WOODSTOCK 50: IS IT HAPPENING?

Woodstock 50 IS going ahead, says co-founder Michael Lang.

Yesterday Dentsu, one of the festival’s major sponsors, announced that the event would not be happening. They said in a statement: : “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 Amplify Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival.”

However, Long has now issued his own statement, repudiating what Dentsu have said:

“It seems in a way that history is repeating itself. In July of 1969 we lost our site in Walkill and with only a month to go we managed to move to Bethel. Woodstock was going to happen no matter what!

“This time around, Woodstock’s new hometown, Dix & Watkins Glen, NY and New York State have been really wonderful. I went door to door to talk to the neighbors. Some remembered Summer Jam back in ’73 and were worried about history repeating itself. But they opened their doors to us and we talked it out. Many of those people have reached out over the last 24 hours with messages of hope and encouragement.

“The venue, Watkins Glen International, have been totally supportive and professional.

“Yesterday, our financial partner, Dentsu-Aegis, made the decision to pull out and informed us that they were cancelling the festival at the same time they let the press release go public.

“We have yet to understand why they would try to prevent the festival from happening by seemingly undermining us in this way. It is one thing to decide for oneself that it is best to move on, but it is entirely another thing to try and close the door on us.

“Yesterday, I couldn’t help but relive that moment 50 years ago — it was ‘déjà vu all over again’!

“Supporting the principles of activism and sustainability are too important to be derailed by shortsighted partners.

“We continue our work with NYS, Schuyler County and various parties to keep things on track.

“Woodstock never belonged to Dentsu, so they don’t have a right to cancel it.

“Woodstock belongs to the people and it always will.

“We don’t give up and Woodstock 50 will take place and will be a blast!

“Thanks for listening, Michael”

The event, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Woodstock Festival, is due to happen from August 16 -18. But so far tickets have not gone on sale.