Has Woodstock's 50th-anniversary festival revival been canceled? It seems that the festival's organizers and promoters are in two minds.
Headliners including Miley Cyrus and Chance the Rapper, as well as Robert Plant and Santana, were (or, are) due to perform in upstate New York's Watkins Glen location come August 16-18 this summer, though tickets have yet to go on sale. And earlier today officials with Dentsu Aegis Network, which is funding the festival, released the following statement to Billboard:
“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."
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The statement goes on, "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.”
Woodstock 50, however, shared the following statement with the local Poughkeepsie Journal: “Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought.”
The festival's website or social media channels have yet to publish an announcement. We have reached out to event representatives for further confirmation and comment.
