Photo: Paul Bachmann
Logistics, finances, locations. Hurdles which, often by eventually being completely ignored, played a big part in the legend of the earliest major festivals of which Woodstock perhaps stands unsurpassed. For a 50th anniversary event being planned by the original co-founder Michael Lang however, they finally proved to be its downfall.
After suffering a series of issues since the line-up was announced to much fanfare by Lang back in March with a promise that it would be ‘the only authorized commemoration of the iconic 1969 festival’, the inevitable has now been confirmed. In a statement, he says:
“We are saddened that a series of unforeseen setbacks has made it impossible to put on the festival we imagined with the great lineup we had booked and the social engagement we were anticipating.”
“Woodstock remains committed to social change and will continue to be active in support of HeadCount’s critical mission to get out the vote before the next election.”
“We thank the artists, fans and partners who stood by us even in the face of adversity. My thoughts turn to Bethel and its celebration of our 50th Anniversary to reinforce the values of compassion, human dignity, and the beauty of our differences embraced by Woodstock.”