Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Post by billypilgrim on May 22, 2006 18:59:10 GMT -5
The "Bonnaroo at a glance" blurb says that for 2005 84% of attendees were 18 to 29yrs old and 13% were 30 to 44yrs old. That leaves 3%. Assuming that 1% are 17 or younger, then only 2% are, like myself, 45 and over. Now I know from last year that I'm way over at the older end of the spectrum, but top 2 %? Are any of my fellow fogeys out there? Why do you still go? Why don't more of our fellow long-in-the-toothers bother to go? With the VIP airfare/motel packages, we don't exactly have to rough it if we don't want to. And does anyone really get tired of good live music?
I'm not sure why there aren't more of the older generation there. Maybe it is because us vets always speak of the extreme (yet somehow tolerable) conditions at Roo.
Ya know, I don't remember anyone asking my age so I'm not real sure where these stats came from. Any ideas? **clarification - I know they came from the Manchester-resident letter, but I don't know how they got their data.**
Post by billypilgrim on May 22, 2006 19:24:01 GMT -5
That's a good question! I don't know where they could have gotten the numbers. Maybe from the NSA monitoring our phone calls. Maybe Superfly productions is a CIA-front.
Most of the bigger bands playing this year haven't been around for much more than the mid 90's (other than Petty and Phil), which is outside the highschool/college music range for the 45+ crowd. I'm 36, but a lot of my friends seemed to quit listening to new music around 95, when they graduated. I'm guessing that might be the case for those another decade older. I look for the good new groups every year - the music never stops for me!
Post by billypilgrim on May 22, 2006 21:05:23 GMT -5
I get that this year's trending to a younger crowd. But the stats, for whatever they're worth, were from last year, when there were more bands that had been around a while (Allmans, Ratdog, WSP, Mule, Toots, etc. in terms of main stage acts). But I absolutely agree that most people get stuck listening to the same music they did when they were in their late teens/early 20's. It would be a lot less expensive that way, but think of all the fun they're missing.
yeah, this really sucks though.. I'd love to enjoy the music sitting next to some deadhead that's like 50 or so. telling me stories of the 60's and 70's. I say, anyone who is willing to buy a ticket and attend the roo, is good in my book
Post by dunedingirl on May 22, 2006 22:12:33 GMT -5
I must say I am 42 and have MUCH better taste in music now then I did in my 20's. My parents moved me to Utah and it was the 80's. Not great for broadening my horizons in music or anything else for that matter. Big hair, bad clothes, and Poison, Ratt, and the like. I have to say all the people I hang with have really broad taste in music and we all go to shows at least once or twice a month. We love checking out new bands and are really excited about Roo.
I will probably be one of those old people you are sitting next to but that's cool, just be kind and pass it along, and remember everyone is there for the same reason...the music ;D
i am 42 and i am seeing more new bands all the time saw the dead 100 or so and am grateful the music is keeping me interested dont know if i could camp so i stay in a cabin at koa see ya all soon
I'd love to enjoy the music sitting next to some deadhead that's like 50 or so. telling me stories of the 60's and 70's. I say, anyone who is willing to buy a ticket and attend the roo, is good in my book
OK, matta. I just turned 50. I wasn't the 100s of concerts-style deadhead, but I was at the Winterland '74 concerts from the Grateful Dead movie, the '76 Orpheum concerts from Steal Your Face, etc. More of a cherry-picker, I guess. Find me and I'll tell you the stories!
I've never stopped listening to new music, and not just as a posing aging hipster: music is about change, evolution, accumulation.
I'm going to Bonnaroo with my 18 year old son, because we've always shared a passion for music. It's a graduation present, and all he knows is we're going on a trip. He's introduced me to about half the headliners this year, and I've introduced him to the other half.
I don't feel old at Bonnaroo at 50, given how many of the performers are older than me!
Being a Grup isn’t, as it turns out, all about holding on to some misguided, well-marketed idea of youth—or, at least, isn’t just about that. It’s also about rejecting a hand-me-down model of adulthood that asks, or even necessitates, that you let go of everything you ever felt passionate about. It’s about reimagining adulthood as a period defined by promise, rather than compromise. And who can’t relate to that?
Post by jambandjohn on May 23, 2006 6:55:55 GMT -5
Glad to hear I'm not the only geezer and am happy to represent "never too old to have a great time" 2%. I'm nearing the 50 mark too but screw it, life really is too short to let it past you by. This will be my third Roo and I can't wait. Lots of new bands to check out and a BUNCH of old favorites to catch up with!
And hell, yeah we got stories to tell, why you kids today have it so easy, why back in the day we had to walk ten miles, though waist deep snow, up hill, both ways, just to score a bag of weed and not that fancy swancy hydroponic kynd bud you kids got, no, we're talking $20 an ounce Mexican dirt weed that you'd need to smoke a doobie the size of a Louisville slugger just to get a ten minute buzz. Why, I remember.... no wait, I thought I did... sorry, we old folks tend to ramble...
