Woodstock 50 investor pulled after decreased venue capacity, reports say—UPDATED

UPDATE: MAY 1, 5:33 P.M. EST

Following the myriad of events unfolding over the past few days, it was recently learned that Woodstock 50 has allegedly hired Donald Trump’s attorney to pursue legal action against former investors, Dentsu Aegis Network.

According to Consequence Of Sound, Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang has sought after Marc E. Kasowitz to counter Dentsu Aegis Network’s initial announcement to cancel the festival. Kasowitz is currently representing Trump in his Russia investigation

Earlier this week, Lang said Dentsu Aegis Network did “not have the right to unilaterally cancel the festival.” 

ORIGINAL POST: MAY 1, 1:09 P.M. EST

Amid the rumors of the festival’s cancellation, it looks like the future of Woodstock 50 remains unclear. After the festival was allegedly canceled by investors yesterdayWoodstock co-founder Michael Lang pushed back against the claims stating that the investor did “not have the right to unilaterally cancel the festival.”

Now TMZ has unveiled some new details regarding why investor Dentsu Aegis Network backed out of the festival.

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On April 29, Dentsu released a statement saying Woodstock 50 was canceled.

“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 read.

“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.,” it continued.

Now, sources “with direct knowledge” have told TMZ that the investor pulled after receiving word that the venue’s capacity shrunk by 50 percent.

Amplifi Live, the investment part of Dentsu, reportedly needed a minimum of 100,000 attendees “to make a go of it”. Watkins Glen City Officials said a large part of the land needed to be used as campgrounds for concert goers, thus bringing the venue capacity from 150,000 to 75,000.

So Dentsu pulled the plug.

Lang stated Woodstock 50 could be saved as long as they snagged another investor, but sources tell TMZ the festival has encountered another problem after production company Superfly is reportedly no longer involved.

TMZ reached out to Lang his attorney, Marc Kasowitz, who stated, “Woodstock 50 is proceeding with the planning and production of the festival. Dentsu has no legal right or ability to cancel it. All stakeholders, including the entertainers, should proceed with the understanding that the event will take place as planned and if they have any questions, they should reach out directly.”

When the festival was announced, it received major backlash or their recent shift in genre. Additionally, many folks believe the festival has strayed from its roots and become a cash-grab of sorts.

The headliners included Halseythe KillersJay-ZChance The Rapper and Miley Cyrus. The Black Keys were also set to headline, but dropped out.  

What do you think of the drama surrounding Woodstock 50? Do you think the festival will continue as planned? Sound off in the comments below!

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