Killing of Meredith Hunter

Meredith Curly Hunter Jr., a Black man born on October 24, 1951, was killed at the Altamont Free Concert in California on December 6, 1969. He was stabbed multiple times by Alan Passaro, a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, who was acting as security for the event. The concert, the final show of the Rolling Stones' U.S. tour, was organized jointly by the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead. The Grateful Dead suggested the Hells Angels for security, as the gang had previously worked security for Dead concerts.

Between 250,000 and 300,000 people attended. Performers included Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and the Rolling Stones. The Grateful Dead canceled their set after witnessing the violence. Many in the crowd had consumed LSD from a tainted batch mixed into low-cost Gallo Red Mountain wine. Hells Angels injured several fans with fists or sawed-off pool cues, requiring medical attention, and knocked out Jefferson Airplane lead singer Marty Balin.

Hunter attended with his girlfriend, Patty Bredehoft, a 17-year-old high school senior. He had taken amphetamines and methamphetamines and carried a .22-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver for protection. After an altercation with the Angels, Hunter drew the revolver but turned to move into the crowd. Passaro jumped on his back and stabbed him repeatedly; other bikers joined in, hitting and kicking him. Hunter died soon after.

Passaro was arrested for murder in March 1970 while already in prison on other charges. He admitted stabbing Hunter but claimed self-defense and was found not guilty. Hunter's death was captured on film by Albert and David Maysles and included in their 1970 documentary *Gimme Shelter*. It is referenced in the Grateful Dead's "New Speedway Boogie" (B-side of "Uncle John's Band," 1971) and Don McLean's "American Pie" (1971).

Hunter was raised by his mother and older sister after his father left in 1952. He spent time in juvenile detention starting in 1962, with multiple arrests for burglary and parole violations through the 1960s. His final imprisonment ended in May 1969. Nicknamed "Murdock," he was a member of the East Bay Executioners street gang, dealt and used drugs, and was described by writer Rich Cohen as violent and quick-tempered.