Post by itchycoopark on May 23, 2006 8:21:53 GMT -5
Hey fellow fogies. I'm 46 and this will be my first Roo. I've been following Radiohead around for a few years. Last saw them at Coachella. Also seen them in NY, Ohio, Wisconsin and my home state of Michigan. Saw the Dead in 79 in Ann Arbor, a mere 4 hour show. First concert ever was Mott the Hoople in Toledo in 74. Looking forward to seeing Death Cab for Cutie too. I went to Coachella by myself and am also Rooing solo. Didn't camp at Coachella but I'm camping at the Roo. You're never too old to enjoy great music.
jambandjohn-I'm with ya! You gave me a good laugh (and memories)! Oh, by the way, it's my first Roo & I'm 45. I'm coming with people who are 49, 50, & 52. We are ready to party, meet alot of beautiful people, & enjoy the great music. See ya there!
Post by billypilgrim on May 23, 2006 13:17:55 GMT -5
It's reassuring to hear that there are some other old-timers out there. We need to set an example for the youngsters -- show them that you're never too old to act immature.
Kimmy, I was 45 at my first 'Roo last year and had the time of my life. Start exercising your smile muscles now, before it's too late.
Jambandjohn -- I wish I knew you're source when I was younger. I would have gladly traded my sore throat and headache for your 10 minute buzz.
Post by rastaradam on May 23, 2006 15:52:28 GMT -5
Howzit there Pilgrim?
Just turned 43 myself (although I was carded last week, good genes I guess). You are only as old as your outlook on life. It's sometimes hard to remember that when I'm riding the 9-5 corporate grind....but the Roo should bring it all back. So, why bother even having a poll for ages at Bonnaroo? Age does not apply, it's a state of mind.....can't be self-conscious about it. Have fun and enjoy being a "kid" again.
Almost 47 here. I'll be there with nieces and nephew. 22,21,and17. Do some bonding and some partying of course. I hope they can put up ole Uncle Buck for a few days.
Post by somwherbtween on May 24, 2006 11:45:48 GMT -5
I'm no old guy but my pops is coming, he is 54. He went last year for his first time and had a blast. As long as you still got a kick in your feet and a taste for good music hop on board.
I'm 54 and this is my 3rd ROO. Wife (32) and I went VIP last 2yrs. Lost my job at the end of May(textiles) so I went to the web site and offered to volunteer. It's only 6hrs a day and we get preffered camping and 1 meal/shift. Have fun, Steevo
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/alajane/steevo_pics/pisscard.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
hmm, im right at the cusp of the majority. i look forward to future roo's when i can join the 13% of fun people.
i think people get older, crank out a kid or two, and then forget it - they just lose interest or think they are too old or, for whatever reason, will be embarassed to be the old fogey's at a show.
i hope to never stop lisening to new music and plan on seeing as many shows as possible. i dont see that stopping anytime soon.
i can see myself going for VIP though, as my budget would allow for it...
Last Edit: Jun 11, 2006 18:09:33 GMT -5 by idio - Back to Top
Post by rememberwoodstock on Jun 11, 2006 18:32:22 GMT -5
Excuse me. 53 years old. Boomers invented this genre, yes? I'm surprised there aren't more 50+. with acts like Bela Fleck, Dr John, Elvis Costello, Neville Bros. Buddy Guy etc. at 'roo this year. My friends are so jealous that I get to go. "Rock and roll never forgets"
Went to Roo last year with my son and his buddy, whose tickets I bought for my son's 21st birthday. His buddy turned 21 the first day of Roo. Um, yeah, I'm 49 and at least as excited to be going again this year as my son is.
We're leaving in THREE DAYS! Traveling from Michigan ;D
I'm 50. wife's 49 +++++. My 3rd roo, her 2nd. Our boy's are 21 and 25. Been into music all my life. Professional Fireman and hi school football coach. I love being around kids and have no preconcieved notions. Allways look forward to meeting new people and having a good time. Have never had any problems at 'roo. We are fortunate enough to be able to travel and camp in an RV and are really looking forward to next week. I'm as excited about 'roo as any 18-25 y-o ever thought about.
I danced my ASS off at the Black Crowes last year; didn't even expect to be there, but BOY was I glad I saw that show.
I've seen the most amazing things at Bonnaroo. Every year I think maybe that's the last time. And every year I'm there on Wednesday night waiting for the gates. May it ever be.
I'll be down in BFE again as usual with the picket fence and my two old SC license plates:
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/alajane/steevo_pics/pisscard.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
kids and have no preconcieved notions. Allways look forward to meeting new people and having a good time. Have never had any problems at 'roo. We are fortunate enough to be able to travel and camp in an RV and are really looking forward to next week. I'm as excited about 'roo as any 18-25 y-o ever thought about. 
