Blow for Courtney Barnett & Brian Cadd as Woodstock 50 loses funding

It may be a blow for Australian artists Courtney Barnett and Brian Cadd as the Woodstock 50 in upstate New York appears to be cancelled after losing its funding.

Conflicting reports have emerged over the future of the event, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of rock’s most legendary festivals.

Dentsu Aegis Network, the Japanese company which has spent US$30 million on the event, issued this statement:

“Despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees.

“As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival.

“As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”

However, a conflicting statement from organisers says: “Woodstock 50 vehemently denies the festival’s cancellation and legal remedy will (be) sought.”

The event has been wracked with in-fighting.

Billboard reported days before the cancellation that organisers had tried to raise an additional US$20 million.

Live Nation and AEG were approached but both turned down the request.

Woodstock 50, targeting 100,000 punters paying $450 a head, has had its problems.

The Black Keys pulled out, citing a “scheduling conflict.”

Tickets were set to go on sale on April 22 but were postponed “indefinitely” as its permit application remained under review by local health officials.

Last year, the band Phish had to cancel its Curveball festival at the Watkins Glen International Speedway site because of water contamination issues.

Other acts on the August 16–18 bill included Jay-Z, Chance The Rapper, The Killers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Imagine Dragons, Miley Cyrus, Maggie Rogers, Gary Clark Jr, Leon Bridges and Pussy Riot as well as those from the 1969 event as John Fogerty, Santana, David Crosby, Melanie, John Sebastian, Canned Heat and members of the Grateful Dead.