Anniversary Woodstock 50 event cancelled
Woodstock 50 has been cancelled, following delays to the event’s on sale and speculation that the event had failed to secure a mass-gathering permit.
Officials from Dentsu Aegis Network which is funding the festival released the following statement to Billboard today (initially published by Amplify):
“It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. 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.
“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.”
“Despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed”
The organisers of the Woodstock 50 anniversary festival recently spoke out about the delay to the event’s on sale, originally scheduled for Monday 22 April, but denied the event would be cancelled.
Organisers claimed the on sale would remain delayed while they “refined logistical plans” for the event. Organisers urged “patience and support” from the media and the public.
“Ticket on sale information will be available from the Woodstock website in the coming days,” reads the statement.
It is believed that the delays were due to organisers failing to obtain the required mass-gathering permit from the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Applications to receive the permit – obligatory for any event of over 5,000 people – ought to be made at least 15 days before the first day of advertising for the event and at least 45 days before the first day of the gathering.
“Woodstock 50 has delayed its on-sale while we refine logistical plans for what we anticipate will be an amazing festival in August at Watkins Glen, New York”
According to Tim O’Hearn, administrator of Schuyler County, NY, organisers filed the application on April 15, only one week before the scheduled on sale. Although the event was not due to take place until 16 to 18 August – in well over 45 days’ time – Woodstock 50 organiser and co-founder of the original 1969 edition, Michael Lang, officially confirmed Woodstock 50 would take place and began promoting the event in January.
“The health department is reviewing to determine if a conditional permit may be issued that would allow for ticket sales to commence,” says O’Hearn. “At this point there is no on sale date set.”
In response to initial reports that the event was facing difficulties, Lang issued the following statement: “Woodstock is a phenomenon that for fifty years has drawn attention to its principles and also the rumours that can be attached to that attention. Just more rumours.”
IQ has contacted Lang for comment.
Woodstock 50 was scheduled to take place in Watkins Glen, New York. The line-up was to consist of a combination of legacy acts such as Santana, Dead and Company and John Fogerty, alongside contemporary artists including the Killers, Miley Cyrus and Jay-Z.
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More visa issues for Brown as Japan dates delayed
Chris Brown’s upcoming shows in Tokyo have been cancelled due to “visa issues”, as Japan apparently becomes the latest country to deny the controversial US singer entry.
In a statement issued this morning, promoter Creativeman Productions said: “We are very sorry to announce that we have to postpone Chris Brown’s upcoming Japan tour at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on 26 and 27 September due to a logistical visa issue. We will announce details of rescheduled dates [soon].”
“We are very sorry to announce that we have to postpone Chris Brown’s upcoming Japan tour due to a logistical visa issue”
Brown, who has been convicted of a number of assaults, including one involving his then-girlfriend Rihanna, has previously been denied visas for the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The European leg of his One Hell of a Nite notably did not include any stops in Britain; according to CNN, Brown is still barred from the UK.
The One Hell of a Nite tour was the 32nd highest grossing of 2015, according to Pollstar, grossing US$46 million from 64 shows.
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