Explore unseen photos from Bull Island
Never-before-seen photographs take us on a journey back to Bull Island, capturing a glimpse of history that unfolded on Labor Day weekend in 1972. Over 200,000 people flocked to the banks of the Wabash River in Southern Indiana to partake in what became the iconic Bull Island Rock Festival. Initially slated to be hosted at Chandler Raceway and dubbed the Erie Canal Soda Pop Festival, the event underwent a name change to the Labor Day Soda Pop Festival. Due to several Indiana counties refusing to host the festival, its venue was relocated to a small parcel of land under the legal jurisdiction of Illinois, accessible only from Indiana.
An impressive lineup was scheduled to grace the stage, featuring renowned acts like Black Sabbath, The Faces, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Joe Cocker, The Doobie Brothers, and Cheech and Chong. However, the festival took an unexpected turn when the projected 50,000 attendees swelled to a staggering crowd of up to 250,000, overwhelming the event’s organizers. As a result, most headliners dropped out, leaving attendees without adequate provisions and entertainment.
The lack of essential amenities such as food, water, and restroom facilities, coupled with the absence of music, culminated in chaos. Frustrated attendees resorted to setting fire to catering trucks and even the stage itself in a moment of pandemonium and desperation. The festival spiraled into disarray, far from the peaceful gathering it was intended to be.
Joe Stoll, the former owner and publisher of the West Salem Advocate in Edwards County, Illinois, captured the essence of the festival through his lens over the span of a few days. His photographs document the youthful crowd in a raw and unfiltered state, embracing freedom, liberation, and intoxicants amidst the unfolding chaos. These vivid images offer a glimpse into a pivotal moment in time, immortalizing the raw energy and tumultuous atmosphere of the Bull Island Rock Festival.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the visual narrative of Bull Island through Joe Stoll’s captivating and unreleased color photographs. Experience the unbridled spirit of a generation caught in the throes of a chaotic and unforgettable event that left an indelible mark on music history.