Woodstock 50 Is Back on After Judge Rules in Their Favor in Cancellation Case

Manhattan judge Barry Ostrager ruled Wednesday that Woodstock 50's former investor Dentsu Aegis Network did not have the right to announce the cancellation of the festival after pulling their financial backing, Pitchfork reports. The ruling means that Woodstock 50 is back on, barring any other unforeseen circumstances. 

The judge determined that Dentsu will not be required to return the $17.8 million put into the festival, even though Woodstock 50, LLC claimed the money given to them by their investors was "pillaged" with their departure. 

On April 29, Dentsu released a statement declaring that it was their decision to cancel Woodstock 50. However, the cancellation announcement was met with a vehement denial by festival's organizers, and a claim from event coordinator Michael Lang referring to the news as "just rumors." 

Woodstock 50, LLC filed for a court order against Dentsu Aegis Network on May 8, arguing that their former investor violated an agreement, and asked that the marketing communications company "cease all communications relating to the Festival." The court order included a request that Dentsu return their nearly $18 million investment, as well as award financial relief. 

"Woodstock 50 is on,"  Woodstock organizer Gregory Peck said in a statement, per Pitchfork. "We can’t wait to bring this important event to the public this summer. We have one of the greatest lineups of talent of any music festival, and we are grateful to all of the talent for their loyalty and support."

"We have always relied on the truth and have never lost faith that the Festival would take place," Lang said in his own statement. "I would like to thank all of the talent and their representatives for their patience and support. Woodstock 50 will be an amazing and inspiring festival experience."