Rolling Stone called it one of the "50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll". Just 47 years ago, the iconic music festival that started it all had its debut. Woodstock is every concert-goer's, dream, and for those who were not around in 1969, they may have their chance to attend in three short years. That's right, talk of a Woodstock 50th anniversary festival is in the works.
Since the original Woodstock Festival, there have been two anniversaries, held in 1994 and 1999, both of which broke out in riots and arson. But if the 50th anniversary actually happens, it should be bigger than any before. Quite possibly bigger than the original, which at one point held around 400,000 people. To put things into comparison, Coachella, which is arguably the closest thing our generation has been able to experience to Woodstock, holds a capacity of 99 thousand per weekend. So yes, if this festival comes back, it will be HUGE.
Michael Lang, co-creator of the original festival, told Poughkeepsie Journal that it seems like the perfect time to hold the festival, due to all the attention other music festivals have been getting. Not only is there a possibility of an American festival, but with all the hype, there may be one overseas as well.
With the recent popularity increase for festival life that has been happening, I can't help but wonder how this anniversary festival will be. Tickets for Coachella and other music festivals range anywhere from $200-$1,000, depending on how long you stay and if you want special VIP treatment or not. Will they even have tickets, or will it be a free for all? Will it hold 400,000, or cap off for safety reasons at 100,000?
Also, who will attend? After checking out the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Facebook Page, I noticed a lot of excitement from all ages. Those who attended the original show will be in their 70s in 2019, but they still seem to have the urge to attend. Maybe they'll have a senior citizen price and a special reserved place for them to sit.
My biggest question is, who will perform? At the original festival, electronic music didn't exist. Nowadays, you can't find a festival that doesn't have at least one sick bass drop and flashing lights. Will there be rappers like Fetty Wap or Kanye in attendance? The highest paid performer at the original was Jimi Hendrix, bringing in about $30 thousand. The next highest paid performer only made $15 thousand, but a deal was struck with Hendrix to do two sets. Now, artists are paid a couple hundred dollars, depending on their popularity.
In my opinion, I don't think this anniversary will be anything like the original. Woodstock is praised for being "three days of peace and music." As much as I wish it would still be like this, we have to be realistic. Riots break out everywhere, festivals or not, there is too much hate and crime in the world currently. Yes, I'm sure this festival will have an amazing line-up and location, but it will not be the same as the original Woodstock concert. Woodstock was a once in a lifetime event that people can try to recreate, but Woodstock will never actually be duplicated.
There isn't much information out yet, as this festival wouldn't be held until 2019. All that can be said is that if this anniversary does happen, it will be legendary. One thing is for sure; if I were you, I would start saving now. Hey, maybe even start a band and try to perform, you've got three years.
Want more information or to stay updated on the event? Check out their Facebook page.









