Music

Woodstock 50 Reportedly Canceled

JAY-Z, Common, Pussy Riot, The Killers, Chance the Rapper, Robert Plant, and more were slated to perform.

This is a photo of Woodstock.
Image via Publicist
Publicist

The highly anticipated Woodstock 50 festival has been canceled, according to the event's organizer Dentsu Aegis Network.

But organizers for Woodstock 50 say this is false and a concert is still happening.

"Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival's cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought," a statement from Woodstock 50 said, according to USA Today.

In a statement released on Monday by Billboard, the network cites production limitations as the reason behind their decision.

This comes after several issues were reported surrounding the commemorative event. Woodstock 50 was slated to take place on Watkins Glen, New York on August 16-18 which were the dates of the original festival. Yet, in April it was announced that ticket sales have been postponed putting potential buyers on standby for future information. This led many to fear that the festival was in jeopardy, but the event coordinator Michael Lang quickly released a statement to quiet these rumors.

"Woodstock is a phenomenon that for 50 years has drawn attention to its principles," Lang's statement reads. "Also the rumors that can be attached to that attention. Just more rumors."

Despite Lang's reassurance, it appears that the parties involved could not create a suitable atmosphere for the massive event. Per reports, organizers were concerned that Watkins Glen International Speedway would not be able to sustain the 100,000 people estimated to attend the festival. These worries created permitting issues leading to the cancelation.

Adding to investors' mounting stress is the rumored financial loss the nixed event will cause. With artists like JAY-Z, Chance the Rapper, Run the Jewels, Vince Staples, Halsey, Janelle Monáe, and more slated to perform it is said that more than $30 million was shelled out to secure the star-studded lineup. Money and fees are still expected to be paid out to other acts and partners.

Related Stories

woodstock
pop-culture

Woodstock Returning to Original Site for 50th Anniversary

The legendary Woodstock festival first took place back in August 1969 on a dairy farm in the Catskill Mountains northwest of New York City.

Joe Price2685 days ago
Closeup still life of three single day admission tickets
music

Woodstock Returns for 50th Anniversary This Summer

The performers won't be announced until tickets go on sale next month.

BJosephs2673 days ago
JAY Z
music

Woodstock 50 Lineup Features JAY-Z, Chance the Rapper, Miley Cyrus, and More

The anniversary event will take place August 16-18 in upstate New York.

Joshua Espinoza2604 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App