Rumors have been circulating around the biz that Woodstock 50—reportedly slated to take place 8/16-18 at Watkins Glen International racetrack in Watkins Glen, N.Y.—has been beset by issues regarding the raising of money and venue capacity, which is why the lineup has not yet been officially announced.
Insiders say the acts slated to co-headline the show marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock music festival include Dead & Co., The Killers, Miley Cyrus, Santana, The Black Keys, Chance the Rapper, Jay-Z, Imagine Dragons and Halsey, according to the source. We understand that Dead & Co. and one or two other acts have received 100% of their guarantee.
Event founder Michael Lang responded to our initial story with the following statement: "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."
Woodstock 50 is being financed by Dentsu Aegis, the London-based digital marketing and communications arm of the Japanese conglom Dentsu.
The Grateful Dead and Santana were part of the original Woodstock lineup on Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, N.Y., in 1969. Watkins Glen is about 200 miles west of the original site.