Dacus mentioned the often-forgotten death of Raymond Mizsak, how the land Woodstock was held on most likely belonged to the indigenous Lenape tribe and the violent history behind Woodstock ‘99, writing:
Hundreds of years before the festival, the land where Woodstock was hosted was likely the domain of the indigenous Lenape tribe. At the festival, 17-year-old Raymond Mizsak was run over by a tractor in his sleep and killed. The attempt to recreate the festival at Woodstock ’99 was marked by violence, destruction, rape and arson.
The indie-rock singer-songwriter and boygenius member also explained that she recognized Woodstock’s cultural significance and was “honored” when she, Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker were “asked to play the 50th anniversary event,” saying she’s “sad that it isn’t happening,” but that reevaluating the history of the festival is still crucial for younger generations.
While Dacus can never remember Woodstock firsthand, she emphasized how an anniversary event such as Woodstock 50 is a “call-to-action” and everyone involved should “re-examine” its past.