Woodstock 50 organizers share new statement about future of festival
After the festival was allegedly cancelled by investors yesterday, Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang pushed back against the claims. However, the festival had yet to share a detailed statement about the future of Woodstock 50, until today.
Prior to today, Lang’s interview with The New York Times claimed Dentsu Aegis Network did “not have the right to unilaterally cancel the festival.”
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Additionally, Lang revealed that all of the festival’s acts have already been paid in full and that Woodstock 50 could be rescued if they secured another backer.
Now, according to Brooklyn Vegan, the co-founder has released a rather lengthy statement regarding the fate of Woodstock 50.
In the statement, Lang relates 2019’s festivities to the situation of the original festival in 1969. Following that, Lang ensures fans that the festival is happening “no matter what.”
You can read the entire statement from Lang below:
“Dear Woodstock Friends
It seems in a way that history is repeating itself. In July of 1969 we lost our site in Walkill and with only a month to go we managed to move to Bethel. Woodstock was going to happen no matter what!
This time around, Woodstock’s new hometown, Dix & Watkins Glen, NY and New York State have been really wonderful. I went door to door to talk to the neighbors. Some remembered Summer Jam back in ’73 and were worried about history repeating itself. But they opened their doors to us and we talked it out. Many of those people have reached out over the last 24 hours with messages of hope and encouragement.
The venue, Watkins Glen International, have been totally supportive and professional.
Yesterday, our financial partner, Dentsu-Aegis, made the decision to pull out and informed us that they were canceling the festival at the same time they let the press release go public.
We have yet to understand why they would try to prevent the festival from happening by seemingly undermining us in this way. It is one thing to decide for oneself that it is best to move on, but it is entirely another thing to try and close the door on us.
Yesterday, I couldn’t help but relive that moment 50 years ago – it was “ déjà vu all over again”!
Supporting the principles of activism and sustainability are too important to be derailed by shortsighted partners.
We continue our work with NYS, Schuyler County and various parties to keep things on track.
Woodstock never belonged to Dentsu, so they don’t have a right to cancel it.
Woodstock belongs to the people and it always will.
We don’t give up and Woodstock 50 will take place and will be a blast!
Thanks for Listening, Michael”
The news of the cancelation comes after rumors spread that it would be canceled when the ticket sale date was postponed. However, the founder denied the rumors, saying the festival was still on.
It was then revealed that the ticket sales were pushed back due to a lack of a mass gathering permit.
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.
If Lang’s statement is true, the headliners include Halsey, the Killers, Jay-Z, Chance The Rapper and Miley Cyrus. The Black Keys were also set to headline, but dropped out.
Woodstock’s 50th anniversary festival may also be set to welcome Woodstock-era staples such as Dead & Company, Santana, John Fogerty and Robert Plant And The Sensational Shape Shifters. Additionally, other bands that will definitely ring a bell to scene enthusiasts include Fever 333, Bishop Briggs, Grandson and Boygenius.
Originally, the festival was going to take place on the 50th anniversary of the classic Woodstock. You can check out the supposed full lineup for the festival here.
What do you think about the future of Woodstock 50? Sound off in the comments below.
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