Joni Mitchell’s Iconic Isle of Wight Set Coming to DVD
Joni Mitchell’s iconic appearance at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival is the subject of a new concert movie, Both Sides Now.
The set will be released on multiple formats on Sept. 14. It was directed by award-winning filmmaker Murray Lerner, who died soon after the project had been completed last year.
You can watch the trailer below.
The festival was overshadowed by controversy after an estimated audience of 600,000 rebelled against the organizers, staging angry demonstrations and breaking down fences until it was impossible to continue charging for entry. During Mitchell’s set, a stage invader attempted to preach to the crowd before being dragged away, inspiring her to accuse attendees of “behaving like tourists, man” and demanding, “Give us some respect!” They did just that.
“There was this sense that the artists had all sold out,” Mitchell said in a later interview, which appears in the film. "It was the ‘hate the performer’ festival. … I said, ‘Have some respect,’ and they did. They were quiet!”
In a press release, EagleVision called Mitchell's performance a “an outstanding performance against all odds.” "It was a battle against the audience, as they tore down barriers and shouted obscenities," the company notes. "She later commented, ‘It seemed like an appropriate time to flee ... ’ but still the seemingly fragile folk-rock singer stood her ground. Instead she returned to her piano … continuing her set with ‘My Old Man,’ she won over the crowd and the atmosphere softened. In response, the front page of Melody Maker hailed her with the headline, ‘Joni triumphs!’”
You can see the track listing for Joni Mitchell Both Sides Now: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival below.
Joni Mitchell, 'Both Sides Now: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival' Track Listing
1. “That Song About The Midway”
2. “Chelsea Morning”
3. “For Free”
4. “Woodstock”
5. “My Old Man”
6. “California”
7. “Big Yellow Taxi”
8. “Both Sides Now”
9. “Gallery”
10. “Hunter”
11. “A Case Of You”