Killing of Meredith Hunter
Meredith Hunter, being stabbed in the back by Alan Passaro | |
| Date | December 6, 1969 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Altamont Speedway |
| Location | Altamont, California, US |
| Type | Stabbing |
| Perpetrator | Alan Passaro |
| Arrests | One |
| Trial | December 1970 – January 1971 |
| Verdict | Not guilty |
Meredith Hunter, a young black man, was stabbed and killed at the Altamont Free Concert in California on December 6, 1969, by Alan Passaro, a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. The show, the final concert of the Rolling Stones' US tour, was jointly arranged by the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones, with the biker gang providing security. The Grateful Dead suggested them for that role, as they had previously provided security for Dead concerts.
Between 250,000 and 300,000 people attended the concert, which included performances by Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and the Flying Burrito Brothers, in addition to the Rolling Stones. The Grateful Dead had planned to play, but cancelled their set when they saw the violence during the concert. Many in the crowd had taken LSD from a tainted batch; the drug had been added to low-cost Gallo Red Mountain wine, which was being consumed freely. The Hells Angels injured several fans with fists or sawed-off pool cues, causing injuries requiring medical attention, and knocked out Marty Balin, lead singer of Jefferson Airplane.
Hunter was at the concert with his girlfriend, Patty Bredehoft. He had taken amphetamines and methamphetamines and was carrying a .22-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver for protection. He became involved in an altercation with the Angels and drew his revolver but then turned to go into the crowd, at which point Passaro jumped on his back and stabbed him multiple times. Other bikers joined in, hitting and kicking him. He died soon afterwards. Passaro was arrested for the murder in March 1970, while in prison on other charges. He admitted he had stabbed Hunter but said it was in self-defense. He was found not guilty.
Hunter's death, caught on camera by Albert and David Maysles, was included in their 1970 film about the tour and concert, Gimme Shelter. It is referenced in two songs: the Grateful Dead's "New Speedway Boogie" – which appeared as the B-side of "Uncle John's Band" (1971) – and Don McLean's 1971 song "American Pie".