Michael Lang, who co-created and promoted the original Woodstock festival of 1969, insists the 50th anniversary celebration of the festival this August 16 - 18 is not canceled.
Woodstock 50's biggest investor, Dentsu Aegis Network announced its withdrawal Monday after weeks of speculation that planning the festival was not going smoothly. The lineup was leaked before being officially announced and the ticket on-sale has been delayed.
Lang has now responded directly to the questions via Facebook, ensuring the public that he will make Woodstock 50 happen.
"We are committed to ensuring that the 50th anniversary of Woodstock is marked with a festival deserving of its iconic name and place in American history and culture," he wrote via his personal page.
The Woodstock co-founder then addressed the financial questions surrounding the 50th anniversary festival. Lang indicated that there is a path forward, and he expressed confidence that his team can find new investors.
"Although our financial partner is withdrawing, we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners," Lang wrote.
He concluded by thanking the State of New York and Schuyler County, where the Woodstock 50 site at Watkins Glen is located.
"The bottom line is, there is going to be a Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival, as there must be, and it's going to be a blast!"
In it's statement announcing its withdrawal, Dentsu Aegis Network said it did not "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."
Despite questions about Woodstock's viability, only one act, The Black Keys, has canceled its scheduled set. The band bowed out in early-April, citing a "scheduling conflict."
Lang announced Woodstock 50 in January during an appearance on Q104.3's Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show, saying it would be an immersive, multi-generational experience and a celebration of both classic and contemporary music and art.
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