Now Playing
Courtesy of Woodstock VenturesWoodstock 50, the three day-event set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1969 Woodstock festival, has reportedly been cancelled…or has it?
Billboard reports that Dentsu Aegis Network, the company that’s funding the festival, has issued a statement announcing that it has pulled the plug on the event.
However, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal, Woodstock 50 organizers have put out their own statement saying they “vehemently [deny] the festival’s cancellation,” and adding that “legal remedy will [be] sought.”
Monday morning, Dentsu Aegis Network, the company behind the commemorative event, confirmed the cancellation to Billboard, citing the safety of its attendees as a chief concern.
“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,” it continued. “As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”
Per Billboard, the festival’s organizers were also faced with financial and permit issues. Just last week, a Woodstock 50 representative reportedly contacted officials with Live Nation and AEG to inquire about a $20 million investment to save the event, but both companies declined the offer.
In addition, organizers were growing increasingly concerned that the intended venue, Watkins Glen International speedway , would not be able accommodate the 100,000-person festival.
JAY Z, Chance the Rapper, Miley Cyrus, Halsey, Santana and more had been tapped to headline the three-day extravaganza, scheduled for August 16-18.
Copyright © 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
