Almost exactly 50 years after the legendary Woodstock concert, one of the then organizers, Michael Lang, is planning a new edition. From 16.-18. A new concert event is scheduled for August this year in Watkins Glen, New York, near the 1969 original.
Under the title "Woodstock 50" Lang wants to rise to information of the "New York Times" an official anniversary festival. It should not only attract a large, intergenerational audience, but also highlight the importance of social engagement.
Lang told the newspaper he was about to book artists. He did not name specific commitments. He prefers a mix of classic bands and current pop and rap stars. Otherwise, like 50 years ago, there will be camps, discussions, film screenings and events with social partner organizations.
Official logo of "Woodstock 50"
Riots at the anniversary in 1999
The Watkins Glen site hosted a legendary concert in 1973, Summer Jam, with The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, and The Band. For "Woodstock 50" should be built there three Main Stages. The organizers expect 100,000 visitors per day.
The Woodstock new edition gets but competition. In the US, three other festivals are already very successful: Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. In addition, there will be another Woodstock memorial festival, directly on the former festival site. The "Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival" is organized by the Bethel Cultural Center. Also for this there is no lineup fixed.
Already in 1994 and 1999 there were anniversary new editions. However, the 1999 festival did not hit the headlines with Love and Peace, but reports of riots, injuries and rape.