The future of the Woodstock 50 festival is in serious doubt. On one side, the investors (aka Dentsu Aegis Network) say it's game over, noting, “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 adds, "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.”
A source tellsVarietythat Dentsu didn’t believe the planned site for the concert in Watkins Glen, New York could accommodate the 100-thousand expected guests, and believed their wasn’t sufficient infrastructure, including fresh water, sanitation and access and egress routes, for it to go on as planned.
- Thing is? Organizers of the festival aren’t giving up just yet, and insist the concert will happen. "Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival's cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought," a statement from Woodstock 50 to the Poughkeepsie Journal reads. An additional statement offers, "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," adding, "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...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.”
- As we previously told you, Woodstock 50 was scheduled for August 16th- 18thin Watkins Glen, New York, featuring such acts as Jay-Z, the Killers, Imagine Dragons, Chance the Rapper, The Raconteurs, Robert Plant and the Sensational Shapshifters,Halsey,Miley Cyrus,Dead & Company, Greta Van Fleet, Sturgill Simpson, Brandi Carlile and more.
Source:Billboard