Woodstock 50: Tilting At Rumor Mills

– Woodstock50

Despite competing events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, and a dearth of “official” information from organizers of the inarguably larger of the two slated to take place at Watkins Glen racetrack, a lineup for the latter appears to be taking shape with deposits reportedly wired to at least some artists.

Variety reports that it’s confirmed more than 20 artists that have signed on to Michael Lang’s Woodstock 50 event, including non-nostalgic headliners like Jay-Z, Black Keys and Chance the Rapper. Of the artists identified, perhaps only Dead & Co. hearken back to the original Woodstock back on Max Yasgur’s farm about 200 miles away.

“We are thrilled with all the excitement about Woodstock 50, but we have an obligation to our fans, artists and partners, to do things the right way,” a statement from Lang to Pollstar said. “We are in the final stages of laying the groundwork and can’t wait to stage this once-in-a-lifetime event. We’ll be officially announcing the lineup and ticket on-sale soon, stay tuned!”

An initial lineup has not been announced by Lang and Co., the Aug. 16-18 festival is also tipped to be courting Halsey, Miley Cyrus, Janelle Monae and Brandi Carlile, although Variety includes the caveat that they believed to be “finalizing their commitments.”

Other rumored performers include Imagine Dragons, Run the Jewels, Gary Clark Jr., Cage the Elephant, the Killers, Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson, Portugal the Man, Dawes, Lumineers, and Courtney Barnett, among others.

Robert Plant and Carlos Santana are also believed to be on the Woodstock 50 wish list; Santana is already slated to perform as part of Bethel Woods Music & Culture Festival at the performing arts center’s venue on the original Woodstock site.

“There’s always been lots of rumors around Woodstock. We have excellent partners and an incredible talent lineup of over 80 artists which will be announced within the next couple of weeks. We’re preparing a once in a lifetime event,” Lang said in a statement to Variety.