"Ladies and gentlemen, the brown acid that is circulating
around us is not specifically too good..."
With these words, Edward Herbert Beresford "Chip" Monck became the voice of Woodstock. But few know that the man making that famous announcement had already transformed American music.
His groundbreaking work at the Village Gate in NYC, the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, including the night Dylan went electric and he would go on to
revolutionize arena rock with The Rolling Stones and much more.
It's time for his moment in the Spotlight.
The book will be officially launched at 4pm on August 15, 2026
The 57th Anniversary of Woodstock
Read on as you can become a part of this story right now
THE STORY THAT'S NEVER BEEN TOLD
In this definitive biography, follow the extraordinary journey of a lighting genius who shaped how America and beyond experienced live music.
From intimate jazz clubs to massive festivals
and ultimately to spectacular arena shows.
From his early days illuminating the legendary Village Gate in Greenwich Village to keeping half a million people safe at Woodstock
with nothing but a microphone, his voice and wits.
Chip's story is the untold saga of how live music became a transcendent experience.
BEHIND THE LIGHTS: WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER
The Village Gate Years
How a young innovator helped define the look and feel of New York's legendary jazz scene, creating the atmospheric magic where Dylan wrote "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall"
The Newport Revolution
Transforming America's premier folk and jazz festivals, including the historic moment when Dylan went electric and changed music forever.
The Complete Woodstock Saga
From technical wizardry to accidental emcee—the real story behind the famous "brown acid" warning and how one man's voice guided half a million souls.
The Rolling Stones Years
Reinventing arena rock for the modern era with revolutionary mirror systems and staging innovations still used today.
The Hidden Legacy
How this one man's innovations revolutionized concert production forever, creating the foundation for every live music experience you've ever loved.
FROM CLUBS TO STADIUMS: A PIONEER'S JOURNEY
The Creative Force behind the Village Gate's legendary ambiance
that attracted every major folk and jazz artist of the era.
The Technical Mastermind for Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals during
their most historic and musicially amazing moments.
The Unexpected Voice who became Woodstock's guiding presence
when organizers forgot to hire an MC.
The Arena Revolutionary who created the look of The Rolling Stones' tours
into the blueprint for modern stadium rock.
The World Beyond Music working with the Olympic Games, the Pope
and there is so much more to this story it will seem far more than one life.
The Invisible Innovator whose staging solutions are
still the industry standard today.
FOUR WAYS TO YOU CAN BE A PART OF THE STORY
THE MINI-BOOK: "Behind the Glow" - $20
128 pages of intimate revelation
Perfect introduction to invisible excellence. Four compelling chapters from Massachusetts teenager to master craftsman. Essential reading for any music lover.
[PRE-ORDER NOW - EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - COMING SOON!]
THE COMPLETE BOOK: "Lighting Up The Stage" - $50
320 pages of comprehensive exploration
The definitive chronicle spanning six decades. Every innovation, every breakthrough, every moment that shaped modern live music.
[PRE-ORDER NOW - EARLY BIRD SPECIAL -COMING SOON!]
COLLECTOR'S CHOICE: Book + Signed Photo - $550
Choose from 5 legendary moments
Choose a museum-quality photograph from Henry Diltz's private archives,
add $200 for the photo signed by both Chip Monck and Henry Diltz.
[LIMITED EDITION - PRE-ORDER NOW]
THE ULTIMATE ARCHIVE:
Book + 12 Photos - $2,500
A set of 12 unpublished photographs
[ONLY 2500 AVAILABLE - RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW!]
The Ultimate Collection
12 Unpublished Photos from Monterrey 1967, Miami Pop 1968,
Woodstock 1969 and The Concert For Bangladesh 1971
each signed by Chip Monck and Henry Diltz
Limited to 24 unique collections
Contact Us for ordering details.
EARLY BIRD PRE-LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE
We're launching early to honor Chip Monck while he can still
participate in sharing his incredible story.
Pre-order now and receive:
Special pre-launch pricing (prices increase at official launch)
Exclusive bonus content not available anywhere else
First access to limited edition items
Personal thank you acknowledgment from Chip himself
Behind-the-scenes updates throughout the creation process
Time is precious. Chip and Henry are both 86 years old.
This may be our final opportunity to capture this story while we still can.
The Chip Monck Foundation
A portion of all sales go to further the careers of the next
generation of Lighting Directors to keep the spirit alive.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"Chip Monck didn't just light shows - he illuminated eras. From Dylan going electric at Newport to Mick Jagger at Altemont, he made moments into memories."
— Paul K Saunders, Founder of New Music Lives
"The history of live music in America is divided into two eras: before and after Chip Monck."
— G. Mick Smith, Author of Lighting Up the Stage
"From the smallest spotlight at the Village Gate to the biggest rigs with the Stones, every light had to serve the music and the moment."
— Chip Monck, Legendary Lighting Designer
"I'm amazed at the accumulation of images that have resulted, simply by doing what I love to do. day after day, It's a result of being with countless people over the years, waiting at the sidelines for the moment to happen."
— Henry Diltz, Photographer
THE BRIDGE TO HISTORY
As we all approach Woodstock's 60th Anniversary in 2029, "Lighting Up The Stage" will provide a crucial missing chapter in American musical history. One that till now has not been told and we believe is time the world recognizes the work of Chip Monck.
This isn't just a book about concert production— it's the story of how one man's technical brilliance and human compassion has created magic across genres and generations.