but Arlo was there (along w/ Mountain, David Crosby, Ritchie Havens, Johnny Winter, etc), and I thank him for making that Sunday night, which is when he played. acts started at 11:AM .8/15/99. he told his story of the event in his own hilarious, warm way .the only time I ever saw him, and it was special. the best moment of the day, kind of special.

[@isakbergman2534]

Me and my boomer parents flew out to New York to visit family and we made a b-line to Woodstock and I have to say you can still feel the spirit of the place, it was palpable. It was a powerful experience and a dream come true for my parents. Peace and love Arlo, I grew up listening to your records. You embody the spirit of our life here in America and god bless you for it.

[@bowtoyoursensei554]

I wish it hadn't cut off before he was finished speaking. 😢 What a truly wonderful human being. "Alice's Restaurant" was the first music album I ever bought with my own money. It was 1969 and I was 12.

[@PeterOzanne]

Love ya man. So many great memories, including meeting you in Stuttgart!

[@robertshorthill6836]

Arlo, I think, was born in '47, which makes myself and him the same age. He looks good here

[@wolftracks9010]

I've seen Arlo open up for Jethro Tull in Poughkeepsie way back in the early 70's. Both were great performances...God bless you Arlo Guthrie.

[@gregdahlen4375]

slightly odd combination arlo more folky and tull more rock

[@ruthscott2235]

Wasn't at Woodstock Love Arlos singing and lovely storytelling .A wonderful person Aro I'd love be at a performance Stay safe

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

he is one of the few people who can take 10 minutes to play a 2 minute song. lol

[@djangodunn5968]

So wild Arlo talked about time and memories as I for years "thought" I remembered Alice's restaurant being performed that memorable night. He was the first act we saw there. His comment about the thruway being closed got a huge reaction from the crowd.

[@BobBootsman]

Arlo. You are my spirit snimal 🎉😂❤

[@J.B24]

Wouldn't it be funny if when the interviewer asked "You played the show 50 years ago, what do you remember about that day?" Arlo replied "I played the show? hmm, I don't remember."

[@1zelcat]

I could listen to him talk all day.

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

...you can get anything you want.............Thank You, Arlo, and your family!

[@stevenmeltzer9907]

Over the past couple decades, when Arlo was doing lots of road concerts, Spokane, WA was on his list and we saw him 3 times in the Bing Theater (great acoustics!). One of the nicest things was that after the concert, Arlo would always come out and sit on the edge of the stage and everyone/anyone could come up and talk with him. Just a regular guy as noted by others. In June 2017, my two sons gifted me with a road trip to the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival (WoodyFest) in Okema, OK, so we piled into the truck and drug the RV behind us for a weeklong event that was a great culmination for me for all things Guthrie. Arlo was there along with most of his family (many also sing/play) and it was a super fest! As he once commented on stage: can you imagine playing this song (Alice's Restaurant) for 50 years??? (Audience laughter....)

[@BarB2-90Nine]

Thank you for this; Arlo is a great singer .

[@CoolInOlympia]

Wow! Arlo looks and sounds GREAT!

[@jiggermast]

Some people are celebrities, they act it, sound it, behave it & believe it, of what I've saw & heard of this gentleman, he may well be your brother, cousin or best pal if you met him & that's why I rate him so highly on my list of people I'd genuinely like to meet, also of course for his great songs. Long may you be with us sir.

[@CHUMPTYTRUMPTY]

Cool dude that Arlo!

[@ryanmcbride4619]

I went to bethel and just sat on that field in the quiet sunshine and I could just feel that vibe there…I loved being there…wish I could have been at the original…will forever listen to the music ✌️❤️✌️

[@johnmanrow2667]

Thanks Arlo. May peace be with you brother.

[@johnmanrow2667]

Wishing you another Happy Thanksgiving! It's a great time for getting together with family and friends, and remembering those no longer with us.

[@a88aiello]

I don't want a pickle, I just wanna see Arlo riding his motorcicle

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I was 17 years old and was able to see "WOODSTOCK" at local movie theater! CHEERS from HERE!

