Meaning: This quote by Lester Bangs, a prominent music critic, captures a sentiment about the changing nature of cultural movements and the disillusionment that can arise when the original spirit of a cause becomes diluted or lost. To fully understand the context of this quote, it is important to delve into the background of the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the role of music and art in shaping these movements.

The 1960s was a decade characterized by social and political upheaval, marked by movements for civil rights, women's liberation, anti-war protests, and a broader rejection of traditional norms and values. The counterculture of the 1960s sought to challenge and change the status quo, often through nonviolent means such as protests, demonstrations, and artistic expression. Music played a particularly significant role in this era, with artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones using their music to voice dissent and rally for change.

The quote alludes to the idea that being part of a demonstration or protest was more appealing when it retained a sense of novelty or excitement, akin to a "trip" or an adventure. This suggests that there was a certain allure or thrill associated with being part of a cultural movement during its early stages, when it felt like a transformative and revolutionary experience. However, as time passed and the original fervor waned, the quote implies that the movement lost its "trip" quality, becoming less enticing and perhaps more mundane.

The reference to the "whole thing fell apart in 1971" may be alluding to the decline of the idealism and unity that characterized the earlier years of the countercultural movements. By 1971, many of the initial goals and aspirations of the 1960s counterculture had faced setbacks or disillusionment. The optimism of the early years had given way to a more fragmented and disillusioned state, as the realities of societal and political challenges became increasingly apparent.

Lester Bangs, known for his incisive and often critical commentary on music and popular culture, was likely drawing a parallel between the decline of the countercultural movements and the changing landscape of music and art. As the counterculture lost its initial momentum and sense of purpose, Bangs may have observed a similar loss of authenticity and vitality in the music scene. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about the co-optation and commercialization of countercultural ideals and the ways in which they were absorbed and diluted by mainstream society.

In conclusion, Lester Bangs' quote encapsulates the disillusionment that can arise when a cultural movement loses its original fervor and transformative energy. It speaks to the changing dynamics of social and artistic movements, and the challenges of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of countercultural ideals as they intersect with commercial and societal forces. Understanding the historical context of the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s provides valuable insight into the deeper meaning of Bangs' observations about the decline of the "trip" and the subsequent unraveling of a once-revolutionary cultural phenomenon.