Possible Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival in 2019 Says founder Michael Lang

 

Possible Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival in 2019 Says founder Michael Lang

Could the famous Woodstock Festival be brought back for a 50th Anniversary in 2019? Founder Michael Lang spoke with Rolling Stone about the possibility. 

Lang shot down the idea of a  45th anniversary concert this year, but is interested in at least discussing a 50th Anniversary celebration. He shared, "I think we're certainly done until the 50th. We're starting to think about it now. 

The original Woodstock Festival was in Bethel, New York in 1969 and featured sets from legends like Jimi Hendrix and The Who. The last anniversary festivals was held in 1999 and caught a lot of criticism for the violence during sets by Limp Bizkit and Red Hot Chili Peppers. New York State Troopers and local police were forced to step in and it was later reported that four people were raped during the event. So it was not seen as a celebration of peace and harmony like the original festival had been known for. 

Lang said in 2o09 that he didn't think the failings of the 1999 festival would impact on any future events. "I think it always hearkens back to the '69 event, somehow," he said. "When people think [of Woodstock] they don't think '99 or '94. They think [of] the '69 event. I think [1999] has its ramifications, but I don't think it did any real damage in that sense."

What do you think of the idea of a 50th anniversary for the Woodstock Festival? Who would you like to see play if it did happen. 

Tags : woodstock woodstock 50th anniversary Michael Lang