Event was canceled by financial backers, but promoter claims it will continue
Despite the financial backers of Woodstock 50 withdrawing from the event and deeming it “canceled” yesterday (Apr 29th), promoter Michael Lang insists the show will continue. Lang shares he is seeking other financial partners to ensure the show continues as planned.
“We are committed to ensuring that the 50th anniversary of Woodstock is marked with a festival deserving of its iconic name and place in American history and culture,” Lang shares on Facebook. “Although our financial partner is withdrawing , we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners. We would like to acknowledge the State of New York and Schuyler County for all of their hard work and support. The bottom line is, there is going to be a Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival, as there must be, and it’s going to be a blast!”
https://www.facebook.com/mlang41076/posts/10156638350662885
Officials with Dentsu Aegis Network — which was originally funding the three day music and arts festival during its 50th anniversary weekend, August 16-18th, in Watkins Glen, NY — withdrew their involvement yesterday. They sent a message to Billboard explaining their decision.
“It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements,” the company says. “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.”
Following the news of its cancellation, a statement from Woodstock 50 counteracts the decision. “Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought,” a statement from Woodstock 50 reads, per the Poughkeepsie Journal.
Rumors of the event’s cancellation began to surface after tickets failed to go no sale as originally scheduled on April 22nd.
Should the show continue, more than 80 artists are set to perform at the historic event. 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 are among the performers.
More details as they become available.
