<img src="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/briefs/2025/07/04/TELEMMGLPICT000431148120_17516516778650_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqUdpOC9bYgtt5lYSWGPsSUndK9jbskw4gK8A2cMQhPWg.jpeg?impolicy=OG-Standard" alt="Video reveals air guitar was born in Hampstead, not Woodstock" width="100%" height="auto"><div class="component article-body-text " data-test="article-body-text"> <p>According to lore, <a class="ck-custom-link" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/air-guitar-world-championships-2024-behind-the-scenes/">air guitar</a> was invented in 1969 when Joe Cocker played at <a class="ck-custom-link" href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/nightmare-mud-stagnation-tearing-woodstock-myth/">Woodstock</a>.</p><p>Cocker plucked an invisible instrument during the opening bars of With A Little Help From My Friends, a performance that has gone down in history.</p> </div>

Rupert’s People, a little-known psychedelic pop band, pretended to play instruments in a film made a year before the legendary festival{ai:summary}<p>Air guitar is said to have originated in 1969 during Joe Cocker's iconic Woodstock performance of "With A Little Help From My Friends," where he mimicked playing an invisible instrument. This moment has since become a notable part of music history. #culture</p>

Video reveals air guitar was born in Hampstead, not Woodstock

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