Update: Poughkeepsie Journal reached out to Woodstock organizers, who vehemently denied the festival's cancelation. The comment reads: "Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival's cancelation and legal remedy will (be) sought.” The fest has still lost all of its funding, and has yet to secure new resources. Original story follows:
The organizers of Woodstock promised things would be different for their planned 50th anniversary event. Unfortunately, we'll never know because the festival has officially been canceled.
After revealing a lineup that left something to be desired, there were some concerns in recent weeks as to the health of the festival when the previously announced date for the tickets to go on sale came and went with no tickets being put up for purchase. No reason was given for the delay. Today, organizers confirmed the fest is canceled.
Billboard reports that Dentsu Aegis, the organizers funding the festival, gave them this statement (emphasis ours):
“It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. 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.”
I guess the bright side is at least they pulled out before it was too late, ala Fyre Fest. The festival was scheduled for August 16 – 18th.
During the ticketing drama, it was assumed the festival had lost its financial backing. Billboard notes that festival reps reached out to both Live Nation and AEG, the two largest concert promoters in the world, to inquire if either entity would invest $20 million in the festival. Both declined.
It seems for the best to just let the Woodstock brand die a peaceful nu-metal death.
