May 2, 2022

One of my most memorable days at Summerfest occurred on June 21, 1972 when I was photographing for the Bugle American newspaper here in Milwaukee.

George Carlin was opening the show for musician Arlo Guthrie that night.  It became a night known around the country if not most of the world because of what happened.  George Carlin was arrested for saying the "seven words you can't say on radio or television".

The show was great but Milwaukee Police Lieutenant ,Andrew Busalacchi, was just waiting for George to say the words and arrest him. I saw the lieutenant on the side of the stage as I was photographing George and you could tell something was going to happen.

George didn't care and did his show, including the famous seven words you shouldn't say on radio and television. He even finished his show and then they escorted him off the stage to be arrested and charged.

The promoter and stage manager emptied George Carlin's pockets before the Milwaukee Police got him. That was a good thing or he would have had drug charges too!

In the end, the charges were dismissed by a smiling judge and George even became friends with the policeman that arrested him.

Had to dig up these photos again and clean them up a bit for a documentary being done on George which is very cool! I will let you know when that documentary comes out.

Enjoy a look at a little Summerfest and George Carlin history.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann