Desert in a Minute: The 1969 Palm Springs Pop Festival Riot

The Palm Springs Pop Festival, held in April 1969, marked a pivotal moment in the desert city’s history. Four months before Woodstock, the event attracted thousands, including iconic bands like Ike & Tina Turner and the Steve Miller Band. On the first night, the festival went off without a hitch, although some concertgoers sneaked in without paying. However, tensions quickly escalated the following evening.

Around 1,500 attendees gathered outside the venue, trying to force their way in, which sparked a violent riot. The unruly crowd, armed with rocks and bottles, clashed with police, who requested reinforcements from other cities. In an unprecedented move, Palm Springs used tear gas to control the situation. The disturbance spilled over into the neighboring Sunrise Shell Station, where Harlan "Moose" Moore shot into the crowd, killing 16-year-old Richard Bradford and injuring another.

The shooting was ruled self-defense, and Moore faced no significant consequences. The 1969 riot highlighted the growing disillusionment among youth, especially in the context of the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement, which was sweeping the nation. For Palm Springs, this violent episode was a shocking but unforgettable chapter in its history.