If promoter Michael Lang is able to salvage Woodstock 50, will it go forward with the list of acts he announced in March?
Billboard reports that now that the decision by the event’s sponsor to back out voids the artist contracts.
John Fogerty, David Crosby, Santana, Dead and Company and Robert Plant are among the acts who have removed Woodstock 50 from their posted tour schedules. The concert industry publication Pollstar still has it listed.
A rep for a booking agency representing some of the artists says, “We’re not even going to have a discussion with Lang until we see that every permit needed for this event has been secured. I’d also like to hear how he plans to convince fans to buy tickets for an event that’s been already canceled.”
Lang’s production partner, Superfly, the company behind Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, has also pulled out.
A source tells Rolling Stone, “With Superfly leaving the fold, that’s just the death knell. Any festival-goer knows now that Superfly doesn’t have faith in it. I don’t know how you recover from that. It’s impossible… It just feels so unwieldy.”
Lang’s lawyer Marc Kasowitz says, “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.”
Original plans called for Woodstock 50 to be held on August 16th, 17th and 18th at Watkins Glen International Speedway in Watkins Glen, New York.
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UPDATE: Woodstock co-founder and promoter Michael Lang says this announcement comes as a complete surprise and he’s not ready to call the fest dead just yet. His office has issued a statement saying, “Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought.”
Woodstock 50 has been canceled. The anniversary festival announced for August 16th, 17th and 18th in Watkins Glen, New York is now off.
Dentsu Aegis Network, which is funding the festival, released a statement:
“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.”
We have reached out to Lang for further comment but have yet to hear back.
Among the artists Lang had lined up for are Robert Plant, Santana, Dead & Company, Imagine Dragons, Jay-Z, David Crosby, Greta Van Fleet andJohn Fogerty. We haven’t heard a reaction from any of them yet.
