5 Things to Know About the Woodstock 50th Festival from Original Organizer
It’s official: Michael Lang, the co-creator of the original Woodstock, is organizing another three-day event honoring the 50th anniversary of the legendary festival.
Lang spoke with Rolling Stone about the event, and while there are pertinent details that will be revealed in the near future, here are five things you should know about Lang’s Woodstock 50th anniversary festival:
1. When and where?
Lang confirmed his 50th anniversary of Woodstock would be taking place August 16-18 in Watkins Glen, N.Y.
2. Who’s on the bill?
The bill will be announced in February when tickets go on sale. As for a hint to who will be on the bill, Lang said there were be over 40 performers and, “It’ll be an eclectic bill. It’ll be hip-hop and rock and some pop and some of the legacy bands from the original festival.” He also mentioned there will be tribute performances by contemporary artists honoring the likes of Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, The Band, Jefferson Airplane and more. There’s also talk of some reunions taking place, but when asked about getting Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young together, Lang said, “I’ve talked to them all individually, and it’s a mess.” So, consider CSNY as a big “NO!”
3. What about Woodstock ‘99?
Lang is definitely aware of the awful legacy of Woodstock ‘99, and it seems as if a big goal with the 50th anniversary festival is to go back to basics and right the many wrongs of the 30th anniversary. “Woodstock ’99 was just a musical experience with no social significance,” said Lang. “It was just a big party. With this one, we’re going back to our roots and our original intent. And this time around, we’ll have control of everything.” And by “everything,” he’s referring to the awful price gouging on bottled water and the horrendous toilet conditions, which was really an issue at all of the previous Woodstocks. Hopefully, there will be proper security as well for everyone’s safety.
4. Who is this festival for?
Lang really wants the 50th anniversary of Woodstock to be “multi-generational,’ not just a bunch of young people like many popular festivals of the day. “Woodstock ’94 was a nice mix of young and old and that’s kind of what we’re going for here,” said Lang.
5. Will there be a livestream?
Yes, there will be a livestream of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. More details will be announced at a later date.
Erica Banas is rock/classic rock news blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
