Woodstock 50 is currently scheduled to kick off in 106 days and as of Monday (29th), we are confused to see if this event is really happening. According to co-founder Michael Lang, he insists the three-day-festivities is still a go. The festival is currently scheduled for the weekend of August 16-18th in Watkins Glen, New York as headliners include The Killers, Dead & Company, Jay-Z and many more. On Monday (29th), Woodstock 50’s financial partner, Dentsu Aegis abruptly pulled out of the event making many believe the festival was cancelled. A spokesperson told Variety:

“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.”

Despite the confusion, Lang has expressed the event will go forward with new partners. As of right now, all artists aside from the Black Keys who pulled out from the fest shortly after the lineup was announced are still scheduled to perform.  

The New York Times has reported Lang has taken measures on Dentsu’s actions by informing the festival’s lawyer, Marc E. Kasowitz (who also represents President Donald Trump) addressing Dentsu didn’t have the right to cancel the event as Lang assures the festival will go on as planned. 

Variety interviewed Lang as he expressed the following:

“Basically, as you know, Dentsu has withdrawn, which was a surprise to us all, and we are continuing to produce the festival. We are in discussion with a couple of parties to replace Dentsu’s position and hopefully will be able to get [tickets] on sale in the next couple of weeks.”

On the possibility of postponing the event:

“No, because all of the talent is routed to us for that weekend and most of them have obligations beyond that, so that’s really not an option.”

On the permit status:

“The permit applications is just about completely done, they were waiting for a few more documents, we’ve hired an engineering firm to complete that, so the permit is a few days away. The State of New York has been very supportive, as has the county, in this process. They’ve spent a lot of time and energy for us, and it’s just been great to have that kind of support.”

He added in regards to a temporary permit with a full permit later:

“Yes, they don’t issue a complete permit until the water on site is tested the week before [which is what caused the cancellation of Phish’s planned Curveball festival at Watkins Glen last year], et cetera, so all permits are conditional up to that point.”

Read the full interview on Variety here.