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I came across an Article in this months Fast Company magazine about the founders of Superfly.
There's some interesting tidbits in there (Like the fact that Dave Matthews' manager played a part in the launching of Bonnaroo and that attendance dropped by 10,000 last year to 80,000 people) Guess that answers the question as to why 10,000 less tickets were sold this year!
I scanned and uploaded the article in .pdf form so you can all check it out, sorry if the pictures don't come out so well, I scanned it on a black and white scanner here at work.
The yousendit link is below. You'll have to download the article; it's a little under a Megabyte in size.
If anyone has trouble downloading it, PM me and I can e-mail you a copy of the article. Enjoy.
Some of those quotes are a bit disconcerting. I really hope they keep Bonnaroo and Vegoose as cool as they are and keep doing business in a (relatively) pure spirit. I hope they don't go full on corporate, cause it seems from some of those quotes that all they care about is making money.
"We're moving beyond the music space," says Mayers. "We want to use Superfly as an umbrella company to build our brand. Real estate, restaraunts, hotels, resorts-we're open to everything"
"It comes down to numbers," he says. "We sit there and look at our spreadsheet and see how many people we need to draw a profit."
"The quartet has begun producing in-house gigs for the likes of Microsoft, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Anheuser-Busch, and music apostates MTV2."
"We are in business to make money," says Mayers, ... "why do you THINK businesses diversify?"
I really just hope they stay tasteful, respectful and creative with regards to their shows and festivals. I have no qualms about music promoters making big bucks, but I prefer them to have a solid ethos (i.e. not just the money) guiding their decisions and actions.
I honestly, cannot fault them for wanting to make money. There is absolutely no reason to do Bonnaroo if they aren't going to make money at it. This is the first I've read they took a hit on Bonnaroo last year. I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing.
I honestly, cannot fault them for wanting to make money. There is absolutely no reason to do Bonnaroo if they aren't going to make money at it. This is the first I've read they took a hit on Bonnaroo last year. I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing.
I beleive the article was saying that they were $1M down from projections, not that they took a $1M loss net. That would have put them out of business for sure.
It's funny, in numerous articles around here (knoxville) Ashley Capps gets alot more credit than that article gives him. Maybe that is a result of hometown journalism???? You always here people complaining about Superfly or praising Superfly for various reasons.....Just keep in mind there are more people than just Superfly in the drivers seat. Those at AC Entertainment deserve some of the credit and criticism.
Post by keithk1055 on Apr 25, 2006 13:45:00 GMT -5
justmore of the same from superfly. now they are doing stuff for microsoft, pharmaceutical companys, beer companys and MTV?? well im sure most of you know what i think. this sucks. and the article does mean that revenues were down by one million from the year before. not that they lost 1 million dollars. well like i have said before i will just try to avoid giving them money this trip to roo and i will be thinking my decision to go to roo next year throug a lot more. no automatic day 1 bid for roo any more. i actually think that they are going to drive themselves right out of business. how do four deadheads wanting a place for non mainstrream bands to showcase their talent to non mainstream fans turn into a huge corporation trying to build a branson or las vegas type tourist trap? in my opinion its greed. once that devil bites you your infected and you start thinking of everyway you can to milk a little more money out of it and forget what got ya there in the first place. oh well the scene is bound to ramble so ill just follow it where it goes. it just dosent seem to be going to manchester in june anymore. still a great party. its just one of those make someone rich partys instead of its so awesome someone is actually putting this show on because they love music and people. to me that article and many others have led me to believe that it is no longer about music or people only about money. just my 2 cents.
It's funny, in numerous articles around here (knoxville) Ashley Capps gets alot more credit than that article gives him. Maybe that is a result of hometown journalism???? You always here people complaining about Superfly or praising Superfly for various reasons.....Just keep in mind there are more people than just Superfly in the drivers seat. Those at AC Entertainment deserve some of the credit and criticism.
I can back you up on this.
As a random piece of information, I used to babysit for Ashley's nephew. I never met him, though.
