Yahoo! informs me that Mick Jagger escaped an assassination attempt by a gang of Hells Angels in the '60s. The news is revealed in a new radio documentary about the history of the FBI, with a former agent explaining how Jagger became a target.It all goes back to when The Stones 'commissioned' the Hells Angels to provide the security at the Altamont free concert, California in December 1969. It also featured, in order of performance: Santana, Jefferson Airplane, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, with the Stones taking the stage as the final 'surprise' act in front of an audience thought to number 300,000 people.
Meredith Hunter, an 18-year-old fezzie reveller, became involved in an altercation with some Hells Angels and drew a long-barreled revolver. It is clear that Hunter drew and fired his weapon before he was stabbed the first time. He was stabbed five times in total and kicked to death during the Rolling Stones' performance. His graphic death near the stage was clearly captured on film by three separate cameras. The killer, Alan Passaro, was arrested and tried for murder in the summer of 1972, but was acquitted after a jury concluded he acted in self-defence because Hunter was carrying a handgun, drew it, and allegedly pointed it at the stage.
Mick Jagger was said to be furious about the uprising in the crowd, blaming the biker group, who had been employed to quell any trouble. In turn, the Hells Angels were so angered by Jagger's treatment of them that they decided to kill him. A boatload of gang members set-off to attack the rock icon at his holiday home in the Hamptons, New York City, but were thwarted by bad weather.
It's always an eye-opener to see official government secrets eventually being 'outed' or released and with "The FBI at 100" (aired on BBC Radio 4 today), this should be one of those programmes. The first 15 minute short explains the organization's beginnings.
Don't worry if you miss it, it'll hopefully be available as a listen again feature on their site.
