Woodstock 2019 Moves To New Festival Site In Watkins Glen
Festival organiser Michael Lang has revealed the 50th anniversary event in August will be moving from Bethel to the new site.
The festival’s co-creator Michael Lang has confirmed in interviews with Rolling Stone and The New York Times that a new festival marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival will take place this year. However, while uDiscover Music previously reported that the event would be taking place on its original site in Bethel, New York, Lang has revealed that the event – which runs from 16-18 August – will now take place in Watkins Glen, New York.
The first acts are expected to be announced in February, but according to a press release, there will be over 60 artists spread across three stages at Watkins Glen.
Michael Lang told Rolling Stone, “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 said, “We’re also looking for unique collaborations, maybe some reunions and a lot of new and up-and-coming talent.” In addition, Lang expressed hope for tribute performances to artists who played the original Woodstock, like Janis Joplin and Jefferson Airplane, among others.
Speaking with The New York Times, Lang also discussed his desire for activism to be part of Woodstock 50. “We want this to be more than just coming to a concert,” he said. “And hopefully a lot of the bands will become part of this effort to get people to stand up and make themselves heard, to get and out vote. And if they don’t have a candidate that represents their feelings, to find one—or to run themselves.” Lang told The Times that organizers expect to sell 100,000 three-day passes to Woodstock 50.
Lang also discussed Woodstock ’99, which was marred by accounts of violence and sexual assault. “’99 was more like an MTV event than a Woodstock event, really. I take some responsibility for that. It was also kind of an angry time in music,” he told The New York Times. In addition, Lang told Rolling Stone, “Woodstock ’99 was just a musical experience with no social significance…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.”
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HarveyCedar
January 10, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Does this mean it’s not going to be about the music but about bashing Trump?
Rick
January 23, 2019 at 4:21 pm
no. He’ll be gone by then
Jim Hodgins
January 11, 2019 at 9:14 pm
The 50th is a fantastic plan Mike, But don’t you agree that the music should be Classic Rock & Roll like it was in 1969. Those were the days. There was’nt any Hip Hop in 1969. It don’t belong in 2019 either. With all the things going on in our great country Once again Woodstock should be about Peace and love like it was back in 69….
Derek
January 12, 2019 at 12:00 am
There is hip hop that’s about peace and love…you just don’t look for it. YouTube Mod Son My Favorite Shirt Is Mt Skin. Sounds like you are suffering from angry old dude syndrome. “These damn kids and their hippity hop crap.”
morgan
January 15, 2019 at 4:07 pm
i totally agree!
Bobby Gerringer
January 24, 2019 at 12:54 am
Jim, i agree with you about the music selection!.. I love all genre of music!, But to get it close to the 69 Woodstock… You’re have to get the same type of music that they played back in 69!… I do understand that for it’s time that in 69 they did play a lot of different genre’s culture of music then.. I also know that rap & alternative is part of our culture today..Anybody can take anything out of context in anything in life or music..In reality tho… Rap & some Alternative is not about love and peace!..Any music done with meaning always has staying power.. Like all of the music did in 69 Woodstock ..(^_^).. Anything is possible in life.. But not without LOVE!!!
glenn
January 11, 2019 at 10:52 pm
cant wait !!!
Jack
January 11, 2019 at 11:04 pm
I think there’ll be a problem getting Janis Joplin to do it again.
jn jerri
January 12, 2019 at 12:41 pm
The Newport Jazz festival in NYC or any other place but Newport wasn’t Newport. Woodstock in any other place but on Max Yasgur’s farm, aka Bethel Woods in Bethel, NY is not Woodstock. Just call the non-Woodstock 2019 what it is: a money grab.
Sherri B
January 12, 2019 at 8:24 pm
They should get Courtney Hadwin from 2018 America’s Got Talent to do this show. Her take on Janis Joplin is fantastic!
Bob
January 12, 2019 at 8:51 pm
I must say I’m disappointed about the change of location. It just won’t be the same.
Jason
January 15, 2019 at 8:47 pm
When do tickets go on sale???
Eric
January 15, 2019 at 9:41 pm
We were so looking forward to this until we found out it was in a different location and not at all representing the music of 1969.it should be a CLASSIC ROCK WEEKEND.
Siuvimokursai
January 25, 2019 at 8:19 am
True
Jc
March 20, 2019 at 10:17 pm
Another dead end with frills & Eternal power theft…
Pat Ryan
June 17, 2019 at 8:24 pm
I was close to getting there in 69, was 30 miles out when all came to a halt, the sure energy of the fest was fanominal, had been saving for two years to make this aniversery, not going to happen as the music is not the same as Woodstock, legendary loss on your part.