Despite the statement made by officials at the Dentsu Aegis Network, Michael Lang and his partners are adamant the festival will still take place at Watkins Glen, New York in the summer.
- April 30, 2019
AceShowbiz - The brains behind the Woodstock anniversary concert are fighting to save the event following the release of a statement from producers suggesting the weekender has been scrapped.
Woodstock 50, set to take place at Watkins Glen, New York over the same weekend as the 1969 festival this summer (August 2019), appeared doomed on Monday morning (April 29) as officials at the Dentsu Aegis Network, who were funding the event, announced the big gig, with headliners like Jay-Z and The Killers set, had been axed.
"It's a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements," a statement read. "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.
"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."
Representatives for the festival tell Billboard that concerns about the capacity of the festival, site readiness and permitting issues led to the cancellation.
But festival boss Michael Lang, who masterminded the original Woodstock, and his partners are urging fans not to give up on the festival just yet.
In a statement to the Poughkeepsie Journal, they said: "Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival's cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought."
There were doubts about the future of the festival after ticket sales were postponed and The Black Keys announced they were pulling out of the event.
No reason was given for the ticket sales delay, prompting speculation the event would be cancelled.
However, Lang dismissed the unfounded gossip, stating: "Woodstock is a phenomenon that for 50 years has drawn attention to its principles and also the rumours that can be attached to that attention."
He called reports of a cancellation "just more rumours."
