As fans descended upon Seaclose Park for another unforgettable Isle of Wight Festival this past weekend, which ran from 19 to 22 June 2025, and was headlined by Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake, we’re taking a moment to rewind 55 years to one of the most legendary editions of the event.

Rewind: Isle of Wight Festival 1970

Held from 26 to 30 August 1970 at Afton Down, an area on the western side of the Isle of Wight, the festival drew a crowd of between 600,000 and 700,000 people (estimated by the Guinness World Records). This was more than the entire population of the island at the time. Tickets cost just £3 (roughly £40 in today’s currency).

Billed as Europe’s answer to Woodstock, it marked the final chapter of the original trio of IOW festivals (1968 to 1970). Despite logistical chaos and last-minute changes, the lineup was unforgettable: Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Leonard Cohen and, of course, The Who and The Doors.

The sheer scale of the event led to new UK licensing requirements for gatherings over 5,000 people, a sign of just how impactful the weekend had become. Today, the 1970 edition is remembered not only for its music but for its bold, countercultural spirit.

Two sets from that weekend still stand the test of time. In this blog, we’re diving into two standout performances from that unforgettable weekend, The Who and The Doors, exploring why they continue to resonate decades later and how you can revisit them in full today.

The Who: A Blistering Rock Opera

By 1970, The Who were already known as one of the most explosive live bands on the planet. Their Isle of Wight set delivered everything fans hoped for, and more.

Taking the stage in the early hours of Sunday 30 August 1970 (technically part of the Saturday night programming), The Who powered through a high-energy set with hits like 'Substitute,' 'My Generation' and a full performance of their rock opera Tommy. Pete Townshend’s windmill guitar swings, Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals and Keith Moon’s thunderous drumming created a wall of sound that was chaotic, electric and completely unforgettable.

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The Doors: Lizard King Under the Moonlight

The Doors performed later that same night, directly after The Who, in the early hours of Sunday 30 August 1970. The 1970 festival would become one of their last major performances. Jim Morrison, just months before his death, was spellbinding, delivering a set that was haunting and poetic.

The setlist included 'Break On Through (To The Other Side), 'Light My Fire' and 'The End.' The band played under minimal red stage lighting, in line with Morrison’s request for low visibility, creating an eerie and intimate atmosphere that added to the impact of the performance.

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Step Back to 1970...

Whether you were at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival or just wish you could step back in time, On Air’s 1970 concert streams are your perfect nostalgia fix. Experience the energy, the atmosphere and the legacy, all from your sofa.

Both sets are available to buy and stream now on demand: The Who 'Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970' and The Doors 'Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970'.

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