Update: Organizers of Woodstock 50 say the show will go on. “Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought,” Woodstock 50 said in a statement to the Poughkeepsie Journal.
The annual music festival which boasts a lineup including Jay Z, The Killers, Chance The Rapper and more has reportedly officially canceled their 50th-anniversary event.
Scheduled to take place August 16-18 in Watkins Glen, New York, Woodstock 50 built anticipation with an all-star lineup however ticket sales never commenced.
Organizers say they ultimately decided to cancel the festival although the revival holds cultural significance. Billboard reports, Dentsu Aegis Network, the agency funding the festival, released a statement explaining why the festival is now called off.
“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.” says Dentsu Aegis Network in a statement to Billboard.
The statement continues, “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.” says the network in an official statement.
Despite this report, the Woodstock 50 website remains active with a live countdown to showtime.