Music
31 Jul 19

Woodstock 50 is again in jeopardy as headliners continue to drop out

The troubled festival recently announced that they were releasing all performers from their contracts and many artists have decided to jump ship.

Once proudly emblazoned with headliners like Jay-Z, The Killers, and Miley Cyrus, as well as iconic performers from the original festival like Country Joe and John Sebastian, the festival’s lineup page is currently empty.

“As our celebration evolves, we are committed to bringing unique voices to the stage,” the page reads. “Stay tuned for updates as we strive to create an event rooted in peace, love and music that can be a force for positive change in the world.”

While using music as a force for making the world a better place is a noble cause that we can all rally behind, many artists just cannot rally behind the festival that has been plagued by organisational chaos.

Just yesterday, indie rock band The Raconteurs announced that they would no longer be playing at Woodstock 50. In a Facebook post, they announced that they would instead be playing a gig at The Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls.

The Raconteurs join a growing list of festival drop-outs which swelled greatly when festival organisers announced they were releasing all artists from their performance contracts. Woodstock vets John Sebastian and Country Joe McDonald told the Baltimore Sun that they would not be performing anymore. Hot Press previously reported that The Black Keys were also no longer to appear at the festival.

Headliners Jay-Z, Miley Cyrus, Santana, and band The Lumineers have all also reportedly dropped out, although they have yet to confirm either way on social media.

The artists’ announcements come as the latest instalment of issues facing the 50^th anniversary celebration of the original iconic Woodstock festival. Back in April it was cancelled and then un-cancelled following the loss of their lead investor. And organisers tried and failed numerous times to secure a venue. They only just secured one in Maryland last week.

Tickets are still not available, though they will reportedly be free.

Woodstock 50 is scheduled to kick off in just two and a half weeks from 16-18 August.