Post by localoutdororganic on Apr 25, 2006 15:14:39 GMT -5
heres one...."well, we can see it now: the microbrew bar set next to a costa rica-themed jungle pool; anindoor ultimate frisbee park; hemp bathing suits and PABA-free sunscreen in the gift shop; a "drug-free, all night rave" followed by a breakfast var feauturing fair-trade coffee and smoothies cosponsored by Odwalla; a hacky sack on every pillow." so that must be some good humour because if they think theyre having a hard time keeping bonnaroo floating.....a "hippy hotel"....? I always that was considered a tent in the woods...but seriously...if superfly is trying to get more happening, why not produce a year long event of seasonal shows/festivals....they know how to contact the big bands....all though that would seriously monopolize all the homegrown promoters.....weird yet interesting read...
I would like to point out that they are very clear about Superfly's intent from the get-go and their origination as promoters in New Orleans.
Anyone pretending that Roo wasn't created to make an entirely new festival scene (ie. being profitable and sustainable) by ignoring genres and promoting experiences can't read this article and pretend anymore. Bonnaroo's "roots" are firmly bound by friends promoting good bands and experiences to make money. Surprise!
And the moment The Flaming Lips did a commercial for Intel and we still listened to them, we can't turn around and act superior to Superfly.
It's refreshing to read that a business like this has my music sensibilities because I would rather they win at the business game than some of the truly evil corp.'s out there. Superfly stole the credibility Hard Rock once had and are doing it much better.
Post by sparklybecca on Apr 25, 2006 16:05:06 GMT -5
iskew said:
I
It's refreshing to read that a business like this has my music sensibilities because I would rather they win at the business game than some of the truly evil corp.'s out there. Superfly stole the credibility Hard Rock once had and are doing it much better.
That article sure made me not want to get a ticket next year. I have no problem with them banking on roo, they should bank on roo. It just seems like they're going after the bottom line without any regard for making it a more enjoyable festival experience for their custys. I dont think they should ever have sold 90'000 tix. apparently they only need 40,000 to turn a profit.
oh well the scene is bound to ramble so ill just follow it where it goes. it just dosent seem to be going to manchester in june anymore.
I think it is already rambling on toward 10KLF and Wakarusa. Its been great while its lasted, and this year will surely live up to past ones. I have my reservations about the quality of future Roos. Who knows though, maybe future Roos will be as great as the past ones.
It just seems like they're going after the bottom line without any regard for making it a more enjoyable festival experience for their custys.
I'd be careful not to misunderstand the focus of the writer, article and magazine-- which is on the numbers and business side of things. One key to the article is that Superfly's motivation and dedication to the experience hasn't changed- in fact, they are making money because of their dedication to the experience and the customers. These guys are not a non-profit group.
I'm not trying to play devil's advocate here-- but Fast Company doesn't aim to make a consumer warm and fuzzy, it's a magazine for business professionals who want to read about companies and investments and profits. You aren't going to see quotes about the Superfly guys hanging out with Phil Lesh smoking a joint and discussing lineups.
Post by melikecheese on Apr 25, 2006 18:01:23 GMT -5
honestly I think some of you are over thinking this thing. Superfly is a business. They are attempting to make as much money as they can. It doesn't really mean bonaroo is this evil thing. Bonnaroo is what we the fans make it. To say your not going to get a ticket based on this one article is a bit much.
Its a business and like any other its here to make money. I am just glad they thought of such a great way to do it.
Post by keithk1055 on Apr 25, 2006 18:14:11 GMT -5
well i had already formed all of my opinions prior to this article. this just reinforces that notion. the way they discarded cats music to the highest bidder really was the straw that broke the camels back. plus roo imo was hands down the best festival lineup in the country. but this year its by far the most expensive and is definetly 2nd maybe third on my list of best lineups. why is it that 10klf has what in my opinion is a much better lineup, and yet they only sell like 20000 tickets at 125 bucks apiece? they seem to be staying in business.
