Woodstock 50 canceled

More than 80 acts were set to play

Financial backers have canceled Woodstock 50, which was celebrating the original Woodstock’s 50th anniversary this August. Officials with Dentsu Aegis Network, who’s funding the fest, sent the following message to Billboard.

“It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. We have a strong history of producing experiences that bring people together around common interests and causes which is why we chose to be a part of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival. But despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees.”

The statement continues, “As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival. As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”

However, organizers say the event will still go on, after rumors began to surface last week that the event was in jeopardy.

“Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought,” a statement from Woodstock 50 reads, per the Poughkeepsie Journal.

More than 80 acts were to take the stage for the three day music and arts festival this August at the original Woodstock site in upstate New York. Legacy acts, in addition to original Woodstock ’69 icons Santana and Dead & Company, include Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters, David Crosby and Friends, John Fogerty, Canned Heat, Country Joe McDonald, John Sebastian and Melanie were scheduled to play.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com