Preserving History: Superior’s 1971 Rock Festival Resisted Legal Challenges
In 1963, at the young age of 13, Ed Gallagher embarked on his musical journey by joining his first band. By the time he turned 14, he found himself as the opening act and wardrobe assistant for The Supremes during their performance in Superior. Reminiscing about his experience, Ed fondly recounts, “I got to zip one of them up, though I couldn’t tell you which one it was.”
As the late 60s rolled around, Ed’s band Grassfire released a 45 record amid the rise of outdoor rock festivals like Woodstock. Tracy Lundeen, from the Duluth area, reflects on this era, noting that while rock festivals were a popular trend, there was significant resistance to rock and roll music in general at the time.
In June of 1971, Ed attempted to organize The Concert Under The Sun featuring eight Northland bands in a field outside of Superior. However, his plans were met with resistance from local officials and property owners. The first property owner backed out due to governmental pressure, while the second venue, located near a golf course, raised concerns among course management. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also objected to the third venue, citing concerns over a temporary bridge blocking a waterway.
Despite these challenges, Gallagher persevered, and on Sunday, June 20th, the Concert Under The Sun finally took place with an estimated attendance of three to eight hundred people. Reports suggest that law enforcement was present nearby, turning attendees away. However, Ed reflects on the event as a victory, stating, “I enjoyed fighting the law and winning. That was one of my big kicks!”
Ed’s journey to put on a rock festival reminiscent of Woodstock in 1971 showcases his resilience and passion for music. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he managed to overcome them all to host a memorable event that left a mark on the local music scene. His story serves as a testament to the power of determination and a reminder that sometimes, the greatest satisfaction comes from overcoming challenges in pursuit of one’s dreams.