10 Music and Sports Events that Changed the Way We Live
The biggest events in history had a way of bringing humanity together, regardless of the subject of those events. We’re going to take a look at some of the most impactful events in human history, including Woodstock, Jesse Owens’s appearance at the 1936 Olympics, and a few more.
But first, let’s discuss why this matters for Backstage. As you know, we’re leading the crypto revolution in the events industry. Each year, major events, like iconic sports moments and amazing music concerts, take place.
Going forward, it’s Backstage’s goal to be present at such events. Just imagine if we serve as the crypto partner, NFT ticket and merchandise provider, and fundraising launchpad for the next Woodstock. How much momentum would that generate for our project?
That’s why we’re aiming big at Backstage!
Without further ado, let’s discuss 10 music and sports events that changed the way we live.
Woodstock
Officially known as the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, though typically known as Woodstock, this music festival lasted between August 15 and August 18, 1969. The festival took place on a dairy farm in Bethel, and not in Woodstock itself, as has become a common misconception.
This music festival is known throughout history as one of the most impactful moments of the 1960s, when the counterculture movement entered full swing. While there have been several anniversary events that have also borne the name of this music festival, none of them have managed to match it in terms of impact or intensity.
Frazier vs. Ali in New York
Held in Madison Square Garden in New York City, the fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali was one of the best-known boxing events of all time. It was billed as “The Fight” and it featured two of the greatest boxers of their times, both of whom were undefeated at the time of the fight.
In a way, the fight was a political event, in which Muhammad Ali represented the anti-war population of the United States because of him being stripped of his titles. After 15 rounds of fighting, Frazier was declared the winner by unanimous decision, though Ali would go on to win the two subsequent fights.
Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics
The 1936 Olympics took place in Berlin, which at the time was a part of Nazi Germany. The idea of an African American winning just one medal in a fascist and racist dictatorship is incredible, but Jesse Owens went on to win four gold medals for the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4 x 100 meter relay, and the long jump.
The tragic part of Jesse Owens’s story is that his own country didn’t show him the love that he deserved when he returned from the Olympics. In fact, he wasn’t even invited to the White House so that he could shake then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s hand, stating that he had been “snubbed.”
Diego Maradona’s Hand of God
Perhaps the most remembered soccer event of all time was the “Hand of God” moment at the 1986 World Cup. In a quarterfinal matchup between England and Argentina, Maradona led Argentina to victory with a goal where he illegally used his hand along with his head. This game was even more intense due to geopolitical tensions at the time, with England and Argentina having been in disagreement four years earlier over the ownership of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
After the match, Maradona stated that it was the ‘Hand of God’ that put the ball in the goal. Since the refs didn’t have video replay capabilities and didn’t have a clear view of the play, the goal stood. The goal remains perhaps the most iconic moment in World Cup history. It also gave Maradona virtual immortality in Argentina.
The Amsterdam Dance Event
The Amsterdam Dance Event is one of the most famous music festivals in the world, and it is commonly known by its abbreviation “ADE.” With over 400,000 people attending the event from outside of the city, ADE makes Amsterdam one of the most popular party cities in the world.
Every year, the festival starts on a Wednesday, and it takes place for five days, coming to an end on the following Monday. It consists of events taking place all around the city, with the centerpiece being the Amsterdam Music Festival, which is held at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is one of the best-known electronic music festivals in the world, taking place in Belgium every year. This festival takes place on the last three weekends of July every year, and it has over 400,000 people that attend it. The festival is half music festival and half work of art.
The reason we say this is that Tomorrowland is known for featuring some of the most creative stages in the world. The main stage of the event is reputed to be one of the most meticulously crafted stages in the world, and it is changed for each and every music festival so that it’s always unique.
Full Moon Party in Thailand
The Full Moon Party is a beach party that takes place in Ko Pha-ngan in Thailand, and the tradition started in 1985. Since then, the party has taken place one the night of every full moon, though it is not often attended by locals and is instead a favorite among tourists.
The origins of the first Full Moon Party aren’t too well-known, though it is thought to have been a way of thanking a group of about 30 travelers. Since then, the parties have become legendary, with a crowd of thousands gathering together for every full moon.
The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is perhaps the most famous sporting event in America, and it is the championship game of the National Football League. The Super Bowl consists of the champions of the NFC and the AFC, which are the two conferences in the NFL, duking it out to see who is the best football team in the country.
The Super Bowl’s television rights change based on the year, and it is known for the parties that are hosted every time it comes around, with people preparing plates of nachos and wings. The event is also known for the commercials that it spawns, airing during the TV breaks of the game.
The Miracle on Ice
Probably the most famous ice hockey match in the world, the Miracle on Ice was an Olympic ice hockey match that took place during the 1980 Winter Olympics, held in Lake Placid, New York. The match was between the United States and the Soviet Union, and it was held amidst rising political tension because of the Afghan War.
At the time, the Soviet team was one of the best international ice hockey teams in the world, and they had won the previous four gold medals with ease. The United States ended up winning the game 4–3, coming back to win the game with two goals in the third period after the USSR took the lead in the second period.
The Immaculate Reception
The best-known American Football play in history was the Immaculate Reception, which took place between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders.
It consisted of a pass by Terry Bradshaw of the Pittsburgh Steelers throwing a pass during the game’s last 30 seconds, which ended up bouncing off of a player (who is disputed) before being caught by fullback Franco Harris and being run in for a game-winning touchdown.
About Backstage
Backstage is powering the crypto revolution in the events industry. Through the BKS token and our blockchain ecosystem, Backstage aims to solve the current challenges facing the events and entertainment sectors. From financing and payments to NFT ticketing and marketplaces, Backstage will take the events industry toward a more sustainable, profitable and fair future.
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