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

Arlo Guthrie played Woodstock at age 22 in 1969, and performed one song on Thursday 50 years later in the same spot - but this time there weren't 400,000 people watching. He reflected on his performance with NBC 4 New York's Andrew Siff in his full interview.

[@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

[@knowshet313]

Thank you Arlo Guthrie! Love you man!

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Wonderful interview with a great guy.

[@jcripp7974]

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

[@rachaelmorgan4025]

Of course he is his DADDY'S SON

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@XYZ-ib4go]

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

[@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! 🕊❤️🙂🌼🙏🏻✝️🇺🇸✌️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jeffyoder8105]

Arlo Guthrie learned how to be a story teller with his music 🎶 and he became one 1⃣ of the best musical 🎶 story tellers of all time in this country and much of the rest of the World

[@688guy8]

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

[@oscarzuluoneoscarsierra7034]

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

[@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.

[@jimfladwood4393]

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

[@tomcedergren2032]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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....

[@maude2know4]

still the Arlo we love

[@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.

[@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

[@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.🙏

[@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 👍

[@mccellen]

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

[@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

[@PeterOzanne]

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

[@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. ♥

[@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 ✌️❤️✌️

[@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.

[@ScottPrincePhoto1]

Great thoughts! Thank You.

[@1zelcat]

I could listen to him talk all day.

[@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!

[@thomaswilliams1103]

Some people are always at Woodstock. My body was never there but everything else was and is. Thank you AG.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@BarB2-90Nine]

Thank you for this; Arlo is a great singer .

[@ZTravelDream]

Great interview.

[@CoolInOlympia]

Wow! Arlo looks and sounds GREAT!

[@davidhahnbirds]

Thanks!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@robitaillefan20]

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

[@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)

[@nadavara1]

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

[@scottthomas6682]

Great interview Arlo.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...😎

[@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

[@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

[@freddozier1782]

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

[@fcontitwo]

Arlo-Blessings !!! ✨🌿🙏🏼🎈

[@sharonklinger912]

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

[@robbiealison4469]

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

[@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.

[@ansellovestogroworganicall2180]

Great song know you did start a movement, love ya bro.

[@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....)

[@edmedlin2936]

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

[@debradireen3625]

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

[@christarogl8066]

THE SPIRIT OF WOODSTOCK WILL REMAIN FOREVER IN MY HEART THE NODE OF THE MOON WAS IN PISCES no wonder that thnis spirit was on the earth at that time

[@gingerdezelich2155]

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

[@kennethpalmatier4446]

Arlo is the greatest. Love you brotha ✌❤

[@scottthomas7916]

Great interview

[@mtnman6557]

Really enjoyed hearing the nursing home story. Way to go Arlo!

[@staunchx]

So much admiration.

[@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.

[@jackk5543]

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

[@wonder6789]

great interview

[@larryb6715]

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

[@roseblake5803]

He still as cute as he can be.

[@zorkwork3841]

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

[@jimkennedy7050]

unbelievably cool and fun

[@SandsMemphis]

Hey Arlo. Hasta la prorxima.

[@WOLFROY47]

woodstock, that's real people power man

[@lizking385]

Peace and Love, Arlo!!!

[@grinsko6741]

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

[@cesbass]

❤️

[@mikekarpiak5286]

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

[@karlpatterson8437]

Arlo and his music made feel great when I was a mixed up teenager and I learned to ply Alice's Restaurant. When you talk about the power of music as another medium, not diminished by old age or dementia, I think of Glen Campbell and how he continued to do his music. Also, I think how the power of music made a folk singer's acoustic guitar able to killed fascists. Cheers Arlo.

[@bobbrown5951]

I was in the audience that Friday night in 1969 when Arlo came on after, I recall, Melanie. Like Arlo I try to separate what I've seen subsequently in videos versus what I saw live. My recollection was that Arlo was carrying a guitar, maybe over one shoulder, or guitars over both shoulders, when he walked on stage. I don't think there is video of that? It was a misty night and all of the acts were folk acts because of all of the moisture in the air and probably on the stage, so no electric guitars. The other thing I recall was the banter about all the hippies and freaks, part of which is mentioned here. I wasn't all that familiar with his music but the song that stuck in my head was "Comin' Into Los Angeles". Of course he pronounces it Angeleez. Great memories. Joan Baez came on after Arlo. Then I think we went to sleep.

[@AnnaD25]

Arlo💕🗽

[@robinrubendunst869]

This was a great interview. Wonder why it ended so abruptly. Long these legends. Really.

[@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

[@peterlaurancearmenio5545]

Legend living legend living legend

[@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.

[@jeffyoder8105]

I was out of the country involved in this country's advisory machine in South East Asia but heard as much of what was going on at Woodstock as Armed Forces Radio was allowed to Broadcast to us and I heard about the Woodstock 50years later thing but couldn't afford to go and after hearing Alice's Restaurant,the recorded live version so many times I lost track of how many vinyl albums and tapes I wore out over the years and how many times I heard the song in order to wear them out

[@peterjordan1686]

Great man...great hat

[@wmanadeau7860]

He's such a good guy, still!

[@joannehack7588]

Arlo for President 2024

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@plrndl]

What a guy!

[@CHUMPTYTRUMPTY]

Cool dude that 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.