Unless the organizers behind Woodstock 50 can come up with a new venue, which will host the variety of A-list acts intended to perform August 16-18 – the show will not go on.
In a statement on Monday, Watkins Glen International said it had terminated the site license for the event.
No additional insights were provided by Watkins Glen International – leaving questions about the event, which remains subject to a legal battle.
The event’s former investor had announced the event was canceled in April, citing safety and health concerns. However, organizers insisted it was still on.
Even now, organizers remain optimistic about the event.
“We are in discussions with another venue to host Woodstock 50 on August 16th – 18th and look forward to sharing the new location when tickets go on sale in the coming weeks,” said Gregory Peck, a managing member of organizers of Woodstock 50 LLC.
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As Woodstock 50 gets closer, serious questions remain
6/3/19
Woodstock 50 is still happening. At least according to organizers. That said, tickets still haven’t gone on sale for the three-day festival, which is scheduled for August 16-18 at Watkins Glen International.
The lineup included Jay-Z, Santana, Miley Cyrus, The Killers, Chance the Rapper, John Fogerty, Janelle Monae, Dead & Company, Halsey, and Imagine Dragons.
Tickets were supposed to go on sale in April, but that fell through – resulting from challenges around the mass gathering permit process for the festival.
As noted by Syracuse.com, “Time and money now appear to be the biggest threats against Woodstock 50 as co-founder and 50th anniversary organizer Michael Lang faces off with former investor Dentsu Aegis Network in court. Dentsu attempted to ‘cancel’ the festival on April 29 after capacity at Watkins Glen was reduced to 75,000, but Lang won a court battle May 15 to continue with the show.”
The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that both sides are headed to arbitration as arguments continue over funding, the right to control the festival, and responsibilities including a still-pending permit with the New York state Department of Health.
More Coverage:
Syracuse.com: 2019 Woodstock festival still in doubt with 75 days to go
The Guardian: Court battles and cash hassles: Woodstock 50 loses its stardust
 | Reporting in this story by News Director Josh Durso. He hosts a pair of podcasts on FingerLakes1.com. Check out Inside the FLX and Sunday Conversation each week on FingerLakes1.com. Email tips and leads to [email protected]. |
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