[@robitaillefan20]

Stuck in traffic so missed arlo at midnight. Saw him 2 yrs ago

[@lizking385]

Peace and Love, Arlo!!!

[@JustMe-nf1mf]

Damn I love Arlo! The world is a far better place with him in it & we are so lucky to have shared the earth with him! Thanks for taking care of Alice's Church & making it into such a special place! Mr Customs Man... flying into Los Angeleeese, bringing in a couple of keys... lol I hum it to this day.... Brilliant performance :o)

[@TheRemyRomano]

It’s amazing that you could coordinate something like that and get all those people to Bethel without the help of the Internet. How did they do it?

[@runarvollan]

"New York State throughway is closed. Isn't that far out?"

[@leftyspade]

Guy is great- Knew a few friends who were close to Arlo, 1969- regret never being in his presence. Thanks for this and the fellow traveler, Arlo, looks healthy- B. from Rockaway

[@gregdahlen4375]

you missed out on some great pot-smoking jk

[@JJWo]

I was thinking, I can still see that young guy in him - his Coming into LOs Angeles was right up there for me in the original Woodstock - but then when he was asked about Woody, I saw an elder arise - someone just like his dad who would be so proud of what his son said about his music - so wise - really makes me value myself - it’s so cool when you hear a voice talking your language

[@mickeyphillips6603]

I was rapping with the fuzz. The New York State Thruway is closed, man.

[@ellenr3292]

Arlo we love you... we come up to the Berkshires often and love it there and knowin you are around makes it enen better. You have been a role model for me musically, spiritually and politically since 1966. Stay strong! Stay healty and be blessed. SHINE ON ARLO!

[@zorkwork3841]

I will always love Arlo ....good songsmith and smart....was very cute as a young man.

[@guymerritt4860]

There is something so authentic about Arlo Guthrie - he's just a wonderful, humble, guy with lots of talent and zero pretense. The guy's a rare, rare bird. And that kinda sucks.

[@gingerdezelich2155]

There can NEVER BE ANOTHER WOODSTOCK 💟☮️💟☮️💟☮️💟☮️💟☮️

[@EddieBryan]

I was confused because Arlo said he was no longer touring due to some health issues, but I see this was done 3 years ago.

[@Zongroned]

Great interview.

[@mikekarpiak5286]

Arlo is so humble ! No chest pounding me me me ! Great guy

[@grinsko6741]

Loved you then, but love you even more now, Arlo.

[@ppumpkin3282]

Don't believe the church they are standing in front was Alice's Restaurant. It was where Alice lived.

[@joannehack7588]

Arlo for President 2024

[@nadavara1]

Such a beloved man! ❤️🤘🏻Arlo I love you 😍

[@hairylarry6167]

GEEZ. I watched Arlo all the time when I was a young kid. If he passed me on the street I wouldn't of known it was him. Stay Cool Arlo! Be careful where you dump garbage!!

[@gregdahlen4375]

to this day arlo doesn't entirely get along with garbagemen jk

[@johnmanrow2667]

He only admitted to putting that envelope under the half a ton of garbage...😎

[@robbiealison4469]

Been a long time-but you never forget the magic ! Viva Alice bravo Arlo

[@demonrouge3338]

Arlo keeps it on the level. He’s right, it wasn’t as big culturally then as it became over the years. I wasn’t there physically, but I’m sure related to it and felt like I probably should’ve been there or maybe I even was somehow. Still am.

[@moderndancer9071]

I love this man!

[@dudeman6593]

Hey! Why did you cut it right when he was taking about people all sides of the isle people all sides- Come on man. Piece

[@jackk5543]

Officer Obe! I dig Arlo. Still play Coming Into Los Angeles in my "Acoustic Roots" show. Dig it!

[@ScottPrincePhoto1]

Great thoughts! Thank You.

[@edmedlin2936]

Arlo, I was a grunt in Vietnam when Woodstock happened. I was still there when the movie came out. How about that.

[@rajennaidoo5380]

Thank you for the music and you created history for ever. I am from south Africa, you guy's are legends I appreciate your guys left a impact on the world stage .music is peace man

[@SandsMemphis]

Maybe we'll get it right next time. If I can get it together, yeah?