Woodstock 50 reportedly shifts to free benefit show without confirmed acts

The ongoing story of Woodstock 50 and its attempt to get the event off the ground is one of never-ending determination. After losing their venue, sponsors and having several artists pull from the festival, Woodstock has refused to call it quits.

Now, it looks like the event will reportedly be reworked as a benefit concert, with organizers handing out tickets for free.

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Yesterday we learned that all of the artists set to perform at Woodstock 50 were released from their contracts just weeks before the event.

The news comes after the festival was fighting for a new venue for quite a while, but later announced they were relocating to Maryland instead of New York.

Organizers confirmed to the New York Times that the event will be held at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Aug 16 through 18. The new location is about four-and-a-half hours away from the original festival grounds.

While the performers for the event are still up in the air, TMZ reports event organizers are planning to release tickets free of charge in the next few days.

With the event moving to a new location, seats are now limited. According to sources, details on how to score these free tickets should be available by the end of the week.

Pitchfork reached out to Merriweather Post Pavilion operator Seth Hurwitz in regards to the alleged free tickets.

“That was the last thing we heard too,” he writes. “We’re still waiting to hear who is playing, but that’s not our job. They do still have a venue if they have a show.”

Sources also tell TMZ that the festival will now be reworked as a benefit concert, with those snagging tickets encouraged to donate to their favorite cause.

Read more: Woodstock 50 releases all artists from contracts three weeks before event

In an attempt to still make money to pay for employees and currently unknown artist performances, Woodstock reportedly plans to sell VIP tickets at a cost in an attempt to cover expenses.

With artists no longer obligated to their contracts, and some such as Jay-Z and John Fogerty already pulling out, it’s unclear who will make an appearance the benefit concert.

However, sources state that organizers are still hopeful and that all “artists who are still booked and scheduled to perform have been paid in full.”

Variety reached out to a rep for Woodstock 50, but they declined to comment on the accuracy of the report.

Do you think Woodstock 50 will be able to pull the event off? Do you have plans to attend now that tickets may be free? Sound off in the comments below!

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