Remembering the US Festival

The US festival was a groundbreaking music festival that took place in San Bernardino, California, in 1982 and 1983. It was created by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and was designed to celebrate the convergence of technology and music. The festival featured some of the biggest names in music at that time and had a significant impact on the music industry.

The first US festival, which took place over Labor Day weekend in 1982, was a three-day event that cost over $10 million to produce. The festival featured a diverse lineup of artists that included The Police, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, and The Cars. Over 400,000 people attended the festival, making it one of the largest music festivals at that time.

One of the unique aspects of the US festival was its focus on technology. The festival featured a "Technology and Future" area, which showcased the latest in computer technology, video games, and other cutting-edge technology. It was a revolutionary concept that combined two of Wozniak's passions, music and technology.

The festival was also noteworthy for its emphasis on philanthropy. Wozniak donated a portion of the festival's profits to various charitable organizations, including the San Bernardino School District and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The US festival returned in May 1983 with a new lineup of artists that included David Bowie, U2, and Van Halen. Despite the success of 1982's festival, the second US festival was less successful in terms of attendance and profitability. However, it still made a significant impact on the music industry and laid the groundwork for future music festivals.

The US festival was an innovative music festival that celebrated the convergence of technology and music. Its unique approach and emphasis on philanthropy made it a groundbreaking event that left a lasting impact on the music industry. While the festival only lasted for two years, its contribution to music and technology will never be forgotten.