Bob Dylan was in negotiations to play, however he had to pull out as his son was taken ill.

The Doors were considered as a potential performing band, but cancelled at the last moment. Contrary to popular belief this occurrence was not related in some fashion to lead singer Jim Morrison's arrest for indecent exposure while performing earlier that year, the cancellation was most likely due to Morrison's known and vocal distaste for performing in large outdoor venues

Led Zeppelin were asked to perform, their manager Peter Grant stating "We were asked to do Woodstock and Atlantic were very keen, and so was our US promoter, Frank Barcelona. I said no because at Woodstock we'd have just been another band on the bill."