It's refreshing to read that a business like this has my music sensibilities because I would rather they win at the business game than some of the truly evil corp.'s out there. Superfly stole the credibility Hard Rock once had and are doing it much better.
I would like to point out that they are very clear about Superfly's intent from the get-go and their origination as promoters in New Orleans.
Anyone pretending that Roo wasn't created to make an entirely new festival scene (ie. being profitable and sustainable) by ignoring genres and promoting experiences can't read this article and pretend anymore. Bonnaroo's "roots" are firmly bound by friends promoting good bands and experiences to make money. Surprise!
And the moment The Flaming Lips did a commercial for Intel and we still listened to them, we can't turn around and act superior to Superfly.
It's refreshing to read that a business like this has my music sensibilities because I would rather they win at the business game than some of the truly evil corp.'s out there. Superfly stole the credibility Hard Rock once had and are doing it much better.
Kudos Very well said
Personally I will attend Bonnaroo every year until the sentiments that many of the people here are sharing are actually reflected in the festival.
Maybe these guys have become more money driven and maybe they're going way more corporate, but until I see that change reflected in everything about Bonnaroo (The atmosphere, the music, the people etc.) I'm going to keep going every year.
Think about it: Would some of you actually have that much more fun at Bonnaroo if you didn't read these types of articles?
Like they said, you'd never know superfly was behind it.
For my own part I had never heard of superfly until my 2nd year at 'roo in 2004 when i noticed the symbol on my ticket.
Was i just stoned out of my gourd or did i miss superfly endorsements anywhere?
well i had already formed all of my opinions prior to this article. this just reinforces that notion. the way they discarded cats music to the highest bidder really was the straw that broke the camels back. plus roo imo was hands down the best festival lineup in the country. but this year its by far the most expensive and is definetly 2nd maybe third on my list of best lineups. why is it that 10klf has what in my opinion is a much better lineup, and yet they only sell like 20000 tickets at 125 bucks apiece? they seem to be staying in business.
I wouldn't say it's by far the most expensive. Coachella costs just as much, and it doesn't last as long, and the ticket price doesn't include camping (they charge $35 to camp). But yeah, bonnaroo, coachella, and vegoose are all up there in price... and that sucks cuz I'm going to all 3
But you know, to see Tom Petty in Minnesota and get a good seat it's over $90 a ticket. So Roo's price, while high compared to a decade or more ago, is very reasonable considering the length and number of sets. It sucks that $170 is a relatively good price now, but in perspective it's a steal.
well. i cant argue that. you would have to pay that much to just see petty, radiohead, and phil and friends. so it is still a hell of a deal. higer in relation to a couple of big fests but still a great value in the end.
I generally loathe large venues, but it'll cost me $40-$70 to get a ticket to most of the shows at Red Rocks (which I'm eager to check out after the move), so I have a hard time complaining all that much about Roo's pricey tickets.
Post by Lucid Interval on Apr 26, 2006 21:32:30 GMT -5
juggernaut said:
Capitalism, baby.
Good for them. They put out superior product for several years, and totally revitalized the idea of the American festival scene. I'm always mystified by people who get upset at the idea of "selling out". The Superfly guys "sold out" when they stopped booking shows at small New Orleans clubs. They "sold out" when they launched the very first Bonnaroo. And that's not a bad thing - if no one ever "sold out", Phish would still be playing Nectar's, the Dead would never have left San Fran, Dave Matthews would still be bartending at Miller's and playing acoustic open mikes, and no one would ever have heard of them.
Its true, if you want to be a successfull business of any sort you've got to sell something to someone... Theres a big difference betwen being business savy and completely giving into and in turn relying on corporate sponsorships and mainstream promotion (which is what i think of when i hear "selling out") I feel like superfly is somewhere in the middle... Some festivals have been running 10 years + and are completely off the radar and they wouldnt have it any other way... I think they superfly really wants Bonnaroo to be one of the successfull national fests that alot of people know about, but they want it to be genuine at the same time and carry the positive vibe that a festival should... So far they've obviously done an amazing job and im sure this year, though its quite different will succeed in the same ways...
